Why Church Matters: The Value of the Local Church

November 2nd, 2025
by Pastor Bob

Why Church Matters: The Value of the Local Church
This week, we began a new mini-series called Why Church Matters. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be asking a simple but deeply important question: why does the church matter?

In a world where many churches have lost focus—some becoming overly political, others chasing trends or drifting from biblical truth—it’s worth asking: why do we gather? Why make the effort each week? What is the purpose of the church according to Scripture?
These questions are at the heart of this series.

The Church: More Than a Building
When we say “church,” we often mean both the people and the place. You might say, “I’m going to Bethany Church,” referring to the building. That’s not wrong—it’s how language works. But it’s incomplete.

The Bible tells us the church is much more than walls and pews. The building has value because of what happens inside it—when God’s people gather to worship, learn, and grow together.

As Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

The church is not the structure—it’s the people of God gathered in His name.

The Church Is the Body of Christ
Ephesians 1:22–23 says:

“And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Jesus is the head of the church, and we—His followers—are the body. Each of us plays a unique role. Romans 12 reminds us that just as a human body has many parts, the church has many members with different gifts and functions.

We serve together, worship together, and grow together. That’s why belonging to a local congregation is so important. It’s within this community that we live out our faith, use our gifts, and build one another up.

Why Bethany Church Matters
Bethany Church has been part of Mercer for over 220 years—an expression of the broader body of Christ in the Reformed, Presbyterian tradition. Our heritage is rooted in Scripture and the historic faith of the Church, passed down through generations.

So why does Bethany matter today?
Because we are committed to the proper teaching of God’s Word.
The Central Role of Biblical Teaching

One of the main purposes of the church is to teach the Word of God.
2 Timothy 4:2 gives this charge: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”

That’s why our Sunday messages place such strong emphasis on Scripture. It’s not about entertainment or clever stories—it’s about truth.

Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Listening to biblical teaching is an act of worship. It’s one of the ways we respond to God together—by engaging our minds and hearts with His truth.

Why We Preach the Way We Do
At Bethany, our preaching is primarily expository, meaning we work verse-by-verse through Scripture to understand what it says and how it applies to our lives. This kind of preaching keeps the focus on God’s Word rather than personal opinion.

Jesus Himself taught the power of God’s Word when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Just as food sustains the body, God’s Word nourishes the soul.

The Power and Authority of Scripture
Psalm 19 describes God’s Word as “perfect, reviving the soul… more precious than gold, sweeter than honey.”

When we hear and apply Scripture, it changes us.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”

That’s why we give such priority to studying and applying Scripture each week. It’s how God shapes our hearts, corrects our thinking, and helps us grow in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

The Importance of the Local Context
You can listen to excellent preaching online—there’s great teaching from pastors like Tim Keller or Francis Chan—but something unique happens when the Word of God is preached in your local church.

Here in Mercer, we share a community, culture, and daily life that allows us to apply Scripture in specific, personal ways. You understand the examples, the struggles, and the joys that shape our lives here. That’s something no online sermon can replicate.
This is why the local church matters. The teaching you hear each week at Bethany is meant for you—for this time, this place, this people.

Learning, Reflecting, and Applying
That’s also why we encourage you to take notes and use the reflection questions provided each Sunday. The goal isn’t just to listen for 30 minutes and move on—it’s to engage, reflect, and apply God’s Word to your life throughout the week.

Ask yourself:

“So what? Now what? What difference does this make for me right here, right now in Mercer, PA?”

When we take time to reflect and discuss God’s Word together, we grow together as the body of Christ.

Why Church Still Matters
So why does the local church matter?
Because it’s where the people of God come together to worship, learn, and serve.
Because it’s where we hear the Word of God and respond in faith.
Because it’s where we grow together—sharpening one another as iron sharpens iron.
You can’t fully experience that through a screen. The power and presence of God among His gathered people is something unique, something sacred.
So as we continue this series, may we remember:
The church is not a building—it’s the people of God, gathered for His glory.

Join Us
We invite you to join us next Sunday as we continue our series Why Church Matters, exploring how the local church serves our community, shares the gospel, and makes disciples.

Come and be part of what God is doing through His people at Bethany Church.

Scripture References
Primary Texts Referenced: