A word of appreciation for the local church: I have attended a church my entire life. Growing up, it was just part of the weekly routine. I would look forward to the youth ministries or the candy I could grab on my way out, but it wasn’t special to me. It wasn’t exactly a chore, but it certainly wasn’t a thrill. But that’s changed. Over the last 3 years, I have been absolutely wrecked and transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. Much of this transformation has come within the context of the local church and the ministries I have experienced within it. There has been no single force in my life outside of my personal relationship with Jesus more equipping, challenging, convicting, guiding, and powerful than the local church. I have been grown, trained, and empowered by the church. I have found lasting community. I have been discipled and led by others who genuinely cared about me and fought for my life to change. I often think we fail to understand the gravity of billions of saints (believers) all across the world gathering every single week to lift high the name of Jesus. I sometimes try to imagine with awe what it would be like to hear every voice rising at once to proclaim His glory. So often even believers find themselves lacking community, growth, and discipleship. I can’t help but wonder if that could be avoided. Involvement in a church isn’t always glamorous or thrilling. It doesn’t always involve dope programs and emotional experiences. It sometimes is a slow, frankly boring process of transformation. But it is available, life-giving, joyful, and transformative. Too often I hear “I have a personal relationship with God but I don’t like that church stuff.” God loves his church. Loving God involves loving what He loves. The church is His bride. It is His primary means of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. The church is not perfect, and it is full of imperfect people. But it is the body Christ died for, the only place our spiritual growth can be effectively shepherded. We were made for community. This Easter, I want to take time to thank God for His Son but also for His bride. If you want to know more, I have a seat saved for you. Come and see.