Church: What about the church?

Summary

The final session of the Alpha Youth Series is about belonging. The Christian Church is God's family — Jesus started with twelve disciples, and today there are more than two billion Christians in the world. The Church isn't a building; it's people: the people of God and the body of Christ, where every part matters. We're made for community, and gathering with other Christians is a necessary step to keep our relationship with God alive. The series closes with an invitation: this is just the beginning — following Jesus is life's great adventure.

Key Points

What is the Church?

• The people of God — "the Church is a building built out of people, and Jesus is the chief cornerstone — the part that holds it all together." (Ben, on Ephesians 2:19-22)
• Even where Christians disagree on some things, what unites us is much bigger. In John 17, Jesus prays that we would be united as one.
• For centuries Christians have been persecuted and even martyred, yet the Church continues to grow.

The body of Christ

• Just as a physical body has many parts working together, the Church has many parts and each person plays a unique and important role. Every part matters.
• "God uses the Church to be His hands and feet around the world." — Ben

Being part of the Church

• "We're made for community. Gathering as the Church is a necessary step to keep your relationship with God alive." — Jason
• "Come and be a part of the Church and a youth group. And don't just show up — commit! Get involved. Be the Church." — Ben

Notable Quotes

"Following Jesus is life's great adventure!" — Ben & Jason

"Pray for your friends. Pray that they would meet Jesus… Live your life as an example of someone who's loved by God and is learning to love others more." — Jason

"This is just the beginning. The journey has just begun."