Imagine an athlete training for a marathon. Each day, they rise early to follow a carefully designed regimen, including nutrition, exercise, rest, and discipline, all with the goal of reaching peak physical fitness. Without the guidance of a coach, the encouragement of teammates, and the structure of a community, their progress would stall, and their potential might remain unrealized. In the same way, our journey toward spiritual fitness requires intentional effort, regular discipline, and, most importantly, a supportive community.
God has provided such a community for every believer: the local church. The local church is more than just a place to attend on Sunday mornings—it is God’s chosen “gym” for spiritual training. Within its walls, believers gather to learn, worship, share life, and grow together in faith. Like any good coach, the local church teaches, corrects, encourages, and equips us to live out the gospel. It is the divine context for cultivating our spiritual fitness, enabling us to grow stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to the world.
The Local Church: Your Primary Spiritual Fitness Community
The Bible never gives a dictionary definition of the church, nor does it systematically explain what it is supposed to do. However, Scripture does provide everything we need to know about the church, including a beautiful picture of how early churches functioned. One of the most moving and instructive passages is found in Acts 2, just after Jesus appeared to his disciples, told them to wait for the Spirit, and exhorted them to share the gospel with the whole world (Acts 1:1-11).
After such a dramatic post-resurrection appearance announcing his intention to broadcast the gospel to the whole world, what was Jesus’ next move? To build the church as the outpost of his worldwide kingdom and the locus of his mission to an unbelieving world. Let’s take a moment to explore this move.
In Acts 2:40-47, just after Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance, we are given a beautiful, vibrant picture of the local church and its intended function. It begins with Peter preaching a sermon on Pentecost, calling people to “be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40), reminding them that the church stands apart from worldly corruption. But then, it immediately dives into God’s chosen locus for mediating that salvation—the local church.
This is not to say that local churches are the only organization God approves of for carrying the gospel message. God works in and through the efforts of all types of individuals, communities, and organizations. But he designed local churches as the irreplaceable hub of it all, covenanted communities of Christians who, together, form a sort of “contrast community” that shows the world the difference Christ can make. As God intends, the local church should be the primary place where our relationships—economic, social, and spiritual—are shaped more by the Lordship of Christ than by cultural trends.
The Church’s Four Ministries: Group Fitness to Strengthen the Soul
This early church displayed characteristics that serve as a template for how the local church should function today. These characteristics are part of the “training regimen” in which every serious Christian should participate. Together in community, God can “grow” us more profoundly than when we go it alone. What should this training regimen look like? It can be summarized into four types of “exercises,” each with its own unique purpose.
Teaching and Learning: Building Theological Depth
The early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). Teaching within the church fosters spiritual depth, equipping believers with a solid understanding of Scripture and sound doctrine. In Acts, teaching was accompanied by signs and wonders, which affirmed the gospel's truth and pointed to God’s kingdom. This focus on teaching provides a foundation, a spiritual “muscle memory,” that prepares believers to resist temptations and false teachings. As Paul instructs Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16), highlighting the need for ongoing growth in knowledge and wisdom.
Fellowship: Cultivating Intimate Relationships
Fellowship in the early church was intense and frequent, with believers meeting daily (Acts 2:46). They shared meals, resources, and experiences, creating a deeply interconnected community. This fellowship extended beyond social gatherings to encompass financial support, as they “sold their possessions and goods” to meet each other’s needs (Acts 2:45). True fellowship in the church should mirror this commitment to one another’s welfare, building relationships of mutual support and care. When we open our lives to others, sharing burdens and joys, we experience a richer, fuller spiritual life.
Sunday services are vital in this respect, but deep fellowship often happens in smaller settings. Small groups and mentoring relationships provide a more intimate space where believers can “do life together.” In a small group, we move from being mere attendees to active participants. We discuss Scripture, share struggles, and pray for each other, building bonds that encourage spiritual growth. Small groups create accountability, helping members stay committed to their walk with Christ. They reflect the early church’s commitment to meeting together in homes and fostering relationships (Acts 2:46).
Worship: Expressing Joyful Reverence
Worship in the early church included both structured temple gatherings and informal house meetings (Acts 2:46). It was marked by joy, reverence, and a spirit of gratitude. Their worship reflected an awe of God’s presence and an appreciation for the fellowship they shared. Worship is central to the church’s identity and essential for spiritual fitness. In worship, we focus on God, reorienting our hearts from worldly distractions. Worship aligns us with God’s purposes, refreshes our spirits, and strengthens us to face the challenges of the week ahead.
Witness: Relentless Evangelism and Sacrificial Service
The early church’s commitment to “witness” involved both word and deed. Their love, compassion, and integrity made them attractive to outsiders, and “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Evangelism was not merely a program but woven into the fabric of their community life. As they demonstrated the gospel through compassionate service and mercy ministry, their lives reflected the hope and love of Christ. Our local churches should likewise be beacons of hope and care, reaching out to those in need both within and beyond the church community.
By fostering these aspects of spiritual fitness—teaching, fellowship, worship, and witness—the church becomes a “pilot plant” for God’s kingdom, showcasing a new way of being human under Christ’s Lordship. Just as an athlete trains consistently to reach peak performance, the church’s collective effort equips us to endure trials, resist sin, and grow closer to God.
Conclusion
Just as no athlete reaches their full potential without a supportive community, no Christian can achieve spiritual fitness in isolation. God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us the local church—a vibrant community where we are taught, encouraged, held accountable, and strengthened. It is within this community that we grow deeper in our knowledge of God, foster relationships that nurture our faith, and live out the mission of proclaiming the gospel to the world.
The local church is not just a spiritual “training facility”; it is a foretaste of heaven, a glimpse of the eternal community we will share with Christ and His people. As we engage in the “training regimen” of teaching, fellowship, worship, and witness, we are being prepared for that eternal reality. So, let us commit ourselves to the local church, not as passive participants but as active members of God’s chosen spiritual fitness community. In doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love in a broken and unbelieving world.