WHY THE CHURCH STILL MATTERS

WHY THE CHURCH STILL MATTERS?

Ephesians 2:13; Romans 12:5
Pastor Craig Hudgins

For 102 years, West End Baptist Church has stood as a place of worship, prayer, preaching, and fellowship. Generations have come and gone. Sermons have echoed from the pulpit. Souls have been saved at the altar. Children have grown up under its steeple. And today, we celebrate another year in the long story God is writing through this church.

But with all that said, let me ask you a question:
WHY DOES THE CHURCH MATTER?

Why does the church matter? Why do we keep coming? Why have people sacrificed, served, and stayed faithful for over a century?

The world may view the church as outdated or unnecessary, but the Bible—and the testimony of lives changed here—tells a different story. The church matters. Eternally.

Here’s why:

1. The Church Changes Souls for Eternity

Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Every person begins life far from God. But the gospel message—that Jesus died and rose again—brings us near. And that message is preached, proclaimed, and lived out in the local church.

This church has always been more than a building. It’s been a place where the lost are found, the broken are restored, and the hopeless are given life.

If you’ve been saved through the ministry of this church, you already know:
This place is about eternity; and it still matters!

2. The Church Changes Lives for Daily Living

Romans 12:5 – “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. In the church, we belong to a spiritual family. We grow together, pray together, and help each other follow Jesus every day.

Over the years, people in this church have carried burdens, shared joys, cried together, and walked through life’s valleys side by side.

The church isn't just about getting you into Heaven—it's also about helping you walk with Jesus on earth.

That’s why it still matters.

3. The Church Gives Purpose Through Service

Romans 12:6 – “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…”

God didn’t just save you—He gifted you. He gave you something to offer. And the local church is where you find the opportunity to use that gift for something eternal.

Whether you teach, sing, greet, serve, give, or pray—your role matters.
The church is where your life finds purpose through service.

If you want to make your life count, the best place to start is in God’s house.

it still matters.

4. The Church Influences the Generations to Come

Psalm 145:4 – “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”

You and I are part of something bigger than ourselves. The faithfulness of those who came before us made today possible. And now it’s our turn to make sure the next generation sees, hears, and knows the Lord.

What we do now—how we serve, give, worship, and live—will echo into the lives of those who follow.

The church doesn’t just impact eternity.
It influences history.

That’s why it still matters

Final Thoughts

102 years is more than a number. It’s a testimony.

• A testimony of lives changed

• Of faith passed down

• Of truth proclaimed

• Of Jesus lifted high

So what’s the point of church?

The point is Christ.
The point is people.
The point is eternity.

Let’s celebrate where we’ve been—and commit to where we’re going.

Because the church still matters.