Why Is a Religious Organization — A Church — Important?
The Church as a divine institution essential to God’s plan of happiness
In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Church plays a pivotal role in helping us come unto Christ and prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. Far from being an optional gathering of believers, the Church is a divine institution established by the Savior Himself. Through its teachings, ordinances, and community, the Church enables us to grow spiritually, serve others, and remain on the covenant path. As we actively participate in the Church, we deepen our relationship with God by engaging in sacred practices, strengthening our faith, and drawing closer to Him through service and fellowship. Understanding the purpose and necessity of the Church reveals its role as a blessing and a vital component of God’s plan of happiness.
A Divine Institution Established by Christ
The Savior organized His Church during His earthly ministry, laying the foundation for its structure and mission. He called apostles, ordained leaders, and established ordinances to bless and unify His followers. The Church is not a man-made organization; it is divinely instituted and guided by revelation.
“And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.”
The need for the Church is evident in Christ’s teachings:
Scripture References
- Ephesians 4:11–14 — Christ gave us apostles, prophets, and other leaders to perfect the saints and help them grow in faith and unity
- Matthew 16:18 — Christ declared that His Church would be built upon the rock of revelation, ensuring its divine guidance
- 3 Nephi 27:7–10 — The resurrected Savior instructed His disciples to build His Church upon His name, emphasizing its divine purpose
Through the Church, we receive essential ordinances, including baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament. These ordinances not only symbolize our commitment to follow Christ but also deepen our relationship with Him by bringing us closer to His grace and enabling us to feel His presence in our lives. These ordinances are channels of divine grace that help us progress spiritually and prepare for eternal life. These ordinances are also recorded, creating a sacred record in both heaven and on earth of the covenants made and ordinances received by the people of God.
A Place for Covenants and Ordinances
The Church is the only place where the ordinances necessary for salvation can be performed and recorded. Baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, temple ordinances, and priesthood blessings are all administered through the Church. These sacred acts enable us to enter into covenants with God, receive His promised blessings, and access the power of godliness.
Scripture References
- D&C 20:77–79 — The sacrament, administered weekly in the Church, renews our baptismal covenants and strengthens our relationship with Christ
- D&C 84:20–21 — In the ordinances of the gospel, the power of godliness is manifest, and the authority to perform these ordinances is found within the Church
By participating in these ordinances, we align our lives with God’s will, allowing His grace to transform us and prepare us for eternal life. Without the Church, these sacred opportunities would be unavailable, for it is through the priesthood and the keys of the priesthood that the gospel ordinances are performed.
A Community of Saints
The Church is more than a building or institution — it is a community of believers striving together to follow Christ. This community provides support, fellowship, and opportunities to serve. The Apostle Paul taught, “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19).
Scripture References
- Hebrews 10:24–25 — Paul exhorted the Saints to gather and strengthen one another through worship and good works
- Moroni 6:4–5 — The Book of Mormon describes the Church as a place of nourishment, where members watch over one another and gather often to pray and partake of the sacrament
- Mosiah 2:17 — “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God”
Through this fellowship, we grow in love, develop Christlike attributes, and find strength to face life’s challenges. By serving and loving others within the Church community, we deepen our connection with God, as these acts of discipleship help us feel His love and see His hand in our lives. The Church community reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith.
A Source of Spiritual Guidance and Protection
The Church provides inspired guidance through living prophets and apostles. These leaders are called of God, by prophecy and by the laying on of hands, to receive the authority to govern and administer the Church. They, as councils, receive revelation to guide the Church in unity and truth.
President Russell M. Nelson — Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives (April 2018)
“In our meetings, the majority never rules! We listen prayerfully to one another and talk with each other until we are united. Then when we have reached complete accord, the unifying influence of the Holy Ghost is spine-tingling!”
Prophets and apostles help us understand doctrine, navigate challenges, and receive warnings tailored to our time. By listening to their counsel and applying it in our lives, we strengthen our faith and deepen our connection to Christ.
Scripture References
A Vehicle for Service and Growth
The Church provides countless opportunities to serve, both within and outside its membership. Service is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ and a vital part of our discipleship. As we serve, we grow spiritually, develop empathy, and follow the Savior’s example of ministering to others.
Scripture References
- Mosiah 2:17 — “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God”
- Matthew 25:40 — Christ taught that serving others is equivalent to serving Him
Through callings, assignments, and organized service projects, the Church helps us fulfill these divine mandates. Service within the Church fosters personal growth, strengthens communities, and extends the reach of Christ’s love to the world.
Conclusion
The Church of Jesus Christ is not an optional appendage to the gospel — it is an essential part of God’s plan of happiness. Through the Church, we receive saving ordinances, grow in fellowship and love, receive inspired guidance, and have opportunities to serve and grow. The Church unites us as disciples of Christ, strengthens us in our spiritual journey, and prepares us for eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
As we embrace the blessings of the Church, we draw closer to Christ, deepen our understanding of His gospel, and find joy in living as He lived. The Church is not just a gathering of believers; it is a divinely guided organization that enables us to become more like our Savior and fulfill our divine potential. Let us cherish and fully participate in this sacred institution, knowing it is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father. Through the ordinances and guidance it provides, we strengthen our covenants with Him and find fellowship and purpose within a community of Saints.