Interesting...

from http://www.unlessthelordmagazine.com/articles/Church%20w%20Family%20Only.htm

Reasons for a Local Church
A key part of the evangelism efforts of the apostles was the formation of local assemblies of believers. The work of evangelism was not complete when people came to Christ, nor when they had sat under an apostle's teaching for 6 months. The job was not done until there was a functioning local body of believers that could perpetuate itself. This assembly served the purposes of: maintaining unity, maintaining correct doctrine, evangelizing unbelievers, discipling new believers, and correcting those who strayed. It also offered a family of believers from which to receive love, encouragement and practical assistance. The church was to be the main vehicle for Christian growth and for serving God together.

Many churches do not perform these functions well. They become social clubs with little true spiritual encouragement. The Sunday gathering is mostly just sitting in a pew, passively listening to one man preach or teach (who may or may not have much to say). For children, church often becomes the place for doing crafts, listening to Bible stories and playing with other children. With many churches, the whole focus becomes growth for growth's sake. More members mean more boasting rights, more money for pastors and staff and larger and more beautiful facilities. Growth is encouraged with recreation facilities and endless varieties of programs, classes, and church sports. Though many churches have many failings, is that sufficient reason for us to abandon church altogether? Did Jesus make a mistake in deciding to use churches for the building up and spreading of the kingdom of God?