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Lesson 6: What Is the Church, and Why Do I Need It?
Foundational Study for New Believers – S.T.A.D Digital Ministry
www.staddigitalministry.com
Key Scripture:
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Introduction:
When you’re saved, you’re not just adopted by God—you’re placed into His family.
That family is called the Church, and it's not just a building.
It’s the global and local body of believers who follow Jesus together.
What Is the Church?
🕊️ The Church is the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Each believer has a function—just like parts of a body. Some teach, some serve, some pray, some lead, some encourage. But all belong to Christ.
🏠 The Church is a Spiritual Family
Ephesians 2:19 – “You are… members of God's household.”
We need each other. The Christian walk isn’t meant to be a solo journey. You need others to grow, to be encouraged, and to be challenged in love.
Why Do I Need the Church?
1. For Fellowship and Encouragement
You’ll have times of weakness. The church lifts you up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
2. To Learn and Be Discipled
Pastors, teachers, and mature believers help you grow.
Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…”
3. To Serve and Be Equipped
God has gifted you to make a difference in the lives of others.
Ephesians 4:11–12 – “…to equip his people for works of service…”
4. For Worship and Prayer Together
There’s power when believers pray and praise together.
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”
🛑 But What If I Have No Church?
Many new believers live in countries where the church is persecuted or underground. If you’re in a 10/40 nation or a restricted area, take heart—you are still part of Christ’s Church, even if you are alone.
Here’s what you can do:
✅ Worship at Home
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
Praise, read Scripture, and pray, even if in secret.
✅ Connect with Believers Online
Use Christian websites, apps, audio Bibles, or platforms like this one.
S.T.A.D Digital Ministry is here to support you.
✅ Start a Micro-Church
If you know even one or two others who love Jesus, meet together quietly.
Jesus promises His presence even with two or three.
✅ Hide the Word in Your Heart
Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
Memorize Scripture in case you ever lose access to it.
✅ Pray for Courage and Wisdom
God knows your situation. He will lead you to safe connections.
Matthew 10:16 – “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
✅ Ask God to Multiply the Church in Secret
Many of the fastest-growing churches today are in persecuted countries.
You may be part of the spark that starts a revival underground.
Reflection Questions:
Do you have access to a church in your country or community?
What can you do to stay connected to Christ and His body—even if physically alone?
How can digital ministries or safe gatherings help you grow?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that no wall, no government, no distance can keep me from being part of Your Church. Help me to grow even when I am alone. Teach me Your Word, and send others into my life, even secretly, if needed. Strengthen all my brothers and sisters in hard places. In Your powerful Name, Amen 🛑 But What If I Have No Church?
Many new believers live in countries where the church is persecuted or underground. If you’re in a 10/40 nation or a restricted area, take heart—you are still part of Christ’s Church, even if you are physically alone.
Here’s what you can do:
✅ Worship at Home
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
Praise, read Scripture, and pray—even quietly or in your thoughts.
✅ Connect with Believers Online
The internet can become your church door. Here are some trusted online ministries and fellowships:
🔹 S.T.A.D Digital Ministry – www.staddigitalministry.com
Biblical teaching, mentorship, prayer support, and study guides in a safe online format.
🔹 Global Media Outreach – www.globalmediaoutreach.com
Evangelism and discipleship online in multiple languages. You can chat with a Christian mentor.
🔹 YouVersion Bible App (with Plans and Devotionals) – www.bible.com
Access to Bibles in many languages, devotional reading plans, and online prayer groups.
🔹 The Underground Church Network (Voice of the Martyrs) – www.persecution.com
Learn how to pray for and connect with believers in persecuted regions.
🔹 Online Church with David Platt (Radical.net) – www.radical.net
Biblically sound teaching with a heart for the unreached and persecuted church.
🔹 International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) – www.ihopkc.org
24/7 prayer and worship livestreams, and access to teachings and fellowships worldwide.
🕊️ Important: Always use discretion when accessing these platforms in sensitive areas. Consider using secure browsers or VPNs where necessary for safety.
✅ Start a Micro-Church
If you know even one or two others who love Jesus, meet together quietly.
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”
✅ Hide the Word in Your Heart
Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
Memorize key verses. Even if the Bible is taken, no one can steal the Word in your heart.
✅ Pray for Courage and Wisdom
Ask God for discernment, courage, and safe connections.
✅ Know That You're Not Alone
Thousands of believers around the world are walking the same road in secret and in faith.
You are part of the invisible yet invincible Church of Jesus Christ.
Would you like me to continue building Lesson 7 next? I’ll include practical ways to grow in faith, tailored for both new believers in open countries and those in closed or hostile regions.