So thank you institutional church for:
- Bringing the church to the masses. The early church was an underground movement that went against the flow of culture and acceptable beliefs. Thanks to Constantine in 313 for making it a legitimate religion that could be practiced without persecution. First in Rome, and presently in most countries around the world.
- Valuing education. Many of the fist schools and universities were started by institutional churches, so we must recognize the value organized church has had on our society.
- Caring for the poor. Historically taking the lead on caring for the poor and needy locally and globally.
- Being there easy to find. When someone moves to town, or suffers a loss and wants to fellowship with God's children all they need to do is flip through a phone book, or drive around looking for a certain type of building.
- Being an example of people seeking God. In every 'church' I've visited I've witnessed evidence of people who love God and desire to follow Him.
- Sunday School. I am thankful for the Bible knowledge children gain from Sunday School programs.
- Programs for youth. I am thankful that 'churches' give youth a place to hang out and have fun together with the bonus of some good instruction.
- Being a meeting place. Institutional churches are a great place to meet great people to build relationships with so we can practice encouraging each other, loving each other, accepting one another, teaching each other, praying for each other, serve each other, offering hospitality to one another, not judging each other, ...
- Having great godly workers. I have no doubt that most 'full time' Christian workers are some of the most dedicated examples of Christ followers around.
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