Why is church important? Why should I care about my local church? How can I serve and love church members? This journal answers these questions and more helping you understand the importance of your local church and your role in the body of Christ.

Aside from caring for your family, it might be the most important thing you can do to make a difference in the world around you, to say nothing of doing eternal good in people's lives.

This 9Marks Journal was written for members. It lays out some of the essential elements of that job-a guidebook for meaningful service in a local church. Read it one article at a time over a month. Ask God how you might better serve your fellow members, your pastors, and your non-Christian neighbors.

Table of Contents
Editor's Note

Build One Another Up When Togethe
Be Like Batman: Guard the Gospel, by Sam Emadi
Show Up!, by Mike Gilbart-Smith
Contribute to the Needs of the Saints, by Alex Hong
Sing to One Another, by Matt Boswell
Protect Sound Doctrine, by Jaime Owens
Cleanse Out the Old Leaven, by Matthias Lohmann
Prepare to Hear God's Word, by 9Marks

Building One Another Up When Apart
Be Hospitable, by Doug Van Meter
Disciple Others, by Tony Shepherd
Pray for Other Members, by Ty Gooch
Pursue Wandering Sheep, by Jeff Lacine
Forbear with One Another, by Dan Miller
Work for Unity, by Harry Fujiwara
Speak Only What Is Good to Give Grace, by Josh Manley
Put Others Interests Above Your Own, by Brian Vickers
Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice; Weep with Those Who Sheep, by Paul Martin
Associate with the Lowly, by Joel Kurz
Imagination Required: Enter into the Trials of Fellow Church Members, by Derek Minton

Building Up Your Pastors
Invite Your Pastors into Your Life, by Omar Johnson
Encourage Your Pastor, by Chad Van Dixhoorn
Don't Muzzle the Ox, by Ken Mbugua

Building Up by Reaching Ou
Maintain a Good Relationship with Christians from Other Churches, by Jonathan Worsley

Be a Good Witness in the Community, by Marwan Aboul-Zelouf
Evangelize the Lost, by Eric Bancroft