Two families have begun attending my church from well over an hour’s distance. We’re happy to have them worshiping with us, but opportunities for fellowship other than Sunday morning are really limited. They are driving past lots of other churches to get to us. They say that they are convicted about psalm singing and it would be wrong to attend elsewhere. Is it okay for people to travel very long distances to attend church?

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No Bible verse tells us the maximum number of miles one can live from the church meeting location. Wisdom must be our watchword. Some Reformed Presbyterians even drive past one RP church to worship with the one of which they are members. How should we think and feel about such circumstances?

The Lord provides general principles in His Word to guide us. He gives elders to shepherd people; they must provide leadership and guidance to help determine whether long-distance travelers can and should be members in a particular body, bearing in mind matters of distance and conviction.

We will list a few general principles concerning this matter, urging that they must be applied with wisdom. First, Jesus has called His church a body; a physical body must be connected, and the church, as the body of Christ, must be connected too if it is to be fruitful (1 Cor. 12). Second, those who choose to live at a long distance should have godly reasons to live where they live; they ought to be able to demonstrate they are seeking first the kingdom of God best where they live (Matt. 6:33). Next, they ought to be able to participate in the life of the body (Heb. 10:24-25). They must obey their elders, who may determine that they really do live too far away to be effectively shepherded by the session. Distant members should not expect the session and congregation to cater to their needs. They must recognize they present a unique challenge to the elders of the body and adjust their expectations accordingly; home and hospital visitations for the elders become a great commitment as the miles extend (Heb. 13:17).

Geographically distant families should plan to sacrifice more than others in terms of travel time and be prepared to practice unusual expressions of commitment. Exemplary saints have done these things very effectively in RP churches over the decades. Church planting works have often begun where such people live.

It is easier than ever to live a long distance from where the church meets; but is it wise? A case can be made that it is usually best to live close to the heart of the church community. Some have made great sacrifices to live very near the worship location of the church.

What are the benefits of living geographically close? You are more able to participate in worship services, prayer meetings, and other activities of the congregation. Deeper friendships in the body of Christ are more easily forged. You are more available to serve the church, especially in short-notice situations. Hospitality in the home is usually more practical. Evangelism and discipleship of neighbors occurs more naturally. The saltiness and brightness of the church intensify as members witness together to unbelievers. Personal participation in neighborhood and community organizations tends to be more integrated with your church life and ministry. Children and especially teenagers tend to be better supported with a base of friendships and mentoring opportunities.

As members, we vow to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in all the relationships of life. If we live, learn, work, play, shop, serve, and worship in overlapping communities, we have advantages toward fulfilling our vows. Living closer to the body is usually good for the soul.

The coronavirus crisis will likely add a new layer to this question as more aspects of church life are digitally connected. The role of technology in church membership and geographic proximity is a fresh question that deserves a fuller answer than we can give here. However, the best distance ministries are an overflow of good local ministry. Congregations lacking robust local ministry will often struggle to minister well at a distance, over the long haul.

Proximity to our church is important as we choose where to live; the benefits are usually more evident for those who are near. However, those benefits will be rapidly undone if we develop an attitude of condemnation or contempt toward those who have made different choices while seeking to serve the Lord with a good conscience. If you travel far, prepare to make big sacrifices to be a meaningful part of congregational life. If you live near, be sure to warmly welcome your travelers and cheerfully extend hospitality, especially on the Sabbath.

Healthy congregations should desire members who are both near and farther away. We need them both. Jesus loves them all; so should we.

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Have a question on your heart that you’d like to see answered here? Send it to info@rpwitness.org.

James Faris and Noah Bailey | column editors