I’ve heard it said, “We aren’t called to go to church. We are called to be the church.”
Halfway true. Here’s the problem with that statement. Being and going strengthen each other. I can’t imagine how the being part of my walk with the Lord would strengthen if the going part of my walk with the Lord were fading.
Going and being are not opposed to each other. They help each other. Furthermore, gathering is part of what the word “ekklesia” means. (Strange to argue against it.)
Here are ten simple reasons why I go to church weekly.
1. I want to.
I’ve always been confused why some Christians would argue against regular church attendance. I personally love the digging into God’s Word, the singing with fellow believers, the fellowship, the smiles, the hugs, the praying, the communing together around the Lord’s Table. Man oh man, as a believer, why wouldn’t I want to be a part of that?
2. God said to.
Yes, it’s commanded.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
What’s that saying? If you can be there, be there. I’ve always thought my devotion to the gathering of the saints should be superior to my devotion to the workplace, school, or ball team. So, if I wouldn’t miss a ballgame for such and such reason, then I shouldn’t miss church for that same reason.
“If I wouldn’t miss a ballgame for such and such reason, then I shouldn’t miss church for that same reason.”
3. For others’ sake
There are 59 specific “one another” commands in the New Testament for Christians to live out. One of the best places to live these out is when I’m with the gathering of my local church. I’m missing out on ministry opportunities when I skip church. Even if the singers are “off” and the preacher “lays an egg,” this Sunday may be the day someone walks into church for the very first time—and I want to be there to potentially shake their hands and welcome them. Church isn’t just about what I get, it’s about what I can give.
Love and service require proximity.
4. To set an example
Our kids are watching. Our kids are subconsciously storing away information in their heads on where God fits in this equation. Fewer things communicate God’s place in our lives than how we treat our local church.
5. To feed on God’s Word
If the Word of God really is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, and it can penetrate the thoughts and attitudes of my heart (Hebrews 4:12); if the Word of God really is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105); if the Word of God really is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that I may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17)—then why wouldn’t I want as much of that as possible?
“Why wouldn’t I want as much of that as possible?”
6. I need it.
Life has a way of getting us off-track. When I start the week off in church, it centers me back on what is really important.
And I don’t need to do much convincing that I am a man capable of sin at any moment. I haven’t figured out how to overcome every temptation. I need all the help I can get. I’m not above needing help. Church cements the priorities and rhythms of my life.
7. The Church is the Bride of Christ
I surrendered to Jesus. It would make sense I would be committed to His Bride. He loves His Bride, I should as well. Nothing demonstrates your love more than your presence.
8. To build up the Body of Christ
According to Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, amongst other passages, we’ve all been given a gift. What’s the reason the Holy Spirit gave you and me a gift?
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16, NIV)
As each part/person does its work.
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37, NIV)
You may feel like your church has all their bases covered—but what you may not know is that when you exercise a servant attitude towards your local church, you are obeying God’s will for your life, you’re making a difference in others for eternity’s sake, and you are probably relieving someone else of doing too much. Yes, there are some people who fill the gaps simply because they love the Lord that much. But they are waiting for someone else to step up. Not to mention, you are likely the answer to someone’s prayer.
“You are likely the answer to someone’s prayer.”
9. The Lord’s Supper
The early church was devoted to four things. One of them was “the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42)—the Lord’s Supper. The apostles laid the foundation of the Church, and we see that the Lord’s Supper was intimate, central, and critical in the life of the early believers. It’s a time of re-covenanting. Repenting. Remembering. It gets our eyes off of ourselves and puts them on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
It’s not our meal; it’s His meal. He invited me to it. I don’t want to miss it.
10. Iron sharpens iron.
Church people challenge me, irritate me, push me, bless me, and teach me. Yes, all of the above can be true. When we rub shoulders long enough, eventually there’s going to be tension. This is one of the ways God matures/grows us. I need that. If I run away from that the second things get tough, I miss out on the sanctification process God has in store for me.
BONUS: I met my wife at church! The church has been such a blessing to our family. Why would we want to walk away from the beautiful gift God has given us?
I hope this has been an encouragement to you in your faith. See you Sunday!
