Why Go To Church?

 After 50 years of active ministry and a lifetime of attending church “most” Sundays, not being able to attend church for several months due to my illness was difficult. As I muse about this, it begs the question, “Why go to church?” The scriptural answer for me is Hebrews 10:25 (NIV), “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.”

I’ve heard those who say this does not refer to “church, and quite frankly, there seems to be a current movement that is diminishing the value of “church” as we have known it for decades and even centuries. In my opinion, this is a dangerous trend because I believe that we need the church and I will try to explain why in this blog. 

When I was actively pastoring, I felt that people came to church on Sunday needing to recharge for the coming week and needed the “encouragement” of the church body. They are “beat up” so to speak by pressures at work from demanding bosses with aggressive expectations; they are trying to hold things together at home by providing for their family’s needs, crazy schedules shuttling kids from activity to activity; they try their best to carve out quality time with their spouse to strengthen their marriage; and more. What they don’t need to hear from the pulpit is how they aren’t doing enough, that the church has failed in its mission and needs to be reimagined. They need to be encouraged.

How does the church encourage us when we go to church? Let me share some of my ideas:

First of all, we are encouraged by seeing others who are in the same boat, seeking their own encouragement. Showing interest in where they’re at in conversation before and after church is invaluable. Continuing to encourage them past the “service” is even better.

Secondly, we are encouraged by corporate worship as we join our voices and spirits together to worship God. Hearing others’ voices joining with ours is an encouragement.

Thirdly, the preaching of the Word of God is necessary. We need a word from God to encourage us. If the preacher exposits the scriptures, the Spirit will find a place in our hearts to apply it. Some say that this is unnecessary and we don’t need a preacher to articulate the scriptures to us, but that denigrates their calling and gifts. 

Throughout the ages the church has been exposed to movements. Each has value for the church for the time. We must not dismantle the past in order to grow and improve. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Why go to church? In a word we need encouragement and we need to encourage others. Now that I am in the pew instead of the pulpit, I need to encourage others and be encouraged through fellowship, worship, and the preaching of the Word. Don’t neglect it. See you in church!