“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
According to the most recent studies, approximately 20% of Americans regularly attend church, and by regular attendance, that’s about 3 out of 8 Sundays—less than half the time. Nearly two decades ago, a study revealed that only about 6% of churches were growing. It is clear that in our ever-increasing consumer culture, people are choosing to spend their weekends somewhere other than in Sunday School or corporate worship.
This begs the question, “Why go to church?” What is the value of church to the individual? Jesus established the Church as His body of believers on earth who gathered to become more like Him as they devoted themselves to His mission and teachings. In Acts 2 we see the early Church strengthening in their faith as they gathered together, worshiped, studied the Scriptures, and ministered to one another.
Today the church often presents a variety of ministries to help engage members and guests. But even within these cultural adjustments we make to show the Church as more appealing or relevant, there exist three crucial reasons to engage in regular church attendance.
It’s where the Body of Christ is. The Church is different than every other organization on earth in that it is the only one with Christ as its head. The New Testament Church pooled resources, met the needs of those in the congregation who had them, and were daily practicing the disciplines of the faith with one another. Other organizations aid humanity and provide fellowship, but no other organization on the earth is like the Church in that Christ Himself is the glue that binds the group together for a holy and profound purpose.
It’s where the mission begins. The Church is the vehicle through which God will accomplish His mission. In obeying the commands of Christ, the Church serves the poor, shares the Gospel, ministers to those in need, cares for her own, gives generously and joyfully toward the mission of God, travels to the ends of the earth for this mission, and so much more. The Church is not chiefly a place to go, but a base from which to be sent out.
It’s our ultimate eternal family. In the Bible’s teaching on the end times, there is only one people who will survive God’s judgment to live with Him in heaven and that is the Church. Your faith family on earth is also your eternal family in heaven. The relationships you form within the Church with fellow Christ-followers are the ones that will last not only a lifetime but also in the life beyond as you spend eternity together living in the light and glory of God Himself.
God, thank You for giving me a group of people to connect with and to serve You together as a community of faith. Help me to make church a priority in my life and my family as a way to fully live out my faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: Church
