Why Go To Church?
Written by Mark Wickersham, Director of Spiritual Formation
Although I’d like to think that you would learn a great deal in one of my high school Bible classes, it simply wouldn’t be enough. We need to go to church. Seven years ago, Grammy award-winning pop star Justin Bieber said, “…you don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. If you go to Taco Bell, that doesn’t make you a taco.” This might be a true statement (I praise Jesus that I’m not a taco); however, I don’t know any strong Christians who aren’t worshipping at a local church on Sundays. In fact, most strong Christians are probably serving at their local church in some capacity. When I’ve heard people say that they don’t need to go to church, they tend to be people who aren’t exactly spittin’ out Scripture like the Apostle Paul. Over the years, I’ve heard some really interesting excuses as to why we don’t need to go to church. I could share a million reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings, but I’ll just start with four. 🙂
1. God’s Word Is Preached – At a Bible-based church, the pastor has spent significant hours in preparation to preach a Spirit-filled sermon that teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us how to be Christ-centered people. I have a gifted pastor who clarifies the text for me and helps me better understand who God is. He helps me better understand what is expected of me in building God’s kingdom.
2. You Worship With Other Believers – I’m an introvert, but the music sounds so much better when I sing with others! I don’t possess mad musical skills, but my heart is often moved during corporate worship. Additionally, I hear Scripture read with reverence, crucial prayers that can only be heard at church, take part in communion with my brothers and sisters, and celebrate the baptisms of new believers.
3. To Become Stronger Christians – When you go to the gym, you get stronger. Sure, you can work out at home, but the gym has more equipment and people to push you. At church, you are surrounded by godly people who listen, ask questions, keep you accountable, provide counsel and encouragement, and maybe even discipline you. Furthermore, gospel-centered churches have libraries with solid resources that support what Scripture says.
4. To Bring God Glory – Worshipping at a church is important because it brings God glory. It brings God joy when he sees like-minded people from all walks of life come together to praise His name. Why wouldn’t you want to do that on Sunday morning? What better thing do you have to do on Sunday morning than gather with God’s people and worship Jesus Christ? Let’s do this. Let’s get excited about worshipping together on Sunday mornings and bring God the glory!
Use this conversation starter with your family! What are some other reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings?
“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25