Why do I go to church? The answer may seem obvious when the question is coming from a pastor. It’s my job! Yes, my occupation may be a contributing factor to getting me out the door some Sunday mornings. But honestly, sometimes my role as a pastor may also be the reason for my reluctance.
Attending church hasn’t always been a part of my job. 17 years ago, I was in a position where not going to church was a real option. After nearly 24 years of vocational ministry, I was free to do what I wanted on Sunday mornings. I could now sleep in, go for a hike or play tennis. But I didn’t. I went to church. Even as I walked (or more accurately, crawled) through a dry and desolate season in my life, I went to church.
Why? Why did I go to church? Why do I go to church? Why do you?
I remember when church was a focal point of a community’s culture and calendar. That seems far less true today. And while there have always been options, I’m quite sure there are more options for families to choose from today than when I was raising mine. And let’s keep it real: church is messy and imperfect and it’s full of messy and imperfect people.
So why? Why go to church? Here’s a partial list of some of my reasons for going.
- I attend church to connect with God. Psalm 22:3 tells us that “God inhabits the praise of His people”. I feel Him in a unique and special way when I walk through those doors and gather with other believers
- I attend church to participate in worship. I love to join my heart, voice, mind, and body with others in worship. Seeing and hearing others encourages me, inspires me, and challenges me to take my eyes off of myself and exalt the Lord, to stand in awe of His beauty.
- I attend church to affirm the most important thing my life. God is the center of my life, and the church is at the center of His plans. I want my life to reflect both.
- I attend church to fellowship with others. Even when I would rather isolate, I know better. It’s not good to be alone! I need people. It’s how God made us. Together is better!
- I attend church to give to others. I’m energized by doing what God has called and equipped me to do - by using my gifts, abilities, resources and experiences to glorify God and serve others.
- I attend church to grow as a follower of Christ. One habit that God uses to help me pursue Christ and become more like Christ is time in His Word. This includes hearing His Word proclaimed boldly and faithfully. I still have a lot to learn from Him and others!
- I attend church to be a witness to my community. Even when I wasn’t a pastor, attending church, sharing the significance and impact of the gathered church, and inviting people to join me at church, was a big part of my fulfilling His call on my life as an ambassador of the gospel.
- I attend church because God loves the church. The church is His body, His bride, His flock, His family...He died for us!
- I attend church to experience God’s grace and peace and joy. Church has helped me see things, including pain, suffering, fear, uncertainty, sin, shame, weakness and countless other valid feelings and experiences from a different perspective. At church I’m reminded that God cares, He’s in control, His grace is sufficient and His love is unconditional.
- I attend church because it is the most powerful institution on the earth for good. Jesus is the head of the church. He is building His church. Nothing can stop His church. It will stand the test of time, the attacks of the world and Satan himself.
I’ve never once regretted taking the time to attend church. There’s just something about being there that calms me down, makes me feel connected and whole, and simply allows me to breathe again.
In a culture that minimizes commitment and maximizes self-indulgence, I have learned the precious gift of church attendance or, more specifically, the church gathered. I do not see church attendance as a burden or legalistic commitment. I view it as joy—a place where I can give and serve, a place where I can focus more on others rather than myself.
And it’s not just me, apparently. Research shows that people who regularly attend church report stronger social support networks and less depression. They lead healthier and even longer lives. In a very real and physical way, church is literally good for your health. Fascinating isn’t it, that church is good for you! God was on to something!
Two-thirds of the New Testament is about churches, specifically gathered churches. The words of the writer of Hebrews in 10:24-25 are powerful: “And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and more as you see the day approaching.”
Going to church is not about getting your attendance gold star or gaining God’s favor for the week because you showed up. Church is not a place to go, rather it is a living body where God wants you to become a part––for your good and His glory.
I love to attend church.
I thank God for you, my church.