“… 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
Many of us have numerous reasons why we don’t go to church or don’t go weekly. A few times I have slept in and had my coffee in front of my laptop watching online church. But for me, online church lacks many of the reasons listed below. It leaves me feeling a bit wanting when I close my laptop at the end of service. But, I would be the first to say that online church has its place for some.
Have you ever considered the benefits of going to church regularly outweighing the benefits of not going? Studies have been done that found only 20 percent of Christians in America go to church weekly… so if you don’t go often or only attend once a month, you’re not alone.
Consider and list all the reasons you don’t attend church regularly and ask yourself what the benefits are. Once you have your list, consider these reasons to start regularly attending church:
Personal and Spiritual Benefits
- It’s the right thing to do. The Bible says it’s what we should do.
- It helps you understand you are part of a much bigger story in this life.
- It helps give you a sense of purpose and meaning.
- It gives you hope both now and eternally.
- It helps you define and articulate what you believe, where you stand, and why.
- It helps you learn more about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and why it matters.
- It will help you learn about the Bible and how it applies to your life.
- It will bring blessing into your life.
- It will help you be rooted and grounded in God, His house, and His people causing you to grow and change in positive ways.
- It creates stability in your life and family.
- It will help you learn spiritual discipline.
- It will encourage and energize you, and help you focus on the right things when looking at the week ahead.
- It helps you put your faith in action. Faith without works is dead.
- It will help you examine and rearrange your priorities.
- It helps take your focus off yourself and places it closer to God and others.
- It’s an opportunity to have your opinions challenged and questions answered.
- It a great place to sing worship and praise songs. The songs stay with you throughout the week. You may even wake up to a worship song in your head in the morning!
- It will open your eyes to all that God is doing around you, in our country, and all over the world.
- It will encourage you, inspire you, and help you make wise decisions in your life through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
- It will strengthen your walk with God.
- It will help you change your perspective about God, others, life, and eternity.
- It will help you know godly truth from worldly lies.
- It honors God.
Family Benefits
- It will teach your kids to know and love God and His Church.
- It lends itself to making a happy marriage.
- It is an opportunity to create a spiritual and meaningful experience with your kids.
- It will help your kids grow in Christ and learn about the Bible.
- It will help create family unity and a special godly bond of love.
- It sets a good example for your kids to follow.
Community Benefits
- It strengthens your faith when you gather amongst other believers.
- It helps you look beyond yourself and see the needs of others.
- It will give you an opportunity to give financially to help those in need.
- It will give you an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make friends to do life with.
- It will give you an opportunity to serve others by volunteering in an area that you enjoy or where you can minister to others. These opportunities can help you develop, sharpen or explore your God-given talents, gifts, and abilities.
- It will help you meet people who can support you when life gets tough. People who can pray for you and walk with you on your journey. You will also have the same opportunity to support others through their life issues.
Can you think of some other reasons to attend church regularly? I’d love to hear them!
