Christians Should Attend Church Regularly

Some Christians say, “I don’t need to go to church. I can worship God in other ways.” Sometimes it’s a reaction to un-Christian behavior in the church. Other times it simply springs from a desire to be elsewhere: the lake, the golf course, or maybe just home in bed. Certainly, God can be worshiped in all of those places. However, while a person can be saved and not go to church, you CANNOT realize God’s complete plan for your life without regular worship attendance. Following are some reasons why.

Community

1 Corinthians 12, verses 12 through 17 tells us that the church is a unit, like the human body. That analogy illustrates that every part (person) of the body (the church) is important. As Christians, we NEED each other. Encouragement, Godly advice, friendship, support and accountability are all part of what we receive from others as active members of a local church. The church is not just a group of people, but a community of believers. Without it, a crucial element is missing from your life.

Purpose

Verse 12 says, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” This is exciting! No matter who you are, or what abilities and spiritual gifts you have, God has assigned a purpose within the church, just for you! It doesn’t get more important than having an assignment from God. If we miss out on regular church attendance, we miss that purpose.

Responsibility

Hebrews 10:25 speaks directly to the question, “Must a Christian go to church?” It says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” In short, the church is to meet together regularly. Why? Because we need the encouragement. You will get it FROM someone, and you will provide it FOR someone. We have a responsibility to each other. But you will miss out if you don’t show up.

I pray that you would not just attend a local church, but that you would find one where you can experience community, God’s purpose for you, and fulfill your responsibility to Him, and other believers.

Mark Nickles is a husband, father of three, and a pastor in Northeastern Oklahoma. Copyright, Mark A. Nickles.