Why go to church?

 

In this day and age, there is an overwhelming trend away from all things “church.” Apparently though, it is actually nothing new. It was even an issue for some of the first Christians shortly after Jesus ascended to Heaven. We know this to be the case because the writer of Hebrews even addressed it in Hebrews 10:25 saying it was the “habit of some” not to be involved in the weekly meetings of Christ’s church. While skipping church was the trend of some in the days of the New Testament, today it is the growing trend many. I want to ask you a question…

 

Why go to church?

 

If you’re a Christian (which my guess is that a great many of you reading this are), the easy answer to the question is “because the Bible says we should.” Of course I agree with that. I am a PASTOR! My life’s calling is to get people to go to church. Dig down real deep though and ask yourself… “What motivates YOU to get up on a Sunday and attend a service?” I suspect everyone’s personal motivation will be a little different. For some, it might be the sense of Christian duty and obedience (which are great reasons). For others it might be the expectation to enjoy the music or hear a good sermon from God’s Word. Perhaps some might look forward to seeing friends (which should be a part of the equation). Maybe one week we are driven to go to church for one reason and the next it’s something entirely different. Though each of our reasons why we go to church might differ slightly, I am pretty confident that all of us hope for one thing when we attend…

 

We go to church to have a genuine encounter with God.

 

Right? The entire reason for everything that happens in a church service is to facilitate opportunities for people to connect with their Creator. There’s nothing mystical or magical about what church leaders do. We are ordinary people doing our best to provide you with moments of solemnity, exuberance, inspiration, and community connections that (repeatedly) cause your gaze to look heavenward. We try to get you out of your normal routines to experience the presence of God. While it is possible to attend church without having a genuine relationship with God, I cannot imagine why someone who calls themselves a Christian would wish to avoid the place where God says He loves to show up.

 

Sometimes people stop attending a church because “they aren’t feeling it anymore” and blame the church for their stagnant relationship with the Lord.

 

My personal favorite line that I have heard enough over the years from church people to mention is: “I’m not being fed.” To which I think… “Then pick up a spiritual spoon and fork and start feeding yourself.” The only individuals who need help feeding themselves are babies or those with illnesses and disabilities preventing them from doing so. Feeding oneself is a sign of health and maturity. In fact, my (almost) 2-year old can even do it… sort of. Similarly, healthy Christians take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. When a person grasps this, it’s a beautiful thing… but it also can turn ugly if we are not careful.

 

A grave danger arises when a Christian who knows how to spiritually feed themselves starts believing they don’t need the church anymore.

 

So what is the role of the church in all this? The church’s role is to offer guidance along the way, to provide a path to experience transformational community/belonging, and to offer opportunities for believers to serve inside and outside the walls of the congregation. In that process, divine encounters happen all the time. Don’t overthink it though… these “God moments” can look differently from week-to-week. Sometimes it may be an encouraging word that was spoken. Other times it might be a relational connection. Occasionally, it may be an all-out miraculous kind of thing. Over and over again we see the trend that God loves to show up in the ordinary gathering of the church. The process of God showing up in church reminds me a bit of this Scripture…

 

Isaiah 35:3-4 says, “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold your God will come with a vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.'” 

 

Church is the place where the lost are found. Church is the place where the found find their purpose. Church is the place where the weak are strengthened. Church is the place where the weary find rest. Church is the place where those who think they have it all together are reminded of their brokenness. Church is the place where families are healed in Jesus’ Name. Church is the place where kids (and adult kids) learn about the Gospel. Church is the place where fortifying spiritual friendships are formed. Church is the place where we learn that even grown-up Christians with fancy spiritual titles make big time mistakes. Church is the place where we learn to forgive. Church is the place where we learn about ourselves. Church is the place where we learn about God. Church is the place where we have a lot of laughs. Church is the place where we weep alongside of those who weep. Church is the place where others grieve with us when we suffer. Church is the place where we pray. Church is the place where we worship. Church is the place where we receive and impart divine spiritual wisdom to one another.

 

BOTTOM LINE: Church is a place where God shows up. That’s why I go. I want an encounter with God.

 

I encourage you to ignore the nay-sayers around you (and the one inside you) who seek to discourage you from Jesus’ Church. The gathering of the saints is always worth it.

 

Love you all. Hope you have a great rest of your day.

 

In Christ,

 

Pastor Kyle

 

P.S. Don’t make me cry about how big my baby is… this pic though… really?!? Yes I know I posted it already but it was so cute I had to do it here too just in case anyone didn’t see it.