Why Bother with Church?

In a time when virtually everyone has access to an internet connection, why bother going to church? In most places of the world, you can stream a church service live from far-flung corners of the globe. Why bother taking the time to get dressed, grab a Bible, and go to church after a long week of school or work?

One great reason is found in Hebrews 10:22-25. The writer of Hebrews urges those who are followers of God to come close to him with true hearts and bodies washed with “pure water” (v. 22). In verses 24-25 he goes even further: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (NIV). Did you get that?

God desires us to live in community, encouraging one another. Why is this so important? Because we need each other. People who decide to follow Jesus are not free to simply go off on their own. God calls us to encourage and inspire each other, to support each other in a world that is often hostile to spiritual faith.

Jesus trained the leaders of the early church to take the gospel to the world. God wants to work through us as we serve others and share His love and message of salvation. God has created a special group of people and given them a message to saved people on a doomed planet. He wants you to be a part of that group. He’s trusted us with an incredible mission. But that’s not all.

Did you know that going to church is good for your health as well? Studies show that people who attend church regularly have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and less stress. They also live longer than those who do not go. But just being there is not everything. If you get actively involved in what is happening at church, the benefits are even greater. Church creates and deepens social bonds in our spiritual lives, the most important dimension of human existence. But there’s one more reason why you should go and get involved. When you do, you’ll be following a pattern laid down by Jesus.

Luke 4:16 says, “And He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” For Jesus, religious meetings were so important that He not only attended but actively participated. Let’s follow His example, and partner with the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-31; Eph. 4:4-16).