10 Reasons You Should Go To Church Every Week

1. So You Can Enjoy
Community 
The number one reason why I love my church is for the
community I receive. There is a reason why Scripture refers to members of
churches and “brothers and sisters.” Church is not just a place to go to on
Sundays, but rather a gathering of people who have committed to walking their
spiritual journeys interdependently rather than independently. Some of the
people I call my dearest friends are those I have met within the church and have
had the pleasure of serving alongside.

2. So You Can Use Your Gifts 
God has gifted each one of us not
only with natural talents, like singing or playing an instrument, but also with
spiritual gifts, that when used, build up the church body in unique ways. If you
don’t know what your gifts are, I encourage you to take a spiritual gifts
inventory or read biblical passages such as 1 Corinthians 12-14,Romans 12,
Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. If you still don’t know what they are, find someone
who can affirm the gifts they see in you. Sometimes others can see what we have
trouble seeing in ourselves. Once you have confirmed those gifts, talk to a
pastor or ministry head and see where you might best be suited to use those
gifts. Maybe it is an existing ministry, or maybe your church is missing an
important ministry that you can create yourself! The possibilities are endless.

3. So You Can Discover Your Purpose 
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I
know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has a plan for all of us.
He knows the hairs on our heads and has ordered every one of our steps. But
finding out what that purpose and plan is easier said than done. As members of
your church get to know you, they can speak words of encouragement and
affirmation into your life. They can help navigate through the muddy waters we
call life. Seeking wise counsel is one of the many benefits of being a part of a
church, and something that is difficult to find outside family members and close
friends.

4. So You Can Find Connection 
I have met many people not only
during my time in ministry but also my time being a Christian. Some people are
exactly like me while others are the complete opposite. I get the chance to meet
and connect with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise if it were not for being a
regular church attender. Being in relationship with people who are the opposite
of me can be frustrating at times but it helps me work on making me a better
person because of those relationships. In either scenario, I connect with people
in a unique way and discover things about myself I would have never had the
opportunity to do otherwise.

5. So You Can Worship 
Worship can happen any time of the day and
any day of the week. I can worship in the car, in my room or when I’m feeling
down. But there is nothing like getting together in a room full of other
worshippers and singing my heart out to God with others who share that same
desire. My life is enriched when I worship with others and I can’t do that
sitting at home by myself.

6. So You Can Learn the Word 
I admit, I don’t read my Bible as
often as I should, and I don’t take the time to study the Word through
concordances and other Bible study tools on a regular basis. But when I go to
church on Sunday, I get the opportunity to hear the Word preached in ways that
help me understand it better and in unique ways I may not have seen myself if I
was studying it on my own.

7. So You Can Participate in Missions 
My church has a high
emphasis on missions. Our church is in the process of organizing a Missions trip
so that members of the congregation can share the love of Jesus with those who
have never heard His name before. When I regularly attend church, I get to share
the good news with people to whom the name of Jesus is foreign. I also
experience cultures and see the world I would not have seen if not for low cost
opportunities like those presented by a church. Often, churches offer
scholarships and ways to work off costs and fees so everyone can experience what
it is like to be a part of a Missions trip.

8. So You Can Practice Generosity 
When I give of my money, I
often think of how far reaching my money goes. I imagine getting to heaven and
meeting people I never met on earth whose life was touched because I gave to a
missions fund or general fund. What if a person walked into our newly renovated
church building heard about Jesus and dedicated his life to Him who couldn’t
attend previously because the sanctuary was too small. Where else can I allow my
dollars to create such an impact on others’ lives?

9. So You Can Forge Lifelong Friendships 
Scripture references
church members as the body of Christ. Once you make friends at church, you are
forever bonded to them through your desire to follow Jesus. Even if you don’t
attend that church anymore, there is a special connection you share because of
the Savior. Who can’t use another friend or two in their lives?

10. So You Can Enjoy Food 
Last of all, the food! Potlucks bring
a sense of coziness and family like nothing else. Coming to church with a dish
you learned from your grandmother and having the opportunity to share it with
the people I love not only lets me practice hospitality but also share the
intimacy that comes from sitting around a table eating and getting to know those
around me. And, well, who doesn’t love a free meal?

Get in the habit of
going to church regularly. The positives outweigh the negatives and you never
know what opportunity God may present you with because of your
attendance.

[written by Michelle Lazurek, a pastor’s wife]