When I was growing up, my grandmother went to church every week. It was a
part of our family’s culture and a value I still follow today. But in
today’s day and age with sports activities and working on weekends, some
cultures are making attending church just once a month the new norm. It
is easy to miss church if you feel you don’t fit or feel like no one
would miss you if you were gone.
As for me, Church has improved my life in so many ways. Here are reasons not to miss church service:
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?
Get in the habit of going to church regularly. It has a lot of positive benefits.
[written by Michelle Lazurek]
