Why Should I Go to Church? 5 Reasons to Attend Sunday Services

Why Should I Go to Church?

It’s Saturday night. If you don’t usually attend a church service on the weekend, you may be thinking, "Why even bother going to church this Sunday? I don’t know or like any of those people. What would I get out of spending two hours sitting in a pew? Wouldn’t I be better off watching the game with friends, helping someone in need, or advocating for a cause?"

While connecting with people, helping those in need, fighting injustice, and resting are all necessary things, we should not prioritize them above God himself. God alone is preeminent (Colossians 1:18). These activities should flow from life-giving connection with Christ and his people. When we make good things central we give them God’s position, and they become idols.

Five Reasons to Go to Church on Sunday

Our view of Jesus and his church is often filtered through historical, political, and pop-culture lenses. Many see the church as a place of judgment, hypocrisy, or irrelevance. However, the church is not just a gathering of flawed individuals; it is the body of Christ, the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-32). Here are five compelling reasons why attending church on Sunday is essential:

1. Worshiping God Together

When we gather as a church, we participate in corporate worship, lifting our voices together in praise and adoration of our Creator. Worshiping God is not restricted to a particular location or time, but there is something powerful about joining with other believers to declare God's greatness. As the psalmist says, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" (Psalm 122:1).

2. Hearing God's Word

Attending church allows us to hear God's Word proclaimed and taught. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories; it is the living, breathing Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Through the preaching of Scripture, we gain insight, encouragement, correction, and guidance for our lives. As the apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

3. Fellowship and Community

The church is more than just a building; it is a community of believers. Gathering together allows us to connect with fellow Christians, sharing our joys, struggles, and burdens. In this community, we find support, accountability, love, and encouragement. The early church understood the importance of fellowship, as described in Acts 2:42-47.

4. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship

Being part of a local church provides opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship. Through small groups, Bible studies, mentoring relationships, and serving in various ministries, we can grow in our understanding of God's Word, develop our spiritual gifts, and mature in our faith. As the apostle Peter exhorts, "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation" (1 Peter 2:2).

5. Communion and Baptism

When we gather as a church, we have the opportunity to participate in the sacraments of communion and baptism. Communion reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the unity we have as believers in his body. Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. These sacraments strengthen our faith and remind us of the central truths of the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Romans 6:3-5).

Attending church on Sunday is not about mere tradition or obligation; it is about engaging with the living God and being part of his plan for the world. As we gather together, we are strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to live out our faith in the world. So, instead of asking, "Why should I go to church?", we should ask ourselves, "Why would I want to miss out on the incredible blessings and opportunities that come from being part of a local church?"

While there may be valid reasons for not attending church every Sunday, it is important to recognize the value and significance of gathering with other believers. As the writer of Hebrews urges, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25).