The Purpose of Church

Regularly attending a church is a Christian issue that I've wrestled with for many years, and have come to the conclusion that it is vitally important and should be prioritized. Today, many seem to believe that not attending church is alright, or not committing to a church is fine. I would argue otherwise.

First, why is attending church regularly so important? It is key here to describe exactly what I mean by attending church. I don't necessarily mean attending Sunday services, although that is definitely an aspect of it. Attending a church is joining a family and growing in your faith alongside them. As a group, it is joining together and seeking God out. While it does include Sunday services, it also includes volunteering, praying together, meeting outside of church together, connecting with others in the goal of finding Christ together.

Aspects of Sunday services can be recreated individually, but the church experience cannot be. Church is all about a group of likeminded people, blessed by God to be a family to tackle life together.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

This group gathering develops aspects of the faith that otherwise are going to be untouched. You can try to grow by yourself as much as possible, but there is a ceiling that you will hit. A church unlocks that, and helps bring you to a whole new level. It's also a support system to keep you focused, and really living the life that Christ designed for you.

And secondly, why should you commit to one church?

This is the area that I have really struggled with over the years. I think it's one of those issues that really do deal with a balance. The balance goes between your commitment to your church, and your commitment to your own faith. This is a really hard balance to discern, because each situation is going to be different. With that in mind, I do think more importance should be put on committing to one church family. The exception is if what is happening within the church family is absolutely detrimental to your faith and progression. At those drastic times, it might be best to search for a new family to help you out. But do not use this as an out, an excuse; it's really a last resort.

The church is a family first and foremost. Throughout it all, everyone has something to offer, something to contribute to help through the growing pains. If everyone just gave up when things didn't go their way, the church would be dead today. Change is hard, and it's going to be difficult, especially in the church setting, but it is possible, and necessary.