I was going back through some notes on a book I read and found this great list of reasons why we need to go to church. The book was “On Worship1” by H.B. Charles, Jr., and if you’re interested, you can get it here.
Here is Charles’ list of twenty-five reasons you should regularly participate in public and corporate worship. You won’t realize these benefits in an online setting. If you don’t have a bible handy to look up the references, you can use an online resource, such as Bible Gateway.
- The Word of God teaches it (Hebrews 10:24—25). A high and correct view of Scripture demands regular church attendance.
- Corporate worship is where the preaching and teaching of God’s Word occur (2 Timothy 4:1—5).
- It follows the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:16).
- It honors the best and brightest day of the week—Sunday the Lord’s Day—the day on which the Lord Jesus rose from the dead.
- It is a wise and proper use of the privilege we have to publicly and corporately worship God. Christians in other lands do not all have this freedom. Ihe only way for us to express our gratitude for this liberty is to use it faithfully and thankfully.
- Your neglect of corporate worship grieves the Holy Spirit who lives within the individual believer and the church as a whole (Ephesians 4:30).
- It brings joy to the spiritual leaders who watch and who must give account for you. Absenteeism grieves them and is unprofitable for you (Hebrews 13:17).
- It demonstrates that you share the mission and ministry of the particular church family of which you are a member.
- Your absence from church services renders it difficult, and in some instances impossible, for you to participate in the church’s mutual ministry to itself, especially the “one another” commands of the New Testament.
- You need the encouragement that comes from the assembling of the saints (Hebrews 10:24—25). The more evil the days become, the more you need this encouragement.
- God demands first place (Matthew 6:33). This principle should govern our practice.
- It reminds you that God has a new community of people through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 12:5).
- It is a way of preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
- Public and corporate worship is the central place where you exercise your spiritual gifts. It is a strategic place to minister to other believers (1 Corinthians 14:12).
- Your regular attendance serves as a positive example and influence for others.
- If you participate in some ministry of the church—and you should—your absence can hinder the overall effectiveness of the group and discourage other members.
- Being involved in public and corporate worship services counteracts our self-centeredness.
- You should take the time to stop and say “thank You” to God for bringing you through another week.
- Absenteeism is a poor testimony to unbelievers who see your inconsistency (John 13:34—35). It is also a poor witness to our children, whom we are to raise in the instruction and admonition of the Lord.
- True and saving faith will foster love for that which Christ loves, the church (Ephesians 5:25). Regularly attending church services is a fundamental way to demonstrate your love for the bride of Christ.
- The practice of good habits like regular church attendance builds spiritual character.
- The New Testament teaches us to recognize, share all good things with, submit to, and honor spiritual leaders who teach us the Word. Attending worship is a way of doing that. (Remember, not only are we accountable to the Word of God, but we are also accountable to those whom God uses to teach us His Word.)
- Attending public and corporate worship services renews and strengthens us for the days ahead (Hebrews 10:24—25).
- Corporate worship helps reinforce the truth that worship is not about getting from God. Fundamentally, Christian worship is about giving to God.
- Public and corporate worship is the officially designated place to carry out the ordinances of the church—baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
¹ From “On Worship”, H. B. Charles Jr., Moody Publishers
So go to church. If you don’t have one, find a church that preaches the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, not all do.
