Do Christians really need to go to Church?
God created fellowship for mutual benefit. Keeping in contact with other believers helps us stay humble and strengthens us. In fact, when God was creating Eve, he said about Adam “It is not good for man to live alone”.
Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17 (CSB)
We should attend Church events on a regular basis. Each of us can share our struggles and offer prayer for others. Fellow members can also encourage one another to grow in our faith.
Teaching newer believers about God
The first reason we should go to church is to pass down instruction to newer believers. If you are a believer reading this now, do you remember when you were a new Christian? Maybe you were a child, or perhaps you were a bit older. Try to remember what it was like.
Did you know what to do immediately? Were you intimidated by the Bible? Did praying come naturally?
Some of you may have had a strong Christian mentor. I hope this was the case for you. I know in my own experience, I didn’t until I was well into college. By then, I had so many bad habits that I am still trying to break free from some of the sin in my life.
What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. - 2 Timothy 2:2 (CSB)
Mentoring others ensures that newer believers don’t fall into the same pitfalls you did. It also allows them to share in the joy of your victories.
Introducing children to God
While parents should be teaching children about God at home, many children get all of their knowledge of God through a community of believers at a local church.
Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6 (CSB)
Children should be taught about God by those who have a close personal relationship with Jesus. Parents are not always equipped to teach them about God. A good church will have leadership in place not only to teach children, but resources to help parents continue their education at home as well.
Children should be a priority for the church
Many churches swing to one of two extremes when it comes to their children’s programs.
They either build a multitude of programs to try and attract children with as many varied interests and backgrounds as possible, or they ignore them altogether.
Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12 (CSB)
Children should be a priority, but never the focus of the church. The focus of any church should be Jesus. He is the reason why we call ourselves Christian after all.
Attending church has many advantages
Going to church is important responsibility for a Christian. Beyond gaining knowledge about God, attendance also has other advantages. We can learn about other believers and relate in a way which helps us move our focus from our desires to the needs of those around us.
When we learn about others, and allow them to learn more about us, we also learn more about God through his creation. No two people are created alike, and we are all a reflection of God. To get a better picture of who God is, we should then learn more about His creation.
We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. - 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (CSB)
Going to church helps us develop these deep relationships. These relationships create a true bond of friendship. We then become emboldened to help one another and share our possessions, life experiences, and wisdom with one another. Church attendance can build a strong community for you and your family.
You can find me almost every Sunday and Wednesday at Bar Cross Cowboy Church.
Check out this article by Spencer Coffman at Social Media Ministries for more information about why you should gather with other Christians.