The Bible clearly teaches us the importance of church attendance. There are many principles given to us in scripture that shows us the need to gather together with other believers for worship. There are several reasons as to why we should go to church; however, there are two reasons that I would like to focus on. Before we look at those reasons, I would like to remind ourselves of the purpose of the church. Contrary to what some may think, the church is not for unbelievers. Allow me to explain. The local church is a group of baptized believers in Christ who have banded together for the purpose of fulfilling the Great Command and the Great Commission. The Great Command is the one that Jesus gave to Love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds. And to love our neighbors as our selves. In other words, the church is to have a heart for God and a heart for people. Notice how it begins with a love for God. A love for God is cultivated by united worship, prayer, and discipleship. The church cannot reach unbelievers unless they are engaged in worship, prayer, and discipleship. This is the primary purpose of the church. We gather together on Sunday’s as believers (not as unbelievers) in order to worship God, pray, and be discipled. The scriptures tell us that God has given us pastors and teachers in order to equip us for ministry. Therefore, the church is a training ground for ministry. It is a school of Biblical training. As believers are trained, then they can fulfill the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. So, before we look at why we should go to church, we must first establish the fact that the church is for believers in Christ. It is with that basis that I share with you two reasons why we (believers) should go to church:

1. We need the church 

As Christians, we cannot survive in this life on our own. We need the church. It is at church where we find love, encouragement, training for ministry, fellowship, etc. As believers, we are a part of the family of God. As a family, we need each other. There are no ‘lone rangers’ in the body of Christ. The more we are together, the better. Personally, I am a big advocate for the Sunday evening and Wednesday evening service. I believe that going to church only on Sunday mornings is just not enough. The early church actually worshiped together on a daily basis. The Bible also tells us that the closer we get to the return of Christ, the more we should gather together. Life is hard. Being a Christian in this world is not easy. If we are blessed to live in an area where we are free to gather with other believers in a safe environment to cultivate our walk with God, we should take advantage of every opportunity to be in church. We complain when we are encouraged and challenged to come to church more than just on Sunday mornings. However, did we ever stop to think how blessed we are? Christians in other countries will walk miles and miles just to go to church. Some go to church with the fear of going to jail or being killed. Yet, here we are. Living in a free nation. We have the freedom to go to church and be with other believers in Christ. Why would we not take advantage of such an opportunity? Why would we not be in church every time the doors are open? We need the church. We cannot live the Christian life without it.

2. The church needs us 

The Bible teaches us that every believer is given a spiritual gift to be used in the work of the ministry and the building up of the body of Christ. Paul tells us in Corinthians that when one member is slack, then all the members suffer. If you are not at church, using you spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry, the entire church suffers. At church, there is a place for everyone. There is something for everyone to do. The church will never meet its potential unless everyone is actively involved. YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU! When you are not there, something is missing. There is a void, because one of our family members is not present. Its just like a family gathering for the holidays. When there is someone missing for whatever reason, there is a void, an emptiness. When you are not at church, you leave an empty void. The church is not complete without every family member possible being there. The church, without you, is incomplete. Don’t leave your church hanging. Don’t leave your church empty handed. Be there. Be involved. God will bless you and the church for it.