Recently I’ve been thinking about why so many people don’t go to church anymore. There can be many reasons for it: getting scheduled to work on a Sunday, moving to a new town and not connecting with any of the churches there, being hurt by someone at a church, or having a baby and not having the energy to go. I don’t know everyone’s reasons for not going but I’ve noticed several of my friends and acquaintances struggling to make it to church on Sunday. It seems to be a widely spread phenomenon. So, I just wanted to share a few reasons why I think going to church is important for believers and if you’ve been struggling to go to church, or have a friend that is struggling, maybe this can help in some small way.
1. It’s important because God’s Word says it is important.
In one of the early letters written to the Hebrew church, the author writes “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Jesus also says “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) He doesn’t tell us to follow Him by ourselves, but with other people. In fact He even says “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) People should be able to recognize us as followers of Jesus by how we love other believers. But that doesn’t work so well if you cut yourself off from gathering with fellow believers at church.
2. It’s important because the Church is a body that supports each member.
As Paul writes, “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5) We all need help. Even if life is going well for you now, eventually something will happen. It could be losing a job, a loved one, getting sick or depressed, or a number of other things. When you have a tight knit community around you, there are people to support you emotionally, financially, or in whatever way you need. And if it’s not you who needs help right now, it could be someone else in the church community who needs your help, encouragement, or expertise. But if you’re not there, the whole church loses out.
I’m sure there are many other reasons to go to church, many other passages in Scripture to support going but ultimately, each person has to make their own decision. I can’t force anyone to go to church. But in my own life, I can’t imagine trying to follow Jesus without the help, support, encouragement and guidance of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I really do feel like they are my family. They know me better than some of my relatives in my blood family. But feeling a part of the family means investing in relationships, it means going to church consistently and getting involved in groups outside of Sunday. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it is worth it in the end.
So if you’re still looking for that community, keep looking. If you have a church, keep going. And if you have friends that don’t come, keep inviting. Don’t give up.
NovelSisters 
I love your article but I believe you have touched aspects of why people don’t go to church the forward to why they should.As believers we all know we should go to church.It should be a habbit. Some of us have faced rejection from our churches.Sometimes you just dont fit.Yes I know you go there to serve the Lord not to make friends.But how can you be one with a community that rejects you?Churches nowadays hurt more than they heal.They are several segregation.We will try going and try searching.But God is Great,I was lucky to find a church I love after a 4 year very disturbing lonely time at my prior church.It took 4 years.
Sorry it took me so long to approve your comment. I haven’t been keeping up with my blog as well recently. But thank you for your response to my blog. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that you’ve found a church that you love now. And I’m sorry it took so long to find. Any church representing Christ should be welcoming and loving as He was, but some don’t do it very well and need to grow in that area. Well thanks again for your comment and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.