Do Christians Need to Go to Church?

Sep 7

Do Christians need to go to church?

Is it required that I go to church to be a Christian? Or Is it a sin not to go to church? These are important questions that affect many people.

In 2023, it was estimated that 68% of Americans claimed to be Christians, but only 28% regularly attended religious services. That means that there are over 100 Million people who claim to be Christians but don’t go to church.

Most people who claim to be Christians don’t go to church.

While some may say, “We don’t go to church, we are the church,” let me clarify by saying that I’m using the word “church” here in the Biblical sense of the assembly, as in 1 Corinthians 11:18.

So, do we have to assemble with fellow Christians? Let’s see what the Bible has to say about it

“23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23–25 | NKJV)

Or as the ESV puts it, “25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:25 | ESV).

God expects his people to assemble together.

This isn’t talking about those who physically can’t attend due to illness, hospitalization, imprisonment, train derailment…you know what I mean.

He is talking about folks who decide not to attend the assemblies regularly.

This was already happening in the 1st century. Did you notice that He said, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” (Hebrews 10:25a | ESV).

This shouldn’t have been happening then and it shouldn’t be happening now.

Here are 5 reasons we should be assembling with the saints every time they meet:

#1 We should go to church to fulfill the commands of God

As we saw previously, we are not to forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25). In addition, we are also commanded to edify one another. We have a responsibility to build one another up:

“24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… “ (Heb 10:24–25 | NKJV).

Part of what we do when we assemble is stir up love and good works. Simply being there encourages others! Can we really say that we are edifying our brothers and sisters…

When we are absent most of the time?
When we attend so infrequently that we hardly know the other members?
When we are not present to notice that others have stopped attending?

#2 We should go to church because we are commanded to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

We all have various priorities in our lives, and we must simply put them in the right order.

To seek the Kingdom first, many Christians will not accept a job if it means missing services, and yet somehow they are still able to meet their needs.

Many Christians will not play sports or allow their kids to play sports if it conflicts with church.

It’s one thing to miss because of an unforeseen emergency, but should we miss church or Bible class just to make money or play a game?

Can we say that we are faithfully keeping God’s commands when we consistently miss most of the services of the church?

#3 We should go to church to help the church function properly

The church needs workers! It’s like a body, requiring each individual part to do its share (Ephesians 4:15-16). No one can say that they are not needed, nor that they do not need others (1 Corinthians 12:12-19).

To function properly, a congregation needs people to help both spiritually and physically:

It needs people to lead songs and prayers, read scripture, and preach.
It needs people to teach children and adult classes
It needs people to prepare communion and clean the building.
It needs people to visit the sick, help the needy, teach the lost, and strengthen the weak.

Congregations with an actively engaged membership have a much greater opportunity to do more for the Lord. To adapt JFK’s statement, “Ask not what your congregation can do for you, but what you can do for the congregation.” I’m sure you will find that Jesus’ saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” is true (Acts 20:35).

#4 We should go to church to be a good example to others

Paul told Titus to,

“7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (Titus 2:7–8 | ESV)

Everyone knows that Christians are supposed to go to church, and when we don’t, it can open us up to justified criticism. Jesus said,

“14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16 | ESV)

There are many ways we need to let our light shine, but our faithful church attendance is foundational. When we put God first in our lives, all other things fall into place and we shine as a bright light in a dark world.

When we come to church and Bible class regularly we set a good example for babes in Christ, the spiritually weak, visitors, and our children and grandchildren.

When we prioritize church over other things in our lives It can have a positive influence on our friends, relatives, neighbors, employers, and coaches. They may admire your conviction and devotion to the Lord, and may even begin to wonder what is so great about church.

We cannot escape being an influence on others. But the question is, will our influence be good or bad?

#5 We should go to church because it is good for us

Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that those who regularly attend worship services have less stress.

Psychology Today reported that studies have shown being part of a congregation results in better sleep.

World Journal of Clinical Cases at the National Library of Medicine reports that Canadian researchers found that people who attend church have a 22% lower risk of depression compared to non-attenders.

The Institute for Family Studies found that couples who regularly attend church are 47 percent less likely to divorce and to have more frequent and more satisfying intimacy.

So, do Christians have to go to church? I think the answer is, YES!

If you are in the Sandpoint, Idaho area and looking for a Bible-believing, loving family of Christians who strive their best to love one another and spread the Gospel, come check us out. We would love to meet you.