Why Go to Church?

November, 2002

by: Jeff Jones

I run into people quite a bit who think that “going to church” is optional for believers. I have even heard that some allow their children to play sports on Sunday instead of coming to church. Is this right? Is church optional? Before I say anything else, it first must be noted that the expression “going to church” is a bad expression. Nowhere does the Bible consider the church to be a place you go, rather, the church is a body of believers (1 Cor 12:12; Eph 1:22-23; 4:4).

The church is not a literal building, the church is people. It would be much better to say, “I am going to be with the church” or, “1101 South Main Street is the place where the church meets.” Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's answer our question: Is it required of believers to gather with one another? Or in the modern vernacular, should we go to church? Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some.” 1 Corinthians 11:20 teaches that Christians are to meet together for the Lord's supper. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that pastor/teachers have been given to the church to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

The Lord gave us a specific command to come together, the Lord tells us why we come together, for teaching and celebrating the Lord's death, and on top of this we have countless commands in the Scripture to love one another (Rom 12:9), forgive one another (Col 3:13), encourage one another (Heb 10:25), bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:1-2), etc., etc., etc. How can these simple commands be done if you are not routinely gathering with the church?

Just one more thing. God has given every believer a spiritual gift which is to be employed by serving in the church (1 Pet 4:10). How can you use your spiritual gift apart from faithful attendance in the local church? Answer: You can't. And when you fail to use your spiritual gift you also fail to give glory to Jesus (1 Pet 4:11).

Are you convinced? Meeting with the church is not optional. Receiving instruction from pastors is not optional. “One–anothering” is not optional. Using your spiritual gift(s) is not optional. Forsaking the gathering of ourselves together is a sin. Do not take missing the church service lightly. And please, do not send your children to play sports on Sunday instead of “coming to church.” Or do you wish to tell your children that worldly activities are more important than the Lord's command?