The Bible declares this about church attendance: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24, 25 NIV).
“Church attendance is not just a “good suggestion”; it is God’s will for believers. Hebrews 10:25 says we should “not [be] 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.” Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not meeting with other believers. The author of Hebrews says that’s not the way to go. We need the encouragement that church attendance affords. And the approach of the end times should prompt us to be even more devoted to going to church” (gotquestions.org/church-
Church attendance is a good thing. Because it is absolutely a good thing for Christians to do. And the Bible says it is what Christians should do.
The huge benefits of going to church far outweigh the benefits of not going. This has been proven by several research statics on the subject.
First of all, we must keep in mind that “church” in the Bible refers to the people, and not a building. Of necessity, however, the people must gather in a building of some kind, that is, a physical “meeting place,” sometimes referred to as the “house of worship.” It is here where Christians use church gatherings for the worship of God. And for prayer, communion, teaching of God’s word, and other spiritual activities.
Sunday — sometimes called the “Lord’s Day” — is the day when most people choose to attend church services and for several good reasons, such as, it is not a working day for many. Also, other days of the week are not as convenient as Sundays.
Church attendance is a God-honoring and God-glorifying experience. It provides for spiritual growth, encouragement and inspiration in learning more about God; His Word, His will, His holiness, His righteousness, and His various attributes.
The church offers a deeper sense of endeavor and purpose in emotional and practical support, especially during difficult times. It also offers a dedicated time for spiritual renewal and reflection. It provides a needed break from busy schedules. It serves as a means of connecting with other Christians and encouraging each other in Godly living.
The early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). And the Lord Jesus said this about church attendance: “For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20 NIV). This statement is applicable to all meetings of believers where Jesus Christ is the Center.
“To meet “in His name” means by His authority, in acknowledgment of all that He is, and in obedience to His Word. No group can claim to be the only ones who meet in His name. If that were so, His presence would be limited to a small segment of His body on earth. Wherever two or three are gathered in recognition of Him as Lord and Savior, he is there in the midst” (Believer’s Bible Commentary pg. 1274).
Corporate worship is absolutely necessary and important because it is where Pastors and Bible teachers guide and instruct worshippers how and why to live the Christian life that is acceptable and pleasing to God.
The holy Scriptures can successfully change peoples’ lives for the better. But there are certain conditions for this to take place.
First of all, the Bible says to Christians: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). This means it is not enough to read and receive the Scriptures only for head knowledge. There must be a heartfelt desire to hear and listen to what God is saying, and a willingness to do whatever He says.
The quoted text continues: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23 NIV).
This means that anyone who doesn’t change his lifestyle in agreement and conformity to what the Scripture teaches, is likened to the person who casually looks at himself in the mirror and then completely forgets what he saw. This type of approach and response to God’s word will definitely hinder spiritual growth.
This is why there is a definite need for pastors and Biblical instructors to teach the truth of the Scriptures when church congregations are gathered for corporate worship.