Why Go To Church? Understanding The Purpose And Value

Church attendance has been declining for decades, leaving many to wonder if church is still relevant or necessary in the 21st century. However, church plays a vital role for many individuals seeking spiritual growth, community, and purpose.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Attending church connects people to a faith community for spiritual nourishment, guidance, and growth through worship, teaching, and fellowship with others.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the theological, social, and personal reasons that church remains an essential part of the Christian experience for many people even today.

The Theological Basis for Church Attendance

Church as the Body of Christ

Attending church allows Christians to participate in the Body of Christ, the community of believers. As Scripture says, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

When Christians gather together in worship, fellowship, and service, they strengthen the whole Body and build up one another in love (Ephesians 4:16). Participating in a local church allows believers to use their spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

It also provides opportunities for discipleship, teaching, and living out the “one anothers” of Scripture in community, such as bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Participating in the Sacraments

Attending church gives Christians the chance to participate in the sacraments or ordinances of baptism and Communion on a regular basis. Baptism marks believers as members of the New Covenant and the Body of Christ (Romans 6:3-4).

The Lord’s Supper remembers Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf and our reconciliation with God (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). By taking Communion together, the church renews its covenant relationship with Christ and proclaims His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).

These sacred rituals have deep spiritual meaning for the individual believer, but also strengthen the corporate body as the church observes them in community.

Hearing Biblical Teaching and Preaching

One of the primary purposes of gathering together is to hear the Word of God proclaimed through biblical teaching and preaching (2 Timothy 4:2). Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).

Faithful preaching helps believers grow in Christian maturity by instructing, rebuking, correcting, and training them in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It also convicts them of sin and points them to the grace of Jesus Christ.

As believers hear the Word preached, the Holy Spirit uses it to strengthen their faith and transform their lives into greater Christlikeness. This is vital for individual growth and for the upbuilding of the church.

The Social Value of Being Part of a Church

Developing Meaningful Christian Relationships

Attending church provides wonderful opportunities to develop meaningful friendships with other Christians (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Whether through Bible studies, serving together, attending worship services, or informal gatherings, church offers a welcoming community where relationships can thrive.

In fact, research shows that people who actively participate in a religious congregation tend to be happier and live longer lives (1). The social support system provided by a church family is invaluable.

Raising Children in the Faith

Churches provide vital resources and community for raising children in a Biblical worldview (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Sunday school classes, youth groups, Vacation Bible Schools, and church camps all aim to teach and inspire young hearts.

Studies show that children raised in actively religious families have better relationships with their parents, exhibit less risky behavior in adolescence, and tend to be more civically engaged (2). With peers and mentors reinforcing values, church provides a protective cocoon for nurturing little ones.

What an amazing gift for their futures!

Opportunities to Serve Others

As part of the body of Christ, churches enable us to live out Jesus’ command to serve (Mark 10:43-45). Feeding programs, prison ministries, elderly visitation, hosting AA groups, ESL classes, medical clinics, mentoring youth, building houses…the hands-on work is endless.

Volunteering gives our lives deep meaning while meeting tangible needs. Research shows that people who volunteer tend to have greater longevity, a sense of purpose and self-esteem, and lower rates of depression (3). Blessing others clearly blesses us too! 😊

Personal Spiritual Benefits of Church Involvement

Spiritual Formation Through Worship

Attending church services provides opportunities for spiritual growth and formation through corporate worship. Singing hymns, praying together, and listening to biblically-based sermons can positively impact our relationship with God (Philippians 3:10).

As we fix our eyes on Jesus through worship, we are transformed and spiritually renewed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, adults who regularly attend religious services are more likely to describe themselves as very spiritual (68%) than those who attend less often (50%). This correlation highlights the value of corporate worship for spiritual enrichment.

Finding Hope and Guidance Through Difficult Seasons

Being part of a church community also provides much-needed support during seasons of hardship and trial. In times of grief, illness, relationship struggles or other challenges, believers can turn to their church family for prayer, counsel, and encouragement (Galatians 6:2; James 5:16).

Knowing that fellow church members are interceding on your behalf and standing with you through life’s ups and downs gives strength and hope. The body of Christ is designed to bear one another’s burdens (Romans 15:1-2).

In a 2021 Barna survey, 37% of practicing Christians said their church played an important role in helping them get through difficulties. Having a spiritual support system is key.

Using Spiritual Gifts to Grow

The local church also provides opportunities for using our spiritual gifts to build up fellow believers. As each member contributes their unique talents and abilities for the edification of others, the whole body grows and matures (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Whether it’s teaching, encouragement, generosity, leadership, or any other gift, putting our gifts into practice is beneficial both for ourselves and for others in the church family (1 Peter 4:10). Exercising our gifts builds our faith and deepens our relationship with Christ and our love for others.

According to a 2022 Lifeway Research study, 67% of Protestant churchgoers feel the most engaged at church when using their gifts or volunteering in ways that match their talents and passions.

Conclusion

While church attendance has decreased over time, worshiping together remains relevant and impactful. The church provides theological grounding, Christian community, and personal spiritual nourishment. Through corporate worship, fellowship, service, and biblical teaching, attendees can connect with God and others for spiritual growth and guidance.

Church involvement fills a human need for meaning and purpose beyond what secular substitutes can provide.