6 Reasons to Attend Church
Attending church is not just a duty or a good idea or “because I have to” but should be a “want to” and a joy. This is one day a week that we can go and hear the Word of Christ preached and at the same time gather together with the saints. Isn’t it wonderful to gather together with likeminded people after being out there in the world for the week behind us and what a wonderful way to start off the new week with good expository preaching, fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. And starting off the week being encouraged, encouraging and uplifting others. As I write this, a memory comes to mind – walking out of church some time back my husband heard two ladies in front of him saying “oh well, we have done our duty for the week.” Wow, so they were there because it was their duty and not because they were hungry for the Word and fellowship. There are many that are in the same boat – it is my duty to go. Attending Church should be a “want to” as a believer. I know that at times we wake up and church is actually the last thing that we want at that moment. But as we attend in obedience to Scriptures, we find, at times, that we are more blessed that on the days we look forward to being in church. In Heb 10:25 we are told not to neglect the gathering together of the saints.
Heb 10:25 is just one Scripture and I am sure you have heard it so many times and perhaps wonder if there are any other Scriptures on meeting together with the saints. Let’s look at reasons for attending church:.
Reasons for Attending Church
1. God Commands It
- “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
In order to grow and get equipped it is essential to have personal contact with other Christians.
What does “Not neglecting” actually mean theologically?
Theologically, enkataleipontes in Hebrews 10:251 doesn’t just mean being absent from a service here and there—it means a willful neglect or abandonment of your church body.
Hebrews 10:24 teaches us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Relationships with other believers are one way God encourages us to hold fast to the faith we profess.(Heb 10:23) The Great Commission was given to the church—to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18–20)—because Christian growth requires fellowship, accountability, and shared life together.
Matthew Henry says the following in respect of Heb 10:24-25 “Believers are to consider how they can be of service to each other, especially stirring up each other to the more vigorous and abundant exercise of love, and the practice of good works. The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means of stedfastness and perseverance. We should observe the coming of times of trial, and be thereby quickened to greater diligence. There is a trying day coming on all men, the day of our death.”2
If you’d like to dig deeper into Hebrews 10:24–25 and the importance of church fellowship, here are some trusted resources to explore: See Further Resources below.
Remember the blessing of being part of a faithful church body – community strengthens faith, keeps us accountable and helps us grow in love.
2. As Believers, We Belong to the Body of Christ
- “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
When we are born again, we are united to Christ and His people. Just as a car cannot run smoothly with parts missing, and a body cannot operate 100% with members missing, so the church also suffers when members are missing. You are a gift to the body. You may not see it, but others do.
3. Christ Nourishes His People Through the Means of Grace
- The preaching of the Word (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 2:42)
- The sacraments (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
- Prayer and fellowship (Acts 2:42)
Christ has provided these within the church to equip you – strengthen your faith and grow believers in holiness.
4. We Are Called to Serve One Another
- “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
- “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).
The Christian life is not an individual journey. We gather together to love, serve, encourage, and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). How wonderful it is to know that when you are in a crisis, you have people praying for you and vice versa. We need one another. When you are not planted in a church, there is no one to call out to for prayer and assistance, but as a member of a body you have that support.
5. Because the Church is the Witness of Christ in the World
- “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
When the church stands together in faith and love, worshiping Christ and proclaiming His Word, we display the power of the Gospel to a watching world (Philippians 1:27). Preaching the Gospel is not always done with words.
6. Isolation/Separation Makes Us Vulnerable
- “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Sheep who stray from the flock are most at risk. The church provides protection, accountability, and encouragement as we walk the narrow road together.
Conclusion
Church isn’t just a place we go to—it’s a community we belong to. Each week, Christ invites us to gather, not to impress or perform, but to simply be nourished. Through His Word, His sacraments, and the fellowship of believers, God meets us in the ordinary and fills us with grace.
We come because we need Him.
We stay because He is faithful.
And we return, again and again, because here—among His people—He is building us up in love.
Matthew Henry “The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a means of steadfastness and perseverance.”