Well, there are actually a lot of answers to this question. However, rather than go through every single one at youth group; we discussed five major reasons for attending church. Our main reasons for attending church are:
1. The Bible Says to (Hebrews 10:19-25) — We have discussed the absolute authority and accuracy of the Bible. Therefore, this is a pretty compelling argument for the Christian to spend time gathering together with other local believers.
2. The Message Carried by the Church is Literally the Hope of the World (Matthew 16:13-19) — In this passage Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. Jesus then says He will build His church on that truth. That Jesus is the Christ, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The Savior of the world. Jesus then says that the power of Hell will not be strong enough to stop what He will accomplish through His church. While Jesus is certainly talking about the “global church”, there is no doubt that local churches also carry this power. If we want to see lives changed, relationships restored, oppression defeated, and people reconciled to God; the church must do what it has been called to do. In order to do that, Christians must actually be a part of this powerful agent chosen by God; called the church.
3. Spiritual Gifts are for the Body; not individuals (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) — Every believer has received gifts directly from the Holy Spirit. Some have received multiple gifts; others, just one or two. Some will receive more gifts and some are receiving gifts as I type. What is important is not necessarily what the gift is (although I highly encourage you to look into what your spiritual gifts may be), but how you use it. The Bible is clear that spiritual gifts are not given so that you and I can feel good about ourselves. They are given so that we can contribute to the Kingdom of God and, more specifically, our local church. If every believer has gifts that we are commanded to use, yet we aren’t actively plugged into a church… we may have a problem.
4. We Need to be “Fed” (I Timothy 4:11-16) –Some of you may have read those verses and asked, “why is this the passage he chose?” I chose it for the last line. You see, Paul is challenging Timothy in the way he should pastor His church. After instructing him on a few things he writes this, “…Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” There are many different opinions on this verse. I think most of them are actually valid. It could be discussing a number of things at once. God was a pretty impressive author. But, it pertains to our 4th point because of its connection to spiritual growth. Salvation means “to be justified” (made right with God), “to be sanctified” (basically growing spiritually), and/or “to be glorified” (the final product of us in Heaven). What Paul seems to be saying to Timothy is this, “if you teach the way I have told you to, you and the people in your church will experience spiritual growth.” In essence, there is incredible value in sitting and being taught by someone who’s spiritual gift is teaching or preaching. When we listen and put into practice the things God reveals to us as we attend church services, we will experience a strengthening in our walk with God.
5. Because We Need Other Believers and They Need Us; The ‘One-Another’s’ (1 John 4:12, Heb. 3:13, Gal. 5:13, Rom. 15:14, Romans 12:10, Eph. 4:32, etc….) — We need to be in fellowship with other believers for our benefit and theirs. We are called to spur one another on, to love one another, to encourage one another, to hold another accountable, and so much more. We are called to do this life together as one body, with one purpose, one heart, and one Hope. You can be a Christian without fellowship, but you’ll be a pretty weak one.
Obviously, there are other reasons for attending church. I think it is important to note that church is not about you. Even though a number of the above reasons for attending have obvious benefits to you. Church is about being actively being a part of what God is doing in this world. It is a privilege that should be treated that way. Through Jesus we have not only been given forgiveness of our sins, but we have been brought into a family of people that, though we are diverse, has been called to one purpose. “Go and make disciples…” This purpose is achieved most effectively when God’s people are actively involved in God’s church; both locally and globally.
[...] Chad has a great post answering the question of why we should go to church. [...]