The other day a question came up, “Why aren’t there more people in church? I started thinking about this… Really… Why aren’t more people in church??? For all of us that believe, we know the benefits of attending church regularly, such as the benefits of prayer, learning, fellowship, ministering to others, encouragement, just to name a few of them. This is a meeting place for God and Man. In Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” But still, that doesn’t answer the question, “Why aren’t there more people in church?
Why has Church attendance incline in the last few years? About 50 Years ago or so, you would find about 80% of the people of this nation in church on Sunday mornings. Today, this percentage is now about 30% attends every week and another 11% that attend least once a month. That’s about an 50% reduction in church attendance. These stats today show that 33% never attend church and there’s another 26% go to church rarely. (those you see on Christmas or Easter). That’s almost 60% of the U.S. population doesn’t attend a church. We are talking about All Faiths and denomination, not just Christian Churches.
There’s been a big reduction in church attendance. Why is this? Let’s look at a few reasons this might be happening.
First, if we as parents do not attend church our children then do not attend. We as parents must set the example. We must never forget our child learns from the us… imitates actions, both good and bad habits. God holds us accountable for the way we raise our children.
Second, we live in a world of what’s in it for me. The world looks at things in a very selfish point of view. This is the opposite of what the bible and church teach.
Third, I would rather be doing other things. Resting, sleeping in, activities such as sports and hobbies just to mention a few. Still a selfish point of view.
Fourth, you don’t have to attend church to go to heaven. This is true. Church alone cannot get you into Heaven. Salvation comes by the Grace of God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But to walk with God we need to follow His commands. In Hebrews 10:25 says “Not 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.” We see that the scripture tells us to gather together or go to church.
Fifth, Covid. This is one of the greatest attacks on the church ever seen. We need to realize that Satan used our government to close our churches. The attend since covid in most churches has decrease significantly. Satan has convinced many church going Christians there is need to go to church. What a deception… Satan has convinced us it is the same to watch church on TV, radio or the internet.
Think about this… You can watch a cooking show on TV, but you can’t experience the bread. Yes, you can see the bread, but you cannot touch, smell, or taste the bread no matter how hard you try. The same way with church, you can watch it on TV, but you can’t experience it like you do in church. In reality, you substitute TV church for the real thing is nothing more than a selfish act.
There are many more reasons why the church attendance has fallen. So now the real question is how do we reverse this trend? Speaking on the points above.
First, If you are a parent, go to church and take your children. In Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Remember God holds you accountable for teaching your child about Him.
Second, I was shocked the other day when one of my family members ask me what the three crosses mean on the side of the road. This young person did not know about Christ dying on the cross. We need to tell everyone about the Gospel. In Mark 16:15 we find this “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Easier said than done. I know that we are not all preacher, but how easy is it to invite someone to church to hear the gospel.
Third, this ties in with the second point. I would rather be doing something I enjoy. This person doesn’t know the joy God can bring to their life. They look at church as an inconvenience, you know like going to the Dentist. This person is a good person to invite to a special service or event. Like Christmas, Easter or Homecoming. The most important thing is always to keep that invitation on the table and pray hard about it.
Fourth, have you ever heard this “you don’t need to go to church to go to heaven.” I have. To fulfill the Lord’s command, we need to gather together. Going to church will deepen our relationship with God. After all, being a Christian in this world is a hard journey. We need a great relationship with the Lord, and the help and support of fellow believers.
In closing – We will all stand in front of our Lord on judgement day. God will separate the believers from the non-believers. One to Heaven and the other to a eternity in Hell. In Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!“
My question to you is this. Are you ready for the day you stand before our Lord? None of us are promised another day. So please don’t put this off! There is no better time than the present to start or maybe renew your relationship with God. Take a moment now and dedicate yourself to Christ Our Savior.
Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry for your sins and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Please go to church… Remember 1 peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Please don’t let Satan win!
Finally, I would like to ask you to do one thing this week. Would you asked someone to attend church this week? If they do not commit, put them on your prayer list.
I pray that God will truly Help and Bless you. Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
