The other day a question came up “Why aren’t there more people in church? I started thinking about this… Really… why??? For all of us that believe, we know the benefits of attending church regularly, such as prayer, learning, fellowship, ministering to others, encouragement, just to name a few. This is a meeting place for man to worship God. 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 attending church services?
About 50 Years ago, you would find 75% or more of the people of this nation in church on Sunday mornings. Today this percentage is less than 40%. There’s been a big reduction in church attendance. Why is this? I want to take a closer look at a few of the reasons this might be happening.
First, understand if parents do not attend church their children don’t go. The child learns from the parents both good and bad habits.
Second, we live in a world of “what’s in it for me”. That is, the world looks at things from a very selfish point of view. That’s the opposite of what the bible teaches us.
Third, I would rather be doing other things. Resting, sleeping in, activities such as sports and hobbies just to mention a few. Church should be your excuse for not doing other things. Not the worldly things being the excuse for not going to church.
Fourth, we have probably heard, “You don’t have to attend church to go to heaven”. While this is true… Going to church by itself, will not 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. Hebrews 10:25 says “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We see that the scripture tells us to assemble ourselves together.
Fifth, Church attendance has fallen off due to Covid. Our churches were closed by this virus for an extended time. The church congregation has found it more convenient to stay home and watch TV or listen on the radio. The problem with this is, there is no fellowship with like Christians. That is, there is no encouragement or spiritual help from others.
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. Grandparents take your grandkids to church. 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.”
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. Have you witness to people in your family? We need to tell everyone about Christ and what’s in it for them! In Mark 16:15 we find the following “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Witnessing, especially to your family, is hard to do. But it is a lot harder to watch a family member who is not saved die. But it’s easy to invite family to church.
Third, this ties in with the second reason people don’t attend Church. They might think or say, I would rather be doing something I enjoy. This person doesn’t know the joy that God can bring to their life. They look at church as an inconvenience, you know like going to the Dentist. They feel uncomfortable in church. This person is a good person to invite to a special service or event. Like Christmas, Easter or Homecoming.
Fourth, you don’t need church to go to heaven. I hear this a lot. If you feel you don’t need to attend church, maybe it’s because you are uncomfortable because God is speaking to your heart. To fulfill the Lord’s command, we need to gather together. Being a Christian in this world is a hard journey. We need the help and support of fellow believers.
If you stay away from church because of Covid, you need to take a look at your heart and examine the real reasons why. When we socially distance ourselves from church and God, Satan wins that battle. In 1 Tim 4:1 tells us, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,” Is Covid keeping you from church? But on the other hand, you will still go shopping at Wal Mart or maybe to a sporting or a public event. My feeling is, I would rather get Covid at church than get it at a football game. Also, a lot of churches still hold service in their parking lot.
Please attend your church this week and every week. Trust God for your protection. We need to trust God with ALL things, but first you need to have a relationship with Him. So, how’s your relationship?
Maybe you never had a relationship with God, or maybe you have lost your fellowship with Him. There’s no better time than the present to get a relationship with God or to renew your relationship with Him. Please just take a moment right now and dedicate yourself to Christ Our Savior.
It’s easy and free. All you need to do is ask the Lord to come into your life. 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 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.”
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.
See you at Church!
God Bless!
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
