A common question that’s asked, typically to justify not going to church, is ‘do you really need to go to church?’ When people hear that I’m an ordained pastor related statements get said like (feeling unnecessary guilt person): “I used to go to church all the time… my parents still go… I try to go when I can.” This moment of squirming is always amusing to me… you know, because I’m a terrible person, but the question remains: Do you need to go to church? Truth be told, I haven’t really gone to church since last February after a season of visiting about 40 churches. This is not something you’d expect to hear from someone in my position (reader) “You said you’re an ordained pastor; isn’t that like not going to work?” Part of the problem is I can’t go back to a church I used to work for because that’s like breaking up with someone and trying to be friends after. It’s hard on both sides, and lines get blurred. Ultimately, this season of my life has been too busy to be part of a church, and the other day I had a realization: I miss going to church. This is something I never thought I’d say. I remember some Sundays dreaming of the day I wouldn’t have to get up early and go (it’s like any job where some days you just don’t want to go). And now, having been away from church for awhile I actually miss it. Thus, to answer the original question, ‘do you need to go to church?’ the truth is absolutely not. I’ve been doing devotions, singing worship songs in the car, and praying regularly, so my faith and relationship with God doesn’t seem affected, but what I will say is:
Life is better when you’re connected to a church.
To be more specific, here’s a list of some of the benefits of belonging to a church community:
- A place to make friends: as you get older it can be hard to meet people with whom you can develop friendships, and church is a wonderful place to meet good people.
- A set weekly social time: it can be hard to see friends unless you have a set place and time.
- Parent care: as your parents get older it’s reassuring to know they have friends and support outside of you
- A time to learn: it helps if the preaching is good.
- A time to relax: sitting in church can be incredibly relaxing, especially if you sit back and listen to everyone else singing; the trick is to not get caught up in appearances and guilt… which can be hard for many people in church
- Something different to talk about at work: sports can only go so far
- A place for your family to have different programming that’s free to cheap: most churches have free children’s programs – bonus – and different classes you can do
- Helps you not be so self focused because you’re connecting with others
- A support system
- Gives people something to do: especially teens who can get in trouble and retirees who need something to get out of the house
The problem I’ve run into is during this period of my life where I’m working 15+ hour days – this is a temporary time because it’s not healthy – is I don’t have the energy or time for church Sunday morning. That being said the most important lesson I’ve learned at this time is:
If you’re too busy to go to church, you’re life is too busy.
Not being able to go to church on the weekend, be it Friday or Saturday night or various times Sunday, you need to make some life changes. In the 10 Commandments we’re told to have a day of rest, a day that changes our daily routine because we physically, emotionally, and mentally need this. Today this should include a rest from your computer and phone, and if you sit all week at work you should do some exercising to get a “rest” from sitting around.
Tip: If you’re looking for a church consider: How far do you want to be from it? How conservative do you want? How long a service? What time on the weekend? How big do you want it to be? Do any of your friends go to one they really like?
This week may you start to consider the benefits of going to church in order to appreciate the one you go to or to consider trying one.
Rev Chad David, www.ChadDavid.ca, learning to love dumb people