Most people can probably name the obvious reasons to go to church every week. They might say that it strengthens their relationship with God, or that it allows them to learn more about the lessons taught in the Bible and how they can be applied to daily life. Some would even go as far as to say that they need to go to church in order to be saved and forgiven for their sins. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with believing that one needs to go to church, that can carry some unfortunate connotations. When we say that one needs church, that seems to imply that some people just go to church out of habit or in adherence to teachings that have been pounded into their heads practically since childhood. In other words, they don’t go because they want to, they go because God, Jesus, a pastor or their parents told them that they have to. Maybe there’s some truth to that, but going to church shouldn’t be a chore or a routine. People should want to go to church. After all, there are some great things about it aside from the fact that it’s supposed to make you into a “good Christian.”
One of the greatest things about going to church is the sense of community that often comes with it. A church congregation can be a close-knit community in itself, one in which people can be very close. A lot of personal and even business relationships begin when certain people spend their Sundays together in church. Since most people go to a church close to their homes, it can be a great place to get to know people in your neighborhood. If you find that you are attending a church farther away, then it just gives you a chance to expand your social circle and meet people you probably would never meet otherwise.
Another great part about going to church is that it can give you a chance to ponder some deep philosophical questions. Part of a church’s purpose is to educate its congregation, but even if you aren’t particularly religious there is still plenty to learn from a Sunday service. Maybe you’ll hear a sermon that tells a familiar Bible story in a whole different light, or maybe you’ll start to question or even change your philosophical beliefs. Maybe you’ll become interested in learning more about religion and be inspired to seek a theology or a Christian counseling degree. Practically anything can happen as long as you keep an open mind.
That is perhaps the greatest part about going to church if you have a particularly analytical mind. There are a lot of fascinating things that you can learn from reading the Bible or listening to a pastor’s teachings. A great sermon or a Bible study session could even inspire you to seek out higher education in religious studies.
Going to church should never be written off as a waste of time, and not just because a stern teacher told you so years ago. Consider it a learning experience and a chance to connect with a friendly community while you reconnect with God.
