From the Pulpit: ‘I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian’

Pastors hear many excuses about why people can’t attend church, ranging from the weather to health reasons. Some are legitimate, some not so much. Of all the excuses that pastors hear about attending worship services, the one that causes the most consternation is “I don’t have to go to church to be a good Christian. There isn’t a Bible verse that says I do.” 

Actually, there is a verse about the benefits of public worship. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The “Day” with a capital “D” is a reference to Judgement Day, a not so subtle reminder by the writer of Hebrews that God is coming back soon, at an unknown time, and Christians need to encourage one another until then. Just think of how well everyone sings and worships together at Christmas Eve and at Easter services, where churches have to put up overflow seating. Wouldn’t it be great if every week’s worship service was like that? 

Imagine what our excuses must sound like to God. To say you don’t need to worship or praise Him, and that you don’t need the gifts He wants to give you in worship would be like a man saying to his wife, “I don’t have to tell you I love you all the time. I told you I did when I married you 25 years ago, and that should be good enough.” Jesus carried our sins to the cross, and compares that to a marriage so we can understand His sacrifice. Eph. 5:25 says, “Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Doesn’t that sacrifice on His part deserve public thanks and praise? 

Or try telling your family when you are invited to a reunion, “I’ll come and eat the meal, but don’t expect me to talk with anyone. They’re all a bunch of phonies anyway.” That wouldn’t fly with most families, so why should it with God? Would you believe someone who said, “I’m a big sports fan, but I never attend games or listen to them on TV or the radio,”? Why should God believe you when you make excuses? 

Besides, God wants to give you gifts in worship, like forgiveness and a greater knowledge of your Savior. When is the last time you refused a free gift? Saying you don’t have to worship with other Christians and hear God’s Word is like saying, “Do I have to eat every day? It’s such a chore!” God wants to feed you, and strengthen you against the assaults and temptations of the devil. That’s why Col. 3:16 says, “Let the Word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom singing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Forget the excuses, receive the gifts, and see you in church!