Why Go To Church?

 We have had some huge changes in our nation over the past few years. In 2020, many churches stopped meeting. Some continued, following guidelines. But now we are about three years later—and I heard recently that some churches in our nation have never even reopened. 
It has been said that half the churches we had in 2020 are no longer operating. And of those who still are open, many consist of about 100 people. Unfortunately, several pastors have quit the ministry over the past three years. And many folks have just stopped attending church.
Why the decline? 
I think there could be several reasons for folks not attending church. 
1. Some think church is irrelevant. It isn't meeting the needs of people. 
2. Some people are disillusioned. They want to meet God in their church, but this isn't happening. So they leave.
3. Some don't find their "tribe", that is, folks that they connect with. 
4. Some can't find a church where their children want to attend; where they grow and are nurtured.
5. Some think church is boring—same old, same old.
6. Some are offended by a church leader or church attendee, so they stop going.
7. They would rather watch their favorite church service online.

Now I would like to talk about why we should consider attending church. 
First, we are not meant to be alone. We can't live our Christian faith alone. We are meant to have fellowship with the body of Christ. So what about finding a local church? Is it necessary?
I am going to share my beliefs on this.
1. Maybe you haven't prayed and asked the Lord for the right fellowship. I had a dream a few years back. The Lord was telling me in a dream to leave my church! I was surprised. I asked my pastor to pray. Then later on God gave me another dream and I saw the face of another pastor. I again inquired of the Lord, and had others praying with me. The end result is that I did change churches. I left with my pastors blessing, since he saw that God was speaking to me. Now I have been going to this new church for about four years, and it is a grand fit! I love my church. If you haven't found the one you feel good in, you should pray and ask the Lord where you belong. There is a right place for everyone.
2. Having a pastor is a very good thing. Pastors care for the sheep. If you are not in a church, what will you do when you have a need for a marriage ceremony, or a funeral (God forbid)? Where will you go? This happened to someone about eight years ago. We needed to have a funeral but the person didn't have a church. So they came to my former church for the service. A pastor has watch over your soul. Without a pastoral covering, who is watching over your soul? If you are a woman, you have the covering of your husband (if you are married) and also the covering of your pastor. This is very  important. The pastor is not there to control you, but to be there for you. I am very grateful for our pastoral staff. 
3. There are many websites where you can watch services. So many are terrific! However, nothing can replace you being in a church meeting. Yes, we watched church services when we couldn't meet. But then after, we met together. God has said to meet together. We are stronger together. When we worship together, we bring His presence. We are encouraged and strengthened. 
4. Some want the new move of God, and they feel church is boring. That's where we need to trust God and pray! I'm sure we all want to see the power of God in our services. But it takes prayer and commitment. Staying away from church doesn't bring the power of God. But staying in a church and believing together for a move of God is powerful! 
5. About offense—we can be offended every day in life, not just at church. We can be offended by our spouse, our children, the traffic, the society, and yes, by our pastor or church. But offense is a trap! It will keep us in bondage if we engage with it. We are called to a walk of love. We are called to forgive and let God deal with the offense. 
6. It is important for children to go to a church that they enjoy. However, you as the parent need to be the head. Don't just go to a church for your children. You need to find a church where you can grow and serve, too. 
​7. I think the most important reason for being in a church (besides the fact that God commands it—He says to not forsake gathering together) is that we are in a time where soon there will be a great harvest of souls. Many people are going to be coming into the kingdom in this outpouring. Where will they go? Where will they be discipled? There will need to be more churches, because the churches we have now will not be able to contain all of the people that will be coming into the church! God needs the church!

Bottom line: The enemy would love for the church doors to shut (again). He knows that there is a powerful move of God coming! And he doesn't want that to happen. So he tricks and deceives people. He wants them offended. He wants them to grumble and complain, and stop going to church. But in this move, God will need everyone. From the youngest to the oldest. So the enemy is not going to have his way; God is going to have HIS way. We WILL see a mighty outpouring of God's Spirit in our churches and in our nation. We have prayed for this and He will answer. Besides, the world is very dark right now, and we need to be the light! So many need to be rescued. And the church will be so relevant for this. We are here for such a time as this!