1. It demonstrates obedience to God.

Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another. (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV)

2. It encourages others to attend.

As a pastor and wife, my husband and I have noticed some committed members attend every service. When attendance drops at our evening service or prayer meeting, semi-regular attenders quit coming. But when several semi-regular attenders begin coming again, others come too. Church attendance is contagious. So is absence from services.

3. Participating in Christian disciplines like church attendance gives my Christian life stability.

Sometimes you might be tempted to quit attending church as much because you feel like “you’re not getting anything out of it.” But the steady discipline probably helps you more than you know. What happens to a serious athlete who suddenly decides to quit practicing a sport because he doesn’t feel like it? The same thing happens to Christians who give up church. Of course a positive attitude and right relationship to God help too.

4. Enthusiastic participation in church services helps me grow in Christ.

The presentation of God’s Word, Christ-honoring music, and fellowship with other Christians encourages me and helps me to encourage others.

5. Regular church attendance shows my family, friends, and neighbors that I value time with God above other pursuits.

If I say God is important to me but give up church so sleep in, for recreation, or other pursuits, it will be hard to convince others that God matters much to me.

6. Taking my children to church allows church leaders to reinforce the values I teach my kids.

Raising kids in a society that doesn’t value Christian principles is tough. It’s hard to expect my kids to go against the flow. The support of Bible teachers who love the Lord is a great gift.

7. Church gives my family an opportunity to make friends with people who have common values.

Peer pressure is so strong today. We all need friends who help us live for God. What better place to find them than a good church?

8. When I attend church regularly I find opportunities to serve God through my church.

Serving God is a great privilege. A good church offers many ministry opportunities that allow me to serve God while developing my God-given gifts and abilities.

9. The church service provides a way for me to publicly worship God.

Worship may help my spiritual life, but it’s not primarily about me and what I get out of it. Worship is about God and pleasing him. Church gives me many ways to do this.

10. Church gives me a place to invite unsaved or hurting friends to hear a message that can help them.

I can witness personally to friends, but church gives them an opportunity to hear  God’s Word presented in a clear and systematic way. They can experience the love and friendship of other Christians. Others may be able to say things that I can’t say. Church should be a friendly introduction to Christianity.

Maybe you want to attend church every Sunday, but getting to church every Sunday morning seems like a battle. Next week: 5 Ways to Win the Sunday Morning Church Attendance War.

[image courtesy of Basheera Hassanali/Deposit Photos]