I was having this steaming shower when this question popped into my head. My housemate told me churches are reopening. I was so excited that I had to go on the church’s IG page to see if I can book a seat. Inasmuch that this virtual church suits my laziness, I miss being among the gathering of my fellow siblings in the Lord.
One thought crossed my mind. It was like why bother going to this church that didn’t check up on you during this covid period even when it was intense. Why bother going back when no one could assist you when you had accommodation issues and a few of the church members knew about it. Yes they’re racist. You’re not one of them. Please and please that thought has to be from the pit of hell. And I thought really hard, I didn’t call even one person from the church to find out if they’re okay so I’m part of the problem. It’s not always other people’s fault. I remembered when the first lockdown started, my friends churches were giving groceries and financial support to their members. In my head I’m like only my church won’t do that. Probably they did but I’ll never know.
Yes the church is meant to be a second home and family not just to Christians but everyone. Can all our needs be met by going to church? Very possible. Can we be in church and still get ignored? Very true. Should we keep changing churches because of that? I don’t think so. Different people make up the church. Each of them have their own individual needs and most times we assume people don’t want to help us even though they look like they have the capacity to. Men will always be men. You can’t force people to do things for you. People leave churches because the members working cannot secure employment for them. Personally I don’t think this is a reason why you should stop going to a church. Growth is one thing. If you feel you’re not growing in a particular church and you see a place where your spirit resonates with, feel free to leave. But be sure to know your priorities so every month you don’t go to a new church.
If you want to be a giver, it should start from you. People run to several churches because of freebies, deliverance, seeing vision, looking for a wife or a husband, competition of who can sing more in the choir. Showing off the last est outfit and designers. Do these things really matter?
So why do I go to church?
. I’d rather go to a church where I feel God is speaking directly to me through the message or song ministration and my spirit is lifted.
. There’s always a new message from the same scripture.
. I feel this peace when I fellowship among brethren
. I love serving in the house of my Father (I used to be this hot usher back in Nigeria, classical chorister and I love cleaning the church)
. Church connects me to my shared belief with other Christians
. To share in the burden of other people. I know I can always help even if it’s just by talking to people.
I get it can get really discouraging when you go to church and there’s a lot of hypocrisy, judgemental people, social divide, selfishness, propaganda, gossip, etc and all the bad things you can really think of. They’ll always be that bad news. Try convincing yourself that whatever is happening is not God’s intent for the church. Be the change you want to see in the church. Make the suggestions to your pastors or spiritual leaders.
Distance is a factor why people don’t go to church. That shouldn’t stop you. Go to church today. Be it virtual or physical. Take that step.
Btw going to church doesn’t make someone automatically spiritual or a ticket to heaven. Personally I see it as a place to aid my spiritual growth.
BUILD YOUR CHURCH
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG
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