I want you to read and consider the recent response of my eight-year-old related to church.
THE BACKSTORY
Recently as I talked with my eight-year-old, I invited him to go to church with me to do some work. I didn’t make a distinction between the building or being around our church family. His immediate question was, “Who is going to be there?” As we talked, I named who I thought might be there, but I honestly didn’t know. I was not sure who would show up for this particular meeting and who might bring their children.
He agreed based upon my assessment of who I thought might be there. He grabbed his skateboard and other paraphernalia to go have fun with other children.
Before we left though, I said, “Hey bub, I know you are excited to go; however, if I am wrong, I don’t want you to be disappointed.”
His response left me saddened.
“Dad, I’m used of being disappointed at who is not at church.”
I’M USED OF BEING DISAPPOINTED
As a father who is striving to raise his children to love and serve Jesus supremely and others sincerely, my heart melted when I heard his response to me. He did not intend for it to capture my thoughts for the rest of the day; however, it did. Not just that day, but now for days, it has reverberated in my mind and heart.
How sad that my son would say, “I’m used of being disappointed at who is not at church.”
In reality, so am I many times.
COVID-19 AND CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Since March of this year, church attendance basically has been absolutely crazy. In our church, we still have multiple families who have not had the privilege to join us again since the pandemic. There are a variety of reasons for the concerns over safety. We understand that. In fact, we do not want them to return until they are comfortable and can participate freely without worry and great concern. We long for the days when we can all be together again under one roof without worrying about this virus.
But that is not what I’m referring to in this brief article.
MISSING CHURCH FOR ALL KINDS OF REASONS
The sad reality is in the United States, fewer and fewer people prioritize church attendance. Pre-COVID, as a nation, only 23% of Americans go to church every week. Another 10% report they go about 50% of the time. Further 10% more reported they go once a month.
Forget America as a whole. Consider yourself. Take a few moments to answer these self-reflective questions:
- How often do you gather with your church family?
- What is a valid reason to not go to church services?
- How often do you make other activities and events a greater priority than attending your church services?
- What role does corporate worship functionally play in your life?
I know some are sick. Some must work on Sundays as part of a regular rotation. Others have very legitimate reasons as well – like COVID.
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH MISSING CHURCH?
There are two major problems with missing church. First, you miss the work of God in your life through corporate worship. Second, others miss what you can do for them. The benefits from church go two ways. You receive something. You provide something.
What do you receive? You have the opportunity to have the preached Word of God work in your heart. You hear new things, are reminded of former things you already know and have your attention focused on Christ. As everyone sings together you receive encouragement deep in your soul as you lift your voices as one to the glory of God. The fellowship and conversations with others provide you additional opportunities to grow, be encouraged, and gain insight. You join corporately with all those who also love Jesus and participate as a disciple of Christ.
What do you provide? Fellow Christian, you provide all kinds of things for others when you attend church regularly. People are encouraged. Your questions, concern, and compassion uplift others. Your smile, words, interaction, and kindness bolster others’ attitudes and outlook. As you talk with others, they benefit. As you serve in ministry, others benefit in many ways. Even your very presence helps fill the room and produces excitement.
I often get to hear people’s stories as I visit with them. Just this week I listened as someone explained how the simple smile and greeting of two different ladies last Sunday provided her with incredible strength to keep enduring in the midst of some deep struggles. She specifically said, “They have no idea how they helped me.”
If you are not at church, you miss out.
If you are not at church, others miss out.
BACK TO MY EIGHT YEAR OLD
I grieved when I heard him say, “I’m used of being disappointed at who is not at church.” Yes, COVID. Yes, many things. I think what made me grieve the most is that I know he now experiences what I experience often as an adult.
I close with three questions:
First, outside of COVID-19 concerns, what keeps you from attending and participating with your local church family?
Second, is your attendance and participation level keeping you from God’s best in your life?
Third, who is disappointed because of your lack of attendance and participation?
