Why go to church?

Why do people go to church? Why do people not go to church? Why do you come to church? Why do you not come to church?

I have heard a lot of ideas surrounding those questions over my years in ministry.

On the “not go” side, I have heard:

• the preaching is irrelevant;
  
• the sermons are too long or too short; 
  
• the church is too liberal/ progressive/ fundamentalist/ conservative;
  
• the music is not lively enough;
  
• the people there are unfriendly, self-righteous and judgmental;
• there is too much or not enough contemporary music and technology;
  
• I feel unworthy; 
  
• no one has ever asked me;
  
• the church does/does not believe science/evolution;
• I am too tired on Sunday mornings or have other commitments (sports, sleeping, work, family needs)

• who I am is not accepted;
  
• my spirit is not fed;
  
• the church has hurt me;
  
• all they talk about is money;
• I do not like being shamed;
  
• they ordain/do not ordain women; and
  
• the church is too much about the wrong kind of prosperity.

On the “go” side I have heard:

• the people are friendly;
  
• I have friends there;
  
• I grew up in the church;
  
• the church helps people;
  
• I have been helped there and want to help other people;
  
• youth are important; people of all ages are important; my faith has grown;
  
• my doubts are accepted;
  
• I am accepted;
  
• the church cares about our community;
  
• the church helps me grow in faith;
  
• my spirit is fed;
  
• important family events took place there;
  
• I want my children to learn about Jesus and God;
  
• I am not the only one asking “God” questions;
  
• I want to understand the Bible more;
  
• I like the preaching;
  
• I like the Bible study;
  
• I feel at home there;
  
• the church has helped me figure out my calling; and
• we pray together. . . .

As you read through them, what ideas did you add to those above? What ideas would you add to them now? With what ideas do you agree? With what ideas do you disagree? Did you shout “Amen!” when you read any of them? Did you recognize any of them based on your experiences here at FUBC and in other churches?

If you never have joined FUBC for an activity, if you have been away from church
​for a while, if you have been fence-sitting for a time, or if you are an active part of FUBC, I invite you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m., and to explore life together here. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Pastor Jim Sinclair