One of the books I’m reading (I usually have several books-in-progress simultaneously) is The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. It addresses just what it says: the “dechurching” of America and (by extension) our country’s increased secularization.
I’m part of an online Facebook group for pastors and church leaders — and this book has generated some discussion. Sadly, a few of the group participants have themselves “dechurched” and are defending their reasons for so doing. It calls to mind several people who I know personally that have left their church — and haven’t united with any other. They’ve rejected the church itself. And they are seemingly content with their choice.
It’s sad.
But it’s not the whole story.
In other cases, you have families who consider themselves members of a church but they rarely attend. It’s not that they are disgruntled per se. They just have other things to do — sports, travel, sleeping in.
In addition, there are many who prefer to just “do church online” even if they could attend in person. Note that I’m not criticizing people who need to participate online for health reasons or who are facing a disability of some kind or who may be a caregiver to someone who needs them). I’m talking about those who never come to church in person simply because they don’t want to. They would rather catch the online service at their convenience, while they multi-task doing other things.
There are some, of course, who say “I don’t go to church, but I’m a spiritual person.” Or something along those lines.
Or… “I’ve been hurt by church” or “There are too many hypocrites in church” or “The church has too many bad people in it” or on and on and on.
Society today generally encourages all these excuses and reasons for turning away from active church participation. Increasingly, in America, those who don’t go to church are in the majority. They are the “cool” ones. Those of us still clinging to in-person church attendance and participation as if it’s a good thing… we’re the odd ones. At least in the minds of more and more Americans.
However, the biblical call to gather together goes beyond individual convenience and speaks to a deeper, communal aspect of faith.
The directive given in Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) is clear and compelling: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
1. To Inspire Love and Good Works
The passage begins with a call to “consider one another.” This is a purposeful reflection on the needs, struggles, and joys of fellow believers — not just ourselves. The church is a community where we are inspired to act out of love and engage in good works. In a world where individualism often prevails, gathering as a church provides a space to focus outwardly on the welfare of others.
Churches often encourage healthier choices in their communities, such as avoiding or overcoming alcoholism, drugs, or smoking. Church communities also generally encourage one another toward more morally responsible behaviors like volunteerism and better choices regarding dating, sex, and relationships.
According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, children who grow up attending church are less likely to be involved in criminal activities and are more likely to develop pro-social behaviors like altruism and volunteering. The study suggests that the moral teachings and community support found in religious settings play a crucial role in shaping ethical behavior.
2. To Strengthen Each Other Through Fellowship
The exhortation to not forsake assembling together highlights the inherent value of physical presence. While technology allows for a level of connectivity, it cannot fully replicate the encouragement that comes from being physically present with others who share our faith. Being together in a shared space allows for spontaneous interactions, physical expressions of care like hugs or a supportive hand, and the irreplaceable sense of unity that comes from worshipping together.
The biblical principle of healthy fellowship strengthening people is backed up by science:
- A 2017 study by Vanderbilt University found that middle-aged (ages 40 to 65) adults who attend religious services reduce their risk of mortality by 55%. This was part of a broader study examining the effects of religiosity and spirituality on physical and mental health outcomes.
- Research published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry in 2013 found that individuals who valued their religious faith and regularly attended church services were significantly less likely to suffer from depression and had lower stress levels compared to those who were less religious.
- A 2004 study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine discovered that regular participation in church and other religious activities was linked to a stronger immune system, potentially due to the positive social interactions and support systems found within religious communities.
- A 2017 Health Psychology study showed that regular churchgoers often report higher levels of social support, which is linked to many positive health outcomes, including better mental health and reduced risk of disease.
3. To Exhort and Be Exhorted
The term “exhorting one another” implies a mutual exchange where believers are actively involved in encouraging each other. This encouragement can take many forms: sharing insights from Scripture, praying together, offering counsel during difficult times, and celebrating each other’s victories. Each interaction is an opportunity to build each other up in faith.
4. To Prepare for What is to Come
The reference to “as ye see the day approaching” suggests an anticipation of Christ’s return. Gathering together as a church keeps this hope alive in our collective consciousness. It is in church that we are reminded of the bigger picture, the eschatological promise of our faith. This communal anticipation fosters a spirit of perseverance and urgency in living out our faith authentically.
5. To Experience God in Unique Ways
While it’s true that God can be worshipped anywhere, there is a unique presence of God that manifests when believers gather in His name. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 (KJV), “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” There is a special grace and power in communal worship that cannot be experienced in solitude.
The Practical Implications of Gathering
Choosing to attend church is more than a routine; it’s a commitment to being part of the Body of Christ in a visible, tangible way. It’s about putting faith into action every week, not simply out of obligation but hopefully out of a desire to live fully in the blessings of the community God has provided for us.
One More Thing…
Let’s not forget that church was Jesus’ idea (Matthew 16:18). It’s His church (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25-27, I Corinthians 3:9-11, Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, and I Peter 5:1-4). What gives us the right to just dismiss something that Jesus conceived and that He ultimately shepherds?
Besides, the church remains the most foundational, practical instrument through which we carry out the Great Commission of evangelism and discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20).
Conclusion
Ask God to lead you to a church that:
- Loves and worships God
- Loves one another and their community
- Preaches and teaches the Bible
Then join that church — and be an active part of it!
It won’t be perfect. There will be mistakes, problems, issues that arise. That’s life — at least that’s life in this fallen world. And that’s why we need the Lord and it’s why we need to be an active part of His family.
Attending church is about more than fulfilling a religious duty. It’s about actively participating in a community that God ordained for our spiritual growth, mutual encouragement, and the corporate expression of our faith. As we gather together, we are reminded that we are not isolated believers but part of a family of faith, serving together our Heavenly Father as we lift up the Name of His Son in the power of the Holy Spirit!
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