You’ve learnt how to read the Bible and know where to look up resources to help you understand God’s truths better.

You’ve learnt how to pray and know what it means to have a conversation with your Heavenly Father.

You’re growing deeper in your personal relationship with God as you spend time alone with Him every day.

Why then, you may wonder, is there a need to go to church?

We all know how precious weekends are, and setting aside time to attend church Sunday after Sunday may seem like a heavy commitment. 

But the reason Jesus gives His people the church is not to add to our list of chores and obligations. Rather, it is for our encouragement and good.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the apostle Paul urged his fellow believers: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Here are three reasons why putting down your roots in a church is worth it.

1. Fellowship and mutual encouragement

Being a Christian means being part of a larger community in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Now, you don’t just have a heavenly Father, but also a family of brothers and sisters who share the same love for God. 

As we listen to God’s Word being preached and worship Him in gladness together, we are reminded that we are not alone in our desire to follow God’s commandments. Neither are we alone in our continuing earthly struggles.

There is also solidarity and camaraderie to be found in this family. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.”

As we spend time week in and week out with each other and share authentically about our lives, sorrows are halved and joys doubled. There is also mutual encouragement when we remind each other of God’s truths and promises, and how they are applicable in our struggles or the daily grind.

As we spend time week in and week out with fellow believers and share authentically about our lives, sorrows are halved and joys doubled. Photo taken at the Celebration of Hope by Cordelia Yeo.

2. A platform for personal growth

Apart from being a place where we can worship God with fellow Christians, the church also serves as a perfect opportunity to practise bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2-3 says: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Make no mistake, relationships formed in church do not always exude positive feelings and warmth. This is for the simple reason that the body of Christ is made out of humans who will inevitably step on each other’s toes in one way or another.

But instead of seeing this as a reason to stay out of church, let us allow these not-so-pleasant circumstances to shape us to be more like Christ’s as we live out His commandments to be completely humble, gentle, patient and peace-loving.

By maintaining peace and unity in difficult relationships, the church also becomes a beacon of light in the world and reveals God’s glory.

3. An opportunity to serve one another

Romans 12:5 says: “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” 

As Christians, we belong to one community and have this opportunity to love and serve each other. The Holy Spirit has given each of us different spiritual gifts, from preaching and teaching to wisdom and healing, for the sole purpose of building up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), and we are to use them well.

Serving God’s people is also a privilege that He has given to us, where we can partner Him in doing His work, and in so doing, deepen our relationship with Him.

Choosing a church

Suppose you’re now convinced that committing to a church is important. But with more than 800 churches in Singapore, choosing one to settle down in may be a challenge.

Here are three tips by Christian website The Life on how to choose a church:

• Does this church believe in the essentials? Does it believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to God (1 John 4:15; John 14:6)? Do they believe that God forgives our sins and offers everlasting life (1 John 1:9; John 3:16)?
• Is this church informed by the Bible? Is the church service – from the readings and worship to the sermon and prayers – based on God’s Word?
• Are there opportunities for my family and me to serve God and His people? 

Read more about these tips here.

Your commitment to turn up at church every Sunday may mean more than you think.

Give it a shot, and see how God uses it to bless and transform you in your journey with Him.