When was the last time you went to church? This is a common question that can stir up many guilty feelings inside of any of us.
It can certainly cause us to become defensive: “Hey man, don’t question my Christianhood.”
It’s not right for any of us to judge each other based on the number of times we attend a church service. Only God can judge. But is it not a key aspect to our religion that we participate in church services on a weekly basis?
God loves us despite the things we do, but it’s certainly pleasing in His sight when we remember Him and show up to His party.
Some denominations require church attendance and preach about the punishments awaiting those who do not practice such.
The fourth commandment reads, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Our interpretation of scripture stems off of this commandment: that on the seventh day God rested and His commandment is for us to do the same.
It is out of respect and honor to God that we are called to attend church. No one forces us to go and God will certainly forgive us no matter how many times we miss out. But just like in any relationship, what kind of commitment are you sending by never showing up?
It’s a pity that finding the right church is oftentimes another stumbling block for getting out of bed on a Sunday morning. Our own spiritual nourishment had ought to be considered a side benefit to the experience of worshiping God. No church is perfect. They are all made up of humans.
In this day and age, church has become as convenient as possible. If you can’t make the sunrise service-geared mainly towards the elderly people that are the only ones regularly there-and you can’t make yourself look awake by the 10:30 a.m. service, there are always the evening and night services. Churches are trying to make themselves as accesible as possible. But maybe that’s part of the problem.
Church is about putting aside time for God, not putting God in a more convenient time.
Dr. Chris Hall teaches in his foundations of Christian spirituality class that sleep is a spiritual discipline. As much as we agree with Dr. Hall, you can’t use sleep as an excuse for missing church.
Not having anyone else to go with is not a good reason. It does stink getting the pity look from people when you go somewhere alone, but like all other reasons why not to go, remember that you are there for God.
Lastly, if you don’t have a church that you can call your own or even if you do, try going to as many different churches as you can. You will gain a good perspective on things you have never experienced before and you will still be worshiping God, which was the point all along.
Inquiring Minds is the collective opinion of the editorial staff and not necessarily representative of the entire staff. It is written by the managing editor and the editor-in-chief.
Will Cunningham 
Mikaela Brown 
Sophia Hunter