The Truth About Going to Church - June 27th, 2026
Going to church should be a top priority. The results of faithfully gathering with God's people should make us want to keep coming back, to the point that church is not just another place we attend but a core part of our lives. After all, we're not just called to go to church, we're called to be the Church.
"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." Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
I've experienced different seasons in my walk with God, and each one shaped my understanding of the importance of the Church.
My Religious Season
I attended church faithfully and behaved like a Christian whenever I was there, but I never truly experienced the life-changing impact of being part of the Church. I thought Christianity was about attending services instead of living as the Church every day. I missed the truth that God wasn't simply calling me to attend church. He was calling me to be the Church.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 (KJV)
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)
My Hurtful Season
I've seen leaders fail and fall. I made the mistake of putting my eyes on pastors and church leaders instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus. I placed unrealistic expectations on people rather than remembering that they, too, need God's grace. When people disappointed me, I walked away from church altogether because my faith had become too dependent on people instead of Christ.
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8 (KJV)
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
My Distracted Season
As a business leader, there was a season when making money became my highest priority. Because of fear and insecurity, I clung to my work every day, even on Sundays. I believed the lie that I had to create my own success, build my own future, and protect my own finances.
In the process, I lost sight of the truth that God is the One in whom I live, move, and have my being.
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..." Acts 17:28 (KJV)
Then, in 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer. Everything changed. I literally lost everything. That painful season reminded me that my life, my future, and my security have always been in God's hands, not my own.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
What I Know Now...
Today I know that being the Church brings incredible fulfillment. It transforms my heart from living selfishly to living to serve others. Instead of constantly asking how I can be valued, I now ask how I can bring value to others.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)
Understanding the difference between going to church and being the Church has helped me put Jesus back in His rightful place. It has also taught me to honor my pastors and leaders as fellow followers of Christ who are walking in God's grace just like I am.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18 (KJV)
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..." Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
I've also learned the importance of gathering consistently with other believers. There is something powerful about making church a priority, worshiping together, growing in God's Word together, and encountering Jesus in a real and authentic way.
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:42 (KJV)
For me, making time for God's house is no longer about religious obligation. It's a reflection of my love for Jesus and my commitment to Him. Going to church isn't just something I do. It's part of who I am because I belong to Christ and His Church.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 (KJV)
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matthew 22:37 (KJV)
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1 (KJV)
There's no other way.