The question, “do I have to?” is commonly asked by children (and adults). This question can be asked about trivial matters as well as important matters, such as the necessity of church attendance.
Many gospel preachers have been asked, “do I have to go to every worship and Bible study period of the church?” You would expect the answer to encourage the querist to do just that! But one good brother answered, “no, you do not have to go to every service, you get to go!”. I think that is a great answer which should make everyone think about the importance of faithful attendance.
The Bible nowhere says, “you have to attend all services of the church”. We do however have divinely approved examples of the church assembling. On the first day of the week the disciples “came together” to observe the Lord’s Supper and hear God’s word preached (Acts 20:7). While this is not a direct command, it has the same force as a command. We also have another approved example of the saints being required to give of their means in worship to God on the first day of the week (I Cor. 16:1-2). The New Testament church continued steadfastly in worship (Acts 2:42). They gathered on occasion for prayer (c.f. Acts 12:12-15). Unfortunately, some Christians had the habit of forsaking the assembly of the church, but the Hebrews writer instructed Christians to not forsake the assembling of the church (Heb. 10:25).
I firmly believe that when one has truly been converted to Christ and has made a full and complete commitment to God and the cause of the Lord Jesus, he will never ask, “do I have to?”. If we put the Lord first in our life, the church of the Lord will also be first in our life (Matt. 6:33). The church will come first before family, recreation, and any other thing that should take second place to the church.
Obviously we are not talking about someone who is seriously infirmed and literally cannot “come to church”. If our true desire is to go to heaven, nothing will keep us from gathering with those of like precious faith every time the opportunity presents itself. If you miss/skip a Bible class or worship of the church, you will miss out on Bible teaching which will strengthen your faith. You will miss out on fellowship with fellow Christians. You will miss out on opportunities to be pre-pared to give a defense to those who ask you about the reason of your hope (I Peter 3:15). You may miss an opportunity to be a blessing to others. Living the faithful Christian life (which surely includes faithful church attendance) gives you a justifiable hope for eternal life.
Paul Clements, a member of the Eastern Meadows Church of Christ, is a retired choral director and retired minister who has also served as an elder in churches where he was located.
