What Happens When You’re Not There: The Effects of Missing Church

I am a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan.  I rarely miss a game, and if I do, be sure, it is being recorded to watch at a later time, even if I know the outcome.  I love Georgia football.  And if I had tickets, which I do not, I would do everything I could to go to the game.  I would amend my calendar, reschedule my appointments, and prioritize my activities to ensure my attendance.  But if something happened, and I couldn’t make it, it would not affect the dynamic of the crowd, or the outcome of the event.  It wouldn’t change, one little bit, the atmosphere.  Simply put, my attendance would not be missed.  The team would stick to their game-plan, the crowd would maintain their electric charge, and the prices would be exactly as they are. The same is NOT true for my attendance at church.

When a church member misses worship service, the church drastically suffers.

The Bible is emphatic about church attendance.  The writer of Hebrews challenges us with convicting words, “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).  Have you ever thought about the effect your absence has in the House of God? When you are not there:

• The body of the congregation is incomplete
• Your voice is not heard in the worship and singing of the saints
• You cannot actively serve others who may need your gifts
• You cannot contribute in the offering
• You do not receive the Word of God in a preaching format
• You miss out on corporate prayer
• You forfeit fellowship with other believers
• You send a message to the youth that missing church is acceptable
• You make it easier to miss the next week, and then the next
• You become susceptible to apathy and indifference
• You make it harder for others to bear the weight and burdens of ministry
• You miss opportunities to share your own struggles with the saints of God
• You cause unnecessary worry for your pastor, teacher, staff, and leaders
• You miss out on altar invitations, life-changing decisions, and spiritual experiences

I assure you, your church needs you. And it needs you to be there this Sunday.

Faithfulness to the House of God is still a required characteristic for believers.  From time to time we all need sabbaticals, vacations, and sick days.  But when missing church becomes a regular or extended practice, we not only stymie our spiritual growth, we weaken the abilities of the entire congregation.  I would like to encourage you to be in your place tomorrow, come ready for worship, and thank God He has purchased a place for you to attend.  Now that, my friend, is even better than Georgia football!!