Ten Reasons to Go to Church That Have Nothing to Do With Religion
Because church life benefits all parts of our lives.
I have gravitated towards several outlets for community engagement throughout my adult life, from student government in college to an amateur musical theater society as a young professional. These activities have enriched my life in several ways, and I could definitely write blog posts about the positive impact that being in student government or community theater has had on me. I do, however, see lots of reasons why church will always be a pillar of my life and something I will continue to dedicate time to. Obviously, as with all Christians, I strive to make following Christ the cornerstone of my life, and therefore, church life will be central to my regular life. Certain other involvements will come and go, but I know that church will be a big part of my life forever - and the reasons for that extend beyond my religion!
I told my friend that I was writing about this topic, and I asked him to list some reasons to go to church that aren’t related to belief in God. He chuckled and said, “Free food!” Upon seeing my frown, he sheepishly added, “In the form of the body of Christ…?” I laughed, then asked him to reconsider. In the end, he was able to reflect on some compelling reasons. Church was where he learned to sing, and it’s where he socialized the most as a kid.
There is no shortage of reasons why church is a good thing to be involved in during every stage of life.
For this newsletter, I would like to point out some of the benefits of participating in church that don’t have anything to do with the religious aspect. While belief in God is definitely (hopefully) the main reason that we are all there, belonging to a church has so many marvelous benefits that permeate each part of our multi-layered existence. We gather to worship and serve, and we are fed in so many ways in turn.
It is hard to remove God from the practice of attending church - nor do I wish to entirely. But in a time when everything in the world seems like it could explode at any time, I am drawn to church - even on days when I feel doubtful that God is working. So I have written this list of good reasons to go to church for people in all stages of their faith journey. It does one good to go see God’s will at work in His house, even when it is not explicitly attributed to His name.
A couple of brief notes before I begin my list:
I discuss “belonging to a church” in an Episcopal context here. I have attended many other churches where I didn’t have these experiences - and in a few cases, where I had an experience that differed in a negative way. I will keep my list focused on the positive effects I’ve felt attending Episcopal churches throughout the course of my life.
This list is very centered on individual experience. While we generally strive to think of church life as a communal experience - something we partake in to make the world a more holy place rather than just for our own nourishment - I will use this list to reflect on the good things an individual can enjoy by attending church.
The lifetime benefits of attending church comprise so much more than having a place to hang out and eat free food.
Forming intergenerational connections. Annie reflected on this point in her last newsletter as well. I didn’t think about it much, but church has always been the main place where I make friends with people from all generations. As a kid, I had grown-ups who cared about me, and as a grown-up, I enjoy fellowship with church-goers of all ages. There aren’t too many spaces that emphasize generational diversity these days, and church is the ultimate place to bridge that gap.
Learning how to make yourself useful. You can always count on the ladies at church to put you to work. If you’re standing around disassociating, some folks organizing coffee hour will be happy to give you a stack of chairs to set up for your fellow parishioners.
Having something every week that won’t be cancelled. People can always cancel dinner plans or decide not to attend the party at the last minute. But church is always on the schedule and will not be postponed. Folks show up to church consistently! Or if they don’t, then at least someone does always show up.
Stability in change-filled environments. Of course, church members move away, and sometimes beloved parishioners pass on. But the church as a body remains dedicated to its mission, and church families are rocks during turbulent times. In rain or shine, someone is always there to welcome you to church.
Thinking about someone other than yourself for five minutes. Related to Point 2. They say that the best way to combat anxiety is to do something for someone else, and the folks at church will be more than happy to find a way for you to do that.
Delight in ordinary things. Little kids with cute drawings, a regular cup of filter coffee, and pretty flowers. Parishioners always find ways to be thankful for the little things in life, and it makes every normal occasion feel like a joyful celebration.
Plenty of examples of the type of person I want to become when I am older. Whenever I have an inner crisis and question what I am doing with my life, I look to the examples of the adults I have known in church. These are some of the most warm, welcoming, curious, and selfless people on the planet. These people knew me as a little kid in my hometown church, and they have greeted me at random churches I have visited around the world. I am never afraid of getting older when I think about these wonderful people and how I want to be like them when I grow up.
Pretty, quiet space. Need a place to retreat from the world? Have you ever tried entering a church sanctuary in the middle of the day? It is almost always guaranteed to bring a moment of peace to a hectic day.
There is seldom a sense that “it is time to move on”. Throughout your life, you may have to stop certain activities due to stress, time constraints, physical injury, or otherwise. But people seldom feel like they have to retire from belonging to a church. Maybe they can’t sing in the choir anymore or serve on the vestry, but church membership is an involvement that a person can pursue for the span of their whole life.
Regaining a sense of optimism. Of course, this is joy in Christ. But on a worldly level, church is full of people and projects that can restore our faith that the world is a good place. When I go to church, I am reminded that there is a consistent force for good operating in our community, and they won’t give up on the mission any time soon.
This month, I am delighting in the best dance numbers in movie musicals. I do a lot of musical theater dancing, but I think these big, energetic choreographed songs are enough to make anyone want to get up and dance.
“You Can’t Stop The Beat” from Hairspray
“America” from West Side Story
“A Lot of Livin' to Do” from Bye Bye Birdie
“Stick To The Status Quo” from High School Musical
“The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” from White Christmas
“GOD grows weary of great kingdoms,
but never of little flowers.”
- from the poem “Stray Birds”
This quote reminds me that God can be found in the small, ordinary things. He delights in the features of his creation, and we can encounter Him when learn to love and appreciate these things too.
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