August Blog 2026: Why Church Still Matters

Recently, I have been more than a little surprised at how some Christians miss church for very little reason. Furthermore, others have decided to just stay at home and read and pray there. Church attendance has declined over recent years in many denominations. Some have become discouraged, others distracted, while many simply believe they can follow Christ without belonging to His people. But the Bible says otherwise.

Why does church still matter? Because God has not called us to walk alone! The Christian life was never intended to be a solo journey. We need the preaching of God’s Word, the fellowship of believers, public worship, prayer and the encouragement that comes from gathering together. Notice that Hebrews does not simply tell us to attend church. It tells us why. We are to “exhort one another.” Every believer has the privilege of strengthening another believer. Sometimes a kind word, a handshake, a prayer or simply being present is used by God to lift a weary heart.

The devil loves isolation! Sheep that wander from the flock become easy targets. God, however, places His people into a family where they worship, serve and grow together. Of course, no church is perfect. Every congregation is made up of sinners saved by grace. If you wait until you find a perfect church, you’ll be waiting a very long time. Better to gather with God’s imperfect people than journey alone. The writer also reminds us that we should meet together:  “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  Every passing day brings us one day nearer the return of Christ. That is not a reason to withdraw, but to draw nearer to God’s people and encourage one another.

Church does not save us—Christ alone does that. But those who truly belong to Christ will love what He loves. And He loves His Church. So this Sunday, don’t stay away. Better still,  bring someone else along with you. It’s very hard to evangelise in your own living room.

We communally celebrate The Lords supper and collectively worship Him. It’s not about us primarily- it’s about Him. For all that, we certainly will reap the benefits of it. 

Mark 12v30&31:  “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” 

Come and worship the One who never stayed away from the cross for us.

Love and blessings- Pastor John