When unbelievers mention religion, questions about churchgoing surface early and often. Distrust of “organized religion” and disinterest in what might require effort and commitment quickly lead to disgust for churchgoing except when a favorite niece is playing a shepherd in the Christmas pageant. The clever but glib words of functionally atheistic Winston Churchill appeal to them: “I’m not a pillar of the church but more of a flying buttress—I support it from the outside.” Remaining outside any church suits unbelievers just fine.

A serious question

However, I take your question as a sincere inquiry of a believer. We do emphasize churchgoing a lot. Active participation in church activities is not always pleasant and church members are not always perfect companions, so there is value in asking this question periodically for a reality check.

Let’s start by clarifying that the external act of going to church does not earn or contribute to a right relationship with God. Nor does mere churchgoing make a person a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you a car, as the saying has it. Christ accomplished salvation, and the Spirit creates saving faith through the gospel. This is divine, not human, activity. And it may be grasped and enjoyed in private as in public.

Suitable answers

Still, the Bible supplies many reasons why churchgoing is and will remain an integral part of a Christian’s lifestyle. Here we must be brief. Each point deserves expanded treatment. Why does God want believers centered in the gospel to gather, worship, and serve alongside other believers?