5 Reasons Why

It's crazy to believe...

Just a year and a few days ago I launched The Preacher Chick (click here for the very first post). I'm not sure where I imagined it would be but I am certain I am right where I am supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing, at the time I am meant to be doing it.

But what about you? Are you certain about all those things in your own life?

Here's what else I know for sure:

Being connected to a family of faith is what helps me be certain about my life today.

Does that mean I think you can't be a Christian if you don't go to church? No! I believe it's possible although I can't imagine why you would want to and I do believe your life will better if you do. No, I don't think the church is perfect. Yes I know that there are people at church who are hypocrites. But I've encountered horrible service when I go to restaurants and I've been treated poorly at the store. Neither of those things keep me from eating out or shopping.

Here are 5 reasons why I think you need to go to church. And no, I won't be using Christianese or the Bible to support my stance, although I 100% could :)

1. Community

🎶Oh Oh We need Each Other!🎶

Life truly is better when you have a great group of people who have like faith and belief as you do. Just look at society. Regardless of where you stand on creation, faith or whatever, it seems clear that we are made for community. Having friends and family who you know love you and are there for you makes each day better and more manageable. Knowing you have somewhere to land at any time give you strength and feeds your soul in ways that cannot be matched from trying to make it on your own. Not only do you need the community for yourself but the community needs you! You have unique gifts and talents and strengths that can impact the lives of others so why not join them with others and make the impact even greater?

2. Accountability

"If you knew I was buggin' and you stayed quiet You said I was right when I ain't right Well that's not what friends do That's not what friends do, alright, who are you, huh? (Hey)"

Those are lyrics to a song by Andy Mineo, Friends. Goodness are they good lyrics?! YES! What kind of friend allows another friend to make horrible choices? Isn't a true friend one who tells you what you NEED to hear instead of just what you may WANT to hear? Yes. The answer to that is absolutely yes. You'll find that in a faith community - Church. We are supposed to help one another be the best we can possibly be and it has been my experience that I find that at its healthiest in church.

This is a great place to have someone slip into the seat next to you, lean in and whisper, "How are things?" and before you know it, you're spilling it all out as they're listening, comforting and then coming in with the words that are needed - even if hard - for you to hear. They are the ones who "just know" when something's out of alignment in your life and call you out on it because they know you can be/do better and greater and they are unwilling to allow you to settle for anything less.

3. Support

Life can be really hard, ya'll. Like...stuff happens! Sickness comes. Accidents occur. Appliances break. Water leaks. Grief hurts. Relationships end. Jobs are lost. I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer on this Friday morning but reality is never more than a breath away! If these things, and more, are sure to come my way, then I don't want to face them alone. I need my people! And I am not just talking about my family. I definitely need and want my family around and to walk through life with, of course, but sometimes family is walking through the same thing and you need your extended family, your friends who are like family, to help you make it through. I've been there before, more than I care to remember cause those times are HARD, but my church family has for sure been crucial to getting through it. From helping with house cleaning, taking care of my kids, bringing a meal or groceries, doing laundry, and the most important thing-praying alongside me for strength and endurance, well I just don't know how people who don't have a church family get through life. It blows my mind and I don't ever want to have to know.

At least once a week we have a stranger who will come to the church asking for help with anything from rent to getting utilities paid for to food. It's not that we don't want to help but just as many households are struggling with making ends meet, a lot of churches are in that position as well and the resources truly just aren't there. It's hard to say that to those who you know really need the help. What I wish they understood was that if they actually came to the church and got to know the good people there, the load they are carrying would be lifted in ways that living outside the community of faith can't. I don't mean we won't or can't help if you don't go to church but getting help is so much easier if you are connected.

4. Growth

I know. You can read your Bible anywhere. Yup. You're right. But have you ever tried to teach yourself something? It's more common than not that you have to reach out for assistance in the learning process whether that is from someone more experienced that you know or a DIY video and so on. Rarely are you able to figure it all out and have a true grasp and understanding all on your own. Left to ourselves, we interpret Scripture based on our feelings or circumstances instead of proper study and perspective of historical context and cultural nuances. It's too easy to take a verse and unintentionally twist it to our own situations if we only go on our personal experiences and emotions. We need the community of believers and those who have walked through this life longer and have more experience to help us grow and mature to the fullest capacity possible.

Let me say this again in a different way. I know that people can fail and are not perfect. I like to say that "church"- the assembly of Believers- is not perfect but is like a family. Family can be great and family can be nuts. Family can and will disappoint, hurt your feelings, and mess up but FAMILY forgives. Family figures it out. Family moves forward for the common good. Nowhere do we read that people who go to church and claim to love Jesus never make a mistake. We have to remember that we are all sinners saved by grace, being made more like Jesus but until we reach Heaven, none of us will be perfect or do everything right or never have a wrong motivation or mess up and say the wrong thing at the wrong time. This is why we grow together!

5. Identity

Simply put--you can't know who you are until you know whose you are. Too many people are wandering around in this world trying to figure out their purpose, their role, in life. In other words they are seeking their identity. Being a part of The Church can definitely help you discover this because through connecting with other believers on a regular basis you begin to understand God and you find what He has created you for.

You want fulfillment? You need a relationship with God and His people. Yep...the whole kit-and-caboodle! As all of us who grew up in the 80's knows, you take the good, you take the bad you take them both and there you have the facts of life :)

If you are seeking a community, identity, then I encourage you to find a good Bible-based church and plug in. I would love to help you do that regardless of where you live. You can comment here or send me a message! It would be an honor and privilege to help you find the church community that meets your needs best.