Does Church Attendance Make A Difference?

by Alice Hewitt

There are eight main reasons why Christians should attend church, victorious.org states. Reasons include that it is an expression of a person’s love for God and that it honour’s the Lord’s Day.

According to an article by Pastor Dale Robbins that was posted on the victorious.org site, “Going to church is a visible, tangible expression of our love and worship toward God.”

Is regular attendance absolutely necessary to be one with God? Can a people with faith continue to hold true to their faith without the confines of a religious building?

In the Bible under the passage Hebrews 10:25, it states, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

James Gattrall attended First Baptist Church in Windsor for a number of years before he relocated out of the city last year. As well as attending morning service each Sunday, Gattrall also held a position on the board of management, acted as the church’s treasurer and taught the adult Bible class.

Gattrall said church attendance to the individual Christian is very important.

“Some people try and be Christians on their own. They watch church services on TV and live a good life,” said Gattrall. “There are lots of people, particularly those who have had something happen to them at the church that has hurt them badly, who give up on organized faith.”

Tracey, who asked that her last name not be used, said she converted to Catholicism at age 24 because the religion had really got her thinking. Tracey said God is not only found on Sundays or in church.

“Christianity is found in being kind to one another and showing respect for differences,” said Tracey.

In 2007 it was announced by the Diocese of London that six Catholic churches in Windsor would close their doors. This incident is not a rare one. A large number of churches across Ontario are now having to close their doors due to dwindling congregation numbers.

Gattrall said the church can’t just open the door and think people are coming.

“You have to go out and do something,” said Gattrall. “(First Baptist) has had fun days where the neighbourhood kids are all invited. They bring people to the church to do non-traditional things.”

Tracey said she would attend church regularly if she found a church that was really true to its beliefs and congregation.

“I think new generations are too self-absorbed and lacking in social conscience because everything from things to marriages are disposable. No one works on anything anymore,” said Tracey. “You can’t draw someone in unless you appeal to some basic need or desire. Achieve that and there will be a difference.”