What makes in-person church gatherings so uniquely crucial for men to attend?
It’s no secret that in-person church attendance has been declining in Canada for some time now.
Some would argue (and I agree) that it’s partly because many churches have become much more effective with their online ministry in recent years. Hence, the need for in-person attendance is less critical. You can watch the service online, hum along to the worship songs, and have the message on in the background. When it’s over, instead of wrangling kids from their Sunday morning programs into your vehicle and frantically figuring out what’s for lunch, you simply close your streaming device and move on with your day.
But what about the impact on your family and children’s development? What are you and they missing out on if you stay home?
By the way—I’m all for digital excellence in our churches. But I’m not sure pastors thought that moving online would mean regular attendees would stop showing up in person.
The initial idea for creating digital content and streaming church services was to reach those far from God and those who, because of distance or disability, could not attend in person. Church leaders, as they transitioned to more of a digital footprint, thought church attendees who had experienced what in-person church is like would still be as consistent as they were before they launched their services online.
This makes sense, because online church doesn’t replace the real thing—or does it?
While online services may offer convenience, they cannot replace the irreplaceable in-person church experience. Let me give you three reasons why in-person gatherings are so significant and why it’s worth your time and effort to attend.
Connection to Community
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
The author of Hebrews strongly advocates for connection to the community. We are to spur one another on to love and do good deeds, to encourage one another.
Can’t you do that with an email, a text, or dropping a Hallmark card in the mail?
The author of Hebrews strongly advocates for connection to the community.
Of course, you can, but do you? When you are present in person, you can find people and check in with them right then and there. When you see people, it might cause you to remember to connect with them. We need each other.
Like Paul the Apostle taught us, we are all parts of Christ’s Body and need each other (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This concept of the Body of Christ is a powerful reminder of our unity and interconnectedness. One part is not better than the rest; we all suffer when “body parts” are missing. If we choose not to show up, are we missing opportunities to encourage and support one another?
We are built for connection; it’s worth the effort!
Powerful Worship Times
“Again, truly, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, I am with them.” Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)
I have had powerful moments of worship by myself over the years, listening to a worship song on my own. I hope you make this a spiritual practice in your life—worshipping when no one else is around. It’s incredible.
But worshipping together is something you can’t recreate on your own. There is something extraordinary about worshipping together in a room with other believers. When we sing the exact words in unison, something happens. It uniquely commands the blessing of God (Psalm 133:1).
It also brings agreement and authority, as mentioned in Matthew 18:19-20. When we sing, worship, and come alongside God’s will, things shift in us and those around us.
It’s tough to explain, isn’t it? The most significant thing online services can’t provide is that sense, in real-time, of unity, agreement, and authority that comes when we gather together.
An Example for Our Children (and Others)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
You might not be a dad, but you’re not off the hook here. People are watching you all the time. Hopefully, you have guys around you that you’re discipling. Guys from your sports team, workplace, neighborhood, family, and close friends undoubtedly notice what is happening in your life. Probably not with a magnifying glass, but they do see things if they spend time with you—what you say, how you live, how you treat others, and what disciplines you have in your life. As the famous quote says, you may be the only “Bible” some people read.
If you are a dad or grandfather, you know your kids are watching your example. Your life speaks louder than your words, so what are you prioritizing? They notice when you make faith and gatherings an essential part of your life. When you volunteer, serve, and give to the church—they notice.
So, what are you communicating in word and deed?
Perfect attendance at church gatherings is not the reason to attend in person, and allowing feelings of guilt about going to church is not the right motivation.
Men, let’s all come to church with the mindset of, “I’m here to give.” We need to let go of the entitlement of, “What’s in it for me?” This is about staying connected to the community, engaging in corporate worship, and being a great example of giving and serving for our families and those around us.
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