Reasons #2 for church: Encouragement

June 10, 2025

Dear Friends,

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

This is a great reason to go to church: it is encouraging to your brothers and sisters! You might think nobody misses you when you're gone, but I can assure you that at least I do. And even if it's easy for folks to overlook from time to time if someone's not there, your absence is felt by everyone.

Think of it like a locker room before a game. Consider the mood and energy and confidence when the whole team is there and they're ready to take the field. Compare that to how it would feel if only half the team showed up. It's encouraging when the whole team is there. And even more, it is discouraging, when members of the team are absent.

But, you may say:

"You don't have to go to church to be a Christian."

"I read the Bible at home, so I don't need to go to church."

"I don't get anything out of church, so what's the point in going?"

It's tempting to think about church as a consumer experience. You shop around for a good value, and the customer is always right.

It's tempting, but that's not how it is.

For one thing, while church is very much about receiving gifts from God, notice how different it is to receive a gift than it is to buy a Big Mac or a Whopper. (I'll say more about the gifts we receive from God in another e-mail.)

For another thing, though, church is not only about receiving gifts. It is also about our life together as Christians. Paul says: don't skip church because the time is short and your brothers and sisters are encouraged by your presence.

While it's true that going to church isn't what makes you a Christian, it's also true that Christians want to go to church.

If you indeed read the Bible at home, you will soon discover that the Bible tells you to go to church.

It may, at times, feel like you're not getting anything out of church, but it can only feel that way if you're not paying attention to all that God is doing in the service. Moreover, it's not just about you. It's also about your brothers and sisters, who need your encouragement.

All of that is why being a member of the church includes the promise to come to church frequently. Remember that you made that promise, and come encourage your brothers and sisters!

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• Join us for hot dogs and a softball game with the folks from St. John's, Kimball on Sunday, June 22 at 12pm after Bible Study! The game will be with a 16″ mush ball, so no mitts are required and all can play. Cheerleaders and base coaches are also welcome! Sign up here if you're interested in playing: concordialcms.com/softball

• The summer edition of our Sword of Gideon Men's/Boys retreat will be on Saturday, July 26! More information available here: concordialcms.com/gideon Invite a friend!

God bless and keep you,

Pr. Buchs