Do We Have To Like Going To Church?
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: While there are "parts" of going to church that are not meant to be enjoyed, we should be growing in our appreciation and deep satisfaction connected with church going.
I have two answers to the question, "Do we have to like going to church?" The first answer is an emphatic, "No!" And the second answer is an equally emphatic, "Yes!" And I do not believe that they are contradictory.
a. No. There should be considerable elements to the church experience that we find uncomfortable and even distasteful. Unless we are perfect already, at times we should be disturbed by the kinds of challenges confronting us from sermons, classes, and discussion groups in church. There are certain areas of our lives that need change that will perhaps require serious sacrifices. These may involve, or be initiated by, a deep remorse and repentance over ways we have offended others. Other challenges may be in the order of commitments to serve in unpleasant ways, or requests to dig deeper into our pockets. We may or may not enjoy our employment or school, and yet these are important and necessary activities. Chances are we will not like going to the hospital, but again, it is important and extremely helpful.
b. Yes. In this day and age we tend to be entertainment oriented. Leisure time activities, television, movies, sports, and so forth condition us to seek good times and amusement. We begin to measure church with entertainment activities and develop inappropriate expectations.
However, there is much satisfaction, if not even some fun, to be had in the life of the church. There should be:
• enjoyment in learning and growing in church,
• inspiration in worship,
• satisfaction in serving, and
• joy in fellowship.
It pretty much depends on our attitudes and expectations. If we give ourselves to what the Christian Church is all about, there are great rewards and joy to be had.
I have two answers to the question, "Do we have to like going to church?" The first answer is an emphatic, "No!" And the second answer is an equally emphatic, "Yes!" And I do not believe that they are contradictory.
a. No. There should be considerable elements to the church experience that we find uncomfortable and even distasteful. Unless we are perfect already, at times we should be disturbed by the kinds of challenges confronting us from sermons, classes, and discussion groups in church. There are certain areas of our lives that need change that will perhaps require serious sacrifices. These may involve, or be initiated by, a deep remorse and repentance over ways we have offended others. Other challenges may be in the order of commitments to serve in unpleasant ways, or requests to dig deeper into our pockets. We may or may not enjoy our employment or school, and yet these are important and necessary activities. Chances are we will not like going to the hospital, but again, it is important and extremely helpful.
b. Yes. In this day and age we tend to be entertainment oriented. Leisure time activities, television, movies, sports, and so forth condition us to seek good times and amusement. We begin to measure church with entertainment activities and develop inappropriate expectations.
However, there is much satisfaction, if not even some fun, to be had in the life of the church. There should be:
• enjoyment in learning and growing in church,
• inspiration in worship,
• satisfaction in serving, and
• joy in fellowship.
It pretty much depends on our attitudes and expectations. If we give ourselves to what the Christian Church is all about, there are great rewards and joy to be had.
