Go To Church

While we are not saved by church attendance - certainly there are those who go to church who don't know Jesus - we see that it is an advantageous component for the body of Christ to function as God intends.  And, in order for us to maintain our connection with one another, it's important that we are spending time in the presence of God together.  Hebrews 10 (ESV) states:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 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.

The Heritage Foundation underscores the importance of church attendance in a recent report. It says: "Adherence to religious values is strongly tied to active and regular participation in religious practice. More than any other type of religious practice, frequent attendance of religious services is the most reliable predictor for individuals to act on their religious principles. Numerous studies have provided supporting evidence for what most people of faith already know: Frequent attendance of religious services has countless spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical benefits for the well-being of individuals, families, and society."

The organization has released a report that explores the state of church attendance over the past 50 years, and the results are well, not encouraging, to say the least.  It states: "Weekly attendance of religious services has declined for both the young and old alike, for both men and women, for blacks, whites, and Hispanics, and among both married and never married adults. Today, almost half of U.S. adults either never attend religious services or attend less than once a year."

An example from the survey here: "In 1975, about 35 percent of American adults attended religious services every week, nearly every week, or several times a week...But over time, fewer and fewer Americans went to worship regularly. By 2022, only 22 percent of Americans attended religious services at least once a week..."  Data has been compiled from the General Social Survey.  Conversely, as the survey summary indicates: "In 1975, about 22 percent of Americans rarely or never attended services...but by 2022, it had risen to 44 percent."

The Heritage piece offers some possible factors contributing to the decline.   It attributes, among other components, "Changing Culture and Values," stating: "Since the 1960s and early 1970s, society has become broadly more accepting of divorce, sexual relations outside marriage, contraception, abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism, assisted suicide, gambling, and recreational drug use."  This is based on relatively recent Gallup polling data.

There are other factors, such as:
* Materialism and “Achievism”
* (a decline in) Social Engagement
* Secularization
* Distancing from Religious Beliefs and Institutions, and
* Comfort and Wealth.

All in all, the summary concludes: "The social and personal benefits of frequent attendance at religious services are undeniable. Society and individual well-being will be greatly disadvantaged if religious participation does not return to the levels they once were."  It also offers policy recommendations, recognizing that improved church attendance can dramatically impact our society.  Jonathan Abbamonte of Heritage, who wrote the study summary, notes: "Law and public policy should always ensure that individuals are able to exercise their right to religious liberty free from discrimination. Public policy should ensure that people of faith are enabled to—not shunned from—exercising their inherent right to religious liberty."

This is an opportune time to consider how the Church can make a tremendous impact on our culture.  Attending church is, or at least should be, more than simply a formality or a ritual. It provides an opportunity for people to connect corporately with God and with the people of God.  We can gain a sense of His presence with His people.

In order for the Church to thrive, we should be growing in Christ individually, and bringing what He has done for us into the public setting.  Faith Radio desires to support the local church by helping to strengthen believers in your walk with the Lord, and we can recognize that stronger believers make for a stronger Church, which can dramatically transform our culture.