When I’m on vacation I usually look for a church to attend on Sunday morning. You may think, “You’re a pastor, of course you should be in church.” But I’m on vacation - and still puzzled by this draw I feel to a church on Sunday morning! This year, I decided to figure out what was compelling me to attend church while on vacation.

I began by exploring the obvious: am I curious about what’s happening at another church so I can improve as a pastor? Or perhaps the desire comes from some childhood guilt related to religious obligation? Does attending church make God feel good about me? None of these reasons felt close to the truth, so I eventually dismissed these negative and manipulation factors.

Then I became frustrated as I thought about the biblical description of church – which has nothing to do with going to a Sunday service or with a building. The Church is called the Body of Christ and is eloquently described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. The Church is people – not a service, a Mass or a building. The Church is all about people who are connected to God and who are living every day – not just on Sunday –as follower s of Jesus Christ.

I then asked a different question, “What am I looking for when I go to church?” This shift in thinking revealed five things that I look forward to experiencing when I go to church.

1. I want someone to care that I am there.

I want to be greeted warmly by someone who asks how my day is and wants to learn something about me. I want to engage with another and learn more about the people in that church. I’m seeking community.

2. I want to hear the Scripture read and be challenged to become more like Christ.

There is something about hearing God’s Word that challenges and changes me. A Sunday morning worship experience should challenge some part of my life to change. I’m seeking spiritual growth.

3. I want evidence that people are valued.

I believe church should be a place where each man, woman, and child is valued. Every person has been created in God’s image and has unique gifts and talents. The church is the place where those gifts and talents should be celebrated and applied. I’m seeking to see each individual’s value and potential affirmed.

4. I want to hear how the church is connected to needs beyond its walls.

The church is the most unique organization in society. In the church, a small group of people can say “We’re going to make a difference for these other people.” The target group may be children living in poverty, people with marriage/divorce issues, or those unable to help themselves – whatever need God is showing that church. I am energized when I find people who are willing to reach outside of their comfort zones to help others. I’m seeking proof of love for others.

5. I want to connect with God.

The more evident these first four values are in a church, the easier it is for me to connect with God. And, ultimately, that is why I really want to be in church – to connect with God. My connection with God is enhanced when I am known, challenged to grow, valued, and contributing to a purpose beyond myself. I’m seeking worship – and find it in the environment that only God could envision and create – in His Church.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why go to church?” My search for an answer to this question has caused me to lead Community Covenant Church into a “tune-up” of our values. I also am thinking more about the people in our community who have “given up” on church. I’m afraid they did so because they couldn’t find spiritual meaning there – or because in a place they expected to find love, peace, and trust they were hurt, disappointed, or betrayed. I ask anyone feeling like this to give the church in our community another chance. Find a church to attend on Sunday morning. This time it may be different. With all my heart, I believe it can be.

 

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