 | Reverend Terry G. Fox is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. He is Chairman of the North American Mission Board, member of its Executive Committee and the FamilyNet Broadcast Communications Committee, as well as numerous other subcommittees. He's listed on the Who's Who Among Outstanding Corporate Executives. He is a sought after speaker and has traveled and ministered in many places in the United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Rev. Fox and his wife Barbara have three children. You may contact him at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 South Topeka, Wichita, Kansas, 67211; phone (316) 262-1452; or Fax (316) 262-4704. |
Religion
2009-04-01 14:39:00
Why go to church?
Question: Church, Why Bother??
Answer: Many in our culture are not committed to attending the local church, for various reasons. Some simply say that they are too busy. Others have been hurt or offended by church members or think that church is boring and not relevant. There are a lot of things that compete for our time, such as family obligations, work, hobbies, and sporting events. These oftentimes, are given priority over church. Sometimes, we do not put a priority or importance on the local church until we encounter a problem or some kind of crisis in our life. When 9/11 occurred, church attendance increased significantly across America—but did not last.
There are several views about church. Some say that church should not be a “pep rally” for Heaven. However, neither should church be a funeral service for Jesus. I grew up in Arkansas and because of that, was a Razorback. The Arkansas Razorbacks were known for their loyal following. When I attended sporting events, the stadium was full of devoted and loud fans—the place would rock—you could just feel the enthusiasm and excitement. On Sundays, I would attend church with some of the same people, and they would look like statues sitting in the pews. I often wondered why we could get so excited about a ballgame and not church, where we go to celebrate the fact that our sins have been forgiven, and that we have victory over the grave and the promise of Heaven. I truly believe that going to church should be the most exciting place that we go. It sure is for me! Some have said that their church is boring and “out of touch”. Perhaps you need to change, or you need to change churches and find a place where you feel encouraged and motivated. Church can be reverent and alive at the same time.
I hope that you will not take on the attitude of “church, why bother?” because, sooner or later, we are all going to need the Lord and a sweet and loving church family to help us through the difficulties and challenges that life brings.
Even though we will never find a church with a perfect pastor, or perfect parishioners, we can all be assured that God would want us to make church a priority. Perhaps, God says it best, as He states in Hebrews 10:25, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
