Have You been to Church Lately?

I recently attended an annual gathering of my denominational family called The Brethren Church. We all meet once a year in one place to celebrate, worship, pray, and learn with people from all over the United States and with our global partners from around the world.

Being in California, I am geographically far removed from many of my brothers and sisters in our denomination that live in other parts of the country, so I find it easy to be so involved with my life here, that I tend to forget about them most of the time, and even skip the annual meeting, (just being honest), even though I know they are gathering.

The Blessing of Fellowship

But this year while attending, I was reminded of why it is so important to regularly come together. I met new friends, reconnected with old friends, and was able to connect with other believers from around the world. I was able to share about my life and ministry, and they shared theirs. There was a genuine spirit of acceptance, friendship, and brotherhood, and moreover, of love.

It was really refreshing for me to be there and experience that and to be encouraged by people who actually care. I needed it more than I realized. I was talking and meeting with people who genuinely cared about me, loved me, and considered me family. It was something that I needed but did not really understand just how much until I was there.

Attending Church Regularly Matters

It reminded me of why it's so important for us to attend church regularly. The writer of Hebrews 10:24-25 says:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Have you been to church lately? I would imagine there is someone reading this right now that has not been to church in a while, thinking they do not need it, or even that they don't need to go to church to be a Christian. That is so far removed from what the Bible teaches us.

If this is you, let me encourage you to attend church this week. If you don’t have one and are near Stockton, you are certainly welcome here at Carson Oaks. God is ready to encourage you with friendship, brotherhood, worship, and moreover, His love—and we all need that! You may find yourself realizing that you needed it much more than you realized!