For Better 2025, Go to Church

With the second half of January upon us and New Year’s resolutions already starting to fade, I have a suggestion for those hoping for an improved 2025: go to church.

Such an idea is sure to draw scorn amid the fading attendance of recent years. The trend was accelerated by 2020-21 lockdowns, like the kind that cut our church’s weekly average in half before it later rebounded.

Now, just going to church won’t do much for those who show up to “check the box” of fulfilling their religious duty. It is getting involved in the life of the church where one finds the joy and rewards of close interaction with other followers of Christ.

Taking Our Lumps

Churches have been taking it on the chin in recent times. So many megachurch leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex fell morally last year that Christianity Today spotlighted it in this story last September.

Yet for every scandal-ridden church that winds up in the headlines are thousands more who are quietly carrying out Christ’s command to spread the gospel, bless our neighbors, heal the sick, and help the poor.

Besides, the church is God’s idea. As Jesus told Peter: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 MEV).

Over the years, I have seen marriages fall apart, people turn to alcohol to numb their pain, and those who become negative fusspots who grow mad at the world and most everyone in it.

As simplistic as this may sound, the problems started when they stopped coming to church. More importantly, they skipped fellowship with other believers.

They stopped attending services, Sunday school classes, and small groups. Places where others would study Scripture with them, pray for them, and every so often look them in the eye and ask, “How’s it going?”

Without that leavening influence in their lives, many crash and burn.

Mutual Exhortation

There are two leading reasons the Bible tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:24-25): 1) we can spur one another to love and good works, 2) we can exhort each other.

In other words, to do the right thing. To stick out those contentious times that afflict every marriage, remain faithful to one’s spouse and family, and demonstrate integrity at the office when such action is in short supply.

Now, whoever goes into a church expecting to find perfect people will be sorely disappointed. There aren’t any.

Churches are made up of imperfect, sometimes maddening, small-minded, or critical souls. Yet they are also people who appreciate their own imperfections and the saving grace of the only Man who ever died on a cross.

Irregular Church Attendance

I see a major problem with those who go to church: too many don’t do so on a regular enough basis. This survey last year showed that only 20% of Americans attend church on a weekly basis. Lower the bar to monthly and the turnout rises to 41%.

Imagine a business where only 20% of the employees showed up each week. They would soon be bankrupt. Or a football team where only 20% of the players came to that week’s game. Fans would be in short supply.

When folks stay home or go off for a fishing trip or whatever, they are robbing others of their presence, encouragement, and insights. Plus, losing the riches they could gain from fellowship. Want a better year? It starts with a simple action.