Why Go to Church?

I had a friend call me the other day that was really displeased with his church. He asked me, "Why do I even need to go to church. It's about my relationship with God, right?"

Well yesterday, I interviewed Pastor Holly Johnson of Christian Outreach Church in Morganton. She and her husband Larry pastor the church. I asked her, "Why do we need to go to church?" Here's her response:

I've had people tell me, "I don't need to go to church, it's all about my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ." That's true, but one reason you need to go to church is for other people. Jesus was all about people. He came to this Earth not to be served, but to serve. Being at home in a relationship with Jesus Christ is a bit selfish, because you have gifts and abilities and things the Lord has placed in your heart to share with other people. You need to come to church to share those things and to be an encouragement to someone else.

Coming to church also gives you accountability. If you're out there on your own, and you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the enemy can hit you in a lot of different areas, including your mind with thoughts and ideas. You really need that accountability to keep walking side by side with the Lord.

Another important reason to go to church is the fellowship. We have strengths and weaknesses and it's almost like a puzzle in that one persons strength compliments another persons weakness. Together we can do so much for the Kingdom of God that we couldn't do ourselves.

Pastor Holly is also the Program Director at The Outreach Center in Morganton. Be listening for her comments from the interview on Amazing Grace Radio.