Why We Worship

Questions about the nature of worship, its purpose, and its relevance in today’s world abound. With the proliferation of social media and streaming services, it’s no wonder so many people no longer feel the need to physically attend a church service. In recent years, many churchgoers have increasingly opted to “attend” services from home instead of physically gathering with others. However, there’s one aspect of attending a church service that cannot be replicated alone: fellowship. 

God unequivocally calls believers to gather regularly for fellowship and corporate worship, recognizing that these are distinct activities. If you choose to have your own worship service at home, your fulfillment, growth, and maturity in your relationship with Christ will stagnate and not only that, you’ll hinder others from growing as well.

However, you might argue, “I’m comfortable at home. I’ve been doing this for years and have never experienced a stronger relationship with God in my entire life.” But there’s a fundamental problem with that philosophy. Your relationship won’t continue to grow, with one exception: if you’re physically unable to leave your residence, that’s a completely different story. Even then, there are numerous opportunities available in our digital age that can enable those who are homebound to fellowship in an online community.

How do we know all this to be true? God says so. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “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.” 1John 1:7 adds, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." Furthermore, and perhaps even more profound is Matthew 18:20; "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

In essence, if we solely worship in solitude with the sole purpose of honoring God, we are, in fact, dishonoring Him by neglecting to regularly gather together and engage in corporate fellowship and worship. Furthermore, without corporate fellowship, we miss out on the direct presence of God in our midst, ultimately leaving our time of worship and fellowship insufficiently complete.

This is certainly not a suggestion to rush to any building with a cross on it or otherwise. Instead, it is to encourage you to seek God’s guidance in finding a body of believers to fellowship and worship with. Perhaps you’ve been searching for a church in your area but can’t seem to find one that feels right for you. In such cases, it’s even more crucial to pray for God’s provision, knowing that He will fulfill your request if you trust Him.