Why Go to Church?

Why Go to Church?

Bob Pittman

9/5/2024

Before we can answer the question, “Why go to church”, we must define the term “church”.

The Greek word, ekklesia in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, means “called-out ones” or “called-out assembly”. Its English translation is “church”. The noun “Christianous” (Gk.), is interpreted “Christians” in Acts 11:26. It refers to a specific “called-out assembly”, also known as “the Way”, in the New Testament, who followed Jesus, the Messiah, in the 1st century, A.D.

After the Protestant Reformation (1517 to c. 1600), a plethora of Protestant denominations emerged. The Reformation is marked by Martin Luther’s posting of 95 theses (complaints) on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517), against the practices of the Roman Catholic Church.

Today there are a plethora of Protestant “non-denominational” churches that do not wish to associate with a particular Protestant denomination, though their theology is likely derived from a past Protestant denominational partnership. When I say “church” I mean an assembly of “called-out ones” who profess faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whether the assembly be Catholic, a Protestant denomination, or a Protestant non-denominational assembly.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:23-25). 

There are no solo Christians. We are the “called-out ones”, not the “called-out one”. If you are flying solo, find a body of believers to attach yourself to. If you are not a Christian and want to talk about that, contact me.