Church Attendance Is Important

How many times have we heard in a sermon that we need to be in church whenever the doors are open?  As I have posted before, truth being preached is important down to every word.  I hate that it has come to this, but when I hear a preacher begin a statement with "Bless God" what follows so many times is missing something of the truth.  I know what the preacher meant when he said be in church every time the doors are open.  But what is heard by others may be different.  If you take the words literally there is a problem.  

I have worked around churches for many, many years.  Most churches open their doors around eight or nine o clock every morning.  How many church members are there?  In a number of the churches we have worked with there have been different activities for different groups and ages.  The doors are open for the activity for little children, but we don't normally have many Senior citizens show up. The doors are also open for the Senior citizen luncheons, but not too many juniors show up.  At this time some are saying, "You know that is not what the preacher meant."  And my reply is of course, and I would think that most people would think the same. My point is this: why say it?  

I have heard preachers make that statement, then use the verse to back their statement with the verse stating we should not forsake the assembly.  I am not trying to be difficult; I am just wanting to point out the importance of making truthful statements. When you tell people not to forsake the assembling and only use this verse, you will run into a problem. We are told that we need to be in church Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night and if you are not there you are neglecting the assembling.  But, if a church does not schedule a service on Sunday night or Wednesday night, are you NOT neglecting anymore?  However, if you don't have Sunday night or Wednesday night services you are "going liberal."  What have we taught our people?  If you go to church for three services you are a good Christian.  If you miss an activity you are not as spiritual as another who is there all the time.  Many people then rationalize why they are not there every time the doors are open and many soon rationalize more and more services and activities away.  How many reading this blog are aware that in many parts of the world good Bible believing and preaching churches meet only once on Sunday?  That one service, however, lasts for several hours because people have walked a long way to get there.  Also there are some who though they meet every Sunday have to wait several Sundays before the Pastor is there because the Pastor pastor's several churches.

So, what is the balance of truth?  We need to teach our people why we serve, how we serve, and when we serve.  Quoting only one verse just gets us in trouble because we fail to teach the whys.