I've also been one of those pastors who has unapologetically called people to return to regular, physical church attendance, often using Hebrews 10:24-25. It seems most of my friends who are pastors have seen some decline in numbers, some more-so than others! But, this is not one of those finger shaking, "y'all need to be in church" posts! I want those who are legitimate DISCIPLES, not church members, converts, "church going folk," etc. to hear me out. Our primary call as disciples is not to just go to church, or to even join a church, to be baptized, etc.! We are to be disciples (followers of, adherents to Jesus and his teachings) who are making other disciples. Those who continue to 'miss church' do burden us as pastors, sure. But the primary reason is that for far too many, simply making it TO church is the high point of their confessed faith in Christ each week. Attending worship, discipleship, small groups, fellowships, one on on accountability type meetings, lunches & coffee are all integral parts of our preparation to be the very best disciple we can be!
The Olympics will take place soon, the whole world will be watching fine tuned individual athletes and incredibly prepared, well functioning teams compete against the very best from around the world. We WON'T see how long and how much they've practiced, trained, sacrificed, and missed out on in order to be the very best in the world! What if we saw gathering with other disciples different than just something we get done each week to feel better, satisfy momma and daddy, or to keep the preacher from visiting or calling😁! What if we saw a greater purpose in our being a disciple of Christ, than simply making it to church, etc.? I fully believe that when we truly see the enormity of God's saving us through Christ and the responsibility and opportunity to be a part of impacting the eternity of others, "missin church" is no longer something we have to be preached at, guilted by others to stop, or receive phone calls and visits from preachers about!😉
