I really don’t think much of this guy’s idea. People don’t go mainly because the church simply isn’t important to them. If it wasn’t ball games it would most certainly be something else, like needinf extra sleep or it being the only time of week they can get to the grocery store.
The truth is that we have become conditioned to believe that we should be entertained in all things. Why go to church? Yes, to worship God but also to promote community amongst believers. We are told not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. If we as a whole do not meet, how can we know who needs our support, who needs our prayer? When I sit in the congregation, they may be playing music that I don’t particularly care for but I sing anyway. Why? Because I know that I may be uplifting someone else with my worship. I frequently don’t get a great deal out of the message. I find that God gives me greater insight when I’m in the Word for an extended period of time. He speaks through His word. But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t gotten great insights from time to time. So, in short, why go? Because it honors God, sometimes lifts our spirits and ministers to those around us. It’s not all about ourselves.
Amen, Scoutdad. I remember many years ago, I was in a situation where I had to take calls from people hurting financially who were wanting “help” of all sorts. None of them had a church. My church has all kinds of ways they help people struggling with financial needs and every other kind of need. There are ministries to help fix things for widows and single moms; ministries to help single moms; ministries for the elderly and those in nursing homes...in fact, so many, I couldn’t even begin to NAME them. THIS is the CHURCH. People are missing out on the greatest community of all...the community of believers.
I once got flamed for saying it, but I just can’t get into the current practice of taking “refreshments” into a church service. I’m there to worship God....coffee can wait.
But that’s me...