I rejoiced with those who said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
 Our feet are standing
    in your gates, Jerusalem. – Psalm 122

I am building this morning’s post around a list I came up with several years ago, and I believe it is well worth sharing again.

At the time, Rebekah and I were still worshiping with the good folk over at Wake Forest Presbyterian. Participation was strong and we had two well attended worship services every week.

But, regardless of how strong a church is, each new Sunday morning there is always a choice. There is a lot any one of us could be doing today, covering many potentially interesting options. But I’m convinced that church is always going to be our best choice.

You may ask “Why?” And “why” is a good question. I’ll try to answer in a way that rings true as a reasonable invitation for those who aren’t necessarily “all in.”

1. Make the world a better place: I know, that’s a hard sell in an age where millions have walked away for good reason. All I can say is “Don’t punish the frauds by hurting yourself.” Just come and see. Church is full with garden-variety sinners like me, but the good news is we’re on a really good journey that is all about forgiveness and redemption and authenticity.
2. Discover community: Human beings – that’s us – are created for community. That means community with God and with one another. In church we experience both in the same moment; this is not only a powerful blessing but unavailable in any other context.
3. There is a natural rhythm to life: Connecting with The Creator anchors our rhythms in the source of everything. Just as the sun rises every morning, winter follows fall, and spring leads into summer, gathering for worship is a sense of coming home that simply rings true, and I feel whole.
4. Perspective: The world does not revolve around us; we – as individuals – are not the epicenter of life. At the same time, worship puts us at the heart of the focus of God’s love, both as individuals and as a congregation. This is indescribably empowering and comforting.
5. Challenge: I don’t know about you, but I still have a lot to learn. In church, I am always challenged both intellectually and spiritually, as well as challenged to be a better human being.
6. Unprecedented opportunity: Church follows up these challenges with opportunity. We can make a measurable difference in this world when we work together. Helping young people connect with purpose, working for equality and reconciliation, serving via the community garden and many programs to alleviate hunger, reaching into underserved communities with practical help, working with children, strengthening families… and so much more.
7. Possibilities: church is a place to celebrate what is beautiful and explore what is possible! Amazing music that reaches into your soul, messages/oratory you won’t hear anywhere else, small group learning experiences, enrichment classes… and that’s just the beginning.

These seven reasons to go to church are simple facts about why church is worth the investment of our time and energy. This is just the beginning, but the list is a good start, and I’m confident you will discover more once you begin the journey home.

Here’s something I say often: “Jesus is God’s invitation. There is no better way home than walking along the way with fellow travelers who have the same concerns, the same questions, and the same open spirits.”

Peace and more peace – DEREK