And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

 Over the past two months I have battled sickness with sinus issues, bronchitis, stomach flu, and diverticulitis. Because of these illnesses, I’ve missed church more than I’ve attended and I feel a void in my heart as a result. Thankfully, I’m on the mend, AGAIN, and look forward to joining my church family this coming Sunday.

 If you think about it, church attendance is like getting together with your family. Each person comes together with different views, different appetites, and various stories, yet, are all related by blood and hopefully unified in love for one another.

 Maybe you don’t attend church on a regular basis, or never even considered attending. In today’s blog I want to share the benefits of attending church in hopes that you will see how a church family can benefit your life and personal family.

 Church is a place where people of all kinds come together to worship God. Each person has their own way of worship; all you have to do is sit and observe. After a while or after a few weeks of attendance, you’ll feel the motivation to join in the worship: through prayer, music, or receiving a powerful message from the pulpit that touches your heart.

 A church that is centered around Christ will be very welcoming, and you should feel their love and heart-felt conversations, just like you would your family. Over time, those conversations turn into friendships and you begin to know the people around you. You’ll learn about their life, and hopefully how their faith keeps them going, even when life becomes difficult. I’ve learned so much from people sitting around me, and those who’ve stepped up to the stage to share their testimony.

 As weeks pass by, you’ll feel a tug to get involved in some sort of ministry. An active church should have some special ministry for you to get involved, such as food pantry, distributing clothing to the homeless, going on mission trips to other countries. The list is endless, but there is always something you can plug into.

 But the most important reason for church, is for you to understand the heart and characteristics of your Creator, God! His Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life as a ransom for your sins, so that you can have a personal relationship with Him. Christians are unified by the blood of Jesus Church! You’ll learn more about that special relationship as you attend church.

 Social, physical, and spiritual benefits abound when you give church a try. Not all churches families are the same, and it might take a few visits to other churches to really find the right fit for you and your family. No matter what, just know that God loves you, He wants you to know Him better by attending His house as He will bless you with a special family of believers, who will soon become a part of your family. God bless!