Why do you go to church every Sunday?

I went to North Phoenix Baptist Church for about 9 years. After several years of never really getting involved with my age group, I finally found a place in the college group. It's been about 2+ years now since I've not been a part of the college group 'cause everyone seemed to keep getting younger; It's hard to stick around at a church where you don't mingle or don't have any friends. One day at "Big Church" I sat there thinking to myself, "What is keeping me here?" I soon realized that I was merely going to church most every Sunday because that's what I've done all my life.... it's what Christians do, right? Hmmm... so my question to you is: Why do you go to church? Do you go to a church where you are involved in a small/large group? What keeps your attention held in place while listening to the sermon?

I guess I just want to pick your brains a little. Thanks!

I go on sunday night, it seems like sunday mornings at North Phoenix are catered to the 50+ age group and it doesnt seem as relevant to me

Main reason I go at night is the message and worship time. David and the crash band are awesome and Maxi really brings a relevant message. I find that it challenges me and makes you think. I guess I dont enjoy sunday mornings with Pastor Dan as much because I dont feel challenged fom the message that much. Sunday nights is alot different

We go early for bible study because we learn a lot in our discussions and it is a great fellowship, "Big Church" is another place to hear what God has for me to hear, There haas been an AMAZING number of times in this church where the pastor has been looking and talking directly to me in the sermon, not relly, but it seemed that way. It was so relevant to what I was going thru, thats not a freack occurnace. Fellowship with our family of believers, we have such a great group of people, old and young, that we love to be with and talk to.

Our church is not somewere we have to go, its soewhere we like to go.

The only thing Maxi B. challenges me to do is to stay awake.

On my own I have done word studies, dissected chapters and books. I have studied doctrine, theology, and world view and when its all said and done I still long to be with other Christians in corporate setting.
Even when I go to a church and sit alone and leave without talking to anyone I still feel refreshed being abound other Christians, listening to the message preached, and worshiping God.
Yeah I can do it on my own and be a bed side Baptist but there is something about being with a body of believers.
Im not saying there aren’t days that I want nothing to do with anyone or anything… However, God in his mercy always seems to meet me…


Not to mention I need the extra good points to keep me out of hell... :twisted: :wink:

I hate to admit this but I don't have a church I can call home. Dana and I plan on looking around and trying some new small groups. I seem to really connect and pay attention more when I can participate so that would be nice. I grew up at North Phoenix and went every Sunday w/ my parents until high school and I started going on my own. I would like to find another one to call home.

I really know how you feel Dana. I could not imagin missing a day of Chruch when we were involved in the collage group. Now it is not the same just going to big chruch to listen to the sermon.

I really wish I could find somewhere to get involved in again.

Thanks for everyones input. I just wanted to pick your brains. I know a lot of not having much of a desire is because I don't have other friends at church... to fellowship with. Wish me and Jen luck as we venture out!

That transition time in trying to find a new church home really sucks. I know - we attended North Phoenix for over 25 years (I know many of you weren't even born 25 years ago). Obviously a lot of changes occurred in that 25 years - many good, some not so good. We found a new church home at First Christian about a year and a half ago, and we love it. Unfortunately, like most churches, it doesn't have a good ministry for that 20's age group.

Remember how huge NPBC seemed until you got involved in the college group? I know mega-churches can seem intimidating and cold, but see if they have smaller groups of people your age that meet for a Bible study time and socialization. It's those small groups that make the large churches feel more personal. If you like the preaching and worship at CCV, take the next step and try getting involved in the Bible study for your age - that's where you start feeling connected.

Don't let the size necessarily turn you off. Size doesn't matter - at least that's what I've always been told.

The only problem with small groups at CCV is there is none on Sunday. I liked the way we did things (in the beginning) at NPBC. We had our small groups in the morning and then went to big-chruch. I just seems that all the bigger churches have 2 or 3 services on Sunday so they dont do the small groups or bible studies that day.