In this post, I’m really speaking to myself. But if you find that it sounds a bit like your story too, then maybe it’s for both of us. The truth is, even though I genuinely value church attendance, there are days I still come up with excuses. I’ve shared this before in my post about making Sunday morning easier, especially with how far my church is. And while that distance is real, I’ve noticed that I sometimes let it become an easy out. It can feel tempting to stay home, rest, or take a break from the routine, especially when life feels overwhelming.
There are also weeks when work (my 9-5) takes everything out of me. By the time Sunday service rolls around, I’m completely drained. I start telling myself, “Maybe I’ll just stay home, catch up on a few things, and stream church service instead.” But the truth is, I probably won’t give the service my full attention. I know myself well enough to realize that I’ll be distracted, not present, and I’ll miss the spiritual nourishment that I would have received if I had physically attended.
More than that, though, staying home would be keeping my son from something that matters deeply. He’s at an age where the lessons he learns about God’s word, the relationships he builds, and the example he sees from his family will shape the kind of person he becomes. I’ve come to recognize that church attendance isn’t just about me—it’s about showing my child the importance of God’s people and the value of being an active part of a church family.
When those excuses start to pile up and staying home feels easier, I remind myself of what is really at stake. It’s not just about me and my comfort. It is also about what I am showing my child. So, here are a few reminders on Why You Should Go to Church Tomorrow—Not Just for You, But for Your Kids Too
You Can’t Underrate What Kids Can Learn by Going to Church
Believe me, I’m speaking from experience. I need this just as much as my son does. I’ve never gone to church and regretted it. It’s always been a source of refreshment, learning, and spiritual growth. I’ve come to recognize that church attendance is a great way for my son to understand the worship of God and the importance of community, which are cornerstones of our faith.
The other day, my son was playing, and he suddenly said, “Thank you, Jesus, for saving me.” I knew he had learned it in church about Jesus saves, and I was so thankful that it was in his unconscious that Jesus saves
That’s why I want it to be a part of my son’s life too. I want him to experience and enjoy it just as much as I do. When we attend church together, it’s a moment of spiritual connection, and we can reflect on the teaching of Jesus Christ as a family. It’s not just a nice habit—it’s foundational for his growth as a confident Christian kid who understands the significance of God’s word at an early age.
At home, we have screen time restrictions on weekdays, and my son is familiar with the routine. When I say it’s Friday, he gets excited because that means it’s time for some TV. I want him to have that same excitement for Sundays. I want him to say, “Yay, it’s Sunday, it’s time for church attendance.” Just as we make room for learning and rest during the week, Sundays should be a day that points us to worship, community, and spiritual growth. By attending Sunday school, children can absorb the teachings of God’s word in a way that is accessible to them, forming a foundation of faith that will stick with them as they grow.
Building Friendships Beyond School
One of the biggest reasons I want my son to go to church is so that he can make friends with other kids, not just at school but also at church. I want him to connect with others who share his faith. Having a common denominator like church can help create meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Church attendance helps our children find their place in the wider church community, surrounded by other believers who share the same moral compass and values.
Church friendships are different. They’re built around shared values, learning, and growing together in God’s word. These friendships will last through the years, and I want my son to have that support system in place early on. As he grows older, these friendships will prove invaluable in helping him navigate the challenges of adolescence and the teen years.
Beyond just finding friends, church attendance helps young people stay connected with church leaders and mentors who guide them in their faith. This connection is vital for their spiritual journey, helping them grow spiritually while navigating the complexities of their teenage years and early adulthood.
The Importance of Fellowship: Setting the Right Example
I don’t want to be a hypocrite. As much as I talk about the importance of not forsaking the fellowship of believers, there are days when I’ve fallen short. I need to lead by example. Those small talks after church, the time spent catching up with friends, and the bonding moments with my family—that’s what makes church attendance so special. It’s not just about the service. It’s about being part of a church family, supporting one another, and having those meaningful moments together. As Christian parents, we need to model the behavior we want our children to learn, especially when it comes to church activities and community involvement.
By attending church service, I am not only showing my son the importance of worshiping together as a family, but I am also modeling the importance of maintaining good relationships with other believers. I want him to understand that good works and spiritual growth go hand in hand with being an active participant in the church body.
Reinforcing What We Learn in Church at Home
It’s not just about showing up; it’s about reinforcing what we learn in church. We can carry those lessons home and implement them in our daily lives. Whether it’s sharing Bible stories, praying together, or discussing what we learned during the service, these conversations help reinforce the faith-based lessons that we want our children to hold onto as they grow.
One of the most beautiful things about church attendance is the opportunity it provides to reinforce the message of God’s love throughout the week. When my son shares what he learned in Sunday school, it opens up a conversation where we can dive deeper into the meaning behind the stories and teachings. This way, God’s word doesn’t stay confined to Sunday but becomes part of our everyday life.
Helping Kids Build a Moral Compass
We all know how much our kids are influenced during their impressionable years, especially in the world we live in today. Making church attendance a priority helps set a solid moral compass for our kids, providing them with a spiritual foundation that will guide them through their teenage years and into adulthood. As a youth leader, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact church can have on young people, especially when they’re part of a youth group that fosters spiritual growth and good morals.
Church helps kids see the importance of church beyond just the service itself. It teaches them that church activities are about more than a Sunday routine—they’re about being a part of something bigger, something that lasts. They’re about good relationships, spiritual growth, and a sense of belonging. The friendships they form in children’s ministry and youth ministry provide a foundation that will support them throughout their life, offering a sense of stability and love, especially in the difficult times of life.
Final Thoughts
LLet’s be honest. The laundry will still be there. And yes, it is tempting to use Sunday morning to catch up on chores. But the truth is, the benefits of gathering with other believers and being present at church are far more important than having a spotless house. It is okay if not everything gets done.
I am learning to shift my mindset and get a head start on some tasks during the week. I try to fit in what I can, whether it is folding laundry in the evening or doing a quick cleanup after dinner. It does not always go exactly as planned, but when I make room for what really matters, I believe I am also honoring God’s word.
Hey, if your church is like mine, your kiddo might just get an ice cream after church! An ice cream man comes out after the service, making it a fun and sweet way to wrap up the day, giving the kids something to look forward to while reinforcing the positive experience of being in church.
So I am taking small steps, doing what I can during the week or even Friday nights, and reminding myself that church attendance matters more than a completed to-do list. What are some ways you create space in your week for what truly matters, especially when it comes to faith, family, and rest?
Awwnnnn.. thank you so much 🙂