Dearest friends,
I've noticed a recurring question, one that often comes from a place of genuine curiosity or even gentle scepticism: "Why should I go to church?" It's a question that, upon reflection, reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of what the Church truly is. We don't "go to church" in the same way we might "go to the grocery store" or "go to the cinema." We are the Church. We are the body of Christ, a living, breathing community of believers. Church isn't a building; it's a people. It's the visible expression of God's love made manifest in the world.
Therefore, asking "Why go to church" is like asking, "Why should a hand be connected to the body?" or "Why should a heart pump blood?" It's an integral part of our very being as disciples of Jesus.
Think of it this way: when we declare Jesus is Lord and confess our sins, we are grafted into a family. We become part of a spiritual household, a family that teaches, celebrates, and challenges us to grow in our faith. This family gathers regularly on Sunday to sing, to learn, to pray, and to partake Communion, in the presence of God, together.
Sunday Service is a Vital Expression of Faith
At the heart of our gatherings is our Sunday Worship (Service to God). Worship isn't just singing songs; it's an expression of our purpose, gratitude, and adoration for God. It's a way of acknowledging His sovereignty and submitting ourselves to His will. It's a moment to renew our covenant with God, to be reminded of His grace, and to find strength by the Spirit.
Jesus himself modelled worship (the service) to the Father. He prayed, he praised, and he gave thanks. He understood that communion with the Father was essential for spiritual life. As his followers, we are called to serve God and love others.
More Than a Sunday Service
Of course, being the Church isn't limited to Sunday mornings. It extends to every aspect of our lives. It's how we treat our neighbours, how we serve the vulnerable, how we strive for godly justice, how we reflect the kingdom of Christ in all that we do, and how we live for God’s glory.
Our Sunday worship unites our dispersed service. It equips us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. It reminds us that we are not alone, that we are part of something larger than ourselves, a movement of God through all generations and beyond borders.
An Invitation to Belong
So, instead of asking "Why go to church," I invite you to ask, "How can I experience the fullness of being part of the body of Christ (the Church)?" How can I join with my brothers and sisters in worship, in service, in fellowship, in prayer?
Come and see. Come and experience the warmth of God’s Word, the power of prayer, the joy of worship, and the renewal of Communion. Come and discover the depth of God's love for you, a grace that calls all people to faith in Christ, to confess, to belong, to participate, and to be part of the faithful Church.
We are not a club with exclusive membership, although we must be authentic members of a local church. We are a family with open arms, welcoming all who seek to know God with a humble heart and follow Jesus as Lord. We are the Church, and we invite you to join us.
Bishop Josep Rossello
Servant General, New Anglican Missionary Society
