Is a Christian Commanded to Go to Church, and If So, How Often?

As a pastor of a New Testament church, I desire that all who attend do so each Sunday. When they don’t, I am concerned. I wonder if they are sick, out of town, struggling spiritually, upset about something, or attending another church.

Thankfully, the Lord gave us the Bible as a source of truth to answer our questions about life.

The Bible provides an example of the early church in the book of Acts:

Acts 2:42-47:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. All that believed were together and had all things in common; they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need. They continued daily with one accord in the temple, breaking bread from house to house, eating their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

In this church, four practices were common among believers:

1. Learning the doctrines (teachings) of the Bible
2. Fellowship with other believers
3. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper
4. Praying

How often did they meet? Daily! Does this mean all believers should meet daily at the church? No, not at all. As the church evolved, so did the practice of meeting daily. The book of Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians suffering persecution, offers this encouragement:

Hebrews 10:24-25:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.

These verses shed light on why a believer attends church. Church is not to be attended as one would an event such as a concert or a sporting event. Church is a place believers go to “provoke” them to “love” and to do “good works.” It is where believers gather to encourage and help one another. When you choose to be unfaithful to church, you weaken not only your own spiritual life but also the spiritual lives of others in your church.

Another practice found here is to go. Believers should be faithful in attending their church, especially as we understand that the Lord’s return is near. Is it a command? No, but it is a practice that should be a priority in the life of a believer. I am always aware that the church is loved by Jesus and that Jesus gave Himself for it.

Ephesians 5:25:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.

The lackadaisical attitude about attending church is not found in Scripture. Prioritizing personal pleasure, convenience, family, sports, parties, etc., reveals the condition of the heart. How can one profess to love Jesus and not love what Jesus loves?

Are you commanded to go each and every Sunday? Each time the door is open? No, but attending your church should be a top priority. It should be as automatic for a Christian as going to work or a child going to school.

Go to church!