National Back to Church Sunday

Through the ups and downs in life, God has encouragement for us.  We are grateful that our churches are sharing His truth every week.  If it’s been a while since you and your family have gone to a service, I’m praying that maybe this could be a fresh start!  Sunday, September 15 is Back to Church Sunday!

If you don’t have a church home, this event encourages us to reconnect with the local church. The hope is to foster a sense of belonging, encouragement, and community. Many churches will host special events. It all serves as a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been away, you are always welcome back in the church family.  Sometimes just showing up can make a difference and can create a new healthy habit for your family.  We are praying for you!  – Tyler

Attending a local Christian church fosters a sense of community, offering spiritual support and meaningful relationships with others who share your faith. It also provides opportunities for personal growth through worship, biblical teachings, and service to others in alignment with Christian values.

Life’s challenges, busyness, or past hurts can often hinder building and maintaining relationships at church, but Scripture emphasizes the importance of gathering to worship and study the Word. Church is a unique space where we can foster relationships grounded in our shared identity as children of God.

• Daily Prayer: Set aside specific times for daily prayer to maintain a consistent connection with God. Regular communication with Him strengthens your faith and builds reliance on His guidance.
• Bible Study: Commit to reading and meditating on Scripture daily, even if it’s just a few verses. Understanding God’s Word helps you grow in wisdom and equips you to face life’s challenges with a biblical perspective.
• Worship Regularly: Make worship, both personal and corporate, a consistent part of your life. Worshipping God through music, reflection, or gathering with others helps you stay centered on Him and deepens your spiritual devotion.
• Accountability Partners: Surround yourself with like-minded believers who can encourage and hold you accountable in your spiritual journey. Sharing struggles and victories with others helps you stay consistent and spiritually focused.
• Service to Others: Actively serve others through your church or community as a way of living out your faith. Regular acts of service keep you engaged with your faith and remind you of Christ’s call to love and serve others.
• Participate in Church Activities: Regularly attend church services, Bible studies, and community events to stay connected to the body of Christ. Being involved in church life provides spiritual nourishment and strengthens your commitment.
• Reflect and Journal: Take time each day to reflect on your spiritual walk and journal your thoughts, prayers, and what God is teaching you. This practice keeps you mindful of your spiritual growth and helps track your progress over time.

We aren’t meant to do life alone. God designed us for community—where we support and share life with each other. Think about it: everything is better with friends, whether it’s going to the movies, attending a game, or even shopping.

The same is true for church! Sure, you can meet new people there, but inviting friends from other parts of your life makes it even more special. Here are three reasons why:

1. Jesus calls us to it.
   If we’re trying to live like Jesus, we need to follow His example. Jesus built relationships, shared meals, spent time with friends, and called others to follow Him. We’re called to do the same.
   
2. It strengthens relationships.
   Your friends probably already know a little about your faith, but inviting them to church lets them see a deeper side of you. It can bring your friendship to a new level, create vulnerability, and help keep both of you accountable.
   
3. It’s an act of love.
   When you care about someone, you want the best for them, especially when it comes to eternity. We may be the only reflection of Jesus our friends see, so we need to love them enough to share the Gospel, even if it’s scary.

Asking someone to church can be intimidating, but there are natural opportunities—like Easter, Christmas, or Back to Church Sunday—when people are more likely to say yes.

Remember, God is with you. When you step out in faith with an invitation, He’s already working in their hearts. Who will you invite this Sunday? Find a church near you.