6 things to do when you don’t feel like going to church

Early in my ministry, I visited an elderly man in a retirement home whose body and mind had been steadily declining. As a result, he had not gone to worship for some time. When I found him, he was sitting alone, rocking back and forth, repeatedly uttering the words, “Take me to church.” It struck me that in his condition, the deepest desire of his heart was to worship God in the assembly of his people.

That man died shortly after and I had the opportunity to speak at his funeral. I told those gathered there that God had answered their request. They had taken Him to church, not to a Sunday worship service, but to that great assembly (church) of God’s people gathered around the throne (Heb. 12:22).

I share the above story because it touches on two crucial aspects of Christian worship. First, this man presents a model of a deep personal desire to attend the weekly gathering of God’s people for worship. This is something we can all strive to cultivate. Second, it touches on the reality that when we gather to worship with a local congregation, by the Spirit of God, we join that great assembly in the heavenly places. Through the blood of Christ, we enter the presence of God. First we will see what happens when we come to worship. Then we will consider how to cultivate the desire and practice of weekly worship.

When Christians go to church, we do not simply gather in a local setting. In these earthly assemblies, the Spirit of God lifts us into His heavenly presence. The great privilege of every Christian, thanks to our Great High Priest, is to come to the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22) and enter the heavenly Most Holy Place to “offer a sacrifice of praise. . . fruit of lips that confess his name” (Heb. 13:15). Understanding this amazing spiritual reality transforms the way we think and feel about worship.

We also see throughout the New Testament that the early church gathered to worship on the Lord’s Day (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Heb. 10:25). These are scenes of joy as Christians hear the Word of God, rejoice at deliverance from sin, praise God in song and prayer for His wonderful works in Christ Jesus, and serve others in love. We are called to continue this weekly practice of gathering to worship on the Lord’s Day.

When Christians go to church, we do not simply gather in a local setting. In these earthly assemblies, the Spirit of God lifts us into His heavenly presence.

Therefore, if you are overcoming feelings of not wanting to go to church, it is important to examine your heart and your motives. Humbly take this to the Lord in prayer: Because I don’t feel like going to church? The answer to this question could be a serious spiritual matter or reflect competing priorities resulting from the complexities of life.

Sometimes our own sin can prevent us from wanting to worship. If this is the case, confess your sin and find the freedom and security of forgiveness in Jesus. If perhaps it is the sin of a brother or sister in Christ, confront it with love and seek reconciliation (Matthew 18:15). If you find that you are not in awe of God, meditate on His attributes until you can ask the prophet: Who is like God? (Micah 7:18). If you find worship boring, reflect on the spiritual realities highlighted above and discover why your church worships the way it does.

Schedules that are too full, even full of good things, can also be a sinful reason for skipping regular worship. If worship is the most important thing God calls us to—for His glory, for our own good, and for the blessing of others—then we need to cultivate the conviction and discipline to clear the calendar and make worship our top priority. .

You may face other obstacles when considering weekly worship. Some of them include the realities and challenges of different stages of life: discipling young children, difficult college studies, demanding work schedules, and debilitating health problems. You might think that staying home would be more relaxing. But in fact, it is Jesus who offers true rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Come to Him and find rest for your soul.

Finally, I want to encourage you to work through the short list below. I hope it helps you develop a deeper desire for weekly worship, anticipating the spiritual realities and blessings of worship in the presence of God:

1. Pray that God will open the eyes of your heart so that you can know the hope and riches that are yours in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:18).
2. Pray that God will fill you with songs of praise and thanksgiving as you meditate on the great things He has done (Ephesians 5:19–20; 1 Peter 2:9).
3. Listen carefully to the Word of God as it is read and proclaimed. Respond with faith to his promises and in obedience to his commandments (Col. 3:16).
4. Participate in public prayers by praying and bringing those prayers to the Lord throughout the week (Ephesians 6:18).
5. Receive the sacraments with faith and thanksgiving (Luke 22:19–20).
6. Find fellow believers whom you can encourage and serve after worship (Heb. 10:24).