The Value of Attending Church

Faith

Classes, work, friends and the social scene at college can make it easy to slip into a pattern of skipping church once … and then again and again. When this happens, it is tempting to tell yourself that you already have a relationship with God and that church is just an extra – merely a social construct. The fact is, however, church attendance is a fundamental part of being a Christian. If you hear yourself making excuses, then it’s time to really dig in and examine your true motivation.

More Than Just a Place

Your church is more than just a location to hang out with other Christians and hear a sermon. While the community, support and welcome you find at your local church is meaningful and important, you join a church because you are united with Christ and part of that unity and bond is attending church with other believers. Even though it can be tough, your schedule can be crowded and you may want to sleep in, you still need to reconnect with Christ and fellow believers on a regular basis. In addition, your brothers and sisters in the faith need you to bring your talents and service to them. That’s why God put you among this congregation in the first place.

Staying Faithful in the College Years

Surround yourself with other Christ followers: It’s easier to honor your commitment to Christ while in college when you surround yourself with others who are passionate about faith. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another.” Basically, you begin to share the characteristics of the people with whom you spend most of your time.

Your values shift, and so do your priorities, making it easier to declare yourself a Christian while selectively avoiding part of the package. You’re called to share the good news and shouldn’t limit your friendships to only other Christians, but if you spend the bulk of your time with people who are faithful and involved with Christ, you’ll have more support and be more likely to take the “relationship not religion” approach.

Find a mentor: You’re wise in many ways, but a mentor who has more life experience than you and is strong in the church can help counsel you when you need it most. Friends your own age offer wonderful support as well, but a more experienced elder may have more biblically based advice for you to ponder. “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Find a Local Church You Love

Your home church may be far away, but you can still find a local congregation and pastor to worship with. Schedule your church attendance just like you do classes as an important appointment and learning opportunity and you’ll find it easier to get there each week.

Make Faith a Priority

Set aside a few moments in the quiet of the morning for a Bible passage, join an in-person or online Bible study or even bypass a weekend event to take part in a church activity instead. Making faith a regular part of your week can help you keep a bond with the church and ensure you stay focused.

College is an amazing, exciting time, but it is also one of the easiest times in your life to lose your way. Take all the good, joyful experiences you can and make sure you incorporate your faith and your church into the college experience. Years from now you’ll look back and realize your growth during this once in a lifetime experience. Going to church provides immense value for Christians, so it is important to make church a priority, even with a busy schedule.

Students at Geneva College enjoy a biblically based, Christ-centered education with like-minded peers and plenty of support. We’d love to explore the possibilities with you and share how our unique approach can help you during this exciting time. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Jul 10, 2017

Faith

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