Church Attendance Improves Mental Health

Let me begin by asking you a simple question. If there was something you could do, that cost you nothing, that resulted in better health, improved mental health, socially feel encouraged, and emotionally feel recharged, is that something you would be interested in?

All it would require is a commitment at least once a week to go somewhere. The positive benefits are unmistakable and there is virtually no downside to doing it. I mean, if there was a pill you could take that would have those kinds of results, wouldn’t everyone get a prescription today? You may be surprised at what this activity involves.

I am speaking of attending church at least once a week. The Wall Street Journal recently published an article entitled, “The Mental-Health Benefits Linked to Going to Church.” Virtually every area of your life is positively affected by the simple act of going to church. You are benefited physically, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and emotionally. It is a win/win when you attend God’s House.

The writer of Hebrews told us many years ago the same thing. He said, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The writer tells us that being in church, as a habit, not only encourages you, but encourages others as well. Pastor Chuck Swindoll made the statement that “The only time you are with a majority of people who are Christians, is on Sunday morning in church.”

I pray that you, as a habit, attend church on Sunday and if you don’t go, it is an exception and not the rule. Maybe you have gotten out of the habit of going. Maybe since Covid you and your family opt for watching the services online. However, there is no substitute for being with God’s people, on God’s Day (Sunday), studying God’s Word (The Bible), and worshipping God together with other believers. I encourage you today to recommit that on Sunday morning it is not “If you go to church,” but “When you go to church.”

Every area of your life will thank you for being in church.