There are several reasons why people quit the church. Some complain that the nearest church from home is kilometres away. Others say the congregation is prone to gossip and jealousy. Others don't like it when their spouses don't go to church with them. Some are turned off by mundane matters like the song choices during church service.
But according to Kathy DeGraw, founder of DeGraw Ministries, people should not let these reasons keep them from worshipping God in church. DeGraw says attending church is "biblical." She says going to church gives people the support they need whenever they go through health and other personal issues.
"Issues and people in the church do hurt us. They may treat you unfairly at times, and you may suffer injustices. The church is run by imperfect people, just like you and me," she writes in an article for Charisma News.
However, she says this imperfection "does not give you a right to stay out of church permanently."
People who don't attend church are "spiritually dying," says DeGraw, so they should get past their hurts and prejudice and give the church and its people another chance.
"I don't know anyone who hasn't been hurt by the church. I do know if we never try again, all of our churches would be empty. I also know there is an alarming rate of Christians who aren't reading their Bibles at home," she says.
When people go to church, they will be inspired to learn more about God and develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. Attending church also makes people feel accountable for all of their actions, she says.
"We need to take a step. We need to give church a chance. We need to be taught and instructed. If we gave up every time someone in life hurt us, we would be very lonely people. Jesus taught us forgiveness, and a good place to start is in the church and for the church. So can you get up and forgive, allow the past hurts and excuses to be put aside and give church a chance?" she asks.
