Why Do You Go to Church?

Why Do You Go to Church?

A Biblical Perspective on Purpose, Commitment, and Worship

For the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a worship leader and music minister in many different kinds of churches. I’ve been part of startup churches and long-established churches, and I’ve led worship in services that were contemporary, seeker-sensitive, and unified or blended.

Through all of those different settings, God has taught me far more about worship than I ever expected when I first began serving. What I once thought was mostly about music, God has shown me is really about obedience, truth, and the heart. And that’s why the question matters:

Why do you go to church?

When Preferences Become the Foundation

Many people go to church because they enjoy the music, like the preaching style, or appreciate strong children’s or youth programs. Those things aren’t bad—many of them are real blessings.

But if we’re honest, if those are the main reasons we go, disappointment will eventually come.

Music styles change. Sermons don’t always connect. Programs shift. And people—no matter how sincere—will let us down at some point. Scripture reminds us of this truth:

“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” Psalm 146:3

If our reason for going to church is based on how it makes us feel or what someone else provides for us, our foundation is shaky. People will disappoint you. God never will.

“The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His works.”

Psalm 145:13

Church Is About Belonging and Serving

Scripture shows us that church was never meant to be a place we simply attend—it’s a place where we belong, serve, and grow.

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.”

Hebrews 10:24–25

When God leads you to a church, it’s not accidental. He places you there with purpose.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

Your presence matters. Your gifts matter. Your willingness to serve matters.

I’ve learned that real joy in church doesn’t come from being entertained—it comes from being obedient.

A Worship Leader’s Journey

As a worship leader and music minister, God has had to do some work on my heart over the years. One of the biggest lessons He’s taught me is to stop trying to please people and start pleasing Him.

“If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

That doesn’t mean being insensitive or intentionally upsetting others. It means prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom and direction for how He wants His people led into worship.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6

I’ve also learned it’s just as important to teach the church why we worship as it is to lead the songs. Jesus said: “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” John 4:23–24

When people understand what they’re singing and why they’re singing it, worship goes deeper.

Worship isn’t about personal preference—it’s a calling.

Why the Message of the Song Matters

For me, the message of a song will always matter more than the style. Worship songs must be scripturally accurate and clearly point to who God is and what He has done.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”

Colossians 3:16

Our songs should remind us of God’s majesty, power, holiness, love, faithfulness and many more of His attributes. Music is a powerful tool—but it should always serve the message, not replace it.

A Better Question to Ask

Instead of asking, “What do I get out of this church?” We should be asking:

“Why has God placed me here, and how does He want me to serve?”

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10

When church becomes less about preference and more about obedience—less about performance and more about worship—something changes in our hearts.

Go to church not because it’s perfect, but because God is perfect.

About the Author

Chan Shealy is a singer, songwriter and the worship leader at First Calvary Baptist Church. He is passionate about teaching about worship and leading people into God’s presence through biblically rooted, Spirit-filled song. His desire is to see a generation of worshippers who give their all—not for a feeling, but for God’s glory.