A few weeks ago, Manny and I, while getting ready to go to church very early in the morning had a brief conversation…

Manny: Where are we going?
Me: To the Church
Manny: Are we going to the class to learn about God?
Me: Yes and also to worship God.

A few moments later when we were driving there was a deep silence. In my mind were the different bible classes offered for Sunday school, the people who were going to go, members, visitors, families and friends; and I reflected on what my son told me.

What are the real reasons I am going to “church”?

Is it about me or about God?
Will I give or receive?
Am I going to bless or ask for a blessing?
To be in communion with others or something else?
To judge or criticize?
To listen or to be heard?
To praise myself or praise God?
To remember what Jesus did for the world and what He will do?
I have nothing else to do or am I being forced?
Because of tradition, to do what is tradition?
To set rules?

The definition of “church” comes from the Latin ecclesia and this from the Greek, ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) word defined as “a called-out assembly or congregation.” Ekklesia is commonly translated as “church” in the New Testament. We know this. God is spirit and we were created in his image. Paul, in Ephesians 1:6-12, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that we were created to give praise and glory to God.

In the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman we see that there are two types of worship: worship in spirit but without truth and worship in truth but without spirit. Jesus is saying that truth and spirit must be present in true worship.

Jesus says come and follow me … the church belongs to Christ; he said I will build my church … the church is a spiritual Kingdom. Worship is important to the Father; he is seeking for you, for true worshipers.

Why am I going to church?