HOPE FOR THE HOME: The importance of family worship

Question: A husband and wife ask, “How important is it for a family to attend church with other believers? Can we not just stay home and worship as a family online?”

Jerry: The positive side to your question is that you are concerned about worshipping as a family. The negative side is that you will rob your family, especially your children, of the experience of corporate worship. Worshipping together as a family with other families, during the formative years of childhood and adolescence will lay a foundation for future generations in your family. We read in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” This is an instruction which emphasizes the need and effect of face-to-face worship with others.

Becky: In Dr. Thom Rainer’s latest book, “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church: What the Research Says about What Younger Generations Need (and Want) from Your Church, he states, “When you are in a worship service and you are singing together, that is not the same dynamic as listening to people sing online. Church was designed to be in the flesh.” I could not agree more. Generation Z (those between the ages of 14-29) and Generation Alpha (those between the ages of 1-13) are searching for personal relationships and the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s word.

Jerry: Worshipping as a family in a Bible-centered, Christ honoring, Spirit-led church where the staff are men and women of integrity is more important than programs and personalities. Equally important is that what you experience on Sunday you exhibit at home Monday through Saturday. We are reminded in Psalm 107:32 concerning family worship, “Let them exalt Him also in the congregation of the people and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.”

Becky: You have heard it said, “A family that prays together is likely to stay together.” It is equally true for families who worship together with other believers. Families often shop for churches, which reflects their lifestyle. Do not allow the style of worship to dictate your place of worship. Worship is not about which style you like best. It is about encountering the transforming presence and power of God. When style replaces purpose the artificial replaces the authentic.

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopeforthehome@juno.com.