Is It OK to Skip Church and Watch Church Online at Home?

During the Covid Lockdown, the online services have been a great blessing to thousands and more. However, since the lockdown restrictions were lifted by the authorities, many are still in a lockdown mindset - they still only attend church services online. 

While there definitely are certain benefits to being able to watch church services online, especially for someone with major health problems and cannot travel, a person loses out by not attending in person when they can do so.

The Bible warns us in Hebrews 10:25, “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.”

Allow me to share with you some Biblical reasons why you should be part of a local church and gather in person.

The church as God commanded was a community of believers in Christ, When you just meet online and not physically, you miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this community. Scripture says in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens irons” When you actually meet in person, this crucial rubbing takes place. This interaction at the physical level develops vital characteristics that cannot be produced by attending church online. 

Maybe you have been hurt in the past, or dealing with some emotional issues (which you cannot share with others). However, don't let that stop you from experiencing this dimension of God by attending church physically. Otherwise, you will hamper your spiritual growth drastically. On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place” (Acts 2:1). This was one of the keys in receiving the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

Secondly, Lord Jesus said, “The son of man came to serve” (Matthew 20:28) When you are just attending church online and not attending a physical service, you miss out on the opportunity to genuinely serve others. Yes, man is a spiritual being but at the same time do not forget that he also has a soul and a body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Thirdly, It sure does take more effort to get dressed and drive to church than to watch a church service online. But don't forget that your children and grandchildren are learning by your actions. The unbelievers around you are noticing what takes priority in your life: God’s house or your house? Teaching by example.

You may be connected to the most anointed man of God online with the most exotic titles and I thank God for it but the fact remains that we need to attend church physically for it is a command of God. Let no one deceive you in this regard and rob you of your spiritual inheritance.

Father, forgive me for not heeding your word. I say ‘yes’ to Your word. Give me grace to attend physical church services regularly. In Jesus’ name. Amen