Why I Should Attend Events at Other Congregations

Every now and again, when announcements roll around, there will be an event that is taking place at another congregation on the list. You know the ones. You’ve got the Gospel Meetings, Ladies Days, Workshops, Seminars, Lectureships, and everything in between. Certainly, because these are good things, we usually try to announce them. Sometimes we will even go the extra mile and post the flyer on our bulletin board. Pretty much every faithful congregation in the brotherhood participates in this time-old practice. The question is, how often do we actually attend these works? Brethren, something that seems to be greatly lacking within the Church is mutual participation in congregational events. Now, please do not misunderstand me to be saying, “You must attend events at other congregations to go to heaven.” or  “That it is a sin if you miss a church event.” Without a doubt, there is nothing inherently wrong with missing out on these events. However, there are some great benefits that can come from our attendance. With that in mind, let us think about some reasons why we should attend events at other faithful congregations.

First, we should attend events at other congregations because it strengthens and promotes unity. When you think about it, unity is something God cares a lot about. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 Paul said, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The Psalmist said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1). Even Jesus emphasized the importance of unity as He prayed to His Father, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (John 17:20, 21). Unity is something that God cares deeply about, so when we interrupt our busy schedules and go to another congregation’s Gospel meeting the Lord is greatly pleased. That act not only strengthens unity, it promotes it as well. Can you imagine what great unity could exist amongst brethren if we made more of an effort to support one another’s works?

Second, we should attend events at other congregations because it helps us grow. In 2 Peter 3:18 Peter says, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” There is no debating the fact, every Christian ought to have spiritual growth on their radar. Just like 2 Peter 3:18, there are exhortations all throughout the New Testament that call the Christian to growth. In thinking about that truth, there are only a few ways this can be accomplished. We can grow when we study personally, when we come together for services, and when there is an extra event to study the Word of God. Brethren, there are only so many opportunities to grow as a Christian, therefore we should take every chance afforded to us to spend time in Scripture.

Finally, we should attend events at other congregations because it is an opportunity to be encouraged. In 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 8 Paul told the Thessalonians, “you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out.” Evidently, the Thessalonian congregation was an example for good to other Christians in the ancient world. Because of the way this congregation conducted themselves, others were encouraged and uplifted. Did you know the same could happen today? When we attend Gospel Meetings, Ladies Days, and Workshops at other congregations, we get to witness firsthand the good things our brethren are doing. What an encouragement that can be if we take advantage of the opportunity.

Attending events at other congregations is probably not something we think about all that often. Many times we consider it just another announcement that needs to be made. However, we all need to think more deeply about what benefits can be gained from supporting other faithful congregations.