How do believers view church? Is it merely a place where we clock in and out? Or is it even a place? Recently, I had a surprising encounter that sparked deep reflection on how some believers perceive the essence of church. One day at school, I bumped into a young student—let’s call him “Tal”—who asked, “Mr. Neal, do you still work at church?” Caught off guard, I replied, “I don’t ‘work’ at church, but I attend church.” Upon learning that he had stopped attending, I inquired about his reasons. He simply said, “Not anymore.”

Is church a laborious duty or a gathering to commune with God and fellow believers?

As our conversation ended, I found myself pondering Tal’s perspective: Why would someone view church as work? Is church a laborious duty or a gathering to commune with God and fellow believers? The former view seems increasingly common among some Christians, who see church activities as obligations rather than opportunities for meaningful fellowship.

The early Christian community, described in the book of Acts, embodied a different spirit. They eagerly gathered together, sharing meals, praying, and encouraging one another without perceiving their gatherings as chores or work. Reflecting on this, it became clear that our understanding of church should be rooted in biblical truth—a gathering of believers united in Christ rather than a place for toiling away.

As we adopt a new perspective, so will our engagement change. We should look forward to our Sundays with eagerness, anticipating connecting with fellow believers and growing in faith together. Remember, Church is not merely a building or an event, but a community of believers. As Ephesians 2:19-22 reminds us, we are all members of God’s household, being built together into a dwelling place for Him.

Secondly, we should actively participate rather than being passive observers. We must use our unique gifts to serve others, as 1 Peter 4:10 encourages: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” Lastly, we should prioritize relationships and fellowship with one another, fulfilling the command in Hebrews 10:24-25 to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and “not giving up meeting together.”

In Acts 20:34-35, Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that serving one another is part of the essence of church fellowship. Viewing church as work instead of communion with believers often stems from losing sight of this biblical purpose. When we align ourselves with God’s vision for His ekklesia—a vibrant community of believers growing in faith and love—our involvement transforms from obligation to joyful participation within God’s family.

Every Christian is a minister, and labor is worship—whether at church or in the workplace. Colossians 3:23 teaches us to treat our work as an offering to God, recognizing our shared calling to serve one another.

I feel sad for Tal, who once treated church as work but has since chosen to distance himself from the Kingdom of God. My prayer is that he, and others like him, may rediscover the joy and purpose found in being part of God’s family.

^{Photo by Ben White on Unsplash}