It Is Not About a Building!
Because the place of worship is a place of witness-a witness that God speaks to us and that we are ready to listen, a witness that God changes people and we are changed by his action, a witness that God gives himself to us so that we may live and gladly receive his gift.
from On Living Well: Brief Reflections on Wisdom for Walking in the Way of Jesus
The first discipline we will talk about is “worshiping or fellow-shipping with other believers”. Notice we are not calling this discipline “going to church”. The “church” is not a building.
The church is the people who meet together to learn, grow, and worship together. Our music/worship pastor aptly reminds us of this every week, and it is a good reminder.
Worshiping together is a corporate spiritual discipline, and you may wonder why I chose it as the first one to discuss. (click here to learn more about the categories of the disciplines)
Because I think it is one of the more difficult disciplines to do as a single parent. It takes courage.
Did you have to find a new church after divorce?
Is it hard to answer questions about your story or why you do not have a spouse? Do you feel like you may be judged?
Do you have to go alone some Sundays without your children and it fills your heart with loneliness?
Does it seem like you are surrounded by happy, intact families only making you more singled out?
Is it just hard to get everyone ready and out the door on a Sunday morning?!
Finding a Body of Believers to Worship With
A year or two after my divorce, circumstances were such that I did feel like our small family needed a new beginning. I did not take it lightly, I prayed about it and tested the waters.
God led us to the right body of believers, and it was our home for almost 10 years. Others there who supported us will always hold a warm place in my heart, and I hope that our family was an encouragement to others as well.
As an introvert, though, it was hard to have the energy to step out and put myself in a place where I had to meet new people. In time, I shared our family’s story and found comfort and peace among believers in the midst of a chaotic time in our lives.
Why “Go to Church”?
Because God tells us in Hebrews 10:23-25 (GNT)…
Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.
Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. (bold and underlining are mine)
Why Make It A Habit?
Even the secular world recognizes the power of good and bad habits. James Clear in his book Atomic Habits writes…
… the effects of your habits multiply as you repeat them. They seem to make little difference on any given day and yet the impact they deliver over the months and years can be enormous.
And regarding poor habits, Clear writes…
But when we repeat 1 percent errors, day after day, by replicating poor decisions, duplicating tiny mistakes, and rationalizing little excuses, our small choices compound into toxic results.
Make it a habit to meet and worship with other believers weekly. Your family will benefit.
Bible Study Tip - How Is the Passage Sandwiched?
When reading a passage, read it in context-meaning read what comes before the passage and what comes after the passage. It often sheds new light on the passage you are studying.
Sandwiched
Read Hebrews 10:19-21 which precedes our passage. Think about this…
Are we taking our freedom lightly, the freedom Jesus paid the price for, when we make half-hearted attempts to go to church?
Read Hebrews 10:26-31 which follows our passage…
Is sin more of a temptation when we are not with others who are encouraging us along the right path?
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13
Encourage and Be Encouraged, Your Presence Matters
I end with this quote from Eugene Peterson.
There are many ways that the spirit of evangelism gets expressed, but it all begins in the act of worship. If you are not there, you detract from what we are doing together. You also diminish your credibility as a person of obedient and biblical faith
I know you don’t feel essential when you walk through church doors, greet a few people, sit in a pew, and sing and pray. But it is essential. Your witness is required. Eugene Peterson from Living Well
Do you have any tips for getting the family out of the house for church on Sundays? Share below! Your words may encourage another single parent.
This is our quick go to when we are craving bread. You can make it in a mug or a 4 inch ramekin. Slice in half for peanut butter and jelly. Make it in a mug, slice, and make an egg and sausage biscuit. The options are endless.
Equipped to Lead for the Single Parent
