If you’ve ever asked, “Do I really have to go to church?” — you’re not alone. Between kids’ activities, work schedules, and the endless weekend to-do list, it’s easy to feel like church is optional. After all, can’t you just stream a sermon later or catch up with your faith in your own way?
But here’s the real question: What if God actually designed you to need church?
Not just the building — but the people, the community, and the shared rhythm of worship that fills what’s missing in your week.
At Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Township, we’ve been exploring these big questions in our Questioning God series — and this one hits home for so many families in Metro Detroit.
Why We Ask: “Do I Need to Be Part of a Local Church?”
Many people believe in Jesus but still drift from the church. Why?
-
“We’re too busy.”
-
“I was hurt by a church before.”
-
“I can do faith on my own.”
-
“It’s boring.”
-
“I’ll just watch online later.”
Sound familiar? You’re not the only one. But the truth is, God created us for connection, not isolation. From the very beginning, His plan has always been community.
The act of congregating as a church is just as much about being together, as it is about upholding a weekly spiritual practice or ritual. By God’s designed we are meant for community, which includes gathering together and truly being the church with and for one another.
What the Bible Says About Church
In the book of Acts, we see how the very first church began. After Jesus rose from the dead, He told His followers:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
And then something amazing happened — the people gathered.
They met regularly to worship, learn, pray, and eat together. They shared life. They forgave one another. And because of that, God grew His church — not through programs or marketing — but through relationships and community.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42
Church was never meant to be a weekly box to check off. It’s a place where faith takes root, where families grow stronger, and where people find hope and healing. In fact, Jesus cared less about the physical church building and more about the social church present in His body of believers.
Why Church Still Matters (Even in a Digital World)
We love technology. We’re grateful that we can stream messages online for those who can’t attend in person. But no livestream can replace the power of in-person worship — the laughter in the lobby, the sound of voices singing together, the chance to serve side by side.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when life is messy. That’s where your kids learn that faith is more than a habit, and that’s where growth happens. It’s a relationship with God and His people.
A Surprising Trend: Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church
Believe it or not, research from Barna Group shows that Gen Z (ages roughly 13–28) is the generation most consistently returning to church.
They’re craving truth, structure, and community — not entertainment. They want real answers and real people.
If you’re raising kids or teens right now, that should give you hope.
Because your example — showing up, worshiping together, serving others — might be what roots their faith for life.
The Real Reason God Wants You in Church
Hebrews 10 says it best:
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.” — Hebrews 10:25
God doesn’t call us to church to check a religious box.
He calls us there to encourage one another, to grow in love, and to be reminded of His forgiveness.
Because every week, life beats us up — and every Sunday, God builds us back up.
Church is the place where you can lay down your pride, receive grace, and learn how to extend that same grace to others.
When Church Feels Hard
Maybe you’ve been hurt by a church before. Maybe someone said something that pushed you away.
We get it — people aren’t perfect, and neither are pastors. But that’s the point. We need a space to learn forgiveness, humility, and reconciliation — together.
At Shepherd’s Gate, we believe the church should be the safest place to be honest, to heal, and to find hope again.
Listen to Pastor Ben speak to the importance of fellowship and healing in this Questioning God sermon here.
What “Going to Church” Really Means
Going to church isn’t about rules. It’s about rhythm.
It’s setting aside one day a week — a Sabbath — to rest, refocus, and remember who’s really in control.
It’s where your soul gets refreshed, where your kids see faith in action, and where you discover that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
When you step into a local church, you’re stepping into the story God’s been writing for 2,000 years — one that still changes lives today.
Find Your Place at Shepherd’s Gate Church
If you’ve been thinking about finding a church home in Macomb County or the Metro Detroit area, we’d love to welcome you to Shepherd’s Gate Church in Shelby Township.
Whether you’ve been away for a while or you’re just starting to explore faith, you belong here.
Come meet people who are learning, growing, serving, and doing life together — just like you. You can plan your visit today here.
Because faith isn’t meant to be done alone. And maybe, just maybe, this is the fresh start God’s been nudging you toward.
