(Yes… even if your local congregation feels like it’s running on fumes.)

It has become very en vogue to say, “I don’t need church. I can be spiritual on my own.” And look—I’m not here to deny that God can meet you on a hike, in your car, or during that rare moment when your home is actually quiet.

But here’s the truth we don’t say out loud enough:

There is a very strong case for showing up to an imperfect, chaotic, occasionally cringe church—anyway.

Because…

1. Community is messy… but irreplaceable.

   Even if you have one or two “bless-your-heart” personalities who test your sanctification, being part of a group that sees you, knows you, and claims you (however awkwardly) matters.

   We aren’t meant to grow in isolation.

2. Contribution hits different.

   There’s something about doing—teaching a class, helping at potluck, running sound, greeting at the door, being the “amen” in a quiet sanctuary.

   Service has a way of transforming a place you tolerate… into a place you treasure.

3. Weekly rhythm shapes your soul.

   Getting up, going somewhere, gathering with others—

   that rhythm does something to you.

   It anchors your week. It interrupts the autopilot. It reminds your soul that there is a bigger story than your to-do list.

4. You can meet God in ways you cannot meet Him alone.

   There is a version of God you only encounter in community:

   • In shared worship.
   • In someone else’s testimony hitting you unexpectedly.
   • In a prayer spoken over you by someone who doesn’t know your whole story but somehow gets it.
   • In the collective voice singing words you needed but didn’t know how to say.

   There is something sacred—uniquely sacred—about finding God together.

5. You can make friends with anyone.

   I’ve sat in ultra-conservative churches where even the carpet is modest. I’ve sat in ultra-liberal churches where the welcome liturgy doubles as a TED talk. Turns out? You can make friends in all of them.

   Even the nutty ones. Even if you keep a healthy, Jesus-approved distance.

6. Imperfect community is still community.

   And imperfect community is still better than isolation. Because sitting in a room with people who are trying—trying to believe, trying to grow, trying to follow Jesus in their own unpredictable ways—

   it does something to you. It shapes you. It strengthens you. It reminds you you’re not alone.

Bottom line:

• Go to church.
• Not because it’s perfect.
• Not because the sermons always land.
• Not because everyone there is fully mature and emotionally balanced.

Go because you actually need these people. Go because contribution transforms you. Go because rhythm anchors you. Go because God often chooses community as His stage. Go because church—however flawed—is still holy ground.

Show up. Be present. Be part of something real.

It won’t be perfect… but it might just be where God is waiting for you next.