“The church is like Noah’s ark. It stinks, but if you get out of it, you’ll drown.” ― Shane Claiborne

Church attendance among younger adults is on the decline

Attendance typically dips at this time but has historically increased once people marry and start families. But today, that number – the return to church – is also on the decline. People are waiting later to have children and more people in America today are living together, not married. Most Americans believe in cohabitation.

This means church attendance is declining in young adulthood and doesn’t seem to be bouncing back.  Add to this an increase in the number of young people in our society who claim to have no religious belief at all. This means that church attendance is on a general decline.

“When introverts go to church, we crave sanctuary in every sense of the word, as we flee from the disorienting distractions of twenty-first-century life. We desire to escape from superficial relationships, trivial communications and the constant noise that pervade our world, and find rest in the probing depths of God’s love.” ― Adam S. McHugh

But every indicator we have has always demonstrated that church attendance has tremendous benefits for both individuals and society. In an effort to spread the word, here are some of the personal benefits of attending church.  These aren’t religious or spiritual reasons – just physical, emotional and social benefits that help to explain why attending church is still a good idea.

1. People who are a part of a church report that they experience better marriages in all kinds of ways
2. Longer life (here on earth, even longer in heaven!)
3. Lower blood pressure – religious practices and beliefs reduce stress and have a measurable effect on overall health
4. Managing your daily time and overall life is easier for people who are a part of a church community. The routine and the commitment help with life management.
5. Less susceptible to depression and suicide – especially when you get involved in helping other people through the ministry of your church
6. Better sleep (not during the sermon!)
7. Drink less, smoke less, use fewer recreational drugs and are less sexually promiscuous
8. More friends and a larger support network – wait long enough on this earth and you’re going to desperately need this!
9. Teenagers who attend with their family (or even on their own) do better in school both  academically and socially
10. Getting up and going to a worship service and/or a Small Group each week provides a routine in your life, something that helps you to manage all of the unexpected chaos that comes your way.

“Then the singing enveloped me. It was furry and resonant, coming from everyone’s very heart. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was breath and food.” ― Anne Lamott

What’s on your list of why attending church is good idea?

Sources:

Aleteia

Tyler VanderWeele and John Siniff

Peter Haas

T. M. Luhrmann

The Health and Fitness Revolution