Why Do You Go to Your Church? Let’s Talk About It.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Hey family, let’s get real for a second.

Have you ever sat back and asked yourself, “Why do I go to my church?” Not in a judgmental way—but from a heart of reflection. Because as believers, where we worship matters. Who we worship with matters. And most importantly, why we show up matters.

 First, Let’s Address the Elephant in the Room

Let’s be honest—some people have had painful experiences with church. Hypocrisy, judgment, betrayal, manipulation… the list goes on.

I’ve heard it since I was young: “Church people can be the worst sometimes.” And sadly, for some, that’s been true.

But should the bad behavior of a few keep us from the blessing of being part of God’s family?

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

Church isn’t a place for perfect people. It’s a hospital for the broken, the lost, the hopeful, and the healing. The question is—what’s your reason for being there?

 Why I Go to My Church: My Journey with Lakewood

If you’ve ever wondered why I attend Lakewood Church, here’s the tea:

I’ve been going since around 2015—although there was a season I wasn’t consistent due to life changes (you know, life be life-ing). But even in that season, Lakewood still felt like home.

Now let me be honest: being African, people often expect me to stick with a traditional African denomination. And that’s fine—if that’s where God has planted you. But for me? Lakewood felt right.

 Music That Ministers

I’m not the best singer (at all), but I love listening to worship. Music has carried me through some of the darkest seasons of my life, and Lakewood’s worship team… whew. They don’t just sing—they minister to the soul.

You should check out my top 5 Lakewood songs:

• Outnumbered (One day, I’ll write about how deeply this speaks to my life)
  
• Just As I Am
  
• It’s Happening Now
  
• Oh How Worthy
  
• Inhabit
  

And let me say this: the ability to cry freely in the presence of God without feeling watched or judged, even in a huge church? That’s rare. That’s sacred.

 Women Who Uplift and Heal

My first experience at the Lakewood Women’s Conference fixed something broken in me. I learned about forgiveness, healing, and resilience. I met women who’d been through fire—and still stood with joy.

I also love being a part of our local life group—a women’s group for those who live near me. It’s real community, the kind that checks in on you when no one else does.

Oh—and I’ll never forget hearing Christine Caine preach for the first time at Lakewood. Her story gave me hope. Her healing journey reminded me that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

 Anointed for Growth

From the anointing service at the start of the year to every message in between, I’ve grown. Each message challenges me to look inward. To love better. To be better.

 Messages That Speak Directly to Me

When Pastor Joel preaches, it often feels like we had a personal conversation before service. His words bring peace, reassurance, and practical wisdom.

I’ll never forget when I was writing my book, “Sow, Grow, Reap: Pruning to Bear the Fruit of the Spirit from Within.” I was stuck on the chapter about kindness—nothing was clicking.

That Sunday, Pastor Joel invited a team of pastors on stage. One of them spoke directly about the fruit of the Spirit, especially kindness. The exact answers I’d been seeking were spoken right there.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27 (NIV)

It was confirmation that God was guiding me—not just in life, but even in my writing.

 How to Find Your “Why” (and Your Home Church)

Still searching for your church home? It’s okay. You’re not alone.

Here’s some advice to help you along the way:

 Make a Checklist

Ask yourself:

• Do they preach the full Word of God?
  
• Is there genuine love and community?
  
• Can I serve and grow here?
  
• Do I feel convicted—not condemned?
  

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

It’s perfectly okay to visit multiple churches. But invite God into the process. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead—not your preferences, not your background.

 Guilt Is Not From God

Some churches guilt people into tithing, serving, or even silence. That’s not God. That’s control.

God doesn’t want guilt-driven giving—He wants cheerful giving.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Same with sin. A good church leads you to repentance through grace, not shame. The Holy Spirit convicts, but never condemns.

 Final Encouragement

If you’ve been hurt or disappointed by a church—don’t give up on the Body of Christ. People fail. God never does.

Your healing might be waiting for you in the very place you’re afraid to walk into again.

Ask yourself:

• Will this church help me grow closer to God?
  
• Will it guard my soul and guide my salvation?
  
• Will it teach me to forgive, to love, to serve?
  
• Will it fuel my fire to spread the Gospel?
  

If the answer is yes—plant yourself and grow.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” – Psalm 92:13 (NKJV)

 So… What’s Your Why?

Let this be a reminder: we don’t go to church just to check a box. We go to encounter God, grow in grace, and walk in purpose.

Whether you’re planted, searching, or healing—God sees you. And He’s guiding you to where you belong.

With love and grace,
TabithaInspires