Sermon | Why Church? 1

This past Sunday, Pastor Ryan kicked off our new series, Why Church?, diving into the questions so many of us have asked at one point or another: "Why should I go to church?" "Is it really that important?" Reflecting on personal experiences of feeling disconnected and distant from God, Pastor Ryan shared his journey, from questioning the purpose of church to finding deep value in the community it provides. He reminded us that we’re not alone in this questioning—statistics show that church membership in America has declined to less than 50% for the first time in history, and many are wondering if the church is still relevant. Yet, as he pointed out, Hebrews 10:19-25 speaks to the incredible significance of gathering as believers, not as an outdated ritual but as an essential part of a thriving faith.

Pastor Ryan used Hebrews 10 to highlight the communal experience that church offers—a place where we encourage one another, hold onto hope, and inspire each other toward love and good works. The passage reveals that through Jesus, we now have direct access to God, and while this access is personal, it’s meant to be shared in community. Church is more than a building or a habit; it’s a place where heaven meets earth in our relationships and in our worship. As Pastor Ryan said, "The church isn’t just about what we can get out of it, but about what we can contribute to it.”

This first message sets the stage for the next few weeks as we continue to unpack Why Church? Together, let’s lean into this series with open hearts, ready to rediscover the value of gathering as a church, encouraging each other, and living out our faith as a community.