What is the point of Church?

What’s the Point of Church? From the crew at Divergent Church Port Macquarie and Canberra

It’s a question many of us have asked, whether out loud or in quiet reflection:

“Why bother going to church? What’s the point?”

Plenty of people see church as optional or outdated. Maybe you’ve heard—or even said—things like:

• “I don’t need church to be a Christian.”

• “Church people are hypocrites.”

• “I worship God better on my own.”

• “I’ve been hurt by church.”

• “I’m too busy.”
  

Honestly? Those are valid feelings. Church can be hard. People can disappoint. Life gets busy. But what if church has a deeper purpose we’ve overlooked?

Let’s unpack these five reasons with Scripture and see why God calls us to community—even when it’s messy.

1. “I don’t need church to be a Christian.”

You’re right: salvation comes by faith in Jesus, not by ticking a “church attendance” box. But the Bible shows that faith is meant to be lived in community.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

Picture your hand deciding to detach itself from your body. It wouldn’t survive for long, right? The same goes for faith—disconnected faith grows weak.

We need others to challenge us, encourage us, and keep us accountable. Hebrews reminds us:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Think of church like a campfire: a coal glows brightly in the fire, but grows cold when pulled out. Church keeps our faith burning together.

2. “Church people are hypocrites.”

Maybe you’ve been hurt by Christians who didn’t live up to their beliefs. If so, I’m truly sorry. The church is made up of imperfect people—people like me and you, still learning and growing.

Jesus said:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” – Matthew 9:12 (NIV)

Rejecting church because of imperfect people is like avoiding a hospital because it’s full of sick people! Church is God’s hospital for sinners.

Even the early church struggled. Paul had to rebuke them for quarrelling and immorality (see 1 Corinthians). Yet he still called them:

“…those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.” – 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV)

What if we stayed—not because the church is perfect, but to help it grow healthier? The church isn’t flawless, but it’s where grace, repentance, and transformation happen.

3. “I can worship God on my own.”

Absolutely—you can (and should) worship privately. But Scripture shows worship is also communal.

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” – Psalm 34:3 (NIV)

The early church met regularly:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42 (NIV)

There’s power in collective worship. Singing together lifts our spirits when we feel low. Hearing others’ testimonies builds our faith. Taking communion reminds us we’re united at the cross.

I’ve found that in seasons when I struggle to pray, being surrounded by worshipping believers keeps hope alive. We carry each other’s faith.

4. “I’ve been hurt by the church.”

This is a deep wound for many. Maybe you’ve felt judged, excluded, betrayed. If that’s your story, I see you—and God sees you too.

God’s heart is for healing, not hiding. Paul urges:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Walking away from church can feel safer after hurt. But healing often happens through healthy community, not in isolation. Like a broken bone needing resetting to heal straight, our relational wounds need safe spaces to mend.

Look for a church that values humility, accountability, and grace. It won’t be perfect, but it should be a place where love is practised.

5. “I’m too busy.”

Life’s full: work, family, deadlines. Church feels like one more thing on an overflowing list.

But Jesus said:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Church recalibrates us. It reminds us God’s story is bigger than our to-do lists. It shifts our gaze from the urgent to the eternal.

When we prioritise gathering with God’s people, we’re not adding pressure—we’re adding perspective. Church helps us face the week anchored in truth.

So… What’s the Point?

Church is more than a building or an event. It’s family.

It’s a place where we:

✅ Come as we are✅ Love each other through our mess✅ Forgive and are forgiven✅ Worship, pray, grow, serve—together

Paul writes:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

We’re not meant to carry faith—or burdens—alone. Community is hard. People will disappoint. But in God’s family, we find both healing and joy.

Church is God’s idea. It’s the Bride of Christ. It’s how God displays His love to the world.

You’re not just invited to attend—you’re invited to belong.

Maybe you’ve been hesitant, hurt, disappointed, or unsure. But perhaps now is the moment to try again.

Not for what you can get out of it. But for what God might want to do in you and through you—as part of His Church. Now, we don't pretend to be perfect but if you are looking for community to walk together with, we absolutely recommend getting connected into a local Church. Ours is Divergent Church and its different locations including Divergent Church Canberra Divergent Church Queanbeyan Divergent Church Port Macquarie Divergent Church Tallong