Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor talk with Vanessa Hawkins about the vital and beautiful role church should have in the life of every Christian. They discuss what keeps people from regular church attendance and how to move beyond church hurt. They talk about why your church attendance and involvement is not only necessary for your own spiritual growth, but for the other members of the body of Christ.

Recommended Resources:

• Deep Discipleship by J. T. English
• Sighing on Sunday by Megan Hill
• A Place to Belong by Megan Hill
• Westminster Confession of Faith
• “Father, I Stretch My Hands to Thee”

Related Content:

• The Church Is Essential for Discipleship
• Want to Reach the Next Generation? Love the Church.
• 5 Reasons to Keep Going to Church with Baby Brain
• Let’s Talk: Overcoming Church Hurt

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways are you currently “showing up” (or not showing up) in your church community?
2. What is most likely to keep you from showing up at church, either literally or figuratively?
3. How have you experienced being known, loved, and cared for by the church?
4. What has your participation in your church community taught you about God and what he values? What liturgies or traditions in your church are most meaningful to you?
5. What encouragement would you offer someone who has been hurt by people within the church? If this is you, what has helped you persevere in seeing the church's beauty?
6. What change or next step would you like to take regarding your engagement in your church? How can your discussion partners pray for you?