07/24/2026
Why I still go to church!!! I see so many conversations on here about why people have walked away from the church and I wanted to throw a different perspective into the mix. I’ve experienced hurt, disappointment, and confusion throughout my 28 years in church, but I’ve chosen to walk down a path of forgiveness and continue to stay involved in the local church. In those 28 years, I’ve also seen so much beauty, grace, and good in the church as well.
I choose to stay in church because I believe that a church that looks like Heaven is a church full of people who are imperfect and desperately need Jesus. If I truly truly believe in the gospel, then I believe there’s no such thing as a fall from grace and only a fall INTO grace. For me, I’ve also found that bitterness has never brought me freedom from pain and hurt, but what has brought me freedom is forgiveness and that looks like continuing to go to church because I believe in the gathering of God’s people.
This is MY story and experience with church and not one I’m sharing to shame people who have taken a path different than mine. I want to be clear on what I am NOT saying here.
1. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t have healthy boundaries and remove themselves from harmful and hurtful situations. Discernment is important, and knowing when to walk away is important. You can walk away from a church without walking away from THE church.
2. I’m not saying that a church being full of imperfect people is grounds for leadership to knowingly and willingly step out on their commitment to leading God honoring lives. I do believe in people being held accountable to their calling to live above reproach. I also believe in forgiveness and restoration.
Open to healthy conversation and questions because this is a hefty topic, but I hope you’ll consider kindness as you comment!
