Have you found yourself slipping out of the habit of going to church?

Maybe it started slowly—you missed a Sunday because of travel, then another because of sickness, and then another because the calendar was simply too full. Or maybe you’ve been carrying wounds from something that happened in church, and the thought of returning feels heavy. Perhaps, after the upheaval of the pandemic, you never quite found your way back into the rhythm of Sunday mornings.

If that describes you, let me whisper something to your heart today: it’s not too late to come back.

You are wanted.

You are missed.

You belong in the house of the Lord.

When Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son, He described a father who never stopped looking down the road, hoping for his child’s return. And when the son finally came home, the father didn’t scold him, shame him, or ask where he had been. Instead, “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, NASB95).

That’s a picture not of heaven someday, but of the Father’s heart for you today. If you’ve been away from church, God’s heart is not filled with disappointment—it’s filled with joy at the thought of welcoming you back into His house, into His presence, and into fellowship with His people.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25, NASB95). Gathering in the house of God is not just about filling a pew—it’s about encouragement, strength, and joy. When we worship together, when we study the Word side by side, when we pray for one another, something sacred happens.

I think of the psalmist who exclaimed, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD’” (Psalm 122:1, NASB95). He didn’t say, “I was obligated” or “I was pressured.” He said, “I was glad.” There is gladness, delight, and joy that rises in our hearts when we join the family of God in worship.

And here’s something else to think about: every Sunday morning is practice for heaven.

One day, Scripture tells us, “a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” will cry out in worship together (Revelation 7:9, NASB95). Can you even imagine that glorious sound? Voices of every language, harmonizing in perfect praise to Jesus!

When we gather in our local churches—even with our imperfect voices, our cracked notes, and our diverse backgrounds—we are rehearsing for that eternal song. Every hymn, every chorus, every prayer joined together is a foretaste of the worship that will one day fill heaven. What a glorious day that will be!

And friend, can I remind you of something? The church isn’t made up of perfect people. It’s made up of forgiven people who are still learning and growing. You won’t find flawless saints in the pews, but you will find a perfect Savior who meets His children when they gather in His name.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, churches across the nation will be celebrating Back to Church Sunday. What a perfect opportunity to slip back into God’s house! Come just as you are—bring your doubts, your wounds, your questions, and your hope. Sit quietly in the back if that feels safest, or come ready to greet old friends with joy. However you arrive, God will meet you there.

And here’s something important to remember: your presence matters. You bring something unique that no one else can bring—your story, your worship, your prayers. The body of Christ is not complete without you.

So if you’ve been away, perhaps it’s time to find your way home to church again. Not because of guilt. Not because of obligation. But because God has joy waiting for you in His house—and because one day, we will join the eternal chorus of heaven.

Let me pray with you—

“Lord, thank You for loving me in every season. If I’ve wandered from the joy of gathering with Your people, give me courage to return. Help me to find gladness in Your house and community among Your children. Remind me that I belong, that I am needed, and that You are waiting with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Friend, I can’t wait to see you at church. I’ll be the one smiling from ear to ear, delighted to worship alongside you.