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Questions Christians Ask
Why bother with church?
The church has an image problem.
It is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites.
How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy; nurturing and warm; filled with truth, friendship and all embracing, forgiving love.
Sam Allberry understands the collision between these two views, and how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and should be, and what a privilege it is to be part of, and to serve.
In this brief accessible but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. And how, when we have got it wrong, we can move closer to what a true church should be.
It is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites.
How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy; nurturing and warm; filled with truth, friendship and all embracing, forgiving love.
Sam Allberry understands the collision between these two views, and how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and should be, and what a privilege it is to be part of, and to serve.
In this brief accessible but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. And how, when we have got it wrong, we can move closer to what a true church should be.
95 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
53 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Sam Allberry
33 books311 followersSam comes from Sevenoaks in Kent, but studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford, and has since worked at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and now serves at a church in Maidenhead. Hobbies include reading, watching The West Wing and anything to do with South-East Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 24, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up
Biblically sound, concise and important for Christians. This was a good kick in the pants for me to get on joining a church
Biblically sound, concise and important for Christians. This was a good kick in the pants for me to get on joining a church
March 17, 2021
Because I enjoyed 7 Myths about Singleness for its conciseness I chose one more book by the same author. The topic is relevant to every believer in any stage of Christian life as seasons come, bringing problems, disappointments and need to make decisions.
Here are mentioned most of those and with good, Biblical answers to the problems.
As we are living in the world well cut for individualism, it's good to be reminded that one is not in the church only for the fulfillment of personal needs but for others as well, actually predominantly for others.
Here are mentioned most of those and with good, Biblical answers to the problems.
As we are living in the world well cut for individualism, it's good to be reminded that one is not in the church only for the fulfillment of personal needs but for others as well, actually predominantly for others.
November 2, 2023
If you have ever wondered what the church is, what if the church does more harm than good, or why God deigned the church with us in mind then this book is for you! This book does a great job on explaining the need for the church and how God uses a church filled with broken people. Sam does a great job explaining the way God created the church for us and for the world.
September 19, 2018
This is a good little book answering the question that many ask today, "why bother with church?"
In an age of YouTube sermons, online live-streaming church services, and social networking - why should we be concerned with church? Isn't it just a building? Isn't it a bit antiquated? Don't I get the same thing from watching sermons online? Well, the short answer is NO. Sam Allberry does a great job of expounding why that is in a surprisingly short space with great wit, candor, truth and graciousness.
This is a great book to recommend to anyone who you've heard asking that question or perhaps someone who has never really thought through biblically and practically what church membership and attendance means in their own lives and how important it is.
In an age of YouTube sermons, online live-streaming church services, and social networking - why should we be concerned with church? Isn't it just a building? Isn't it a bit antiquated? Don't I get the same thing from watching sermons online? Well, the short answer is NO. Sam Allberry does a great job of expounding why that is in a surprisingly short space with great wit, candor, truth and graciousness.
This is a great book to recommend to anyone who you've heard asking that question or perhaps someone who has never really thought through biblically and practically what church membership and attendance means in their own lives and how important it is.
July 3, 2021
read this for membership at my new church. it's short and sweet and to the point. church membership is biblical and so important!!!
February 23, 2021
I initially began to read this book, I didn't have the right expectations. I was thinking more along the lines of going deeper that what it was. And then, the obvious occurred to me: this is a little book designed for hitting the major points of what church is and how Christians should relate to it. When I look at it that way, it is an excellent little book. In fact, It is a great book to hand out to people at my church.
May 23, 2021
completion note: Yet another good one by Sam Allberry. Given that's a pandemic and I haven't been able to attend church for a very long time, I didn't really need a reason to "bother" with church--I wanted to go. Still, I'd been wanting to better understand the logic behind ecclesiology and modern church attendance, so this was helpful.
★★★★☆ | 4.00 stars | RTC
★★★★☆ | 4.00 stars | RTC
July 15, 2021
Fantastic brief introductory work on Ecclesiology (what is the church, church gathering, church leadership etc) as well as being an apologetic for active church membership and attendance.
February 7, 2025
“Neglecting the church is neglecting Jesus. Serving the church is serving Jesus. Pray for your pastor. Especially Saturday evening. Pastors should be prepared to lovingly proclaim the gospel with diligent study and faithfulness.”
Concise. Worth having on my shelf. even though I am already convinced that faithfulness to the local body is very biblical, this would have convinced me. I have enjoyed all of his works so far and continue to be thankful for his contributions to the gospel proclamation and for building healthy churches that enliven and embolden christs followers to go make disciples.
Concise. Worth having on my shelf. even though I am already convinced that faithfulness to the local body is very biblical, this would have convinced me. I have enjoyed all of his works so far and continue to be thankful for his contributions to the gospel proclamation and for building healthy churches that enliven and embolden christs followers to go make disciples.
January 3, 2021
Excellent short book on the necessity of church for the Christian. Allberry excels at making his points brief while packing a punch. He sets forth basic teaching regarding the nature of the church and the believer's joyful responsibility to it on the journey of faith. He also deals at greater length with thornier matters like church leadership/government, "Has the church harmed people?", and what the future of the church might be. A fine work, a joy to read, and chock-full of memorable quotes and quips!
January 25, 2025
It’s been a slow start to the new reading year for me— but this one was very worth my time. It hits on really important aspects regarding God’s design for Hjs church and the spiritual and human realities of churches today. It kept leaving me in awe that I get to be a part of it. 🥹 Highly recommend and would be a great resource for church membership!
July 29, 2017
This book is a perfect book for new Christians. Give new converts in your church the gospel of John, 1 John, and this book. Then plug them into a community group.
July 30, 2017
Really good.
March 31, 2023
This is a good book on why every Christian should be committed to a local church. For that it is excellent.
June 6, 2023
Started slow, got really good!!
January 11, 2024
Great introduction. There are other books like this one. Helpful companion to go alongside those others.
June 25, 2025
Extremely helpful. Well-written. Accessible and understandable for use as a book giveaway.
September 12, 2022
Helpful little volume, especially for western Protestants. A short, honest contemplation of what a church is, why gathering is important, and what we stand to gain (and give) to those we worship with. Cheerful without being flippant, honest and encouraging.
November 5, 2023
A fantastic, concise “smack down” on why you need the church and why the church needs you, no excuses.
April 29, 2025
Loved it.
March 9, 2020
A mercifully short but helpful book that is aimed at seekers but I think secretly meant for pastors.
March 1, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S WHY BOTHER WITH CHURCH?<?I> ABOUT?
Allberry starts with talking about one Sunday walking through a park on his way to his church's service and how he was tempted to just stay and enjoy the park instead—he didn't, but it raised the question, why not stay in the park? Why bother with church? Which serves pretty well as an introduction to this short book.
The Table of Contents actually does the best, brief job of telling you what to expect in this book. Sure, it uses 82 pages to answer all these questions, so obviously, none of the answers are too thorough, but they're all complete enough to give someone a solid start on the ideas presented.
1. What is church?
Hasn't the church done more harm than good?
2. Why do I need church?
3. What makes a good church?
How should I pick a church?
What are baptism and communion for?
4. How is a church run?
Can't I view my small group as my church?
Should pastors and elders only be men?
Why are there so many denominations?
5. How do I survive church?
6. How can I be a good church member?
What is the future of the church?
He concludes with an important reminder about what goes on in the church—in both worship and the life beyond the weekly service—pointing to the spiritual realities that are easy to forget.
HIGHLIGHTS
The second level questions appear at the end of the chapter and are a more focused look at something on the chapter's topic. While I thought Allberry did a decent enough job answering the larger question, these "sub-questions" seem to be a more pressing contemporary question and add good value to the chapter.
The other highlight I'd focus on is Chapter 5, a title that might raise an eyebrow or two. Why would anyone think they need to "survive church"? In this chapter, Allberry tackles the ideas that church can be boring or exhausting (which feel like contradictory ideas unless you've actually spent time in a church), which are well and good—and an idea that too few think to tackle. But the best part of the chapter addresses people that have been hurt by the/a church. In too many ways, too many people know that part of church experience. It's vital that Christians know how to deal with this idea—either for themselves or someone else. I am so glad that Allberry addressed this idea.
SHORTCOMINGS
Really, the only thing that stood out was the length—82 pages plus an introduction and conclusion means this is only a primer. For example, the section on "hurt by the church" that I liked so much only gets 12 small-to-medium-sized paragraphs. Which is good, but it's just a sample of what needs to be said.
I realize that the length of the book is both a strength and a weakness—it's not intimidating and will be more likely picked up by many than a book that would satisfy this reader. That's by design, so I don't hold it against the book, I just find the "sample" length dissatisfying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHY BOTHER WITH CHURCH?<?I>
Last year, I read The Church: An Introduction and was disappointed with it, thinking it tried to do too much that was beyond an introduction and stumbled most of the time it did that. This was a much better introduction to the idea of The Church. Allberry's approach was far more approachable, very basic—which doesn't quite fit that other series. I couldn't help but think while reading this one that if Allberry's material was presented with the thoroughness and style of the other one, it'd be a perfect introduction.
That said, given this series' approach to its topics—very simple, yet careful—or as the publisher describes it, "short, readable books," this is a great introduction. It covers all the necessary areas in a way that's clear and understandable by readers from 13 and up (possibly younger). Allberry writes in an easy, conversational tone that's warm and inviting, you'll race through the book (possibly requiring deliberate slowing down/rereading).
Is this a book on the topic that I'll return to? Probably not—I'll save that for more demanding works. Is this a book on the topic I can give/recommend to anyone looking for something on the idea? Without hesitation.
---
WHAT'S WHY BOTHER WITH CHURCH?<?I> ABOUT?
Allberry starts with talking about one Sunday walking through a park on his way to his church's service and how he was tempted to just stay and enjoy the park instead—he didn't, but it raised the question, why not stay in the park? Why bother with church? Which serves pretty well as an introduction to this short book.
The Table of Contents actually does the best, brief job of telling you what to expect in this book. Sure, it uses 82 pages to answer all these questions, so obviously, none of the answers are too thorough, but they're all complete enough to give someone a solid start on the ideas presented.
1. What is church?
Hasn't the church done more harm than good?
2. Why do I need church?
3. What makes a good church?
How should I pick a church?
What are baptism and communion for?
4. How is a church run?
Can't I view my small group as my church?
Should pastors and elders only be men?
Why are there so many denominations?
5. How do I survive church?
6. How can I be a good church member?
What is the future of the church?
He concludes with an important reminder about what goes on in the church—in both worship and the life beyond the weekly service—pointing to the spiritual realities that are easy to forget.
HIGHLIGHTS
The second level questions appear at the end of the chapter and are a more focused look at something on the chapter's topic. While I thought Allberry did a decent enough job answering the larger question, these "sub-questions" seem to be a more pressing contemporary question and add good value to the chapter.
The other highlight I'd focus on is Chapter 5, a title that might raise an eyebrow or two. Why would anyone think they need to "survive church"? In this chapter, Allberry tackles the ideas that church can be boring or exhausting (which feel like contradictory ideas unless you've actually spent time in a church), which are well and good—and an idea that too few think to tackle. But the best part of the chapter addresses people that have been hurt by the/a church. In too many ways, too many people know that part of church experience. It's vital that Christians know how to deal with this idea—either for themselves or someone else. I am so glad that Allberry addressed this idea.
SHORTCOMINGS
Really, the only thing that stood out was the length—82 pages plus an introduction and conclusion means this is only a primer. For example, the section on "hurt by the church" that I liked so much only gets 12 small-to-medium-sized paragraphs. Which is good, but it's just a sample of what needs to be said.
I realize that the length of the book is both a strength and a weakness—it's not intimidating and will be more likely picked up by many than a book that would satisfy this reader. That's by design, so I don't hold it against the book, I just find the "sample" length dissatisfying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHY BOTHER WITH CHURCH?<?I>
Last year, I read The Church: An Introduction and was disappointed with it, thinking it tried to do too much that was beyond an introduction and stumbled most of the time it did that. This was a much better introduction to the idea of The Church. Allberry's approach was far more approachable, very basic—which doesn't quite fit that other series. I couldn't help but think while reading this one that if Allberry's material was presented with the thoroughness and style of the other one, it'd be a perfect introduction.
That said, given this series' approach to its topics—very simple, yet careful—or as the publisher describes it, "short, readable books," this is a great introduction. It covers all the necessary areas in a way that's clear and understandable by readers from 13 and up (possibly younger). Allberry writes in an easy, conversational tone that's warm and inviting, you'll race through the book (possibly requiring deliberate slowing down/rereading).
Is this a book on the topic that I'll return to? Probably not—I'll save that for more demanding works. Is this a book on the topic I can give/recommend to anyone looking for something on the idea? Without hesitation.
October 6, 2019
3.5 stars
Sam Allberry begins his book Why Bother with the Church with a stroll from his home to the church where he walks across a bustling London park. “Why even bother with church?” he asks? The park looks like a lot less effort and a lot more fun.
Allberry seeks to answer this question in this thin book. Allberry explains that the local church is an outpost of the ultimate church. He explains that the church is a family and an embassy. Churches are God’s method of rescuing those who are dying.
And the church is beautiful. She is the bride of Christ. Allberry says, “If you want to understand how committed Jesus is to the church, here’s your answer. He doesn’t just create it and let it be. He marries it. He is not just our almighty King; he is also our perfect Husband.”
“But why do I need the church?” Allberry asks. He responds that we can’t “come to Christ without coming to his people.” We belong to the body. Second, we “can’t serve Christ without serving his people.” Allberry says that we are those who are needy and needed. “Your church is vital to you, and you are vital to your church.” Given the significant number of Christians who believe they are Christians without the church (in the US it appears that around 2/3rds of those who consider themselves Christians have no meaningful connection to a local church), I wish Allberry would have spent more time with this chapter.
Allberry then helps us identify what makes a good church. He takes us back to the book of Acts. He breaks down those components to learning, partnership, worship, and growth.
Allberry spends time considering how the church runs and then he moves onto one of the most common complaints: that the church has hurt. Allberry admits that this will happen in any church. He encourages those who have been hurt to continue to actively take chances and to move toward healing in the context of community.
Finally, Allberry responds to the question of how one can be a good church member. He boils it down to these areas: attending, being engaged in one’s involvement, praying, serving, giving, and submitting. This final chapter was perhaps my favorite in the book. Allberry masterfully narrows church commitment to the essentials and paints a picture of a healthy church member.
This is a helpful book, although I would have loved to see portions expanded and had a tone that really raised the objections against the church stronger and dealt with them just as forcefully.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live
Sam Allberry begins his book Why Bother with the Church with a stroll from his home to the church where he walks across a bustling London park. “Why even bother with church?” he asks? The park looks like a lot less effort and a lot more fun.
Allberry seeks to answer this question in this thin book. Allberry explains that the local church is an outpost of the ultimate church. He explains that the church is a family and an embassy. Churches are God’s method of rescuing those who are dying.
And the church is beautiful. She is the bride of Christ. Allberry says, “If you want to understand how committed Jesus is to the church, here’s your answer. He doesn’t just create it and let it be. He marries it. He is not just our almighty King; he is also our perfect Husband.”
“But why do I need the church?” Allberry asks. He responds that we can’t “come to Christ without coming to his people.” We belong to the body. Second, we “can’t serve Christ without serving his people.” Allberry says that we are those who are needy and needed. “Your church is vital to you, and you are vital to your church.” Given the significant number of Christians who believe they are Christians without the church (in the US it appears that around 2/3rds of those who consider themselves Christians have no meaningful connection to a local church), I wish Allberry would have spent more time with this chapter.
Allberry then helps us identify what makes a good church. He takes us back to the book of Acts. He breaks down those components to learning, partnership, worship, and growth.
Allberry spends time considering how the church runs and then he moves onto one of the most common complaints: that the church has hurt. Allberry admits that this will happen in any church. He encourages those who have been hurt to continue to actively take chances and to move toward healing in the context of community.
Finally, Allberry responds to the question of how one can be a good church member. He boils it down to these areas: attending, being engaged in one’s involvement, praying, serving, giving, and submitting. This final chapter was perhaps my favorite in the book. Allberry masterfully narrows church commitment to the essentials and paints a picture of a healthy church member.
This is a helpful book, although I would have loved to see portions expanded and had a tone that really raised the objections against the church stronger and dealt with them just as forcefully.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live
April 19, 2023
Lots of thoughts on this one. I wanted to be critical of this book, but I really can’t be. So instead, I will be cautionary. The author is Anglican, so he is coming from a different belief background than I am, to some extent, and he has some other interesting background choices. I also am usually not a fan of this style book, because they tend to be somewhat lame, woke, shallow, whatever. I’d rather just read the Bible. Reviews of this book said it was low-level and preaching to the choir. I wanted a book to fit a category to check off, this fit, and I was ready to argue it and have fun picking it apart. However….
It was low-level and somewhat preaching to the choir if you’re looking for a how-to manual as a church leader or seasoned Christian. But, listening with a critical ear, I found nothing that contradicted Scripture or touted any of his different beliefs. There was encouragement, especially at the end of the book, and I think this could be useful as a guide to help a new believer – cautiously. I would not promote the author, or, without reading them, any of his other books, especially to a new believer. But, in a study that the leader has the book and teaches the content, it’s good. It’s basic, it’s easy to understand, it’s simple to put in practice and apply to every Christian’s life, and it deals with common church issues and struggles. I found it interesting what he said about it being “easier” to stay at home in pajamas and watch a professional church service online, but that that wasn’t right because it wasn’t church. (Totally correct.) This book was written in 2016, before everything went down and online services became even more normal. There was a lot said about the believer’s responsibility to fulfil their role in the church, which a part of me wishes *every church member* would take to heart. It was good.
Anyway, all that to say, cautiously, I can’t disagree with what’s he’s written, and it was encouraging, especially the last chapter.
It was low-level and somewhat preaching to the choir if you’re looking for a how-to manual as a church leader or seasoned Christian. But, listening with a critical ear, I found nothing that contradicted Scripture or touted any of his different beliefs. There was encouragement, especially at the end of the book, and I think this could be useful as a guide to help a new believer – cautiously. I would not promote the author, or, without reading them, any of his other books, especially to a new believer. But, in a study that the leader has the book and teaches the content, it’s good. It’s basic, it’s easy to understand, it’s simple to put in practice and apply to every Christian’s life, and it deals with common church issues and struggles. I found it interesting what he said about it being “easier” to stay at home in pajamas and watch a professional church service online, but that that wasn’t right because it wasn’t church. (Totally correct.) This book was written in 2016, before everything went down and online services became even more normal. There was a lot said about the believer’s responsibility to fulfil their role in the church, which a part of me wishes *every church member* would take to heart. It was good.
Anyway, all that to say, cautiously, I can’t disagree with what’s he’s written, and it was encouraging, especially the last chapter.
January 31, 2023
This was really good - really encouraging.
Church can be hard. Sometimes church people are hurtful. And it's become the fashion among both non-Christians and Christians to bash the church and only focus on its mistakes and failures. This attitude doesn't make it any easier to commit to a local church and serve it.
This book reminds us that the Church is Christ's Bride - imperfect now, but loved by Him and promised future perfection and glory. It reminds us that believers need to be involved in the Body of Christ. We need to be there for our own sake AND for the sake of others. Allberry gently reminds Christians that church is a place where we go to serve, not just where we go as disinterested, critiquing consumers.
At the same time, Allberry acknowledges the Church's sins and failures head-on, and helps us understand how to biblically respond to sin, hurts, etc. in our churches.
"You cannot claim Christ and avoid his people. If God is your Father, then his people are your family, and you are to treat your family as your Father wants you to."
"What you do to the church, you do to Jesus."
"We have been designed to need other Christians to help us keep going in the faith, and to whom we can be an encouragement to do likewise."
"...What is hard work is often what is vital work."
"Whether Christ is truly preached, followed, shared, and loved matters more than whether a church has your kind of coffee, meets at your preferred time of day, or is super-convenient to get to."
Church can be hard. Sometimes church people are hurtful. And it's become the fashion among both non-Christians and Christians to bash the church and only focus on its mistakes and failures. This attitude doesn't make it any easier to commit to a local church and serve it.
This book reminds us that the Church is Christ's Bride - imperfect now, but loved by Him and promised future perfection and glory. It reminds us that believers need to be involved in the Body of Christ. We need to be there for our own sake AND for the sake of others. Allberry gently reminds Christians that church is a place where we go to serve, not just where we go as disinterested, critiquing consumers.
At the same time, Allberry acknowledges the Church's sins and failures head-on, and helps us understand how to biblically respond to sin, hurts, etc. in our churches.
"You cannot claim Christ and avoid his people. If God is your Father, then his people are your family, and you are to treat your family as your Father wants you to."
"What you do to the church, you do to Jesus."
"We have been designed to need other Christians to help us keep going in the faith, and to whom we can be an encouragement to do likewise."
"...What is hard work is often what is vital work."
"Whether Christ is truly preached, followed, shared, and loved matters more than whether a church has your kind of coffee, meets at your preferred time of day, or is super-convenient to get to."
March 5, 2023
I am a fan of Sam Allberry. I have heard several sermons of his and enjoyed other writings. This book felt lackluster, and as if it was written shortly without much thought. I believe Sam has a deep passion for the Church, and I know he’s dedicated. However, this short book seemed to be unaware of the questions being asked by those leaving the Church, and ignorant to how to inspire a generation existing Christianity.
I think perhaps a re-written book by Sam could carry much more potential. Perhaps a longer version that goes into details regarding the scandalous spotlights the evangelical world has gotten in recent years.
I also found his lack of diversity of thought off-putting. Writing a complimentarian theology as necessary to Church life felt unnecessary and unwilling to fight for Church unity. I believe this also tied into his lack of nuance or attention to those experiencing spiritual abuse within congregations.
I hope he re-writes this book because I truly believe he could do better.
I think perhaps a re-written book by Sam could carry much more potential. Perhaps a longer version that goes into details regarding the scandalous spotlights the evangelical world has gotten in recent years.
I also found his lack of diversity of thought off-putting. Writing a complimentarian theology as necessary to Church life felt unnecessary and unwilling to fight for Church unity. I believe this also tied into his lack of nuance or attention to those experiencing spiritual abuse within congregations.
I hope he re-writes this book because I truly believe he could do better.
November 8, 2017
I'm not sure how this book landed in my personal library, but I am glad it did. Though written by a pastor in Maidenhead, UK, its truths are applicable universally. The book gives a clear, compact explanation of what the bible says about the church and how it is to be organized. The role of the leadership and the responsibilities of the membership are clearly defined with chapter and verse references.
I've known the Lord and attended church faithfully for seventy years. I especially appreciated Chapter 5, "How Do I Survive Church?" because I want to share it with some friends who no longer attend weekly services.
The "Conclusion: What's really going on" presents an encouraging message to all who already understand the importance of attending church regularly as it points out so clearly what faithful church attendance says to the unbelieving world. "When the church gathers to worship...the supremacy of Christ is once again placarded across the spiritual realms."
I've known the Lord and attended church faithfully for seventy years. I especially appreciated Chapter 5, "How Do I Survive Church?" because I want to share it with some friends who no longer attend weekly services.
The "Conclusion: What's really going on" presents an encouraging message to all who already understand the importance of attending church regularly as it points out so clearly what faithful church attendance says to the unbelieving world. "When the church gathers to worship...the supremacy of Christ is once again placarded across the spiritual realms."
July 2, 2022
In this era of live streams and recorded sermons, going to church physically has become less appealing and even inconvenient.
Why Bother With Church encourages readers to resist the temptation of not bothering with church by underscoring the value of being physically present in church and belonging to a church community.
The reasons expounded on are succinct and biblically supported, and the author gives useful answers to commonly asked questions that non-churchgoers might have, such as “Can’t I view my small group as my church?”.
The author doesn’t just mention the benefits of going to church but also respectfully acknowledges the reasons why people might avoid church and convincingly explains how despite that, we should not give up on going to church.
This a good book to reflect and meditate upon especially for those of us who do not go to church or find our motivations to go to church dwindling.
My rating: 4/5
Why Bother With Church encourages readers to resist the temptation of not bothering with church by underscoring the value of being physically present in church and belonging to a church community.
The reasons expounded on are succinct and biblically supported, and the author gives useful answers to commonly asked questions that non-churchgoers might have, such as “Can’t I view my small group as my church?”.
The author doesn’t just mention the benefits of going to church but also respectfully acknowledges the reasons why people might avoid church and convincingly explains how despite that, we should not give up on going to church.
This a good book to reflect and meditate upon especially for those of us who do not go to church or find our motivations to go to church dwindling.
My rating: 4/5
November 20, 2023
This is such a relevant topic for today’s Christians. Maybe it’s because I coordinate a youth service whose congregation hasn’t been the same post- Covid. Or it could be because I have wrestled with this question many a Sunday. Whatever the case, Why Bother with Church is an insightful reminder of why we are part of the church.
Using the Bible in a simple and concise manner, Sam Allberry makes a sound case for why we should bother. He addresses the reasons we don’t want to bother with church in a way that rebukes and also directs you to a point of repentance. He also manages to throw in church history without getting academic.
Highly recommend if you’re burnt out from serving in church, left a church fellowship, struggling to submit to your church’s leadership and are just wondering, “why bother with church?”
PS.
It was nice to read a book in a day again. It has been ages since I achieved this milestone.
Using the Bible in a simple and concise manner, Sam Allberry makes a sound case for why we should bother. He addresses the reasons we don’t want to bother with church in a way that rebukes and also directs you to a point of repentance. He also manages to throw in church history without getting academic.
Highly recommend if you’re burnt out from serving in church, left a church fellowship, struggling to submit to your church’s leadership and are just wondering, “why bother with church?”
PS.
It was nice to read a book in a day again. It has been ages since I achieved this milestone.
June 6, 2017
This is a very good book on, well, exactly what the title says, "Why Bother with Church?" It's brief (95 pp), but insightful. In addition to explaining why we should consider church, it also covers some of the thorny issues related to church as well (what about the harm the church has done to the world? What about women's ordination? What about the many, many denominations?). In answering these questions, he is honest and humble, and yet doesn't try any 'revisionist' maneuvers either.
By the end, Allberry turns the tables on the original question by asking, "Why not bother with church?" Throughout, Allberry is biblical and orthodox, and also not a jerk about it--which is why I liked this book so much; there's no grand-standing or preaching to the choir, but just a simple, gracious presentation of the need for and value of church.
I heartily recommend this book to everyone.
By the end, Allberry turns the tables on the original question by asking, "Why not bother with church?" Throughout, Allberry is biblical and orthodox, and also not a jerk about it--which is why I liked this book so much; there's no grand-standing or preaching to the choir, but just a simple, gracious presentation of the need for and value of church.
I heartily recommend this book to everyone.
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