What does the Bible say about going to church?
Answer
"Going to church" is not a Bible phrase, and many of us don't like to use that term. Since the church is the people in it, saying "I'm going to church" would be like saying "I'm going to family." That said, I understand you to be asking what the Bible says about assembling with others in the church.
The assembly is, in some ways, a carry over from the Jewish synagogue assembly. From the beginning of the church, members gathered together (Acts 2:42-47). Often it was in homes. Sometimes it was in a public building such as the synagogue or a school (Acts 19:9-10)
Probably one reason for the assembly was because Christians were a minority, and it was good to get together with others of like faith. Most people look forward to being with family, and that is what the assembly of the church is—a gathering of family. It was also a time to worship God in song (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16) and prayer, to partake of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-30), to study the scriptures (1 timothy 4:13), to give money (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The assembly was a time for encouragement. In too many churches these days the emphasis is on the other aspects of worship. While that is vitally important, if the encouragement and fellowship are not present the worship tends to become routine. When that happens, one often no longer worships, but just goes through the motions. Several of the prophets in the Old Testament said that God hates just going through the motions.
God certainly wants us to gather together for worship and fellowship. Anyone who refuses to assemble with the saints does so to his own hurt. It also hurts the family that is looking forward to being with him.