Why I Don't Like To Go To Church

This isn’t about me refusing to go to church because I dislike it—far from it. I enjoy attending church. However, at this moment, I simply don’t feel motivated to go. The same way I struggle to write about it, I struggle to find the drive to attend.

I still keep in touch with my friends from church, my pastor, and his wife. Whenever we see each other, they often invite me to join a service. Sometimes, I say yes, but more often than not, I just let the invitation pass without much thought.

Searching for the Reason

Some friends have asked why I haven’t been attending church services lately. I’ve asked myself the same question. Is it something about me, or is it something about the church? The excuses I’ve given aren’t entirely true, and I suspect they know that as well.

One thing is certain—I haven’t lost my faith. I have no plans of giving it up, not in this life and not in the next, if such a choice were ever needed. So, what’s holding me back?

I decided to evaluate different aspects of my church life to see if any of them were the reason for my lack of motivation.

The Pastor

I have always been objective when it comes to people in the pulpit. I respect them—not for their knowledge, skills, or position, but because they are ordained by God to lead His people. Whoever holds the role of pastor in my church, they have my respect, and I remain humbled by the work they do. Even if I know a pastor doesn’t always practice what they preach, I understand. After all, pastors are human, just like me. Most of us don’t always do what we believe is right; we do what we feel we must. So, my pastor is not the reason I’m unmotivated.

The Teachings

There was a time I nearly left my church because of teaching I struggled with—not because I wanted to stop going to church altogether, but because I considered attending another one. I’m very mindful of what is being taught from the pulpit. I know my beliefs and where I stand. When something seems questionable, I think critically about it.

However, that’s not the case now. If I come across something I don’t fully agree with, I set it aside in my mind and revisit it later when I find more clarity. My only wish is that pastors remain sensitive to the needs of their congregation and provide spiritual nourishment at the right time.

The People in the Church

Definitely not them. In fact, the strong relationships among church members are what hold the congregation together. I genuinely like the people in my church. They were a major consideration when I once thought about switching churches. They are not the reason I feel unmotivated to attend.

The Distance

Well… maybe I should consider this one. A little travel can feel like a big effort when motivation is lacking.

The Church Building

We don’t have a dedicated church building yet. We’re still dreaming, hoping, and praying for one. For now, we rent a room on the third floor of a commercial building downtown, right next to a mall. It’s a convenient location, but that’s not the issue.

The space is comfortable, with cushioned seats and air-conditioning—sometimes too comfortable, making it easy to drift off during service (which reminds me of that old joke about the taxi driver and the pastor). But in reality, the church setting isn’t what’s keeping me away.

So, What’s the Real Reason?

If it’s not the pastor, the teachings, the people, the distance, or the church building—then what is it? Is it really just me? Could I be the problem?

My Relationship with God

As I mentioned, I haven’t lost my faith, nor do I intend to. I still believe in everything I’ve learned about God. He remains my Lord and Savior.

Perhaps my lack of motivation has more to do with my personal relationship with Him. And for now, that’s something I’m not quite ready to write about.