Going to church is good for you

For my last several columns, I have focused on some interesting changes and trends in the Church that have been accelerated by the pandemic. We have witnessed a profound emergence of online worship as a vehicle of liturgical connection and engagement. Electronic giving use, in the form of tap-to-give, text-to-give, QR codes and e-transfers, has become ubiquitous. Websites serve as essential ministry hubs. Current, updated websites are vital as seekers “window shop” for church communities.

Despite these positive developments, many congregations continue to experience a decline in attendance, giving, volunteer recruitment and community engagement. While much of this was underway long before the pandemic struck in 2020, in some communities this trend has accelerated. Indeed, parishes that did not adapt quickly to the impact of social distancing and lockdowns have had a challenging time rebuilding.

Regrettably, the pandemic abruptly changed people’s pattern of social interaction, including worship attendance. The negative impact of these changes is profound. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health and The Canadian Geriatrics Journal both report that feelings of loneliness and isolation were especially pronounced during the pandemic, with more than two thirds of women over the age of 65 being negatively affected. Given that, you would expect a run on church attendance, yet many churches report stubborn growth numbers, especially in rural communities.

I know the Church as an institution has gotten a bad rap in the last few years. As Christians we have been fed a constant news reel of examples of abuse, neglect and lack of respect. These are, sadly, real causes for concern. Church leaders, and especially women in authority, have experienced real hurt. Despite this trend, our Church remains a beacon of hope for a broken and lonely world. And going to church CAN be good for you.

Putting aside the obvious and well-founded criticism, we should promote church attendance and membership not just because it allows us to connect with the Divine. It can also have a transformative impact on our daily lives.

Some ways in which going to church can be beneficial include: an increased sense of purpose and meaning in life; greater emotional and social support; increased feelings of belonging and community; reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation; improved mental and emotional well-being; and increased feelings of hope and optimism.

Of course, our intention is not to turn church into a country club or alternative service organization. We are first and foremost a house of worship where we give thanks to God and participate in God’s grand mission for creation.

Still, church attendees regularly experience a host of quantifiable health benefits according to the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. The report concludes that “religious service attendance is associated with greater longevity, less depression, less suicide, less smoking, less substance abuse, better cancer and cardiovascular disease survival, less divorce, greater social support, greater meaning in life, greater life satisfaction, more volunteering and greater civic engagement.” Compared to those who do not attend church, suicide rates are a staggering 84 per cent lower among church attendees. Study after study concludes that going to church is a good thing.

Science alone will not convince people that having faith improves your lot in life. But the evidence does indicate that despite its shortcomings – it is composed of human beings, after all – church and faith and religion have a positive impact on one’s overall disposition and outlook.

Now that the pandemic is in the rearview mirror (for good, I hope), be a good neighbour, a good steward and invite others to church. It might just improve your health and perspective at the same time.