Why Is Attending Church Meetings Essential?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Moroni 1-6 in a lesson titled “To Keep Them in the Right Way.” It was introduced by the following information: 

After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and about religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).

There were several principles found in this scripture block: (1) I can follow Jesus Christ despite opposition (Moroni 1), (2) Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands (Moroni 2-6), (3) Taking the sacrament helps me draw closer to Jesus Christ (Moroni 4-5), and (4) Disciples of Jesus Christ care for each other’s souls (Moroni 6:4-9). This essay will discuss principle 4.

The choice to follow Jesus Christ is an individual one, but fellow believers – family members, friends, neighbors, associates, or strangers – can help keep us “in the right way” (Moroni 6:4-5). Moroni wrote of the people in his day and how they strengthened each other.

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.

8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done. [Emphasis added.]

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ do the same today. We introduce ourselves to visitors or new members of our congregation. We teach each other and care for each other. We speak and conduct our meetings in accordance with the Holy Ghost. Do we everything that we can do to nourish each other “by the good word of God” Moroni 6:4).

Some people question the need to be “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” and to “meet together oft” in Church meetings. This is the counsel given by President Dallin H. Oaks in his message titled “The Need for a Church.” 

Today, my message concerns such good and religious-minded people who have stopped attending or participating in their churches. When I say “churches,” I include synagogues, mosques, or other religious organizations. We are concerned that attendance in all of these is down significantly, nationwide. If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations.

Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences on the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. A persuasive example is more powerful than a sermon. We are strengthened by associating with others of like minds. In church attendance and participation, our hearts are, as the Bible says, “knit together in love” (Colossians 2:2). [Emphasis added.]