AreYOU in the 4-6% or the 94-96%?

Last night, I attended Bible Study at a local church. Let's call it Church X. There were approx 50 people in attendance. Now this church holds THREE jam-packed services on Sundays, with probably no fewer than 250-400 people per service. So on any given Sunday, approx 750-1200 people attend service at Church X. Yet on Wednesday evening, there were less than 50 people in attendance. This means only between 4-6% of the congregation attends Bible Study. So 94-96% of the congregation is only attending ONE service/week. Now this is not specific to this church only - I have witnessed this phenomenon at other churches - pretty much EVERY church I have ever attended/visited. In fact, I'd be willing to go out on a limb and say this is the norm. The thing is, I can't help but wonder WHY.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Hebrews 10:24-25

I remember the year I dedicated my life to Christ and professed Him as my Lord and Savior. I too, "began" (remember this word) by attending Sunday Service ONLY... That was short-lived! I couldn't get enough of His word. I couldn't get enough of being in His presence. I quickly began attending two, sometimes all three services on Sundays... then shortly after that, I realized there was also a weekly service on Thursdays... It piqued my curiosity. I attended Bible Study the following Thursday... and my Sisters, I was HOOKED!!! I couldn't believe I had been missing out all that time! To me, it only took that one Bible Study to realize that was where the MEAT AND POTATOES was served! :) This is where the GROWTH and LEARNING occurred. Even then I couldn't understand how/why so few people were in attendance. From that moment on, I have been a regular at Bible Study, or Bible Immersion as it is known at Berean Christian Fellowship. There is so much learning and teaching that takes place then, that it's come to a point where, when I invite people to visit my church I am more likely to invite them to attend Bible Study, than I am Sunday Service!

Why? Because to me, Sunday is more-so focused around Praise & Worship. Which is GREAT. If you know me, you know I LOVE praise & worship. But just as much as I love to worship, I love to LEARN the word of God. We cannot apply that which we do not KNOW. God's word tells us to write His word on our heart's that we might not sin against Him. If you feel like you are coming up short in your walk with Christ, could it be that you do not have enough of His word written on your heart? Weeknight services are about digging deep in the Word of God. There is more time allotted to studying His word. (**Sidenote - this is assuming you are in a bible-teaching church. If you are attending services and rarely find yourself opening, or even BRINGING your bible, you may want to consult with God and find out if you are in the right place! You want to be in a place that feeds your spirit - that teaches you the BIBLE. You want to be in a place that pulls and challenges your faith to grow - to mature spiritually. This brings to mind a past writing I did on Choosing Your Church Home - "Who Chose Your Church Home? You, Him, or Them?") It is usually
less formal than Sunday service. Sometimes depending on the church/pastor, it can be interactive - meaning if you have questions, they are able/willing to answer them for you.

In my mind and heart, both services (Sunday Worship and Weeknight Bible Study) are of equal worth and importance. I can think of countless benefits to attending Bible Study, which is why I just can't fathom how/why it is that in most congregations if not ALL congregations, less than 50% (if that many) attend Bible Study regularly. 

I've spent some time pondering this phenomenon. The only possible logical explanation I have been able to come up with, is that people just aren't aware of the magnitude to which bible study will bless and impact their lives. ... So I am very curious... WHAT SAY YOU ALL? 

 Feedback. Talk to me. :) 

Do you find the same phenomenon to be occurring at your church home?

Are you in the 4-6% or the 94-96%? - Do you regularly attend Bible Study during the week, at your local church home? Why or why not?

If you answered "no" to the previous question, also share - Have you ever attended a weeknight Bible Study? 

If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to SUBSCRIBE so that you can receive these writings directly to your email, please check the TOP RIGHT of our site, and insert your email address in the box that says, "JOIN OUR MAILING LIST!"