It was a Sabbath morning, and Melissa felt tired. School, homework, and a million other time-fillers had eaten away the six preceding days. She had been craving some fun all week, and if she hadn’t been studying for that algebra exam, she could have watched the last few seasons of her favorite show or hung out with friends at the pool. Wasn’t the Sabbath a day of rest? Going to church seemed like a lot more work than staying home. The sermons were over an hour long, and she just couldn’t find anything in common with the few teens that attended.

Melissa’s mom passed in the hall. “Almost ready?” she asked. “We’ve got to leave for church in half an hour.” “I’m not going this week,” Melissa announced.

Have you ever felt like Melissa? I have at times. Whether it’s the people, the messages, getting up early, the long drive, or some other combination of factors, attending church may be the last way you want to spend half of your weekend. But rather than just deciding to stop attending Sabbath services because you are sick of it, wouldn’t it make sense to weigh the pros and cons? Of course, as you reach adulthood, it’s important to make sure your beliefs really are your own—not a mere copy of your parents.’ “But,” you may claim, “I’ve already tried it.” Well not so fast. If you’ve just been coming because your parents provided the transportation, you haven’t really given it a fair test.

There are many scriptures that prove we should keep the Sabbath, but God doesn’t stop there—He actually tells us to attend church services. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Despite these benefits, it often seems as if those who choose not to follow God are getting along just fine.

Another interesting passage in Psalms refers to David’s search for understanding. He couldn’t figure out why the wicked prospered and got away with doing as they pleased. That is, he says, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end” (Psalm 73:17). For the remainder of the Psalm, David shares some of the blessings he discovered in his life as a result of obeying God. So how exactly can you go about this test? I’d like to share some ideas that have worked for me.

Get involved

Everyone has a unique set of talents to share, and you are no exception—get out there and put them to use! If you’re naturally outgoing, try joining the greeting committee, or if you have a knack with electronics or computers, help out with the sound system. Are you good with children? You may feel right at home helping with youth instruction or the mothers room. If you are a musician, there are numerous opportunities to help out, whether it’s performing special music, accompanying hymns or joining choir. Like to cook? Many congregations have a potluck or light refreshments after services. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to be helpful at special events. But that’s not all you can do to get involved!

One of the best ways to get involved and help others is through encouragement. Talk to someone who’s lonely, sympathize with their troubles and offer to pray for them, or even offer a practical way to help. Remember what the apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Perhaps you haven’t discovered your hidden talents yet, but often the best way to find out is by serving others! If you don’t know how to get involved, ask around—and ask your pastor or his wife.

Build a support network

Church is one of the best places to build a support network. You can meet a variety of people from different backgrounds and age groups—like older adults who can offer insight and amazing new perspectives from experience. Many teens find going to church difficult because there aren’t a lot of young people near them in their age range. Try expanding your age group to include young adults, teens or preteens younger than you, who will look up to you as an older sister or brother.

If you attend one of the smaller church areas, try saving money to attend a summer or winter camp so you can meet more people your own age. And remember—the Feast of Tabernacles is an excellent opportunity to meet new people! You’re not the only one who faces the dual pressures of school and trying to live God’s way; others have struggled with the same things. Seek these people out. Being with like-minded believers might be just the thing to perk you up. You need fellowship to grow.

Get those questions answered!

Why do we keep the annual Holy Days? How do I know what movies to watch? How do I forgive this person? When should I start dating? If you’ve had these questions, or just about any other Bible or Christian living question, church is the place to ask. At times do you find the sermon overly long or irrelevant to you? Here’s another challenge: Make it a goal to learn at least one new thing from each sermon. Listen to the message. Write down scriptures—that way you can look them up later, and perhaps one or two of them will spark a new question to ask someone. Listen for verbal cues such as, “Secondly,” or “another point,” and write down any main ideas. Note-taking is a skill that comes with practice. But from personal experience, I can tell you that it has changed the way I view sermons. A few weeks ago, I looked back at some old church notebooks from when I was a young teen and was surprised to find how much I have progressed since then. I’ve also noticed that the sermons have been getting shorter. Coincidence?

Make a statement

That’s right! Just being there shows what side you’re on. Teens attend church for a variety of reasons. Some like the social aspect, some the potluck, and others just feel obligated to come. If you struggle with church attendance, ask God to refresh your perspective and to renew your desire to attend.

Melissa’s struggle is one we all go through in our lives at one time or another. But it doesn’t sound like she’s given Church a fair try. “I’m not going this week,” sounds like a lame excuse. Get involved, build a support network, and be sure to ask lots of questions—you will make a real statement! So it’s your choice—are you up to the challenge?