The purpose of church attendance for me has always been to worship.
In my mid to late 20s, when nothing else could distract me, it became a time to reflect on progress on specific things.
It’s stayed like that for a long time, interrupted occasionally by a period of lesser focus on worship and more focus on callings and responsibilities.
Since moving to Idaho, I’ve been inundated with “uncle duties.” Nephews jump all over me, and I’ve tried to spend time allowing their parents to focus on the meeting.
But I’ve found my reflection time stunted.
At some level reflection does get in the way of worship.
And in other ways, reflection is a form of worship.
If God’s purpose is to exalt us, and help us become like him, worshipping him is the purpose of attending church. And if His purpose is to exalt us, then reflecting and seeking guidance from the Spirit to become like Him is also the point of worship.
So an integral, although maybe not necessary, part of worship has been missing for half a year.