It’s Only One Sunday

July 22, 2026 / by Pastor Justin Waples

According to Hebrews 10:24–25, faithfulness in church attendance encourages not only other believers but also those who do not know Christ.

The emphasis is not on what the believer receives from worship, but on what they can offer in worship. To be honest, the following things have run through my mind over the years, maybe yours too:

• “I’m just going to hit snooze one more time. I’m punctual most other weeks. It’s only one Sunday.”
• “It’s not a big deal for me to skip serving. I show up more than most people. It’s only one Sunday.”
• “I’m not really feeling ‘people’ today. I think I’m just going to stay low-key and keep to myself. It’s only one Sunday.”
• “I know this isn’t up to the usual standards, but we got busy with other things and … well … It’s only one Sunday.”

Here’s the problem with the “one Sunday” mentality: it’s not that you don’t deserve rest. It’s not that you’re expected to perform at 100% every single time. It’s not even that the standard must be absolute perfection, with no deviation from total quality.

No, the problem with the “It’s only one Sunday” thinking is that it’s only one Sunday for you. For someone else, it’s their first Sunday. It’s the first shot they’re giving your church, maybe any church. If you are going to make disciples, the one who will impact a guest, the one who may determine whether they’ll ever return, might just be you.
It’s not just “one Sunday.”

It’s the most important Sunday for someone… so be present and make it count!

Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Adapted with permission from Danny Franks, Pastor of Guest Services and Events at The Summit Church. Read more from Danny at peoplearethemission.com.

Pastor Justin Waples is East White Oak’s Outreach and Discipleship Pastor. He is married to Abigail and they are blessed with five children, with another baby on the way! Justin is passionate about equipping the saints for ministry and helping each member reach out to their neighbors and community.