In addition to eating dinner together and spending quality time at home, attending church as a family can help you and your children become closer. Not only do parents set a good example by doing so, helping instill the lessons of the Bible in their sons and daughters, but they also provide their kids with a community they can turn to for support in all other areas of life. Here is a closer look at some of the other benefits.

Why Should You Go to Church as a Family?

1. It’s Good for Your Health

Just like exercising and eating right, a study done by Vanderbilt University indicates that attending a house of worship on a regular basis is healthy for you. Worship-goers between the ages of 46 and 65, especially, self-reported lower stress levels than their non-church going counterparts which, in turn, correlated to increased longevity. This is likely because those who are part of a church community develop a social support network of people who share the same values. These strong friendships work to decrease feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

2. You’ll Feel More Grateful

Recent research has shown there are a variety of benefits to practicing gratitude—including developing higher self-esteem and getting a better night’s sleep. Attending weekly worship services will give you the chance to engage in this healthy practice regularly and will help your children learn to be happy for what they have, rather than upset when events don’t go their way.

3. Your Family Ties Will Be Stronger

Sharing a faith and church-related activities with your spouse will enhance the strength of your bond. This will also positively affect your children. It gives them an example of a strong, healthy relationship to follow, as well as ensures they are raised by two people who present a united front, especially when it comes to enforcing good values.

Whether you’re new to Dickinson, TX, or are seeking a community-oriented church to attend, Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church opens its doors to everyone. Led by Reverend Kevin Reeves, parishioners attend services that emphasize devotion to faith and family with the opportunity to join activities like Bible study and Sunday school. For more information about their busy calendar, call (409) 218-9339 or visit them online.