The story behind Evvie McKinney’s inspiring song, Church

Do you have memories of going to church as a child? Are they positive ones that motivate you to get there, or difficult ones that seem to paralyze you, holding you back from the risk of setting foot inside?

Evvie McKinney, singer and songwriter, chatted recently with Family Life Radio about what inspired her to write the song “Church.” Not only did she pen it out of her own personal experience, but she wrote it while coming out of the pandemic and feeling the great need to break out and go to church. She explained that even if you need to be at home, you still need to tune in to church. She wrote the song to encourage those who can, to get up and go back to church.

“There is something about being around other believers that gives you a different type of strength than the world gives,” Evvie said.

When you surround yourself with other believers, in fellowship and worship of Christ, singing and praising God, you come away with joy and peace. There is nothing like it in the world.

As John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (ESV).

Evvie grew up the youngest of seven children. Her family’s life revolved around church, not just on Sundays, but during the week as well. She loved singing in the choir. She explained, “I fell in love with the building, the people, the services and the songs.”

Evvie described her mother’s experience:

“I watched my mom make her way through hard times because of her faith and the support system she had in the church.”

She watched both her parents’ faith grow strong because of their involvement with the church. Now Evvie can’t stay away because she witnessed their intentionality.

The Bible talks about the faithfulness of God in many places, including Hebrews 10:24. Then in verses 25 and 26 it says, “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 (ESV).”

Evvie saw this in action while growing up. It stuck with her. So much, that even as an adult, she yearns to gather with believers in church. She expressed this in the words of her song:

When I need a shoulder
When I need a friend
When I need the kind of love that
Is never gonna end
Ain’t nothing like a Sunday morning for my soul
Ain’t nowhere else I want to go
Take me to Church

If you have found this kind of fellowship, you know exactly what Evvie is talking about. If you are in a large church and have not found this type of community, get involved with a smaller group there. If the first one doesn’t work for you, try another.

If you have not found a church, commit to search for one until you find it.  Having a community you can trust can prove powerful in your life.

There is nothing like the accountability that comes from having people who are real, who love Jesus and who love you.

There is nothing like learning and growing to love God’s Word. There is nothing like serving together. These people will not be perfect. Neither are you. They will not always be right. Neither are you. You won’t agree on everything, but you will agree on the most important things. You will learn forgiveness because people will let you down. You will grow through your own mistakes if you stick with a “family” of believers. They will pray for you, listen to you, learn from you and help you grow in your faith. If you have children, this community will pray for them too and help you make parenting decisions. Your children will be watching you like Evvie watched her parents.

If you need help finding a good church fit for you, here are some things to look for:

• Biblically based teaching with a clear gospel message.
• Beliefs that line up with the Bible.
• Corporate songs of worship.
• Genuine people you connect with.
• Traditions you feel at home with.

Commit to a church like this. Stick with it and work through the challenges because there will be some.

You will find yourself singing along with Evvie:

When the world gets heavy
Starts to weigh me down
When I get a little lost and
I gotta go get found
Ain’t nothing like a Sunday morning for my soul
Ain’t nowhere else I want to go
Take me to Church
Singing hallelujah, telling my fears goodbye
Church
My worry falls down when my God gets lifted high
Everything I ever needed
I can only find in Jesus
I have seen it, I believe it
So take me to, take me to

Church

Want more? Check out our on demand resources

Go!

Family Life Radio is listener supported. Many who listen, also generously give to make the Christ-centered music and inspirational content possible. Family Life Radio is grateful to each one who helps to shine God’s love, peace and encouragement into hearts, revealing truths that direct people in the way they should go.

If you feel led to give a gift today to help provide more inspiring content through Family Life Radio click here.