I have to agree. I've noticed that churches remain really essential to some places, especially smaller isolated communities. From my experience, I think the app

I have to agree. I've noticed that churches remain really essential to some places, especially smaller isolated communities. From my experience, I think the appeal comes from: 1.) Gives people an excuse to dress nicely in public (good for self-esteem if you're into that sort of thing) 2.) Free meals (often delicious and home-cooked), potentially before and after 3.) Singing music together is fun and it doesn't matter if you're bad at it 4.) The preacher will tell the congregation if someone is sick or had a bad thing happen, and then some of the other people will typically express their care to the person and maybe visit them and bring them food. 5.) The preacher typically will tell at least one corny joke or do some weird dramatic thing to get your attention and make a point. It's like weird theater at some places. And of course, organizing volunteer things is pretty solid too. On the less positive side, some people like to use church to show-off and find things to gossip about. So while that behavior may make some feel less lonely, probably causes others to be repulsed away.