Why do Christians go to church? Do they think it brings them closer to God?

Question

I mean if a person believes in God does it matter whether they go to church or not?

Going to church no more makes you a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car.
Garrison Keillor

Answer 1

I suppose everyone has their own reason. I can only speak for myself. I go because I want to. If I didn't want to do, I wouldn't. It's that simple.

I enjoy it. It is like all week you are in the world but for that couple of hours on Sunday you get re-fueled. I would miss it if I couldn't go.

Answer 2

That quote is precisely right. (I think you're going to get alot of different responses to this question.) Some Christians seem to think it's okay to be an island on to oneself, as long as you believe in God...I don't agree with this. (I am a Christian also)

It also says in the Bible that God intends for us to come together - for the strengthening of the church...

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25


"And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" Ephesians 2:22

"What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." 1 Corinthians 14:26

NOTICE how it says "together" --- that's because the church is a 'body' of believers, and not made of one person. It functions as a whole when all of the parts work together... Therefor, collective worship is nessesary.

Answer 3

Yes, the Garrison Keiler quote is correct but a little harsh. And, yes, a believer has a relationship with God and gathering with other believers is strengthening, and a week to week blessing.
Does it bring us closer? For me, yes. There is a special experience each week where you feel God's presence in a special way when you are gathered, and the teaching and closeness of community helps you grow and find direction and spiritual peace.
The apostle Paul wrote that it is important for believers to gather (go to church and be parrt of a community ). Why? Because Jesus was always around people as an example to us. We need to be accountable in that community and help each other grow. And be supportive - it is an amazing gift to give and recive love and support in the church. If we want to be like him, we have to have meaningful relationships like he did.
You can be a Christian and be alone - but the metaphor is like being a piece of charcoal by itself - you will burn out more quickly all alone, where the community keeps burning and and is strong.
God wants us to be in fellowship - there are so many benefits. Church strengthens my life each week.

Answer 4

Yes. to the first two questions.

Yes it matters. Have you ever read C.S. Lewis book The Great Divorce. His vision of hell is where people can't get along and move further and further away from each other.

I think God made us need church so that we have to learn to get along. How can God 's "Kingdom Come" if we want to stay home by ourselves.

But you should also go to a good church so that you learn more about God, hopefully from someone who is well grounded in solid theology.

Then you wouldn't come on Yahoo answers and be hateful to Jews, Muslims, atheists and gays and turn people off to Christianity.

Answer 5

The bible calls us to come together and fellowship, or, share our lives as Christians. There is a battle going on now for each and every one of our souls, and no war is ever one by one person. We as Christians need to join together to strengthen our relationship with the father, and help those who are in need. I personally go to church so i can learn more and more about God's word, and learn how to love him deeper and deeper. I enjoy talking with others about the Lord, and worshiping Him alongside others. Also, the bible says that when two or more gather in His name im prayer, then it Shall be done. So, it strengthens the bond we have with God, and each other. I am sorry that answer was so long, but I am very passionate about My lord, and just wanted to share that.

Answer 6

Fellowship and hearing the
'word" that is from God through your pastor or priest or bishop. It is a personal decision to "go to church" but being around others that believe as well can help you stay on track and learn. That is bringing you closer to God as church is "Gods' house" so why not go? It helps you to worship with others and pray as a whole.

Answer 7

The point of Church is to worship God, enjoy His company, and learn more about Him, so yes. It does bring one closer to God. And it does matter whether or not you go to Church. I mean, unless you hold your own independent service at home.

Answer 8

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

For communal worship, prayer, exhortation of each other, bearing one anothers burdens, hearing the preaching of the Word, giving, celebrating the Lord's table (communion) and yes, being closer to God by being close to our brothers and sisters.

Answer 9

Some people I know thought 'God' might exist before they joined a church - afterward they were sure that wasn't the case. Churches sometimes can make atheists of believers.

Answer 10

Quoting Garrison Keeler in a discussion on Religion and Spirituality makes as makes sense as quoting the Three Stooges in a Physics dialog!

Going to church does not, in and of itself, bring you closer to God. The purpose of gathering together with fellow believers is to share in the faith and help each other in their walk with Jesus and in their walk through the turmoils of this life. It is a GREAT time to praise and worship God as a corporate body! The gathering together of the body does help in bringing you closer and KEEPING you closer to God. Walking through the door of the building amounts to nothing.

Answer 11

The Christian community is a strange and wild bunch. They do things that other people will not do... like go to confession to talk about thier sins. I do not need confession b/c I know all the bad stuff I've done and yeah I feel bad about some of it, but I don't need to tell Chester the Molester about my problems just because he has the priest halloween costume.