i pray ...believe in God, read the bible...but i dont attend church because Im uncomfortable there?

Question

isnt it better to pray alone anyway?

Answer 1

The bible says not to forsake the gathering of the Church. It can be hard to find the right church where you fit in but once found I think it can be fantastic for spiritual growth, corporate worship and encouragement. I guess the bottom line is that God told us to do it so we should.

Its great that you believe in God, read the word and pray but don't miss out on fellowship. Just like the bible says 'Iron sharpens Iron' it will strengthen and encourage you in your walk with God.

Answer 2

I believe that it is important to pray and read the bible, and I am happy you are doing both.

I also believe that it is vital to have one on one time with God. Jesus went of on His own to be pray and talk to God numerous times in the Bible. But I not sure I agree that it is better to pray alone than to attend church.

I would say it is just as important to have other people in our life we can learn, grow, and share our connection to God with. Attending a church is one way this can happen.

If the traditional church setting is what makes you uncomfortable, I would encourage you to seek out a more comtemporary service. The church I attend now is a totally different from you tradional "dress up" church. The dress is casual. Instead of a choir, we actually have a band. The music is more like rock music and very lively.

All churches are not the same. If you shop around you may find a church where you can feel more at home.

Answer 3

I do not attend church much either... but I would if I could... It is not a sin not to attend church. The reason that we do is because God said that we should fellowship with other believers, we do this at church. Also, we go to church to learn about God from people who have done more research than us (preachers). However, God also says that it is better to pray completely alone than to pray in front of people (because a lot of people pray in front of others to "prove" that they are better Christians than others, and God says that this is not right, not that it is by any means wrong to pray in front of others, just not in a boastful way) So, basically, I think that this means that it is great if you want to pray by yourself, prayer is a very personal thing after all.

Just remember that you don't have to attend church to fellowship... and God never wants you to feel uncomfortable. Pray by yourself, study by yourself, there is nothing wrong with this at all. But there is one thing that you can't do by yourself, and that is spread the Gospel... but that is a one on one sort of thing, so I am sure you will have no problem with that. I hope that this helps.

Answer 4

Going to church is very important to your development as a christian.

I will not repeat the scriptures that those before me have shared. I just wanted to add:

Going to church is more that just an elementary excercise in felowwship and worship. ( dont get me wrong, these are very important!)

but also going to church fullfills the need to Hear a Word from the Lord! God speaks to the preacher, and uses the preacher to speak to us, as well.

The leader of the "flock" has been called by God, he has been ordained to speak the words of the Lord. (That is not to say that every word the preacher speaks is from the Lord.)
God has called the leader for a purpose, and that purpose is to teach the flock.

You don't feel comfortable in the church you have been attending? First ask yourself why you feel this way? Is it because of what someone said? People are going to talk wherever you go.
You dont dress the same way as the other members? that is okay, you are'nt there to impress anyone.
My point is to ask yourself why you don't feel comfortable? and if the answer is really something that is going to prevent you from fellowship, worship, or hearing from God, then maybe you should find another church, just make sure it is Bible based.


This is very important to your walk as a Christian.

Be Blessed,

tye (if you have nayother questions, just ask.)

Answer 5

I never went to church a day in my life, untill last spring. Believed that it would be boring and uneeded. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful one to first attend, though. I think that's all you need, like a lot of people are saying. Keep searching for the right church..maybe even branch out of your current faith and experiment with another church all together? In my experience, church isn't just about prayer, anyway. It should be an enjoyable time when you get to gather with others of your beliefs and worship. ^_^ I love the fact I can 'feel' the faith coming off of people when we sing along and stuff at my church. It gives me a huge faith boost.

Answer 6

If you read the Bible, then surely you've read verses on what church is about.
Maybe you should "shop" around until you find a church you feel comfortable in. If you pray that God will lead you to a church and you listen for His small still voice to answer your question....He'll let you know what church to go to.

Answer 7

Praying alone or together is completely up to you. Different sects of the Christian religion believe their own ways. However, in my humble opinion, people fail to realize that its not if you pray alone or with a group, its the communication with God that is important. The RELATIONSHIP that you have with God is the most important!

Answer 8

I do too, people always seem to be judging you at church by what you wear, do and say....I just pray and I make sure I do it enough or the way I be live God wants me too. I don't belive you have to go to church, I can't compete with the clothes and dresses and so and so and my life has been less than perfect but the goodie two shoes will always be there that never did nothing bad in their lifes...its just too much drama for me. I like to have a more personal realtionship with God.

Answer 9

Try to find a church where you are comfortable. Praying alone is wonderful. But, gathering with others to pray and praise God is a blessing. God bless you, I pray you find a welcoming church.

Answer 10

Sometimes it is hard to find a Church God wants you to attend. I had to do that sort of a search myself. Talk to the Pastor, Decons, Chat with the folks on the outside. Going to Church is like recharging your battries. Every Christian needs to go some of the time.