I'm scared to go to church?

Question

I've only been to church twice in my life. I want to start going again, but i'm scared. i've sinned so bad and I'm scared God wont want me. I heard that God forgives all is this true? And if it is how? I believe in God but I know close to nothing about him or the bible. is it normal to be scared to go to church?

Answer 1

First, let's tackle the most important thing you asked. Yes, God can and will forgive you for every sin you have ever commited. How? We can never be saved because of what we do; we can only be saved because of what Jesus Christ has already done for us. Let me explain.

Our greatest problem can be put in one word: sin. Sin cuts us off from God, and sin also keeps us out of heaven. But how can we get rid of our sins? We can't erase them or cause them to disappear by ourselves; we don't have the power. The only way we can get rid of our sins is for someone to come along and take them away for us.

And that is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. We are weighed down by the burden of our sins—but Jesus took that burden upon Himself when He died on the cross for us. To put it another way, He took the punishment we deserve when He went to the cross in our place. The Bible says, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18).

What must you do? Simply believe that Christ has taken away your sins, and then receive Him into your heart and life. The Bible's promise is for you: "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Become God's child today by asking Christ to come into your life.

CHURCH
We're all different, but you might be surprised how many people are like you are. In fact, most of us are shy or afraid when we first start going to church, especially when we have to face unfamiliar situations. None of us likes to be embarrassed.

No, perhaps you can't help it if you are shy or afraid—but you can keep your shyness/fear from cutting you off from things that are good. The key is to decide that you aren't always going to take the easy way out and avoid people all the time. Instead, ask God to help you take steps to overcome your shyness/fear and be friendly to others. It won't happen all at once, but little by little you can move beyond your shyness.

The best place to begin may well be in church. Churches differ from each other; ask God to guide you to one where you will feel comfortable. More than that, ask God to guide you to a church where you will grow spiritually, through learning about Christ and the Bible and having opportunities to serve others.

Most of all, ask Christ to come into your life. He loves you, and He welcomes you just as you are. You are valuable to Him! The Bible's promise is for you: "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

Answer 2

This is definitely NOT a normal occurrence. I somehow doubt it was a Roman Catholic Church on a Wednesday night for Bible Study, as well. Try another church, start with Sunday services, just observe first and see how you feel. Listen to the announcements, If you are comfortable, go to the coffee and refreshments after service. See how the people treat you. If you are uncomfortable with any of it, try another church the next week. For generally a reserved, non-judgmental atmosphere, I recommend a local Episcopal Church to start. If that's too reserved, you might like Presbyterian. Learn the doctrine later, but find a place you are comfortable. These people will probably not descent upon you like a pack of wolves which you might find in Pentecostal churches, such as Assemblies of God, Four Square. But that might be your style, as well, check it out, and don't let one group scare you. Good luck,, God Bless you (I think he's leading your search and will help to guide you to the right place for yourself)

Answer 3

If you've done bad things to other people, I would suggest that you try making amends. Try your best to set right the things you did wrong, and apologize to anyone you've hurt or offended. If you sincerely regret the things you've done, that's the way to show it.

If you approach others in this way, you'll be forgiven by everyone that matters. If you're unwilling to do it, then I have to wonder how seriously you regret your misdeeds, whatever they may be. Are you interested in setting things right to the best of your ability, or are you just wanting to be forgiven without any effort on your part to make things better?

In my mind, doing your best to set things right is more important than getting some priest to say that everything is alright. You don't have to fix everything perfectly, but you should at least make a sincere effort.

If church is your thing, don't be scared of going. The people there don't bite, and they aren't out to "get you". They're there to help you in your path. Don't postpone going just because you haven't righted every wrong yet - you'll never do that, and that's okay. As they say, "we're all sinners", so nobody expects perfection.

What people do expect is that you try your best. If you ever notice yourself failing in that goal, don't let it get you down - the way to make up for it is to start trying your best again.

Answer 4

Uh? you're scared of going to Church?

You know that the christian god is everywhere and watching you all the time, right? In a way, going to visit him at home is showing you want to make up and make amends, so he'll like you better for it, and there's nothing to fear.

If your denomination requires it, better go through a confession and penitence before partaking of the eucharist, that's all.
If you know nothing about god, I'm pretty sure your local priest or minister can help you find some catechism/sunday school style lessons, or at least advise about good books or videos on the subject. Again, no fear to have. Fear is a product of ignorance, so the best cure is getting to know more.

Answer 5

You should be scared to go back to church.

It is the church that has you so convinced that you are a sinner and should feel guilty about being yourself. It is the church that has harmed your perspective about yourself.

Why put more sticks on the fire? Why go back and allow them to tell you what a horrible sinner you are and that you must repent. Do you honestly think that the man standing up front in the dress (Robe?) has the ability to absolve you of anything you have done wrong? Do you think he is not a sinner? And yet, the mindless still ask HIM for forgiveness (confession?).

No. If you truely believe in god, don't go to something built by and run by man. Don't use a middle man, pray on your own and if there really is some spirit up there like all these crackpots claim there is, he'll hear you.

Churches are for the weak, those who cannot guide their own lives and have need of an institution to do it for them. Be strong, and fight the norm.

**EDIT**

See what I mean? Even the worst murderers can repent and be saved.... great mentality these people have, isn't it? Do your worst and simply ask for forgiveness and it's yours. Do you think these people actually think for themselves? Do you think they feel bad for anything they've done when they know all they have to do is ask for forgiveness from man, and they are forgiven?

Please, don't close your eyes on reality, stay out of the cult and keep your sanity.

Answer 6

Can I ask you an honest question?

Why do you really care whether this God forgives you or not? The only real question is whether or not you can forgive yourself. If you can do that, then you'll be able to move past what has gone before and start your life over.

That's what you really need to focus on, not the self-serving drivel that's being espoused by the church.

Answer 7

Yes, I have felt the same way before. It is very different, and it can feel like you're walking into His House. But once you get in there, you can feel the comfort, the love and acceptance. If you don't feel His Spirit there, then go to another church! But when you feel His Spirit of love, you will know you are Home =) And all will be made new and well with you. Praise God!

Answer 8

God forgives all sinners that confess and repent. Do not be afraid to go to church, that is a way to learn how good God is. Believe in His son Jesus that died for our sins. Find a church that you are comfortable with. Go a few times to get a better feel of their teachings. Just beware there are bad churches out there too, the ones that twist the word of God to make a person feel good. Look for a bible teaching church, pray to God and He will lead you to that church. Get involved in a Bible study group to learn more about His word. God bless.

Answer 9

I don't think it's normal to be scared to go to church. It might be normal to be scared to go to Confession. About forgiveness, yeah, there's no sin that cannot be absolved on account of its being serious. It's not uncommon to feel horribly about something we've done. What seems to me worse is the horrible things that go without remorse. Suffering from remorse is still suffering and can be offered.

I've got a quote for you:
If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint. And if you wish to become a great saint, entreat Him yourself to give you much opportunity for suffering; for there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross, which Christ used for His own great sacrifice of boundless charity.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Wounded in the leg by a cannonball at the siege of Pampeluna on 20 May 1521, an injury that left him partially crippled for life.
His health suffered in later years, and he was nearly blind at death.

Answer 10

I'm not particularly religious. Well, not at all anymore. But earlier today, a similar question was asked by someone else on another forum. I told them that in the Bible it says King David basically committed murder. He was in a love with a woman who was married to someone else, so he sent her husband (his friend) to the frontlines of battle so he would die. He realized his sin and confessed. God forgave him and blessed him later on in his life. He had his share of heartache because of what he did, but the point is that eventually he was able to receive blessings that he never thought he would.

My take on it is that if God is truly a loving being, like many preach, then he will forgive you if you want him to. If you really want to go to church, find a friend that you can go with. Even if it's not the church for you, you can get your start and figure out where you want to go at a later date.

Good luck with everything!

Answer 11

Hey...God welcomes back His lost sheep with wide open arms!! He loves you know matter what!! I think it's pretty normal to feel scraed to go to church!! I'm also kinda scared of going!! But the Lord will help you get over your fears!!

(**,)
Jesus loves you