You're a Christian - why have you stopped going to church?

Question

This question is only for those who KNOW they are born-again Christians, have run the race well for a time and then for some reason, stopped going to church but otherwise have been doing other spiritual disciplines (reading Bible, prayer, fasting, etc.)

Answer 1

For me it was a situation of necessity for awhile as I was held in the house by my feeding tube. But after awhile I felt like it just made more sense and I felt like I was getting more out of what I read. I felt like I was closer to God and like he was giving me more insight into what I read and a deeper appreciation of what it all means. Organized religion seemed to be becoming more of a fashion show and a place to give money so the Church building could become more elaborate and the preachers pockets better lined. It works for some, but I am just happier with my way of doing things.

Answer 2

I meet the criteria to answer, I actually stopped going to church because I am overseas with the military and haven't found a church that meets the standards that I have set for myself. I have found a church in the town of my next duty station and can't wait to meet the people there and become active in the ministries of God. I have bible studies with whoever will attend and try to look over controversial doctrines with those who are willing to accept what the Bible has to say. Another thing I do is listen to the audio downloads from my hometown church. They don't necessarily agree that I shouldn't go to church but I doubt that they would want me to compromise the truth either.

Answer 3

The biggest reason I hear about church is someone say "Well, I don't have to go to church to believe in God." I think the picture just got shrunk down to a grain of salt. To love God for sending Jesus to die for us I would say is the best thing to happen to you thus far because you are going to heaven..eternal life. But think about this .. how about obeying God. Where does that come in? Not my words..his!!!
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25. As a Christian I know that I have weaknesses and I know I have been in places in my life and in my Christ-walk where I thought to choose what it is that God would have of me. Such as obeying...I thought hey I' m not hurting anyone, and I truly love God, so my way must be right.. I think if more true believers went to church to be in His Word, The Truth, there would be less churches that have backslide or false teachings. If a church is not biblically correct, don't choose the excuse that all churches are bad.Part of being for God is to spread His word and to show others His love. Starting in a truth bound church is a great place to start.

Answer 4

I was hurt by the last church I was in. I was quite involved. Co-led the college & career group and my father is the children's minister.
First, I was kicked out of C&C because I was married. (Though I was married and in college, but whatever)
I was really close to alot of C&C folks and now I wasn't allowed to go to sunday school with them?! Since me and another girl (who was also married and got kicked out) were practically leading the class and planning all the get togethers, when we got kicked out C&C died. Pretty much everyone from that class found other churches.
Then it came out that the pastor of that church was stealing money and covering it up and some other members of the church may have known about it and helped cover it up.

I really loved that church and had been going there for 10 years. It's not that I don't like church now, it's just been really hard to find a 'home' after being kicked out of my last one.

Answer 5

Well, I DID quit for a while, if that counts. It was during a crisis in faith. I seriously questioned God's existence. It was maddening because I could get no definitive answer either way. All I had to go on was an apparent lie told to me by God. Eventually, it was explained to me that God didn't lie, I assumed He was speaking when He really wasn't. Since then, I have had to ignore that still small voice that doesn't know what the hell it is talking about, and rely strictly on Scripture, common sense, and the advice of friends. I would probably STILL be away if He hadn't sent someone to come get me. Talk about FAITHFUL!

Answer 6

The Apostle Paul said we have to be all things to all people.
We cannot always reach others by talking about God and Jesus
right off the bat. Because they have bad attitudes toward
religion. Having been hurt by one claiming to spiritual.
There are community organizations and things, where a Christian
can appeal to others by setting an example of decent
behavour. And once they reach someone, then they can ask them to read the words of Jesus Christ.

Answer 7

I'm not in that boat, and I thank God for the church family I have, but so many churches these days are not on fire for the Lord and don't preach the word of God. If I could not find a church like that, I would be in a constant hunt until I did.

Answer 8

In a simple way of thinking; it was basically 'people' (a false god) viewing and stating God's word on man's level, not going up to God's level. Separating God's word from the deviations (more than 1) by man/Satan did/has not occurred in many christian 'sects' in this country presently.

Answer 9

I'm not sure of why you articulate born again christian. Church going is church going. But anyway, I don't see a need in going to church. It's brainwashing. The clergymen/clergywomen of the church are human too with their own hangups and sins. Why would I go to listen to what they have to say. Who gave them a ph.d. in interpreting anything of a complex nature. Do you know how easy it is to get a preacher's license. You or I could get one and a be a millionaire with the right jargon. Come on, give me a break.

Answer 10

I couldn't stand the gossip, belittlement, nor the lack of compassion towards other in my community. I retain my faith, and put no trust in false messengers.