Do Non-Christians belong in a church?

Question

A friend and I were having this discussion, and we both came to the conclusion that non-Christians do not belongin church. A church, as Jesus described it is any 2 or more Christians gathered in his name, so why would a non-Christian take part in a church? Don't get me wrong, if a person gets saved as a result of going there, it's always a good thing. But do non beleivers belong in a church? What are your thoughts?

I keep seeing a lot of people talking about "how else are they ever going to know?" In our discussion, the whole point of Christianity is to go out into the world and be a witness to these people. If people can only find out about this in church, then Christians aren't doing their jobs. Also, our main thought was that church is a place for worshipping God, and that's it. How can you worship a God that you don't know? That's where our thoughts were.

Also, I never said to kick them out, nor would I. Maybe I missed somthing, but I don't see anything in my question that says they should be kicked out!

Answer 1

To the extent non-doctors belong in medical school, and non-teachers belong in teaching colleges, and non-parents (perhaps parents-to-be) belong in parenting classes, perhaps non-Christians belong in Church. However, to the extent screaming babies do not belong in a theater, or alcoholics don't belong in a bar, or Summa wrestlers don't belong on horseback, perhaps non-Christians do NOT belong in Church. The question would be whether they are open to change (and able), in which case they should be encouraged. If they are, instead, attending as closed-minded antagonists, they should respect the sanctity of the Church for those who believe.

Answer 2

The word church as used the scriptures means a called out group of people. There are three churches in the Bible. The church in the wildness (Acts 7:38) The prophecy church or the kingdom church (Matt 16:18) and then there is the church that we are in today the body of Christ. Ephesians 1: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1: 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Many non-Christians belong to local church because they think they are saved but have not truly trusted in what the Lord Jesus Christ did on the cross for them. There are many organizations that non-Christians belong to that if the definition of church is used are in a church.

Answer 3

Of course they can go to church! Where else would one go if they felt the need to reclaim their faith. Yes I can see if they go to be hypocritical or use to be like "Oh I stole the other day, I better go to church this week. " I'm not sure but I don't think God works like that esp when we consciously sin in that example anyways. They certainly should try, to at least try and find God is the first step to faith, and then true love with God, and therein they will find the happiness that brought them there in the first place.

note: I don't belong to a church, altho I do for the most part think they are lovely, BUT my faith is what makes me feel closest to God like in nature, while reading the bible or watching a sunset with my family.:o]

Answer 4

Well, what do you mean by "non-Christians?" Do you mean believers in some other religion? Or do you mean atheists? Or do you mean anybody at all who doesn't believe in Christianity?

Why would an atheist go to church? Why would a Hindu go to one?

Well, maybe for a funeral that was in a church, or a wedding. You'd bar "non-Christians" from showing their respect for the dead? You'd bar "non-Christians" from celebrating the happy occasions of their friends and families?

And anyway, going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.

Answer 5

To your claim about being 'the one true Church' there is also non-Cathloic Christian religions who claim this as well. In scripture you never ever read anyone addressing Peter as "Pope/Father"! Also, the 'bedrock' wasn't a single man but the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus of Nazareth (Rev 21:14). You won't find words like 'infallible' pointed towards anyone! Conclusion: The teaching that Peter was the first 'Pope' or 'Father' of the Christian Church, and that he ruled from, and died in, Rome is a common but unsubstantiated religious supposition.

Answer 6

That is not true. Jesus said that where two or more are gathered in His name that He is there. That has to do with prayer, not with church. Everybody is welcome to church, or at least they should be. How else are people going to hear the message of Jesus. Good grief, and then we wonder why the non-believers think we hate people, it's because of people who write that non-Christians should not go to church.

Answer 7

Non Christians are welcomed in a christian church. The only place where the line should be drawn is a non christian shouldn't be able to be in any sort of ministry. I know churches that hire musicians, children's church teachers, etc who are non believers.

Answer 8

Well on occasion I accompany friends to their churches to watch their kids in a play or some other program. At no time has the earth quaked or the roof collapsed when I entered, so it's probably ok for me to attend.

Please keep in mind that non-believers such as myself will avoid entering a church at all costs. Sometimes though you just have to give in.

Answer 9

The "Church", the building itself, doesn't really mean anything... you can have a church full of people and no 2 agree. Besides, Christians aren't the only one with churches. *wink*

Answer 10

I cant think of a better place for a non-Christian. Hellllooooooooo

The chruch was not meant to be a museum for saints, but a hospital for the afflicted. I'd rather be in a church that accepts everyone than a stuffy, old, dried up, dead church full of Holier than Thou so-called "Christians"

We are not called to get them cleaned up first and then bring them to church. My bible says (and yours does too) "Romans 5:8 But God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." Christ loved us even in our sin. there is no prerequesite to get cleaned up first and them come to Him.

So, bring in the drug addict, bring in the alcoholics, the pornographer, the prostitue and the stripper. Let them hear what God has to say and not be judged for their sins and previous mistakes. They can certianly come to my church. Many have come, gotten cleaned up, and are now sharing the Word, and have even become Highly Successful Business men and women making Millions $$$$ -- and since they are now Christians they are Tithers!! 10% of Millions is -- well you figure it out. maybe that's why so many churches dont grow. They dont bring in others and teach them the Word of God. They stick their Holy noses in the air and sit in their little pue and sing hymns from 1856. Step into the 21st century and do what you have been called to do.