I'm a Christian and I believe in God. I don't attend church at all. I get pressured by my Christian friends that I have to go. Is it really important to go or you can watch tv shows such as Joyce Myer.
2007-01-14 17:50:38 · 21 answers · asked by mrsrhowell 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. You do not have to go to church to be a Christian. The requirement is accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior, not going to church. Church buildings are full of hateful, backbiting people that are much worse than a lot of people who never stepped foot inside a church.
2007-01-14 17:57:03 · answer #1 · answered by The Nana of Nana's 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think that's a personal decision. I too am a Christian but I don't attend a church. I have gone to several different churches before but I don't think it makes or breaks you as a Christian/believer/follower of Jesus/God. The bible does say to remember the Sabbath and to keep it Holy and it mentions fellowship...but hey, that's what we're doing right now, the fellowship...so i'm not saying that you shouldn't go to church because I'm sure it is important and would be fulfilling to find a good one but I don't think it will make you a true Christian just by going. I hope that helps.
2007-01-15 01:57:49 · answer #2 · answered by Jade D. 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, you do not have to go to church to be a true Christian. However, I have found over the years (considering my own situation and that of friends) that at least periodic church attendance helps one through the week, might assist one in getting through tough times, and also helps a person feel like they belong.
Then on the flip side: Regular church attenders often go because it is a social requirement to do so. They may very well treat the place like a social club and they are one of the social butterflies of the place. The church is also a good place to hide out for some people.
I do not believe that ones church attendance is going to be used on judgment day. There are plenty of regular church goers who behave in an atrocious and unchristian manner for me to believe otherwise. I don't think some of the churchgoers even have a personal relationship to God whatsoever.
P.S. You can be used by God outside of the church -- and most often you are used outside of it. It sounds like you are very spiritual and are in a search "to be" not "to do." Many people in the church don't even know how "to be". The journey to God and spritual enlightenment is often found outside the church: At revivals, in talks with friends, and in quiet study and introspection. God does not work through you and in you just when you come into the church on Sunday (or Saturday or other times during the week) -- most our connecting to God comes outside the confines of the church building altogether. But you see, for a regular attender to say otherwise would be akin to saying that he or she is nothing without club membership.
2007-01-15 02:03:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you can have a personal relationship with god at home,at the park,probably even in the swimming pool if you need to! when you go to church you see some of those who attend.
they are worried about what to wear and hope it is better then what the neighbor wears - hypocritical I feel!
then there are the politics of the institution and fiances and and and and...............I can do without . that's just too much like a business transaction.
so I truly believe you are probably a great christian, remember actions speak louder then words! good luck
2007-01-15 02:10:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says not to forsake the assembly. In other words it is important that you have fellowship on a regular basis with other believers. It is also important to regularly be challenged to be in the word often. The bible does not say you have to go to Church to be a christian. For example, I am in the army and deployed right now. At this point it is impossible for me to go to Church. Now that I cant go to Church, I dearly miss and envy any one that is able to. I can see now how important it is now that I do not have it. It is also very important to worship the Lord regularly, by going to church we are reminded of this when we are starting to lose phocus. Church should not be a chore, hopefully you can find a church that will be a blessing to you! Good luck!
2007-01-15 01:59:15 · answer #5 · answered by caleb d 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No you dont need to go to church to be a Christian you can tell someone youre a Christian and you are. Anyone can call themselves a Christian when what you need is a relationship with the Lord. Ask him into youre heart and you will be saved. Now back to the going to church. Again I say no but, it is a good idea to go to a place like a church where you can have fellowship with other believers. Where if you are falling someone there will lift you up. Its also a lot better to hang out with other believers because if you hang out with sinners...........well sad to say you may go back to youre sinful ways. Peace out and God Bless.
2007-01-15 01:58:18 · answer #6 · answered by powerliftingrules 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
mrs: "Legalists" will tell you that you should or must go to church, as a Christian. People go to church to worship God - plain and simple ! BUT; you do not have to go to church to worship God. God is to be worshipped in both, spirit and truth - every day of the week - not just confined to being worshipped in a church, only one day out of seven. A Christian is a person, who has a relationship with Jesus Christ ... plain and simple !!! It is about spirituality not legalism (dos and don'ts) !!! So; you can of your own choosing, go to church ... not go to church ... watch a service on T.V. ... or not watch a service on T.V. - all between you and Jesus Christ.
2007-01-15 02:09:06 · answer #7 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
While Christianity can be practiced outside the church it misses something vital. Together we form the Body of Christ and it is together that we continue the work of Christ. The church is there as much for you as you need to be there for the church. The Bible has around 71 commands in the NT referring to "one another". I.e. comfort one another, pray for one another, encourage one another, etc. This cannot truly be expressed through television.
Two last thoughts - (1) strength in numbers and (2) obedience
Ecclessiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Hebrews 10:25 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.
2007-01-15 02:13:44 · answer #8 · answered by Tony S 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, I'm also a Christian who doesn't go to church. Churches tend to preach alittle biogtry toward others so I choose like you to have my own personnal relationship with God. It's just as good if not better
2007-01-15 01:56:06 · answer #9 · answered by gitsliveon24 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but I don't like Joyce Meyer anymore, she seems to be into the name it and claim it sort of stuff, and that really turns me off. I used to listen to her before she got into that, it's sad because she does teach God's word pretty well.
You don't have to go to church, but if you found one that really taught God's word (as opposed to that fake prosperity message), it would be much better than just watching TV.
2007-01-15 01:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋