Do you have to go to church to be godly or saved?

Question

I was raised in a very legalistic religion and have "Thank God" gotten away from that, but since then I just can't even force myself to attend church. I love God and still talk with Him daily, but I want no part of church. I worry about this b/c I have three children and I know that I learned alot about the Bible when I was a child. Has anyone experienced what I am going through?

Answer 1

The church, as bad as it can be, is still God's instrument for growing believers. There is no such thing as a perfect church on this side of Heaven.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us continue to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day coming nearer."

When a Christian separates themselves from the Body of Christ, they not only deny the church the gifts that they could bring to the table, they open themselves up to attack.

Satan and his minions are a lot like pack animals. Wolves, hyenas, and the like. They never hunt fairly. They will stalk the weak, the sick, and the lame. When one of these is separated from the herd or flock, that's when the pack attacks. 5, 8, maybe even 10 predators to one. This is why Peter taught us, "Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8) If you allow Satan to have his way with you, your faith will be unproductive and perhaps even die.

So, you can avoid church if you like, but when you do, you are being disobedient. And that being the case, you might consider questioning if you really are in the faith. "Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, do not you, that Jesus Christ lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test?" (II Corinthians 13:5)

Besides, it has been said that the church is a lot like Noah's Ark. The stench on the inside would be unbearable, except for the storm outside.

Answer 2

In order to be saved or go to heaven, No. Going to church is NOT a requirement.

But the Bible does say that we need to be in socialization with God's ppl.

But if you miss a Sunday or 2 or if you are on vacation, it's not a problem. God understands your situation.

However I would advise you to find a church you are comfortable in. We went through years and years of churches before we found the right one.
And there is no better way to expose your children to God's ppl. And for the children there is Sunday School. Most churches have activities for kids. Mine for instance has Youth Group where the kids go on outings in the winter.

There will be no better family than your church family. No man is an island. Sooner or later you will be glad of someone to turn to.

I used to worry about this too. I worry about all the 'what if's' in life.

Answer 3

I fully understand. I attend church on occasion and my kids are highly involved in wed. night activities, but I haven't been able to get us into the habit of going regularly. We went for about 6 months straight after my husband became a Christian, but then it slowly became less and less.

I don't believe we need church to be saved, but I honestly think we need the fellowship with other Christians. They lift us up, and help us to stay focused. Church is where we find friends who are also Christians. To tell you you have to go...well I would be a hypocrite. I honestly think much of my problem comes from being in the habit of doing my own thing on Sundays. Trying to break a habit is very difficult. It's possible, just not easy. Well, I hope this helps a little. I always know what I want to say when I hit the answer button, but then I get lost trying to type it all out. Well, God Bless!!!

Answer 4

I have also had pretty bad experiences with church. The churches that I use to attend would set rules for it's members that were not clearly spoken of in the BIBLE. Such as women's clothing....how we serve God with our lives ETC.
I have since learned that any church you choose to go to is going to have issues that you don't necessarily agree with. These churches are ran by man, and man will always fail us. I have chosen a church that I believe I agree with most closely and in which is ran according to Biblical standards and not the preachers opinions. There are some things that I still might not necessarily like, but that is because we are all different and we need to try to accept others opinions, just as long as they are not against God's opinion.
You might want to start looking for a church, it might take you a while to find one that really fits you and your families needs, but I truly believe if you looking with an open mind, God will bless you. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 5

I left the church I was raised attending, too.
Actually, many have ...

"Can I Worship God in My Own Way?" :
- A Need All of Us Share
- Why Are People Leaving Traditional Religions?
- Is "Private Religion" the Answer?.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020422/article_01.htm

Should You Belong to a Church?
- How God Dealt With People in the Past
- God has long dealt with his people as an organized group. Which Religion Should One Choose?
- True Christians Then and Now
- The Benefits of Right Association
- An Invitation to Those Seeking
- Jehovah's Witnesses enjoy unity in a disunited world.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040601/article_01.htm

For answers to further questions --or, merely to observe us-- this is where you will find us, and what you can expect on a visit.
http://jw-media.org/people/worship.htm

For more information regarding us:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://www.jw-media.org/sitemap.htm

There are many hate-mongers of JWs on Y!As ...
Should You Believe Everything You Hear?
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20000622/article_01.htm

Answer 6

Totally! I used to go to a Catholic School and was taught by Nuns, and I used to have to attend church every weekend. Now that I'm an adult though I also can't force myself to go to church. I don't think that you have to be in a church to praise God or have him hear you. That's just the churches way of getting people in so they can milk them for cash. As long as you believe and worship him in your own way, God doesn't care where you are when you do it. If you're worried about your kids not learning about God then purchase Children's Bibles from Chapters or Amazon and read it with them so they can ask you questions.

Answer 7

Yes, I have experienced this. I chose to become a "fanatical" Christian at the age of 20...but 2 churches I became involved with became legalistic and jugemental. I left the church in 1999 against church counsel & was "marked" as a strife causer & any church I visited had heard from my former pastor "warning them about me." It was NUTS! I have a very hard time attending church now. It stirs up emotions I cant seem to handle. I have even considered denominational churches for I feel/felt Christian fellowship was/is benefiacial to our walk with God. God knows your heart, but be sure to gusrd your heart with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life. All you need to "be saved" is to believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and confess this and do your best to walk as Jesus walk ed every day of your life. When you slip, confess...and honestly turn away from behaviour that is damaging to your walk with God. Dont let anyone ..especially a jugemental person or group steal Jesus from you. He will always love and accept you. The Bible is a wonderful book. Enjoy, learn and grow with it's help and the help of Jesus and the Father and Holy Spirit. Blessings to you!

Answer 8

I can understand your fears coming out of a legalistic religion. Jesus came to free us from the legal, rule bound religions. But you need to be involved with other believers. Our fellowship with other believers allows us to pray for one another. It provides a close group of friends who pray for us, and who will assist us when we need help. It also provides a place where we can ask questions such as this and get answers from people who care about us, without all the crack pot answers. No church is perfect because the church is made up of people who are not perfect. The only perfect church will be in heaven when we reside with the only perfect person, Jesus Christ. That will be one large church with losts of members! Get ready for it now by finding a church home here on earth where you can worship God.

Answer 9

No, I haven't but I know that it can't be easy. Church is not a must for you to have a close walk w/ Christ, it's just there for support to help you in that walk. Try looking in to churches around your area see if you feel comfortable in one maybe you could just stop by and pick up a brochure of the church if you can't sit through a service, but do try I'm a teenager and this world doesn't seem to be getting better anytime soon and with out Christ in my life I don't know what I would do, mom and dad are great but sometimes you need more.

Answer 10

Why do you hate church?

If I were you I would go to a casual church.
The ones where it don't matter what you wear...

If you are a true follower of God you should go to Church to be connected to a Christian body.

I go to a Community Bible Church where the pastor goes verse by verse and I learn so much every week.

Going to church will not get you to heaven...only Jesus will do that if you belive he is your savior but going to church will only make God happier.

He can then make you a better Christian even faster.

Hope I was help