Is it okay to be a Christian and not go to church?

Question

I used to go to church every Sunday but it makes me uncomfortable. I have tried many different churches but it makes me nervous to be around other people. I sort of have a social phobia. Being around people makes me nervous. Is it okay to not go to church and be a Christian? I still watch Christianity shows and research about it and read the Bible.

Answer 1

Family and friends can be church. Church isn't the building, it's the people in it.

Answer 2

No. You will have a very difficult Christian life if you don't fellowship with other believers. Also, you need the teaching and preaching of the Word. The devil doesn't want you in church because he knows it will make you a stronger Christian. Sounds like the nervousness or social phobia is an attack from Satan. You need to pray about overcoming that. I'll pray for you too. Ask other Christians to pray for you also. That's another benefit of being a church member. I'm afraid that if you stay away too long, you'll stop reading the Bible and praying. Then you'll be totally backslidden and your life will be a mess. I've seen it happen. Also, be careful with the TV shows. You could be picking up a lot of false doctrine. Pray that God will direct you to the right church. Make sure they are biblically sound.1 Cor. 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Answer 3

YES IT IS!!! Considering the notion you expressed about having the social phobia, those that do not have it cannot understand much less have empathy for your condition.
I know many true Christians that practice their faith at home, due to physical and emotional problems that are beyond their control and choose not to have to use drugs just for that 1-2 hours of sitting on hard pews or in some cases having to be loaded up in their wheelchair or in hospital beds or having to be lifted up into a car seat while their electric wheelchair is being loaded into the trunk then sit there for that time in that time in pain while its obvious everyone is staring at them the whole time! Or lets say the social phobic? I personally can understand that one! I have to take Zanax just to keep it together when I have to go to the grocery store or the drug store for just a few moments...and then theres all the people standing around crowding in on you! Due to an incident where I worked I have serious anger management problems and fear of large crowds!
People who do not have these conditions do not and can not understand what it does to you.
I am Pagan as Patty's pig, but I used to be Christian (almost 30 years worth) and was studying to be a Christian Minister before I saw what was really going on in the churches locally, so I will ask you to answer yourself these 3 questions:
"Have you been 'saved'? Have you been Baptized? Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior?" If you have and are sincerely doing your best to practice your faith to the best of your ability, following the teachings of Jesus, reading your Bible and doing the best you can to give thanks and praise to your God, then don't worry about what anyone else says! And for those that have spouted off with various condemnations-I suggest you go back and read your Bible, the NEW TESTAMENT, do it please ya? There is a little place in there that says, "Judge not least ye be judged!"

Answer 4

First I have to say I used to go every Sunday but do not anymore. The scripture does say 'Do not neglect the assembling of the saints' or something close to that. I believe the point is to fellowship with like minded believers so you can strengthen and encourage each other and even bear one another's burdens. We are under GRACE now NOT the LAW so while it may not be mandatory to attend church you should find a way to get together at least with a few other believers on a regular basis. It could be christian friends in your home or over brunch at Denny's (or wherever) but get together with someone you can discuss your faith with, it may be they have answers to your questions or it may be you have some strength they need access to for a little while. It surely doesn't have to be a formal setting in a church.

Here's where I confess I do none of the above at present and feel like a jerk for knowing what I should do but don't do it......

Answer 5

You don't have to go to church to be a Christian. Being a Christian indicated a believe in God. I believe that as long as you act like a Christian and do the right things that is what God is looking for. I think the people who goes to church but gossips, drinks, and and are mean to other man kind or more likely to go to the other place than heaven. Than those who don't go to church but treats man kind nice, helps other man kind out when they can, treats other people with respect, and is and honest person, God only wants us to be the best possible person we can. I was told by a minister wife that I had to pray in church. I got very upset, I said God doesn't hear my prayers when I was in the Guard Shack in Saudi, or in a underground garage acting as a church, or with a group or people praying, or praying alone when my fellow soldier were getting killed. I'm a Christian 365 days a year I can pray any where and I'm not afraid to say that I believe.and I know God heard my prayers. But yet when as an American Soldier they almost prevent me from talking my Bible I said I don't think so. Then the gave us a brown camo new Testament so no one would know. So no you don't have to go to church, You just have to believe that there is only one God and he is you savior.

Answer 6

You mean follow the guidelines set by humans - or follow the path of Jesus?
A part of being Christian is not being alone. So if you are involved in your community then you are being as Christian as anyone. If you are alone in your world, not involved, then it's hard for your spirit to help others, or grow.
This "I sort of have a social phobia. Being around people makes me nervous." - means you could have a medical need, which I do not know anything about, so see a doctor, as GOD has gifted many people with the gifts to help others - remember? OK.
Are you nervous around children? or the elderly? How large a group CAN you be a part of? The priest/leader of your community can help find a channel for you to blossom.
Peace this Easter season.

Answer 7

Going to church won't save your soul. IF you're saved and a Christian, then its all about your walk with God. The Bible does tell us we should be in a New Testament Bible based church though. Talk to your doctor and see if there's anything you can do to ease your fear of being around other people, or maybe try a small church. Good luck and God Bless

Happy Easter

Answer 8

Well, God says we should fellowship with other believers, which we usually do in church. It is too easy to get side tracked when you're away from that. I know, believe me. I can tell the difference in my life when I skip church for whatever 'important' reason. I have a hard time being around people as well. You don't have to be a social butterfly to go to church. Yes, you can pray and study the Word at home, but it will not be as fruitful for you. I would start praying about the fear that you have.
Psalm 56:3 says : Whenever I'm afraid, I will trust in you.In God I have put my trust; I will not fear What can flesh do to me?

This is one of my favorite verses. What can man do to you? Nothing.

Another verse is this Hebrews 13:5+6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said,"I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Answer 9

It is true that you won't go to hell for not going to church. However, time and time again the scriptures remind us of the importance of us gathering together as a collective body of believers. We are the body of Christ, and the Bible tells us that one part of the body can't say to the other "I have no need of you". We gain strength and are encouraged through fellowship with other believers. But if this is a huge problem for you then I hope at least you have found a close Christian friend whom you can talk to and confide in, someone who can pray you through the hard times and will rejoice with you during the good. Relationships are important in any walk of life. This is how we were made. God bless you my sister.

Answer 10

God is everywhere in everything. You do not have to attend church to spend time with God. Although I am sure you will no doubt receive contrary beliefs. If you are not comfortable, then you should do what makes you comfortable. God would not want you to sit in church if your focus was not entirely upon him. Church is for fellowship, a way to surround ones self with other likeminded people. So, as long as you are comfortable with your relationship with God...You are doing what He wants, focusing on him! In the end the only people in your relationship is you and God. Stay true to what feels right in your heart.

Answer 11

Yeah I understand where you are coming from I can get panic attacks in Church or just about anywhere.
But I focus on how much Jesus loves me and wants me to be there and I think about all the people in China,Tibet and Africa where the leaders hate Christianity so much they persecute and imprison or they just aren't allowed to go to Church. So for those cannot I will go. It takes me out of myself doing for others and then I can handle the situation.