are there other born-again christians out there that don't like going to church?

Question

i love God. i love to study the bible, and read all kinds of commentary and the like, but usually, i don't like going to church. i do it anyway, but i just don't get much out of it. it's not a matter of finding a new church either. been there, done that, got the t-shirt. i think it has something to do with the fact that i wasn't always the nicest or most moral guy in the world, and i feel a bit hypocritical when i go. i always think most church-folk were raised in the church, and have been ''good'' all their lives. that's just not the way life has been for me, so i somehow feel like i will be judged by the members if they ever found out who i used to be. i feel like there are a lot of people who go to church to be seen by others, so they can say ''look how good i am.'' does anyone else feel this way? what can you do about it?

to anyone who answers this, i would like you to visit my profile and answer the question i posted titled ''how much have traditional religious teachings hindered your spiritual growth.'' that these two questions have a lot to do with each other.

Answer 1

I am a Christian Pastor, I do really know what you are talking about, (been there-done "not everything") but more sin than most Christians would ever dream of in a nightmare.

If you would like to talk, click the picture and email me, I don't know where you are, but also if you want, I may be able to get a "Home Church" Pastor to talk to you about your concearns.

Answer 2

I agree with you in part, but my experience is a bit different.
I have been in church after church which is run like a business where individuals or even groups of people are left by the wayside in the interest of the business. Many churches seem to have become nothing more than a social club. Many pastors avoid addressing controversial issues because they don't want to "lose" people.

I don't believe any of the above cases are supported in the Biblical example of the purpose and role of the church. I also have a problem even going to churches exhibiting the above characteristics. I realize there is no such thing as a perfect church, but I am having a difficult time finding anything that resembles what I see described in God's word as a church.

I don't know what the answer is. I am hoping that churches in America get back to what they were meant to be.

I agree with other postings here in that I don't feel like I fit in. When I go to a church, I feel as though if I don't talk a certain way, act a certain way, and think a certain way, I won't be accepted.

Answer 3

“i always think most church-folk were raised in the church, and have been ''good'' all their lives.”

LOL!

No, we haven’t

“i feel a bit hypocritical when i go.”

All that is, is the devil condemning you. If the people are making you feel this way, they sin. A lot of people will act like they have been good all of their lives. They are the hypocrites, not you. You just don’t be candid about your past. If the people can’t take it, you are in the wrong church.

Jam 5:16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Let people see inside the Drew guy, and you will never be a hypocrite. If they judge you for it, they sin.

“i feel like there are a lot of people who go to church to be seen by others, so they can say ’look how good i am.‘''

There are a lot of people like this. They are the hypocrites. This kind of people have disillusioned a lot of potentially good Christians from church. Many have simply quit going because of people like that, and they (the hypocrites) need to be shunned. They need to be instructed if they will listen, but very few will listen.

If I were in your place I would look for those who are not hypocritical and start a home group with them to discuss ways to help the hypocrites to repent.

Again, come talk to me at http://p207.ezboard.com/bjehovahrapha

Answer 4

I used too..I am now seven months pregnant..not married Single, a recovering addict..(clean and sober over three years)..I have a tattoo and I don't care what anyone thinks.but I used too..and they don't think anything bad..the ones that do don't show it. I go to an awesome Bible Church, and the ladies have all really reached out to me and been such a blessing...A true Christian is going to just be glad you are there..find a non-denominational church or a Bible based church (nothing against my Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian brothers and sisters) that has a nice younger congregation..you will be glad you did...and you might feel judged, but we all have sinned and fallen short...Christians and non-Christians...you will end up getting soo much more from your walk if you can find a good group of believers to share and learn with. By the way, no one said Christians were nice or moral because before we were saved most of us weren't. Good Luck and God Bless!!!!

Answer 5

You're not alone in this feeling.

I attend, but my husband doesn't and he definitely is a Christian. He just hates the hypocrites at church and doesn't like the idea of praying where others can see him.

However, I would like for you to consider that most everyone in churches have sin, and that if you have turned your life over to God, it really doesn't matter what you were like in the past. We love to hear the testimonies of someone who has been transformed by God.

After all, Saul became the Apostle Paul. He was transformed from a Christian hunter to the very person he previously despised.

Answer 6

well i think you have to ask yourself...what is the purpose of going to church?

first of all, the "church" is us who are Christians. That is what the Bible calls us. The actual act of "going to church" is just everybody getting together, worshipping, learning and making friends.

You might want to try going to a different church where the Word is preached and the worship is awesome. If you cant find one...then the problem lies within YOU.

Search your heart and pray that God reveal His plan for you.

Answer 7

I agree, I always feel funny going, like i don't feel like I fit in. I just always observe the biblical Sabbath which is Saturday. Thats another reason I don't like going to church since the church changed the sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. You can look at any calendar and see that Saturday is the seventh day Sabbath. I don't like it when churches change the bible to fit how they want to live.

Answer 8

We are supposed to gather with other christians so that we may edify one another & study God's word together,but I sometimes do not feel comfortable in a large group of ppl.
I try to do what God commands me to do,but I have illnesses & my truck was broke down for 2 months also.
What you used to be,should not affect who you are now! That is why Jesus was sent & anyone who harps on your past is not a true christian!
I feel embarrassed sometimes because my ex husband was a real filthy person & an alcoholic who forced us to live very unholy,with filthy language & acts,but I am a christian & I have been out of that for 15yrs.Anyone who judges me on that is wrong!

Answer 9

im a born-again christian and i dont go to the church, in fact i dont even belong to any

your relationship with god may not be dependent on your church
a church whose pastor or leader may have questionable lifestyle and going to this church may actually affect your faith in god because you may look at the pastor as model, therefore it is best not to look at other people, or the church which is made up and being run by humans
the main thing is god, the bible and u

Answer 10

I feel that I worship God in my heart and carry that there. I do not need to go to church. Most of the time that I went, too many people were there for other reasons not worship.