I have a friend that believes in God but doesn't go to Church?

Question

She is a really good person but just has had some bad times. She has been divorced and dated a horrible guy and she says she believes. I on the other hand believe and want to go to Church. We go out and have discussed the subject a little and I told her that I wanted to go to Church so that I could be around other good people and stay away from the crooked ones. I've had some people say that its not a good idea to date someone like her and Ive had others tell me the opposite that I should date her and maybe things would change with her. What do you all think?

First off, I appreciate all of you taking the time to give me your thoughts. I think that worshiping with others is important. I do know that there are many hypocrites in all Churches but I do want to raise my children in the Church so that I can have help laying a good foundation in their lives.

Answer 1

There are crooked people in churches too.

Let her choose her own "path." You shouldn't date someone with the expectation that you will change them. If you can't accept her for who she is, then perhaps you need to either change or walk away.

Answer 2

My friend, your question is flawed. WE ARE THE CHURCH. So let me ask---if she believes in God---do you want her to worship with you corporately at your local worship service? It is one of those things where one needs to keep in mind that as the church God is within each of us. Therefore, even when we are at Wal-Mart, Winn Dixie, movie theaters, bars, etc. God is there with us---in us---surrounding us.

There are just as many crooked people in the corporate worship as there are in the outside world. Have you ever heard anyone in church talking about someone else? Have you ever watched while people fail to meet needs in their communities because they are too busy socializing? Are those the good people you want to be around? Perhaps she has been hurt and can't get past it. You need to pray for her and to lift her up to the Lord.

It is hard to realize that Christians often inflict the most painful thing on one another. I've been there. I've done that. And now I am attending a service in a place where God meets with the entire congregation corporately. Remember the book of Acts? The church met all the time and fellowshiped not just in a building.

Just my opinion.

Answer 3

DM, some people need church - some enjoy the fellowship meeting with others and encouraging each other - some feel they belong in a church - and some don't feel they belong - some don't need it - some have their reasons for not going - some do church on-line - my point is - where are you at this time? if your faith is strong - having a friend who doesn't attend church won't sway you.
It's up to you to make your own choices - if you want this person in your life - what has it got to do with others?? - doesn't mean your friends 'crooked' b/c she doesn't go to church - many good ppl have reasons for not going....
Choose for yourself - and if you still can't decide - ask The Lord for guidance..

Good point Luken
*Blessings*

Answer 4

Well, if she believes in God then I don't see why you shouldn't date her. Just because she doesn't attend church doesn't mean anything. Some don't attend church because they feel there are so many hypocrites... but that doesn't mean they don't worship God or have their own quiet times with God. I'm not saying she does... because she very well might not. I think you should go out with her and ease into the conversation. Don't be harsh or pushy but be casual and talk to her. Maybe she will open up and tell you why she doesn't go to church. And maybe she will tell you more about what she does believe. Good Luck!

God Bless

Answer 5

i am influenced the same way by my family, who believes i need to marry a pentecostal christian guy. my fiance is christian, but not Pentecostal like me so he has some similar, but also different beliefs. He has agreed that before marriage we will figure out whats best for both of us as far as religion goes. A bit of advice though, i think you should give her some time. take her to your church every once in a while. if she likes what she hears, and she also sees how important it is to you, she may just come around. my parents always told me that "two people cannot walk together unless they agree". i really believe this, and i think it will be good for you to consider if you would like to pursue a relationship with this girl. If she is such a good person she will come to terms on her own..hopefully it benefits you both. Good luck

Answer 6

Theres a twist to your story DM. I thought you were a . Now all of a sudden you tell us you're dating her. What's up with that?

There is nothing in scripture that says she must go to a building where others are gathered, in order to be in right standing and good communication with God.

Don't forsake the gathering of the saints when you two meet and discuss Christ and his love.

It would be good if there were more of you and you read some scriptures and sang a couple songs but hey, do what you can.
Start your own little bible study so she will be involved.

"Where ever two or more..."
Gypsy Priest

Answer 7

Well if you date her what if it gets serious ? If you marry that is adultery ( she has been married already . I would just stay friends . But still get her to go with you to church , to serve the Lord with your tithes , and being a steward for the Lord . Hebrews 10:25

Answer 8

I think that not all people who go to church are good, just like not all people who don't go to church are bad. There are crooked people at church too.

Answer 9

Well first of all, it depends on what you call a church. "wherever 2 or 3 gather in my name" It is very dangerous to make it more or less than this because then we follow what man says, not God.

Answer 10

Some of the most crooked people I know go to church . Its not like evil people burst into flames if they walk on holey ground .