Can you still be a Christian if you don't go to church?

Question

I've been told Yes by some people and No by others. What is your opinion? If you could back this up with the bible that would be awesome.

Answer 1

Yes, but it is a LOT harder...take my word for this one. I've been a Christian for nearly 35 years...most of the last 25+ years spent outside of church.

When I was younger, attending church was a hinderance to my faith...at least that's the way I saw it at the time. It was always difficult for me, even as a child, to spend time around people that were "Christians" but weren't very "Christ-like" in their behavior. The judgment, the condemnation of anyone who didn't think the way they thought...it just made me doubt whether what they (and I) believed was really the truth.

I started attending regularly again a little over a year ago and the personal growth I've experienced is awesome. I've learned more about God and about his plan for me in the past year than I learned in all the previous 35 years. In addition, church attendance has helped me build a circle of friends that support me when I stumble and encourage me to do what I know I'm supposed to do with my life...a BIG change from the circle of friends I had in the past that, while they were very supportive, they were supporting and encouraging me to do things that went against God's plan for me (and eventually led to all sorts of head and heartaches!).

It helped that God led me to a church that doesn't focus on judgment or condemnation...instead, it focuses on growth and fellowship...and that made all the difference in the world. On Christmas Eve, I watched my son get baptized next to a man who was covered in tattoos...some of that art would have been condemned as blasphemous by every church I attended in the past and he would have been shunned and ridiculed...but my church welcomed him.

Keep in mind that a "church" doesn't have to be a building, in God's eyes, a church is a group of people. I know churches that meet in people's homes and even on the Internet. If you ask God to lead you to a group of people who can help and not hinder your walk with him, he will show you the way. I pray you'll be able to find what I've found because the rewards are immeasurable!

Answer 2

Yes.

The scripture I would use to support this is John 4:21-24. The other which I can't find at the mo' is where Jesus said "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there" - that could be anywhere.

In practical terms, if you had to go to church, what would you do if you lived in a country where open practice of Christianity is forbidden - would you not be able to be a Christian?

Being a Christian is about the heart condition, not where you worship or what rituals you perform. The people are the church, not the building.

On the other hand, if you are able to meet with other Christians, this is helpful because you get support and encouragement from like-minded people.

I've often heard the illustration of a hot coal which falls out of the fire - it doesn't keep glowing for long, when its in the fire again, it glows with the rest of the coals.

Answer 3

I am a Christian and I don't belong to a religion or a church. I have a very close personal relationship with God. I worship and give Him praise everyday. A church could not bring me closer to God. I look at the church as a group of people that believe they are together to worship and thank God which is a great thing to do, I simply choose not to join the group. I look at myself as a guest in my home because this is God's home. He has blessed me with everything I own and I talk to Him everyday throughout the day not just on Sunday. Yes you are a Christian if you love God and He is the one guiding your life. He's looking for what is in your heart, not how many times you went to church.

Answer 4

Yes. The church was created to give christians a group to gather with, learn from, spend time with, and support. It is good for christians to go to church, simply to encourage each other and learn more about the Bible, but it is not necessary to salvation. The thief on the cross next to Jesus didn't go to church, but he was still saved (Luke 23:40-44)

Answer 5

The Bible tells us that we need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25). Church is the place where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), “spur” one another (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, he or she is made a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function properly, all of its "body parts" need to be present (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Likewise, a believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other believers (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). For these reasons, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer's life. Weekly church attendance is not required for believers, but someone who has trusted Christ should have a desire to worship God, be taught His Word, and fellowship with other believers.

Recommended Resource: The Church: Why Bother? by Philip Yancey.

Answer 6

The Bible will not prove any thing to one not open to God's leading through The Holy Spirit... to answer your question I will state what I know from the truth of my own Salvation... yes... you can be one of The True Christian Faith and not attend any of the man established"churches"...

There is, in fact, only One Church.

All who come to God in The Way He prescribes will receive His free gift of Salvation. Those become part of The Body of The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head. Those are the ones of The True Christian Faith. Only those of The Church will enter Heaven.

God will not concider what earthly building you may have gone to... it will not matter what man invented doctrin or dogma, or "tradition" you may have followed.... it will only matter whether or not you are of The Church.

If you have a question concerning The True Christian Faith feel free to email me. One honest question will receive one honest answer to the best of my ability.

Answer 7

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.

There are naturally times where you can't make it to church, but that should be the exception and not the rule. You can avoid church if you like, but when you do, you are being disobedient. And if that is 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)

Answer 8

You are a Christian as long as you have let God come into you heart and admit he is your Lord and Savior. You are always a Christian no matter if you go to Church or not, but you should go to Church to praise your Lord.

I am guilty of not going to Church, my family does not currently have a home Church. I hope we find a home Church soon.

Hope I helped.

Answer 9

My opinion would be yes. I cannot back it up however, I'm sure there are people that can. And I KNOW that the bible has several great verses to back it up. But it's all about what's in your heart. If your struggling right now with different issues, it's okay. If other people judge you, then judgement will be brought down upon them. God still loves you.

Answer 10

The Church isn't a building. The Church is a group of believers. It's really tough to be by yourself when satan is constantly trying to devour you.

This is why we all bind together under the teachings of Jesus. He is our fearless leader!

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18

I know some christian churches are decaying and if you feel yours is, find a new one. You don't want to be alone.