Do Christians need to belong to a church?

Romans 8 said:

How many times a week? This church I go to meets 2 or 3 times a week

I don't think I can keep that up. Originally I wanted to meet more than once a week, but after a couple of months I realize that it's not practical. I'm afraid I'm going to burn out and drop out all together if I try to keep this up. I got a couple text messages from the Pastor when I skipped sessions (for mostly legitimate reasons), but I don't really want that kind of pressure.

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‘Should’ Christians attend and contribute to a local congregation, sure but what you’ve posted here concerns me.

Going to church is an opportunity to show love and to minister to the needs of other members of the church body. That's not something very easily done by self-study and watching sermons on YouTube.

Good question to ask.

_Dave_ said:

The websites for a couple of mainline denominations (that I won't mention) blatantly state that they don't believe in the rapture,..

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Well, that's a plus for them.

Romans 8 said:

I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?

I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?

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I think the verse that talks about to not fail to assemble one with another. I don't believe you have to go to church, though it is edifying.

Romans 8 said:

I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?

I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?

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None that say we must, but a LOT of verses/passages describe the believer as a part of the whole, and the need and worth and function of that body of believers as a unit, the need for fellowship, and many more things. Then there is Hebrews 10:25, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together."

Personally, I find it edifying to listen to good preaching and Bible study at the direction of somebody besides myself, and to worship God together with my brothers and sisters.

Tree of Life said:

Yes. The Bible basically calls us to be members of a local church and to attend worship every Sunday. There can be life situations that make this difficult such as travelling for work, but we should strive as best we can to obey God in these things.

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Can you give a scripture that you base this on? Cause, I was always under the impression that there was the temple.. but "church" was a group of believers. There was no Sunday gathering with three services and a worship team. They met in peoples houses and read scripture and taught Christ's stories and ways.

Church was not a building or a thing you went to on the Sabbath.

Romans 8 said:

I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?

I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?

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a problem is a current model of "church" doesn't look like how it did from its early onset, and I don't mean 4th-century church, I mean what we read about in Acts 2:42.

Church is not a weekly event you schedule it is a community. You are always somewhat a part of a community in terms of identity but the communal aspects only happen when you are actually engaged in it. Realistically everyone sitting facing the same direction for a couple of hours every week listening to someone speak is a poor example of community and if that's all we get we should be looking for more.

Contrary to popular belief the popular model of the church doesn't necessarily fulfill what the church is supposed to be for. So if someone foregoes "going to church" or participating in this popular model they may be justified in doing so but they cannot just cut out fellowship with other believers, and I don't mean bump in to people at starbucks but an intentional gathering designed to give glory God, teach scripture, encourage and support each other and with a focus to grow with new believers. I think as long as those things are happening whatever it looks like is church, the next step is to do it regularly.

Romans 8 said:

I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?

I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?

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IMO you have a need to belong to the Church. You a do not have a requirement to attend church services.

JacksBratt said:

Can you give a scripture that you base this on? Cause, I was always under the impression that there was the temple.. but "church" was a group of believers. There was no Sunday gathering with three services and a worship team. They met in peoples houses and read scripture and taught Christ's stories and ways.

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It doesn't matter where the church meets, how many Sunday meetings it has, or how it sings worship music. If you are a member of a church that meets in a home on Sunday morning to hear the word, participate in the sacraments, and sing God's praises following a cassette tape then you are still obeying God's command to be part of a church.

Can I provide one verse that proves all of this? No of course not. The whole testimony of both the Old and New Testament is needed to make this case. But this does not depend upon one verse. Rather, there is an overwhelming avalanche of biblical evidence to be brought forth.

JacksBratt said:

Can you give a scripture that you base this on? Cause, I was always under the impression that there was the temple.. but "church" was a group of believers. There was no Sunday gathering with three services and a worship team. They met in peoples houses and read scripture and taught Christ's stories and ways.

Church was not a building or a thing you went to on the Sabbath.

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And no, that person could not give a verse to demonstrate the idea. Why is that? I'd say that it's because ANYONE, and I haven't met one yet, but anyone with the indwelling Holy Spirit is a "member". Any "member" is through Christ, who ALONE grants the Spirit, who the Spirit ALONE grants Eternal Life. Anyone who has the Indwelling Christ and Holy Spirit are members of the body of Christ. Anyone who is TRULY indwelt by the Spirit....they're in "Church" 24/7. We are ALWAYS on guard....we are always seeking God....we are looking for opportunities ALWAYS!

So now if I could find a church that didn't embrace the homosexual life; if I could find a church that wasn't acting like a club; if I could find a church that didn't place me in camouflage; if I could find a church that embraced "obedience"; if I could find a church that taught the truth; if I could find a church that taught submission; if I could find a church that taught the necessity of confidence rather than shooting it down; if I could find a church that actually was developing "Fishers of Men"....

Today's churches are a total joke and there is no way that I'm going to allow anyone to tell me that I am required to attend one of today's churches. For as soon as I STOPPED going to church in today's chaotic pool of apostate churches to choose from, my entire life turned around. I began reading the bible with depending on God to teach me what I needed to know. He has done that. I have not learned anything from human beings except how to be colossal hypocrites.

Which church in the entire city of Galatia did Paul point the city to as a "model church". Right, not one. I highly doubt that Paul would recommend ANYONE to attend any "Christian" church in the entire city of Galatia.

And would Paul tell someone that if they didn't attend the "church" in Corinth that they'd be in trouble? I doubt it, for he'd probably tell EVERYONE to run from that church, for they were proud of the man that was having intercourse with his own step-mother, and by this, Paul questioned whether or not anyone in the church even had the indwelling Spirit to judge and handle the problem.

Paul would tell EVERYONE that they're better off staying away from Corinth and the entire city of Galatia.

I'm not sure there's a specific answer....everyone's situation is different. I do think that our relationship with Christ needs to be the top priority...preferably for the entire family. My wife stopped going to church after the Pastor died and the church folded. (2011). IMO it was a terrible decision, but she has made her choice.

My current Pastor teaches that continually missing services is actually a SIN, a thought I do not share. I do not find that to be Bible based.

1 John 2:19 tells us that some will go. (and leave and not return) But I would hope that if you are not currently content with where you are going, then it may be time to find a church that you can be excited about.

My first church did a great job of teaching me the basics. (2002-2006). Believe me I was extremely "green". I did not know how many Gospels there were. That type of green. I had a zero relationship with Christ. While I believed in God 1000%...I kept going around Jesus to get to the Father. I traveled 50 miles round trip 3 times a week to attend. It was a hectic time, but am so glad I did it.

Church number two (2006-2011) taught me a love for the Word. To actually dig in and study it. The Word just keeps on giving and giving. It certainly has helped in witnessing...I use God's Word and try to paraphrase it in a way that the person can relate to. A very "spirit-filled" church.

Church number three (2012-present) has taught me the love for my brothers and sisters...and actually acts more like a support group. I'm retired now, so things are much more relaxed. It's an older congregation...there's a big gap missing from age 20-40. Very few children. It's in a rural setting.

None of the three churches were perfect. It would be nice to mix the best elements from all three. But all three offer'd something at a time when I needed it. Hopefully I offered something back as well.

Bern

Matthew 7:7 said:

My current Pastor teaches that continually missing services is actually a SIN, a thought I do not share.

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That's good, because I'd say that it is an actual sin if we attend most of today's modern day churches. I certainly don't tell people they need to go to church, instead, I talk about creating your own....so that the truth can be discovered and lived out in our lives. Create your own church, meet in your home; give kids the opportunity to serve and even teach. We need to create!!!

Romans 8 said:

I've heard different views from, "Yes, there is no exception or excuse", to, "No, you are the church". Are there verses in the bible that dictate we must go? If we're Spirit filled and pray on our own, is that considered ok?

I'm not attempting to get out of going to a church. I currently attend one twice a week and two others now and then, but my lifestyle changes and so does my job. Also, sometimes I go through stages where I just don't want to be on a hectic schedule. What say you?

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Hi Roman 8, Hello all

Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.
Let's start with that to answer your questions.

Romans 8:15-16 (KJV)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God:"

The spirit we had before we received Holy Spirit
was one that caused us to fear.
Fear what? IMO All the hoops we had to jump through
to exceed the righteousness
of the Pharisees.

They being the super righteous such as Paul...
Very few if any Jews were thinking,
compared to the Phrases, that they were very righteous.
Yet most Christians think that by doing the works of, going to church,
reading the bible, having their quiet time, tithing on
The dill, somehow makes them the Church.

Who makes us the church is Jesus.
We do not go to a church, we are the church.

Going to church, hearing preaching... most Christians would say
is practicing their religion.

So if I did not go to Church but went to have dinner
with my widowed mom…
that wouldn't be practicing pure religion?
If I went out for dinner with a friend or two Christ would not be with us?

If we used the church in acts as an example to follow...
They went to the Temple daily
and then broke bread and shared a meal in their houses.
The Catholic and Eastern at lease do a service every day.
Most of the protestants don't.

Fortunately for us He has given us freedom from
those types of work. We do those because we want to
not because we have too.

The Sabbath was made to give us rest from our hectic life of work
or "works," if you like. Reading that commandment…it does not say
anything about going to a service in addition to not going to work.

Let's end this with:

Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death."

James 4:17 (KJV)
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Thank God we are free from the bondage of sin and death
for that one too. None live up to that, even Paul.

God bless
JP

Thess said:

And no, that person could not give a verse to demonstrate the idea. Why is that? I'd say that it's because ANYONE, and I haven't met one yet, but anyone with the indwelling Holy Spirit is a "member". Any "member" is through Christ, who ALONE grants the Spirit, who the Spirit ALONE grants Eternal Life. Anyone who has the Indwelling Christ and Holy Spirit are members of the body of Christ. Anyone who is TRULY indwelt by the Spirit....they're in "Church" 24/7. We are ALWAYS on guard....we are always seeking God....we are looking for opportunities ALWAYS!

So now if I could find a church that didn't embrace the homosexual life; if I could find a church that wasn't acting like a club; if I could find a church that didn't place me in camouflage; if I could find a church that embraced "obedience"; if I could find a church that taught the truth; if I could find a church that taught submission; if I could find a church that taught the necessity of confidence rather than shooting it down; if I could find a church that actually was developing "Fishers of Men"....

Today's churches are a total joke and there is no way that I'm going to allow anyone to tell me that I am required to attend one of today's churches. For as soon as I STOPPED going to church in today's chaotic pool of apostate churches to choose from, my entire life turned around. I began reading the bible with depending on God to teach me what I needed to know. He has done that. I have not learned anything from human beings except how to be colossal hypocrites.

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I've much the very same sentiments.

With the Internet ....people can now watch their services live on Sunday morning.

timewerx said:

For 20 years, I've tried to keep perfect attendance in the church. Even went Bible Studies on Saturdays, twice per week.

I did it because I liked it not because of rules or tradition.

But a time came where I couldn't go to church for two years. Simply kept my relationship to Christ. I realized it didn't matter. My relationship to Christ, His love, His revelations to me through prayers, dreams, visions, etc, did not diminish one bit. It went on strong.

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Due to my busy life I only go to church once a week on Sunday morning. I also try to make it to the Christmas services however. I quietly pray to myself as well in my room or in the car. I am asked to take over a Sunday school class of children this fall too.

Our society is divided by the culture wars into the Left and Right, and the United Methodist Church has always stood historically in the center and has been willing to listen to and to bring together those things that often are found in opposite camps.

Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - New International Version

ThisIsMe123 said:

With the Internet ....people can now watch their services live on Sunday morning.

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Yes, I did using obfuscating / stealthing apps. I was working in a Muslim country who also monitors internet for "heretical" use.

This is why I couldn't physically go to a church but I still watched sermons on youtube and remained active in CF!