Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?

John55107 · Nov 24, 2019

Kris Jordan said:
Hi John55107.

If you haven’t trusted Jesus for your forgiveness and salvation, you can do that right now. Here’s how:

Step One: Recognize You are a Sinner

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

There is none righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10)

Step Two: Understand Your Sin’s Consequences

For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a)

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Step Three: Believe Jesus Died for Your Sins

For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8b)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed (1 Peter 2:24)

Step Four: Receive Jesus into Your Heart

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13)

Here's a Sample Prayer for you:
“Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. I know my sin has separated me from having a relationship with You. I believe You died for me on the cross and shed Your blood so that I could be forgiven. Please forgive me for my sins and come into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live for You all the days of my life. Teach me what it means to follow You and honor You every day. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let us know if you decide to become a Christian, okay? I'll be praying for you...

Thank you. I will pray the prayer.

John55107 · Nov 24, 2019

Kris Jordan said:
Hi John55107.

If you haven’t trusted Jesus for your forgiveness and salvation, you can do that right now. Here’s how:

Step One: Recognize You are a Sinner

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

There is none righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10)

Step Two: Understand Your Sin’s Consequences

For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a)

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Step Three: Believe Jesus Died for Your Sins

For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8b)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16)

And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed (1 Peter 2:24)

Step Four: Receive Jesus into Your Heart

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13)

Here's a Sample Prayer for you:
“Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. I know my sin has separated me from having a relationship with You. I believe You died for me on the cross and shed Your blood so that I could be forgiven. Please forgive me for my sins and come into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live for You all the days of my life. Teach me what it means to follow You and honor You every day. I choose to follow You from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let us know if you decide to become a Christian, okay? I'll be praying for you...

I prayed the prayer

Kris Jordan · Nov 24, 2019

John55107 said:
I prayed the prayer

Hi John55107,

If you meant that prayer sincerely from your heart, then you have been born again! So, welcome to the family of believers! As a new Christian, God has completely forgiven all of your sins and sent His Holy Spirit to live inside of you to help you live for Him.

I will tell you the three things I was told by the person who helped me become a Christian a long time ago. The very night I prayed to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior, he said this to me:

Tell someone! Telling others about you choosing to follow Jesus will help strengthen your faith.
Get into God's Word! Starting in the gospel of John (in the New Testament portion of your Bible), read one chapter each day after asking Jesus to speak to you through it before you begin reading. When you finish John, go back to Matthew and, reading 1 chapter each day, go all the way through to Revelation. When you finish, go back to Matthew again and read all the way through to Revelation once more. Continue this process throughout your lifetime, however, after you've read through the New Testament a few times, add one Chapter of the Old Testament to your daily reading plan. Reading God's Word will strengthen you in your faith, teach you about Jesus, and also help you navigate through your life in a way that honors Jesus.
Go to church! Get into the practice of attending church each week so you can hear the Bible taught soundly and accurately. Get involved in their new believers class (if they have one) or a men's (or college) bible study, depending on your age. It will be helpful for you to be around other believers who will help support you in your new relationship with Jesus. This will also help you grow in your faith and understanding of God's will for your life as His "newborn" child. Oh, and tell the pastor of the church about you being a new Christian.

P.S. You can message me for some helpful tips on how to find a solid, bible teaching church in your area.

Kenny'sID · Nov 24, 2019

Jonaitis said:
Sure, you could still be a Christian in such rare cases, but a very weak one. I'm convinced it is also a sin.

You're missing out on the fellowship, spiritual nourishment, accountability and sacraments provided therein, not to mention participating in the body for the cause of Christ. I don't understand how anyone could be in the world every single day and not desire to interact in person with other believers for encouragement and learning and worship. If you want to struggle spiritually, then you can do that.

So much of that is just not a fact, for one, I don't "struggle spiritually" in any usually over the top way at all, and I haven't been to a church building in decades. Also, I think there is an advantage to not having our thoughts on the bible colored by others, at least until we get it together on what is the truth.

John55107

I already touched on it but the more I think about it, for the new believer, I would feel I was doing them an injustice to tell them to jump right in to whatever Church seems fine, and since everyone will tell them their own church is fine, I suggest they try to figure it out for themselves first. I'd go with prayer, forums, internet for research, also bible reading on their own before the wrong person colors the scripture in a bad way for them. Then once they get a decent grasp at what the Gods word the Bible is expecting of us, take the plunge if you are as certain as we can be, the Church's teachings are in line with the bible, lest we hurt ourselves more than we help.

If we could just assume any church taught the truth, that would be ideal, but that expectation is far from realistic, especially in this day and age.

One point I hope I made is there are many false teachers and preachers out there, it's biblical they are there, and man, are they ever.. Many are on TV, and just want our money with their fake miracles and feel good, no more than a self help seminar. But there are also plenty in any given church who will, once again, send us down a wrong path. First thing that comes to mind to me on that is the "easy religion" that says we need to do nothing but "say" we have faith, (Faith Only, OSAS, Eternal Security) and I warn the OP/anyone STAY AWAY from that, avoid it like the plague.

Toro · Nov 24, 2019

Should a Christian have a place to fellowship with believers and find suppprt/encouragement/family etc.? Yes.

Is it necessary to be a Christian? No.

To be a Christian one need only follow Christ. Just cause they all lead to the same place (the likeness of Christ), doesnt mean all narrow paths are identical.

yeshuaslavejeff · Nov 24, 2019

The narrow gate IS JESUS. Identical everywhere. There is NO OTHER GATE leading to eternal life.

Jonaitis · Nov 24, 2019

Kenny'sID said:
So much of that is just not a fact, for one, I don't "struggle spiritually" in any usually over the top way at all, and I haven't been to a church building in decades. Also, I think there is an advantage to not having our thoughts on the bible colored by others, at least until we get it together on what is the truth.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Kenny'sID · Nov 24, 2019

Jonaitis said:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25

And we "meet together" as we speak, as well as "encourage one another"

As far as it being a sin. That is far from a commandment. Besides, I hardly condemned it, but in this day and age, it's just not as simple as going to the church around the corner, as I said, steps must be taken first.

Redwingfan9 · Nov 24, 2019

John55107 said:
I asked one of my junior pastors this question, and he said that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian, it's about your heart. But I'm still confused. Because I know that church is a place to fellowship with believers, and church is essential for spiritual growth.

God set up his church, gave us qualifications for elders and deacons. The notion that believers can skip church is absurd. It's expected in scripture that we be members of a Bible believing church.

Jonaitis · Nov 24, 2019

Kenny'sID said:
And we "meet together" as we speak, as well as "encourage one another"

As far as it being a sin. That is far from a commandment. Besides, I hardly condemned it, but in this day and age, it's just not as simple as going to the church around the corner, as I said, steps must be taken first.

You will never enjoy the full benefit here as you would in a local body. The apostles planted churches for this reason, because they are necessary for the Christian's spiritual life and growth.

If you want to do what you want, go ahead. I am not a church-police.

John55107 · Nov 24, 2019

Kris Jordan said:
Hi John55107,

If you meant that prayer sincerely from your heart, then you have been born again! So, welcome to the family of believers! As a new Christian, God has completely forgiven all of your sins and sent His Holy Spirit to live inside of you to help you live for Him.

I will tell you the three things I was told by the person who helped me become a Christian a long time ago. The very night I prayed to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior, he said this to me:

Tell someone! Telling others about you choosing to follow Jesus will help strengthen your faith.

Get into God's Word! Starting in the gospel of John (in the New Testament portion of your Bible), read one chapter each day after asking Jesus to speak to you through it before you begin reading. When you finish John, go back to Matthew and, reading 1 chapter each day, go all the way through to Revelation. When you finish, go back to Matthew again and read all the way through to Revelation once more. Continue this process throughout your lifetime, however, after you've read through the New Testament a few times, add one Chapter of the Old Testament to your daily reading plan. Reading God's Word will strengthen you in your faith, teach you about Jesus, and also help you navigate through your life in a way that honors Jesus.

Go to church! Get into the practice of attending church each week so you can hear the Bible taught soundly and accurately. Get involved in their new believers class (if they have one) or a men's (or college) bible study, depending on your age. It will be helpful for you to be around other believers who will help support you in your new relationship with Jesus. This will also help you grow in your faith and understanding of God's will for your life as His "newborn" child. Oh, and tell the pastor of the church about you being a new Christian.

P.S. You can message me for some helpful tips on how to find a solid, bible teaching church in your area.

Thank you

Kenny'sID · Nov 24, 2019

Jonaitis said:
You will never enjoy the full benefit here as you would in a local body. The apostles planted churches for this reason, because they are necessary for the Christian's spiritual life and growth.

If you want to do what you want, go ahead. I am not a church-police.

If you feel that way, fine with me,I only do not necessarily agree. I'm not him, but take the man that has pulled himself all but completely out of the world, and unfortunately there is a lot of the worlds thinking in church these days. He's never even seen a church building but loves the bible, his book untarnished by worldly opinion. Maybe he is the one that is closer to the full benefit you mention than plenty who go to church. And sure, he could get some enrichment from being around church people, and or something worse, as in false doctrine.

This is simply not black and white as you seem to see it, and even more so due to the age we live in.

yeshuaslavejeff · Nov 24, 2019

Redwingfan9 said:
God set up his church, gave us qualifications for elders and deacons. The notion that believers can skip church is absurd. It's expected in scripture that we be members of a Bible believing church.

And one abiding in Jesus, in union with the Son, and with the Father, daily.
The instructions are to seek out the faithful, and 'stay' with them.

Maria Billingsley · Nov 24, 2019

John55107 said:
I asked one of my junior pastors this question, and he said that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian, it's about your heart. But I'm still confused. Because I know that church is a place to fellowship with believers, and church is essential for spiritual growth.

No, but you need to be part of the Body of Christ which is the true "Church", not known as any denomination or man made building. Feel free to enjoy the Spiritual Church, The Kingdom of God, not made with hands nor doctrines of men.
Be blessed in Him.

PaulCyp1 · Nov 24, 2019

It's about your heart AND your mind - learning God's truth, and where are you going to learn it other than in a church that teaches it. Of course, there are many churches claiming to be Christian that actually have no authoritative source of truth. However, Jesus founded one Church said it was to remain one, and promised that one Church "The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth", and "Whatsoever you bind upon Earth is bound in Heaven", and "He who hears you hears Me". That Church is the one place He gave us where we can hear the fullness of God's truth, including the fullness of biblical truth.

Kris Jordan · Nov 24, 2019

John55107 said:
Thank you

Please keep us posted on your faith journey as you move forward with Jesus, okay? I know there are scores of us on this site who are rooting for you and here to support you in whatever you need along the way.

Jamdoc · Nov 25, 2019

John55107 said:
I asked one of my junior pastors this question, and he said that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian, it's about your heart. But I'm still confused. Because I know that church is a place to fellowship with believers, and church is essential for spiritual growth.

No, the personal relationship with God and faith in Jesus is all it takes but going to church surrounds you with believers rather than surrounding you with non believers, you're more likely to stick with the faith and walk the life (and avoid chastisement and scourging from the Lord and have a better life). You hang around with nonbelievers and you're more likely to sin, and reap the punishments for that.

Reborn1977 · Nov 25, 2019

John55107 said:
I asked one of my junior pastors this question, and he said that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian, it's about your heart. But I'm still confused. Because I know that church is a place to fellowship with believers, and church is essential for spiritual growth.

Attending a church congregation can help you grow spiritually but it is not necessary for salvation. Salvation has nothing to do with church attendance, just as your pastor said, it has to do with what is in your heart and your personal relationship with Christ. Christian Fellowship, studying the word together, Etc is vital to Christian growth but Salvation is a very personal individual event.

Saint JOHN · Nov 25, 2019

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

make sure your in a true Christian environment ie

Jesus said...

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

all of !! no signs not confessing Jesus.. his way.. with mouth but heart far from the truth !!

Silverback · Nov 25, 2019

John55107 said:
I asked one of my junior pastors this question, and he said that you don't have to go to church to be a Christian, it's about your heart. But I'm still confused. Because I know that church is a place to fellowship with believers, and church is essential for spiritual growth.

I would say no, you don't have to go to church to be saved. However, I would ask you why you don't want to gather with other believers and worship with them?

Do I have to go to church to be a Christian?

Active Member

Active Member

Acts 4:12

Well-Known Member

Oh, Hello!

simple truth, martyr, disciple of Yahshua

Soli Deo Gloria

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Soli Deo Gloria

Active Member

Well-Known Member

simple truth, martyr, disciple of Yahshua

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Acts 4:12

Watching and Praying Always

Devoted to Jesus - Less of me MORE of HIM

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Similar threads