Can you be a christian without church?

JCFantasy23 · Jul 2, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
I have been out of a church group setting for several years now and I've only really started to miss it, the friendship, the singing especially. I've tried going to different denominations and I get put off by various things. I do feel closer to God when it's just Him the bible and me.

I don't think that's it necessarily true that by not being in a church group that you won't help build up the kingdom in some way, you're building it up by strengthening yourself - who are we to judge? I think when you're on your own you have even more responsibility to follow his Laws and be more accountable because you're the only one doing it, you can't say oh I can't help out this week but so and so will do it.

I think community helps sustain a living faith, but I don't think it's mandatory. We are all different, one mould does not fit everyone. If you find a church that is great, if you don't, keep searching and learn to just be, maybe that's where He wants you right now, to build you up, to give you something that will later benefit a church group setting. Let us know how things go!

I agree with everything you said here. Church is important but we are all different and should not be judged by church attendance. I know someone who did this before, judging Christians who didn't go to church as not 'real Christians.' They were raised in the church - actually the father was a retired pastor from Sweden. Ironically this person was a negative person and ended up saying they didn't believe in God themselves years later.

dpadre · Jul 2, 2015

Albion · Jul 3, 2015

After a hundred posts, the answer remains the same--Yes, you can be a Christian, BUT not a very conscientious one.

kit · Jul 14, 2015

Not in any real way, no. Jesus didn't establish a philosophical school. He founded a Church and "commissioned" Apostles to oversee it.

Webstar · Jul 17, 2015

I am in this situation now, I still belong to a church just, but I dread going, because its more new age than Christian. It's full of hatred and disunity and is as far from a church as I have ever in my life known and it breaks my heart.OH and I were ministers in another denomination at one time. We have tried everything to make a difference gently and lovingly but its not happening. However there is no other church to go to in our small community, we are waiting on the Lord to see what to do next. we have had times in our lives when we haven't been in church but we have worshipped, spoken at other churches and fellow-shipped with other Christians. Church in itself does not make you Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. BUT we need to be in fellowship and part of a Christian community that uplifts the Lord and wants to make a difference in our communities. More importantly I think its between you and God, God knows our heart, as we delve into his word I believe he brings revelation and directs in the way we should go. Ultimately we need each other and whether we like it or not a church community is the best way to find that if possible. If its not possible ensure you find others to pray and fellowship with.

Albion · Jul 17, 2015

Webstar said:
I am in this situation now, I still belong to a church just, but I dread going, because its more new age than Christian. It's full of hatred and disunity and is as far from a church as I have ever in my life known and it breaks my heart.OH and I were ministers in another denomination at one time. We have tried everything to make a difference gently and lovingly but its not happening. However there is no other church to go to in our small community, we are waiting on the Lord to see what to do next. we have had times in our lives when we haven't been in church but we have worshipped, spoken at other churches and fellow-shipped with other Christians. Church in itself does not make you Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. BUT we need to be in fellowship and part of a Christian community that uplifts the Lord and wants to make a difference in our communities. More importantly I think its between you and God, God knows our heart, as we delve into his word I believe he brings revelation and directs in the way we should go. Ultimately we need each other and whether we like it or not a church community is the best way to find that if possible. If its not possible ensure you find others to pray and fellowship with.

As has been said before...if a person is in an impossible situation church-wise (no other congregation within driving distance, etc.) THEN resorting to unconventional alternatives is just about all that can be done.

The problem is that, usually, people come here saying that they don't LIKE their church because the pastor is mean or some people are cold towards them or something like that, but no, they aren't going to bother to try out the church across the street. It's those people whom we advise to stop finding excuses for being a "lone wolf" believer.

In your situation, not only aren't there other congregations to consider, but you are still seeking to have fellowship on some level with other Christians. I contrast that with the people who won't look for other congregations but go immediately to arguing that "what I believe in my own mind is all that I need" etc. etc.

fatherjimparker · Jul 17, 2015

Farfromperfectclose2truth said:
Can you be a christian without going to church..... Ever?

Your thoughts please guys!

No. (Unless it is impossible for you to go)

By not going to church "ever" you have excommunicated yourself; you have separated yourself from the body of Christ which is the church.

Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; 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.

Cloture · Jul 21, 2015

I think every effective Christian will find their faith spilling out into some kind of avenue. Whether it's a neighborhood Bible group, a faith-based charity group, a home-based church, or some sort of on-the-ground ministry, that faith will pour out of people somewhere. Does it mean you have to spend every Sunday in a building with 100 people? No. Does it mean you need to be busy doing something with and for other people in the Kingdom? Yes.

Albion · Jul 21, 2015

Cloture said:
I think every effective Christian will find their faith spilling out into some kind of avenue. Whether it's a neighborhood Bible group, a faith-based charity group, a home-based church, or some sort of on-the-ground ministry, that faith will pour out of people somewhere. Does it mean you have to spend every Sunday in a building with 100 people? No. Does it mean you need to be busy doing something with and for other people in the Kingdom? Yes.

Does it mean that you should NEVER spend an hour on Sunday in a building with, say, 20 other people?? Where is that written?

Cloture · Jul 21, 2015

Albion said:
Does it mean that you should NEVER spend an hour on Sunday in a building with, say, 20 other people?? Where is that written?

Oh gosh, no, that is not what I meant to imply at all. I strongly believe that the best condition is to be plugged into a local church. That should be what we strive for.

I was just trying to expand on what you'd said about making arrangements in the absence of a local church. Those who genuinely cannot find a fruitful Sunday service should not be made to feel bad when they can't find it, and that should not be any sort of excuse on why they can't otherwise be involved in serving the Kingdom.

Albion · Jul 21, 2015

Cloture said:
Oh gosh, no, that is not what I meant to imply at all. I strongly believe that the best condition is to be plugged into a local church. That should be what we strive for.

I was just trying to expand on what you'd said about making arrangements in the absence of a local church. Those who genuinely cannot find a fruitful Sunday service should not be made to feel bad when they can't find it, and that should not be any sort of excuse on why they can't otherwise be involved in serving the Kingdom.

That's what I get for switching back and forth between threads too quickly. My apologies.

Cloture · Jul 21, 2015

LOL!!!

fatherjimparker · Jul 21, 2015

Cloture said:
I think every effective Christian will find their faith spilling out into some kind of avenue. Whether it's a neighborhood Bible group, a faith-based charity group, a home-based church, or some sort of on-the-ground ministry, that faith will pour out of people somewhere. Does it mean you have to spend every Sunday in a building with 100 people? No. Does it mean you need to be busy doing something with and for other people in the Kingdom? Yes.

Does it mean a Christian needs to be part of a body of believers? Yes.

Can you be a christian without church?

In a Kingdom by the Sea.

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