Do I have to attend church?

[aemmom]

I have been a believer of Jesus most of my life. However, lately I quit going to church because people in church are so unfriendly and in public they avoid me. They act like they are so holy, but they gossip insanely, and there is no fellowship. So do I have to be in regular attendance to be a true "Christian"? Most of these Christians I have been seeing in church don't walk the talk, and it makes people like me get really discouraged about the whole outward Christian thing and not want to even try to participate.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Then your church is either weak in the faith or faithless. I'd either try to fix the problem, or, if you can't, move on.

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This verse is actually talking about meeting outside of church, which you MUST do. Why don't they talk about not going to church itself? Because it was unthinkable at the time.

 

[zoe_uu]

I'd find another church.

 

[Blessed2003]

I have been a believer of Jesus most of my life. However, lately I quit going to church because people in church are so unfriendly and in public they avoid me. They act like they are so holy, but they gossip insanely, and there is no fellowship. So do I have to be in regular attendance to be a true "Christian"? Most of these Christians I have been seeing in church don't walk the talk, and it makes people like me get really discouraged about the whole outward Christian thing and not want to even try to participate.

Not necessarily, but in my opinion you DO need a group of believers to fellowship with, otherwise alone you will (could) be completely devoured by the evil one who seeks to destroy your soul. Pray for God to send you to a place of True believers, or to send them to you. All things are possible with God.
It is so unfortunate that the 'church' has come to this. I know that there are some good ones on the earth because other people say so, but like you, I have not found one.
My friend and I have started meeting in my home, and after the Lord shows us more we are hopefully, (Lord willing) going to have others who will join us.
I am excited about this, because almost a year ago God revealed to me that this would happen!!! Praise Him, He will put you in the body where you can function best, just pray, pray, pray, and then wait, wait, wait, Let Him show you...GOd BLess you on your journey, and may His will be revealed to you.
Love
B

 

[aemmom]

Not necessarily, but in my opinion you DO need a group of believers to fellowship with, otherwise alone you will (could) be completely devoured by the evil one who seeks to destroy your soul. Pray for God to send you to a place of True believers, or to send them to you. All things are possible with God.
It is so unfortunate that the 'church' has come to this. I know that there are some good ones on the earth because other people say so, but like you, I have not found one.
My friend and I have started meeting in my home, and after the Lord shows us more we are hopefully, (Lord willing) going to have others who will join us.
I am excited about this, because almost a year ago God revealed to me that this would happen!!! Praise Him, He will put you in the body where you can function best, just pray, pray, pray, and then wait, wait, wait, Let Him show you...GOd BLess you on your journey, and may His will be revealed to you.
Love
B

Thanks, I really want to grow in my fellowship, and I would like to fellowship with others to become a better believer, but several churches I have attended in my life are all the same attitude, and surely this is not what Jesus would have wanted. He loved to fellowship-it was essential, but most people attending church, in my opinion, are there to be seen, feel good about themselves, judge others, and belong to an exclusive club of "Churchies" as I have begun calling them. I don't see them out in the community really helping others, and some of the churches I have been to in the last few years are so number and marketing driven. High attendance, family life center building, program driven, but it seems ineffective because it is not breaking through to peoples' hearts.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Keep looking. I'm America at present, and I know its hard to find a real Biblical church. But keep looking, you'll find it soon enough.

 

[Key]

Do I have to attend church?

Short Answer: No.

But you should gather with people to talk and pary to Jesus, even if it is only your family, your mom or your girlfriend, little brother, who ever.

Key.

 

[wonder111]

Try getting involved with a ministry that is focused on the homeless or a charity that you really feel is showing love to others. I have found that is where you can meet some true followers of Christ. Of course they can be anywhere, but it's a good start

 

[Riddick]

You don't have to go to church. It's just a convenient place to meet others who have a similar interest as you. You might want to find another church, as somebody already mentioned.

I'd try not to jump to conclusions about "they avoid me in public."

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

When you say you don't have to go to church, be careful. You don't technically have to go, but it is a way to fulfill many commandments at once. Anyone who has anything but rock-solid, bright-shining, and downright awesome faith should not try this.

 

[jay_swift]

You don't have to go to church as many people said, but you also don't have to take medicine when you're sick. You usually do take medicine though, because it helps you. Now if the medicine you're taking makes you sick, then you might be taking the wrong one.

I hope this metaphor helps!

 

[Horse Luver]

You don't have to go to church as many people said, but you also don't have to take medicine when you're sick. You usually do take medicine though, because it helps you. Now if the medicine you're taking makes you sick, then you might be taking the wrong one.

I hope this metaphor helps!

Wow, that's a great way to put it.

Of course you don't have to go, but church is a great way to strengthen your faith. My church has helped me so much, and I wouldn't be the Christian I am today without it. The church you are going to doesn't sound to great, so keep looking. You need to find a church that you feel at home with, that will help you learn more about God, where you can truly worship, and where you can fellowship with other Christians without all the gossip.
Hope you can find a church soon!!

 

[nb_christseeker]

yes, you do. just think of it as the most important thing you should do. Where else are you going to fellowship with other believers? Where else are you going to drink the blood and eat the body of Christ?? Go to church, satan is trying to make you fall away. Just find another church where people love one another.

[bible]Hebrews 10:25[/bible]

 

[bliz]

The gathering with other Christians is required (Hebrews 10:25). That can happen outside of church, but it doesn't sound like that is happening in our life.

May I suggest that you look for another church. I now you said you have found the same kinds of people everywhere (Yeah, darned humans! They are everywhere!) but different churches can have different cultures and still teach the Word. Perhaps you need to seek oout some place quite different from what you have already experienced. If you have been in a very formal church, try one that is informal, or vice versa. If you have been primarily in one denomination, try another. There is a huge variety of churches and worship styles these days. Unless you live in a tiny litttle town, I think you might find one where you fit in better and therefore, will be more open to the Word.

 

[SUNSTONE]

I have been a believer of Jesus most of my life. However, lately I quit going to church because people in church are so unfriendly and in public they avoid me. They act like they are so holy, but they gossip insanely, and there is no fellowship. So do I have to be in regular attendance to be a true "Christian"? Most of these Christians I have been seeing in church don't walk the talk, and it makes people like me get really discouraged about the whole outward Christian thing and not want to even try to participate.

Are you walking the walk? You should forgive them, as Christ forgave you.
Are they here for you? Your feelings, your wants?

The devil is good at twisting things around, trying to get you to think, "well if they don't care, then why should I?"
he wants you to quit.

People are going to do some dumb things to you, this is true. But what is also true, is God is right there. He is saying I know you are hurting, but I am here.

 

[SUNSTONE]

If you leave a church because of some gossip, and because they don't treat you the way you have set up standards for them. You are just going to run into the same problem in other churchs.

You need to have Jesus as your best friend. Spend time with Him every day.

 

[lucaspa]

Thanks, I really want to grow in my fellowship, and I would like to fellowship with others to become a better believer, but several churches I have attended in my life are all the same attitude, and surely this is not what Jesus would have wanted. He loved to fellowship-it was essential, but most people attending church, in my opinion, are there to be seen, feel good about themselves, judge others, and belong to an exclusive club of "Churchies" as I have begun calling them. I don't see them out in the community really helping others, and some of the churches I have been to in the last few years are so number and marketing driven. High attendance, family life center building, program driven, but it seems ineffective because it is not breaking through to peoples' hearts.

I see you live in the Southern US. I lived there for 7 years. If you attend the large Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian PCA churches, my experience matches yours and this is what you will find.

I suggest you look for the Episcopalian and Presbyterian USA churches. I think you will find what you are looking for there.

Or, join a Christian group like your local Habitat for Humanity or work in the local soup kitchen. See which churches the majority of those people come from. That's probably the church you want.

 

[Faith In God]

I am just going to state my answer for the op. so if i am out of context with discussion, forgive me.

Do you have to? No. nowhere in the bible does it say you must go to church every Sunday or whatever. it does say to keep up fellowship with believers, however, which is what church is (or should be ).

It is not a legalistic thing.

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Dear Aemmom,

Have you every visited an Eastern Orthodox Church, "The Ancient Church"?

Greek Orthodox
Russian Orthodox
Antiochian Orthodox
Orthodox is Orthodox

You should at least visit one... PM me your zip code and I'll help you find one.... there aren't to many in the southern US....

My personal opinion.....but I was raised Baptist in the South.... I know what you are talking about...

Forgive me....

 

[Asar'el]

Your very question makes me think you know the answer.

Yes, you should attend a good church. If the one you are in is not good, ask God to take you to another. If there are none near you, remember that two or three gathered in Christ's name are promissed the presence of the Lord with them - and that is what makes a church; not the building, not the music, not the name - the presence of God. If you have no other recourse, one more beside you, seeking to honour Christ on the Lord's day, can serve for an assembly, until God moves you where He wants you to be.

If you cannot find another believer where you are, and you cannot find anywhere to worship, and you cannot move (lots of ands in there, but it is possible...), spend the Lord's day in prayer for Him to show you the way. God does not tell us what is good for us then withold such from us - He works miracles all the time