Do U Have 2 Go 2 Church 2 B A Christian?

[Mi$$QT]

Im a christian and i go to church whenever i can, as i have trouble getting there.
Although i dont go every sunday, i still read my bible and engage in prayers at home.
I was just wondering if you had to go to church to be a christian?
Thoughts & ideas plz

 

[Andy D]

The New Testament church does give a good example of Christians meeting together regularly and fellowshipping and taking communion etc. But then if you went to church every sunday and yet didnt spend time with God each day at home...then I doubt it would do you a lot of good except for that day each week. We need food daily and drink...same with God's Word and prayer...we need Him daily...each new day.

I know I didnt go to church much at one stage...and i slipped away fast after a while....it is something that one can enjoy as a Christian..we NEED fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are in a country where you are the only Christian..different story.better be a strong Christian hehe...and pray for others...but we have that opportunity so go whenever you can...in fact..if you cant make it to church...try prayer meetings and Bible studies during the week....can be just as good for worshipping God and fellowshipping and being encouraged.

 

[allieisme]

I do not believe you NEED to go to church to be a Christian.. YES.. You are supposed to go to church to listen to the word of God and to have fellowship with other Christians.. But going to church IMO, doesnt classify whats in your heart.. Know what I mean?

 

[Triscuit]

Going to Church is just a side part of being a Christian. It is not neccessary but is reccommended because of the knowledge you can gain. Going to church isn't going to make you a Christian just as standing in your garage isn't going to make you a car.

 

[desi]

Look up the gospel of St. Thomas, which was labeled heretic by the Catholic Church, and print it out. Some say it was despised by the Church because it suggested organized religion is not necessary. In it Jesus is reported to say to the effect, 'Look under a rock, split a piece of wood and there you will find me.'

 

[Mi$$QT]

Hey guys thanx for the addy, really appreciate it.

 

[Blessed-one]

it is not compulsory, but it is beneficial to the believer. Look at it, none of the OT and NT people are hermits. Only in relationship can we grow and learn to exhibit Christ like characteristics, and i think it's quite true, how else can you grow if you shun people and avoid all the so called trouble? suffering is needed to refine us, and isn't God's second greatest commandment is to 'love each other'?

sometimes people avoid going to church using the excuse that it is not compulsory, but what they're doing really might be avoiding a problem they're having, whether that be fear of mingling with others, pride, unable to get over hurts... etc etc..

 

[songz777]

How can you be a good footballer base ball player if you dont belong to a Team???
Same to how can you be a good christian, and find help and advise and fellowship if you dont go to church. the bible does actually DONT forsake gathering together for fellowsjhip. Ur part of a family so plz dont get isolated and become a lonely hurmit.
Bless u John

 

[desi]

How can you be a good footballer base ball player if you dont belong to a Team???
Same to how can you be a good christian, and find help and advise and fellowship if you dont go to church. the bible does actually DONT forsake gathering together for fellowsjhip. Ur part of a family so plz dont get isolated and become a lonely hurmit.
Bless u John

There are Biblical cases of lone prophets. While they are few they are significant.

 

[Mi$$QT]

Yeah thats very true, i see what you guys are saying. Thanx heaps, god bless

 

[R2_Wildfire]

there is scripture about it, unluckily I can;t remeber where they are or even remember how they go. It was preached to me before but it was a long time ago.

 

[Mi$$QT]

heya thats cool, im sure ill find it somewhere. god bless

 

[Yitzchak]

There are many benefits of going to Church..... But it is possible to be a Christian without ever going to Church.

 

[HoosierCanuck]

How can you be a good footballer base ball player if you dont belong to a Team???
Same to how can you be a good christian, and find help and advise and fellowship if you dont go to church. the bible does actually DONT forsake gathering together for fellowsjhip. Ur part of a family so plz dont get isolated and become a lonely hurmit.
Bless u John

I'm struggling with the same issue as the original post. I have been attending the same church since 11/01 and I feel no more a part of the family now then I did back then. No, I haven't been there every time the doors are open do to work committments, health issues and occasional laziness. However, I have found it hard to fit in with the church crowd. I've always felt like an outsider. I am single, no kids and in my 30's and I think I'm probably the only person there who can say that. It seems like the only people in my town who attend church are my parents' ages and up and grade school/high school age. I just can't relate. Everyone has been there for years and has established their clique. People just seem to put on a face for Sunday/midweek but probably wouldn't know my name if they saw me on the street. I really have a problem with this. I feel it's important to go to church as it does seem to help me in my walk with God but the human emotional side of it is really a tough situation.

 

[kermit the toad]

Church is not necessary. It is good because you get fellowship and because when you hear the preacher speak, it is kind of like going to school and learning something. It is like a lecture about God.

 

[allieisme]

Church isnt necessary, like I've stated in my post on the previous page, but you NEED fellowship, you need to be around other Christians to keep you grounded, IMO.

 

[kermit the toad]

Church isnt necessary, like I've stated in my post on the previous page, but you NEED fellowship, you need to be around other Christians to keep you grounded, IMO.

This site helps for that!

 

[Yitzchak]

There are many purposes of church....One primary one which comes to mind is the passage where it says God gave pastors , teachers, evangelists, apostles, and prophets to the church for the purpose of equiping the saints......
There is also the passage in corinthians where it speaks of edifying one another with psalms, hymns, prophetic words, tongues and interpretations, words of encouragement, etc......
Holding communion, baptisms, marriages, counseling, fellowship, sending out missionaries, etc........

 

[Stanfi]

I do not believe that you have to go to church to be saved. However, I believe that we need each other in order to grow spiritualy, and gain strength from one another. I reference the following verse. So, when you have the opportunity, we need to be in church.

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.

 

[C.A.B.L]

I agree with Mrstace