Do i really need to go to church?
341559
I was raised Baptist, but I no longer go to a Baptist church. I notice that you say nothing about being saved, only about "believing in God." Remember that the devil believes in God, too. Maybe by that, you meant that you were saved, I don't know - just a thought. \n\nLet's put this into perspective. Christians have two commandments - that we love God above all else, and that we love each other. The Bible teaches that we should have fellowship with other Christians - because it encourages us and lets us grow in our relationship with God, which keeps us close to Him. It also strengthens every member that they might better avoid poor choices and sinful decisions. \n\nAnother aspect to this is that to be saved and to love God means that you have a personal relationship with Him. He wants you to worship Him and have fellowship with other Christians. When you do not, I think it hurts Him. When you avoid the chance to do what his word taught that you should for your own reasons (staying out on Sat. night), I think that also hurts Him. In human to human relationships, we try to not hurt each other because of our love for each other. In a human to God relationship, that should apply even more so. \n\nYou can pray anywhere, and going to a church building is not going to church. The church is not the building - it is the people. \n\nI think that you can be a Christian and not go to church, most definitely. But I don't think you can reach your potential as a Christian without actively seeking God's will instead of your own.
1179631
If you don't want to go, don't. Going to church doesn't make you a better person! It's how you live you life and the values and morals you have that make you who you are. I don't go to church either and have no doubt that I live a good life.
60853
Yeap, Church is the place to go, I'm not even that religious but it is the truth.
1063440
You go to church not because you have to, but because you truly love God and want to serve him. You want to "fellowship" with other people who love God. God never forces anyone, he wants real love service.
1132187
Isn't that Gods way of saying you can skip church today?
819509
I don't believe in God! Why would I?\n\nBesides the true intention of the church was a place to convert sinners and non-believers to christianity. It was never intended as a place to gather and worship just for the christians. If you believe in a god then you are not required to attend services. The idea of required visits on sunday began with the issue of ties. You know, chances are if your not there you won't give your 10% So of couse the church wants you there.
130601
I do not currently attend church on a regular basis although I have in the past.I do agree that you can worship and praise God anywhere and anytime and that for some people they may be able to survive spiritually in that way. But as for me personally I really need the refreshing experience of group worship and praise and some good old fashioned christain socialization to stay spiritually uplifted.
842584
where on Earth do you go to church??
684089
I do not attend church because of all the false teaching that spews forth from most pulpits.\n\nThe doctrines of men have replaced the pure and simple doctrines taught by Jesus Christ and the Apostles in most churches.  People in the pew believe and trust whatever comes from the pulpit, without studying scripture for themselves.\n\nWe are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, scripture says.  Therefore, I meet with a small group in my home.\n\nI would not recommend most churches to anyone.  It is sad that mainstream Christianity has become so paganized and steeped in the world's system.\n\n"Church" is not the answer anyway.  Jesus Christ is.
469290
I know I am going to get alot of hate mail, but here goes.\nThe Bible teaches in Matthew 24 that the chruch age has ended.  We therefore do not need to go to church to worship God.  We can do it from the comfort of our own house.  When we fellowship, one has to remember that he is fellowshiping first and foremost with God.\nLog onto www.familyradio.com for more info.\nTo answer your question, just let them know that you are exploring your options by looking at other churches now, or you are still thinking about it, or you don't have time any more.  But of course, don't go to any because the church age has ended.
883568
Please answer all:\n1- do you attend a church? Yes\n2- which afirmation do you belong (baptist, catholic, temple,ect)? Baptist\n3- Are you faithful to attend whenever the church doors are open? Yes, I enjoy church\n4- Would anything interfere with attending church (sleep, family, anything) No usually\n5- Would it be a serious event to miss church? Not exactly serious, but I wouldn't be happy!!!\n6- Why do you attend church? Because I want to grow in my relationship with the Lord.\n7- Is your church leader (pastor) a male or female? Male. I don't think it's right for women to be preachers. They could teach, though. I have a female Sunday school teacher.\n8- What is your salvation? Blood, water, works, etc? I don't get the question.\n9- Do you take notes during the message, in any form? Yes.\n10- Do you daily read your bible? Genesis to Revelation, cover to cover? I really try to have my quiet times.\n11 - Which bible do you read from, (version)? All different kinds. I prefer the ones I can understand (cause I'm only a teen!)\n12- How do you help your church? Helping with church activities\n13- What in your words is the Gospel? \n14- Lastly: Do you have full assurance, that after death, you'll know where you'll be? Yes, I do. Can't wait to meet you in Heaven
1067947
Think about your motivation. Are you scared of something?\n\nGoing to church does NOT make you a better human, not even a better believer. You rather take positive actions in your life.
168349
YES....  I think church is just a big party for god, and that is ok!  I do not attend church, and I believe.  It's just ya have to goto church or your a  bad type person.  I never will understand that.  I always hear, if you don't attend church then your not doing anything good, you don't believe,  and I say ya know I have enough bills to pay without donations to the church!  That collection thing gets to me?  Why?  Everyone is in a daze?  TAKE MONEY!!!!!
131384
You need to check the local zoning ordinances.  It's one thing to conduct a weekly bible study or an occasional "worship" service, but quite another thing to run a church from you home.
954797
No, you do not have to convert. And chances are that there are a few churches around. So you probably could if you felt like it.\n\nDon't drink the Kool-aid.
72263
Well, I am a southern baptist. I know that there are many different thoughts on this subject. Let me tell you what I believe. I believe that if you go to church and think of it as a chore then you may not be getting the benefits of attending services. The whole purpose of worship service is to fellowship with other believers. If you go there with an open mind and open heart then you should find a connection with God. It is a good way to help you feel lifted up and know that you are not alone in your beliefs. Sometimes it may seem like a chore, but I can speak from my experience that when you don't go for a period of time you may find yourself wavering in your belief. To me it is a help and a blessing when I attend.
384674
first off let me say your not a bad person if you don't go to Church but to get the full understanding of god and Jesus and the holy sprite and why he died for you and for me then you need to get under someone teaching of the bible and yes to get into heaven you have to be baptized repent of your sines and start a relationship with god so he can direct your path of life and also if you can sit through a TV show you have seen over and over again then why can't you sit through something that can make you a better person in god eye sights? think about it he died for you to me that deserve ever thing that you have to give your time love and effort to get to know him and secure your spot in eternal life.   THINK ABOUT IT AND GOD BLESS!