Does The Bible Say You Have To Go To Church?
Do Christians have to go to church? It would seem many Christians are increasingly saying, no. Church attendance in America (and many other parts of the world) has been declining for years. But the more important question is does the Bible say you have to go to church?
The reality is the religious landscape in America is quickly changing. Now there are a variety of reasons for this. But the bottom line is people are leaving the church. For years church leaders have said, “they’ll come back.” But they aren’t. They have left and are not planning on coming back.
Here’s one of many studies on this topic: America’s Changing Religious Landscape | PEW Research
There are many that have left the church and Christianity. I’ve written on this before and probably will again (6 Reasons Why Millennials Aren’t Attracted to the Church), but that’s not what I want to focus on in this article. What I want to focus on here is how we missed the point of what going to church is all about.
Here’s our problem, we’ve mistaken church attendance with living in community. They are not the same.
Christians are called to live in community with each other. You cannot really get around that; the Bible talks about the importance of that a lot. However, the church has equated these passages to having perfect church attendance. But those two things are not the same.
We will get into more of that in a minute, but first we need to answer the question: Does the Bible say you have to go to church?
Does the Bible Say You Have To Go To Church?
What does the Bible say about church? Does the Bible say you HAVE to go to church? To answer those questions we first we need to understand what the church is.
Most people today when they think of the church they think of the building in which people gather on Sundays. But that’s a terrible simplistic view. Jesus’ vision for his church was much greater. It was about community that could not be shaken (Matthew 16:18).
But the church isn’t just about us. We have a mission to live out. Jesus final words to the disciples were a charge that still rings true for us today. He tells his followers to go into the world and tell others about what they’ve seen with the promise that he will be right there beside them (Matthew 28:19-20).
The church is a community that loves, supports, and challenges one an other. But it’s not just an exclusive club. The church is inclusive in that it’s always looking for people to share it with.
Much of the rest of the New Testament unpacks this idea of what church is and what the followers of Jesus should play. From those passages an incredibly beautiful picutre unfolds.
Check out just a few of these passages.
- 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 10:24-35
- For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
- I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10
- Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
- All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32
The emphasis in these passages is community, not church attendance. The goal of Christians is not to go to church on Sundays. Rather the goal is to live in community with each other.
So, does the Bible say you HAVE to go to church?
Actually I think that questions misses the point of what the Bible is actually saying. Instead it says, we ARE the church. Sometimes the questions we ask reveal that we’ve totally missed the point. We think it’s about church attendance, but really it’s about community and transformation. We don’t HAVE to, we GET to.
Let’s break that down a little further.
Life Together Is The Point
I’m convinced that the reason many people, especially millennials, are leaving the church is because this community is becoming an increasing rarity in American churches. That is certainly a generalization; I am aware of churches that still push great community. However many have shifted their focus to butts in the seat, money in the offering, and a cool worship experience and little else.
Many churches are missing their primary intent. To be a place of community where we can encourage, challenge, and uplift each other to follow Jesus.
These verses, and the others, clearly point to the importance of community. However we still need to remember the context these were written in. In the early church they didn’t have anything similar to what we have today. There were no lights, skinny jeans, organized worship, or children’s ministry. It was just a group of people that met in someone’s house.
Attending church isn’t a bad thing, in fact I believe it’s a good thing. But we aren’t called to go to church. We are called to live in community. There’s a difference. You can be a Christian that doesn’t go to church. However all Christians should be connected to a community of other Christians.
Many people get their community from their churches. However many have chosen to find their community apart from the organized church.
I’ve seen a lot of people that have decided to leave the church and get ridiculed and told they were bad Christians. But listen, if you are staying plugged into a solid Christian community I can’t find an argument that says they are wrong.
Hear me on this… I’m not saying people should leave the church. I believe in the church; I work for a church. I vote yes for church. I want the church to reach people with God’s love.
The point I’m trying to make is that Christian faith hinges on sharing our lives with one another. You can find that community within the four walls of a church. But you can also find that within the four walls of a house. It doesn’t matter where you find it, rather that you pursue it.
Finding a community of people that are following Jesus that you can live life with is more important than finding a church that has great preaching and moving worship.
Maybe all this points to a need to shift the focus of the church. Christians are called to create community and if our churches aren’t doing that maybe it’s time to change. Maybe it’s time to refocus on the real mission, people not programs.
The power of the church is not in how big the building is, how relevant the message is, or whether the perfect worship song is played. The power is in the people; it’s in the community. The church changes lives when we get involved in each other’s life, not when we sit and observe a service for an hour each week.
So, does the Bible say you have to go to church? Do Christians have to go to church?
Do Christians Have To Go To Church?
Yes.
Well, kinda.
Christians are called to be connected in community. I would even argue that it’s impossible to follow Jesus alone. Even Jesus didn’t attempt that, he surround himself in community.
Here’s the reality, you need other Christians in your life to help you, to encourage you, and to give you a kick in the pants occasionally. That community is in its own way, church.
So do Christians have to be apart of an organized church? No… But I think they should.
I know many are leaving the church. And I get it. The church is messed up, you don’t have to search very hard to find an other story about a church that did something pretty terrible.
But let’s not forget the church is messed up because they let people like you and me in. If you want the church to change, to bring the focus back to the most important things then we need to stay. We need to help be that change and not just complain and leave in frustration.
If that’s you, if you’ve left or are considering leaving. Maybe stay. Maybe you can be the catalyst that brings about change.
If you are considering leaving check out: How Do You Know When It’s Time To Leave Your Church?
Does the Bible say you have to go to church? Yes, but not the churh you and I probabyl think of. Christians are called to live life in community with each other. That community can come from a small group at your church, but it can also come from somewhere else. And I would argue if you have a group of Christians that meet together regularly, that is the church. Maybe they don’t have a name or a building, but neither did the first church.
If you aren’t plugged into a community of people that are following Jesus, do it! Your local church is the perfect place to find one. Although it’s not the only place. The point is, find community among other Christians and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Where IS this church anymore, here in America? You have posted insightful articles about how “Christian nationalism” and other forms of idolatry have turned observers off to the kind of “Jesus” these churches present to the world. But these same churches also chew up and spit out believers who are different +emotionally, socially, physically… and now, politically. We still struggle with our brokenness -and we can’t hide it. We’re an embarrassment to them. A labor-intensive annoyance. Worst of all, we don’t have enough money to please them. All we do have is Jesus. We know we can’t fix ourselves, and neither can other mortals. The grace of God isn’t a theological talking point to us: it’s our eternal lifeline. Yet too many of these churches really have little time or patience to deal with us. Marginalizing us is easier than loving us. Let the cults, the liberal churches and the atheists have them! After all, we have no power. Evangelical and fundamentalist church leaders literally own their churches. Add to this the circus of gimmicks and watered-down messages that American evangelicalism has come to be, and untold numbers of Christians who believe in God and his word often have NO PLACE TO GO. In the 19th century, pragmatism became the core tactic of evangelicalism, and this is why no appeal to our emotions, no human program, no bowing to current culture is too outrageous to evangelicals. They honestly think that if they can just manipulate someone into momentarily “accepting” Jesus, then they have succeeded. Really? The Bible they keep talking about paints a more sobering picture of what genuine salvation is -and isn’t. I am certainly far from perfect. I have been deeply humbled when I’ve discovered how mistaken my perceptions can be. But by the mercy of God I am a real Christian. Yet sadly, I have NOWHERE to gather with other Christ followers in present day America.
I was considering taking my 3-year-old kid to church on Sunday. It’s admirable that you emphasized how the church is a community that loves, supports, and challenges one another. However, the church is inclusive in that it is always seeking out new members with whom to share its message. I’ll make sure to select a respected church with a kid-friendly service so he can feel the presence of God with him always.
Good evening, I say yes the Saints of God Almighty should go to church, 1. Christ Jesus Himself attended church every sabbath 2. The Word of God Heb19:25 forsake not the assembly of believers etc then be it Jesus led by example shouldn’t also those of us who claim we’re Saints or Christians/ Believers lead by example
Jesus attended a temple not church referring to church as a place is simply a mis interpretation of the word Jesus also destroyed the temple after he was crucified that should be symbolic for something
I have been studying the Word of God for nearly 22 years using Precept Ministries materials. A beautiful great way to draw close to the Lord. I took the training in 1999 after getting saved in 1990 out of the Catholic church. In 2007 we were meeting in a church of which I was a member. I was accused of false teachings and forced to give up my membership or quit bible studies. No brainer..I was falling deeper in love with Jesus and wanted to continue. Changed churches to an independent Baptist. The Pastor left 8 months later and the new Pastor after 11 years of some wrong teaching left. In that time we found a room in a nursing home to meet and when COVID19 hit we could no longer meet. And was “doing church ” online. I prayed and continued to study. Just last September the Baptist Church hired a new young pastor. In my searching praying I felt led by the Holy Spirit to go back to the church that would allow us to meet. When the new pastor came and I asked him for a room to meet. After 4 months and 4 attempts to contact him I had a phone call from another member and the next morning I received an email from the Pastor telling me the leadership of the church didn’t want another new bible study and wanted me to attend the women’s group studying a book and not the bible.
Adding to this when the last Pastor left I attended for awhile another church. My membership was removed without my approval so I now am not a member of any church nor am I attending a church. BUT we found a ministry building called the LIGHTHOUSE based on John where Jesus said “I am the Light. I have seen lives changed following Christ. We have 5 days of homework and use teaching DVD’S of Precept teachers. It is so great.
Yet I am accused of not being biblical because of Hebrews 10:25.
I am so encouraged by your article explaining that Scripture and Church.
Rita Maly
Both John Baptizer and Yeshua began with “Repent, the Kingdom of YHWH God is AT hand. Many preach the Gospel of Salvation because “all have sinned…” Romans 3:23. But now it is time to deal with the 2nd part: “…and fall short of the Glory of God” – The Gospel of the Kingdom. The solution for “all have sinned” is Jesus Christ on the cross / stake / tree (let us focus on “He died to Atone for our sin” not just externals). The solution for “and fall short of the Glory of God YHWH” is “Christ in you the hope of Glory.” Colossians 1:27. We repeatedly hear from believers 1) there’s so much more 2) there’s something missing. Faith in Jesus Yeshua dying for our sin(s) brings us into Resurrection Life! We were crucified WITH Him, buried WITH Him, raised WITH Him… AND seated WITH Him in Heavenlies!! WITH WITH WITH !!! Too much focus on sin, not enough focus on being glorified WITH Him. Too much milk, ok when a spiritual baby, not enough meat / solid food. Let us go on to maturity, do the greater works, and bring Glory, Honor, and Praise to The Most High – The Holy One of Israel [both ‘Jew’ and ‘non-Jew’]
Yes, yes and yes! Totally all that above is it for me.
Very relevant points! I think you hit the nail on the head. It is more about living in community than attending services in a building and participating in various programs. Daily life and keeping Sabbath (through true worship from anywhere you are) and loving one another. I’m NOT opposed to churches either and think they can be very valuable; but Christians have to find God’s will in every moment and circumstance of life.
“We’ve mistaken church attendance with living in community. They are not the same.”…. On point!!! ???
I was in the institutional church for fifty some years. The last ten or so years I was very unhappy and knew there was something more. Since my wife and I left the institution three years ago, we have found much more meaningful fellowship, more dependence on listening to the Holy Spirit for teaching and guidance rather than a pastor and have been more open to make friends and associate with others who may or may not be believers. I certainly would not tell anyone to leave the organization we call church. But if you do, please do not feel guilty about it. Remember, church is not a building nor an organization but a living organism of people encouraging one another, supporting one another and showing the love of God to all people. We are the Church. Jesus is the head.
You wrote, “The church changes lives when we get involved in each others lives, not when we sit and observe a service for an hour each week.”
I would like to add, that a praying believer, one who reads and obeys relevant scriptures, one who hears and heeds the Saviours voice, the one dying to self and the flesh and the world – that is a believer who is shining the light of Christ and who can be useful in the Lord’s service.
The community and interaction with other believers is a blessing but not a necessity. The connection to the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, is THE most important part of being a Christian I think. Many of the Bible greats had to be alone, just with the Lord. Sometimes believers have to go through testing and trials and aloneness, times in the wilderness, in order to be refined and strengthened in their faith. Think Elijah, Moses, John the baptist and Christ Himself.
I have written recently a post called, https://grainofwheatblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/17/church-to-be-or-to-go-that-is-the-question/ just in case you are interested.
God bless,
Helen
What an excellent post! Community is missing from Sunday Morning services. Churches are too focused on programs and not people. I love the Bible study I attend each Wednesday evening. We’re all good friends and they’ve become my community. But Sunday services cause me humiliation. I can’t read the hymn books and overhead screen because I’m almost blind. I have no family so I feel left out of conversations afterr the service is over. I also don’t like kids running in front of me because I can’t see them until it’s too late. Worse yet, I’ve been condemned for not going to Sunday service because those people equate worship with faithfulness. And as for millenials, I’d love to meet some and start an evening study. Anybody who loves Christ and wants to dig into the scriptures is welcome to correspond with me.
This post has given me much to think about. Thank you. I left our church years ago because I did not feel a sense of connection. Over the past several years, I occasionally attended churches of different faiths in an effort to feel connected. Each church had a distinctly different personality and was welcoming, but I never felt as though I belonged. The more time that passed without regular church attendance, the more I missed that sense of connection. Recently, Jesus answered my prayers and led me to a little church that felt like home. It was its community service programs that drew me to it, along with its inclusiveness, diversity and connection to the surrounding community. Since I have begun attending church again regularly — in a church that gives me a sense of community and purpose — I’ve felt more fulfilled in my faith. I believe it helps make be a better version of myself. I will never judge Christians who choose not to attend church services regularly. However, when asked, I recommend that Christians try not to become isolated — and try to find a way to connect with other believers who share their sense of spiritual purpose. Whether that involves a church, a home, or some other method, I believe is a matter between individuals and God. God bless.
Hi Jeffery, Thanks for following my blog on Word Press. I am a Catholic Christian, and this post speaks loudly to me. Although in our tradition it is imperative to attend weekly Mass and participate in the Eucharist as much as possible, I think you are right in saying that the absence of true community is what millennials and others are objecting to when they leave the church. As people of faith, we need to make it so much more about reaching out to each other, building each other up, and sharing ourselves with each other. Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Amen a million times over. It’s amazing how even our language gets co-opted by the modern sense of “church.” You mentioned that many churches “push” great community. The idea of a church having to push community instead of simply being community would have been foreign to early Believers. We focus too much on our institutions having an obligation to facilitate things like community – instead of the obligation of individual believers to make community by being peacemakers, by loving others, by being forgiving and such. Where Christians virtues are practiced, community forms.
Thanks for this awesome spotlight on the need for community, the need for churches to reconsider models that no longer create loving Christian community, and the advocacy for all of us who leave traditional church membership behind and discover Christian community in different ways! Rogues are on the rise. It’s an important topic for churches to be willing to discuss. Because rogue Christians and institutionally-tied Christians are on the same side – and we both have things to offer each other.
I landed here because I was searching for content about church small groups. Good stuff! I look forward to reading more. Also, you should check out DailyPS! We’re looking for authors to write more about church small groups. Regards, Alex (https://dailyps.com)
I think you hit the nail on the head with this line, “However many have shifted their focus to butts in the seat on Sunday mornings and little else.” I am a Christian, a church-goer, a member of my church, and a volunteer, and I can tell you that the CHASE and FOCUS of many Mega churches (or wannabe megachurches) is wasted on the urge to grow and grow and grow. After six years at my church, I am witnessing the shortcoming of such a chase. Oh yeah, they’re filling seats, promoting functions, and selling merchandise but instead of promoting fellowship and community, they promote exclusivity and cliquishness. I’m not even sure they’re aware of it. But here I am six years after God found me and placed me in this church, feeling like I am lacking community. It’s a strange place to be as a Christian; enveloped in God’s love more than any other time in my life, yet feeling abandoned by my church. I’ve felt the pull to walk away for over a year, but guilt has kept me trapped. I’m so glad I came across your post, as I’m starting to see that “community” does not necessarily translate to four walls and the title of “church.”
I know some faith-abiding Christians who live in France and don’t go to church. There is no church where they are but they are Spirit-filled, they walk in love and they stay in faith.
I have once left the church to teach myself and my family all that i could. Well in doing that I came to realize that I was without community and connection to other believers. I was very important for me to get together with the community and be in Christ together. I will always be in church so I can worship ion group and learn from others.
We need community, we aren’t designed to do life alone. I would argue you can find that community outside an organized church. But every Christian needs community. Whether it be at a church, house church, small group, or just a regular get together.
I absolutely agree!
I do not think that going to church translates to observing a service for an hour each week, as you put it up there. We all know that church is not a building, it is a community in itself. As long as what you do elsewhere gives God glory, as long as it helps you grow your faith, then carry on.
Great post. Christians do NOT have to go to church. People make the church. The building does not. Several of us, including my husband and me, are much older than your generation, and we do not attend church. Our church time is spur of the moment when we are with friends and at no particular place. It all depends on where our conversation steers.
Another way we have church is to call or email a pastor friend who moved out of state. It doesn’t involve preaching either. Just good old conversation with a Christian flair.
Church buildings have become a place for people to come and go. There is no real connection among anyone there. You are correct on saying the church lacks community. Very few offer extra involvement outside the church.
Something you could do is find a Christian organization who helps others and volunteer there. I am sure you will find greater satisfaction through a place like that instead of a church.
I love your insight. There was a time when circumstances preventing me from going into a church building. I found it to be extremely challenging at first, but as my relationship with Christ continued to mature I quickly adapted. Please don’t get me wrong, I love corporate worship, but I learned that living a lifestyle of worship is just as rewarding if not more. Even though there are times I do go into church buildings because I am a part if the Body of Christ, I don’t feel condemned if I do not.
I definitely struggle with wondering whether or not I’m for God as I feel I am but often times I don’t feel connected to church. I feel more connected talking to a friend, stranger or family member about his good works than I do on a Sunday morning often times. Great article to address a real issue!
Great post, especially some things to think about during the holiday season. Here is an idea that I had, which can be done with or without the church, and certainly is in line with Christ’s message. Hope you can pass it on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hidlnk1NC10
In college it was so easy to have that community without church. I think “church” can look different and can actually be that community sometimes! As long as there are people there going after Jesus together that is what is important. However I think it is also important to make sure we aren’t ignoring the churches too. Sometime its merely from offense and the can close off doorways for the individual to miss out on. I like what you had to say!
Reblogged this on All Thought Captive To Christ.
Great job sharing, brother. Glad to see a lot of productive discussion as well. We need more people talking about these issues. So many Millennials have left institutionalized churches but are still “plugged in” to faith community, between house churches, Bible studies, campus ministries, missions and other “alternative” ways to be a productive and growing part of God’s Kingdom.
This is actually the very first blog that I have read here. I am seriously thinking to share some things God put on my heart and there is your post and I am blown away. You obviously understand that us Christians are in many ways becoming lost to one another. We are not lost from God but we are so disconnected from each other that we are hindered in growing in Him and being an example and representative of Him. We even seem to spend extremely too much effort and energy on condemning one another. If we profess Christ our Lord and Savior, is that not sufficient to bind us together? The truth is that none are perfect and we should reason with one another and let Love be our covering. In a church building or a home and whatever we name our group we are in fact a part of His Body and Church. His alone above all else. Maybe we should learn more compassion and use fewer intellectual deductions/arguments and simply learn that in some areas it is alright to simply agree to disagree and continue to love one another.
Thank you for your post, it is a true Blessing for me and shows me that others see and share my concerns.
Tom
Excellent job with a tough topic. As one of your older readers, I pretty much agree on all counts.
I’d say we’re not called to go to church; we’re called to be the church.
Bingo!
Great post! Flightministries.com
I feel like people are scared of getting judged that’s such a huge turn off when it comes to churches. Church’s need to emphasize community and friendship, acceptance by coming as you are! Denver Jesus came for the hurt and broken not the saved.
One of the scariest things I have done was to leave our church, me and my wife both felt that God’s Spirit was leading us elsewhere. I am involved in a prison ministry called Kairos and the people in that ministry just seem to be so different from the people in church’s although they are all involved in their own church’s from many different denominations. I had some really bad experiences as a kid in a church (sexual abuse) and so as soon as I could get away from the church I got away and didn’t want anything to do with it. So, 30 years later I surrendered to Jesus Christ while in prison and for the first time in my life I actually had a relationship with the Lord. In Kairos there is a part that is called “The Church” and the volunteers spoke about it while I was attending a Kairos in prison, I was astounded to find out the WE are the church, it wasn’t a building with people in it that really resembled a social club. I’m not down on church’s either but I know my calling is not within the walls of a church building, it’s a Kingdom call to the prisoners, gang members, drug addicts, the same people I was when God initiated our relationship, He sends you back in only now you are healed and empowered by His Spirit and have a testimony of God’s grace. I never ever have felt comfortable in a church and that’s on me, I’ve always felt more comfortable in a prison church service where we all know who we really are apart from God’s grace, and we can give away truck loads of mercy cause we got truck loads of mercy from God. So, in short my spirit bears witness with what you are saying.
God bless.
I was looking at the website you posted. Interesting ministry! I will have to look into it more later.
I agree the church bears blame as well, the article has good points in terms of the church needs to be a community, or it’s not biblically functioning as a church.
Many leave the”family of God” because it’s not acting like a family. It is, in certain places, more of a community club. :/
I am a 21 year old lover of Jesus and lover of his church. I disagree. How can a “community” practice Matthew 18:15-17? How can a community practice church discipline?
Where do the Bibles offices of elder and Deacon and “leader” have their place?
If you leave the church and enter a “community” aren’t you taking opportunities? Taking away the opportunity for elders, pastors and leaders to practice their gifts?
Gebriell,
Wow for 21 yrs old you display wisdom that exceeds many older folks! You are spot on in the sense that every believer needs to be active and connected in a local church. Many reasons that is so… Now this doesnt discount the fact that the western church has many problems and sometimes those are the overt reasons people give for disconnecting. Nevertheless the Lord will straighten up His church before the end comes whether thru Holy Spirit revival and/or judgements/disciplines, or both!
Here is a question for those who are willfully disconnected from the church (in whatever form it may take- we are not hung up on forms& structures) :
Since you are outside the body of Christ, how do you expect that your lack of support, encouragement, and helps to those within the church body will actually help remake the church into what Jesus expects it to be??
See http://www.huntersoftheharvest.org
One point that maybe is hard for some to grasp is the difference between positions appointed by an organized church to fill its specific goals and when God calls someone for His purposes. Many who are called by God are not accepted within the organized church unless they comply with all that the church professes. It is actually probably the only way that some can be what God calls them to be by leaving the organized church. And to gently add that no the organized church is far from perfect and not always right on things despite it being organized and having a large following. Jesus did not say we must have a church building but He sure made it clear we were to close and supportive of one another. If the organized church does not support you then how long do you wait for it to change? Or do you simply look for others and work to form a fellowship outside of the organized church? It is a complicated problem and compassion and consideration and definitely prayer is required by all.
All those things you listed can happen outside a “traditional” church. In fact I would argue many times they happen more effectively that way. I’m not saying the organized church is bad, I work for one and love it! But the church Jesus established wasn’t meant to have to be some huge organization. It can just be 10 people that meet regularly, pray, challenge each other, study, and love those in their community. That’s church. You don’t have to have paid staff, elders, and a building. You can, but you don’t have too. All those things are man made, that were create toby humans. In a smaller context people can still use their gifts, just in a different way.
Jeffery, I loved this post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can attest to having issues with church. Not THE Church. Just church. The LORD made Himself known to me and I received salvation in third grade. Since then, because of the military, we traveled a lot. By the time I was in the sixth grade, we found an international church organization that happened to have a church in just about every area we lived in going forward, and I have to thank GOD for the experience and blessing of being able to attend and receive life changing Word and new spiritual experiences in the Spirit and in worship. But things changed it seemed after the invention of cellphones it would seem. I am probably not exactly correct in that assumption, but that’s how it seemed to me. I attended church and church was a place to feel embraced, welcome, and part of a family- up until the dawn of the new millennium. At least for me. I remember going to church and it seemed like church had changed. The very people who felt like there were my family suddenly seemed to keep me at a distance and seemingly reject me. Sure, I wasn’t perfect and had made some mistakes. I came to church as a single father, and the women in church talked about me. The men in church didn’t invite me to gatherings. I would hear about get togethers after the fact, and realized that I wasn’t part of the fellowship even though every one got out of their seats and danced like they had lost their minds when the LORD did miracles while I beat the living daylights out of the drums during worship service. I was part of the music ministry and worship service, but when I put the sticks down, I was back to being the black sheep. I was always the black sheep, even in my family, even at school. It bothered me. And after awhile, I stopped attending. I eventually moved away, then moved even further away. Before long, I had started making mistakes again and poor decisions, despite the fact that I knew the Word, I just felt like GOD had even abandoned me. But I was so wrong. Finally, I reached back out to GOD and ended up driving three hours to get to a church that truly fed me what I needed, and it helped me get myself back on track, and I left the environment I was in and relocated a large distance back to my original church area. I was back on the worship team. But I still felt like I had no place. It was a struggle, and suddenly I realized that I belonged somewhere else, and that the seasons had changed. I felt it, and it was painful because I genuinely loved my pastors like parents. But I had a dream one night, and I was led to where I am now. Since then, the international church I had been a part of almost all of my life had lost half of the pastors and with it, their respective congregations. I saw the number of superchurches rising. I would attend other churches and it felt like everyone was asleep. No one was worshipping or praising, and it felt like it took so much energy to feel the presence of the LORD. I started staying home again. Then the LORD started feeding me on His own, directing me to scriptures, and I started taking massive notes. I felt the weight of a calling on my life like never before. I had been told about the calling all of my life since I was a kid, but I began feeling that weight recently, like someone was laying a heavy, thick blanket over my shoulders. I know that everything happens for a reason. There is a revival coming. For the Church as a whole. I strongly believe that the LORD is about to pour out His Spirit like never before because of the day and the hour that we are in. I strongly believe that we will see a massive re-awakening of the Church as a whole, and those who want the LORD, and desperately seek Him, will feel Him in ways we have never felt Him before. Those who call out to Him will be delivered in ways that they never thought possible. I can feel it in the atmosphere like static in a lightning storm. Sometimes GOD calls us out, even from our own churches (building), from our communities, from our families, from our friend circles- just like He did me- in order to bring you up for Greater. It was necessary for me to be isolated, because He wanted to make me completely dependent on Him, and learn where my source truly came from. He wanted me to know that my substance didn’t come from a pastor, or a church congregation, or a building, but that He was my source and my supply. And with that, I can feel the weight of the calling to prepare for the days ahead, where I can be a part of this new movement, this Church-wide resurgence. I look forward to it. Your post here, is a great post, and it is more proof of what the LORD is kindling in all of us.
May GOD continue to bless you and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and bring you peace. Shalom,
GL
I’m thinking the Lord may not be interested in any religion. After all he constantly battled the Pharisee, and saducees, and religious zealots of his time on earth. I believe what he wants is for us to love him, and to read his words after the resurrection and to trust in all he did for us for salvation. Rom. 1-8, 1 Cor. 15:1-4 . God wants people to trust him, and in Jesus Christ who died for our sins, was buried and in 3 days rose from the dead for our justification. This is the gospel. Sadly enough it is not preached much anymore. The “power of the church” is that we stand “in Christ.” Truly. We need to read the Bible. We need to know Christ!
Somehow it feels sad that people are leaving the church, but I do agree that true church is more community than gathering together every Sunday in a designated building. Though I do think that is a good way to build your community, and get to know other believers. For my husband and myself we don’t get to church very often due to health problems, but we are close with our believing family and friends, so in that sense we are always plugged into a Christian community.
But it felt really great to be able to get to church and worship together with other believers last Sunday. I kind of wonder how new believers will plug in to a community of believers if church it self were to vanish. Obviously there is still online community …but is that enough?
I don’t find that church is always the best place to find community. It’s hard finding a church where people are friendly and will invite you in. Too often it’s “go to church, sing, sermon, leave.” As a single person who just moved to a new area, breaking in to the, usually inevitable, cliques that you so commonly find in church these days, is hard. Not to mention that so many post-college singles are desperate and awkward. Idk why this is, I’ve asked lots of people, but no one has an answer. Obviously there are plenty of normal ones too, lol, but it makes finding community even harder. So many churches people seem to be families, with sermons and programs geared towards them. “Oh you are a single female? You must want to serve in children’s church!” Nope, I don’t like working with kids. But I’m great at visuals and have a business degree, maybe I can help in a different capacity?
A tangent, but my point is, we as the church have to be the community and look outside of ourselves to those around us and invite the hurting people in. Most of my community was found outside of the church, but weaved together by the Holy Spirit to create a beautiful fabric that is my family.
Such a good article, thank you for sharing it!
Wow. I’m so glad I came across this. The fact is many Christians nowadays are not attending church. We can alienate them, or we can love them. Jesus, in John 17, prayed that all His disciples be one. We can’t unite on church attendance, doctrine, or denomination. But we can unite our hearts around love for Jesus. I recently found a book about this called ONE: Unfolding God’s Eternal Purpose From House To House by Henry Hon @ http://amzn.to/2hllTbX. It’s well worth the read if you are interested in this subject.
Great article. I like the points that you bring up, especially “But we aren’t called to go to church. We are called to live in community.” My husband and I are Christians who primarily live our lives out on the road in our big rig. We deliver Broadway shows all across the country and into Canada, and as such our Sundays are spent loading in a show to take to another venue. As such, we are not members of a church. Since our lifestyle can pose a challenge, we have to get our “community” with other Christians in a different manners (some of which we have yet to discover). I cannot attend a weekly Woman’s small group Bible study at a church, something that I used to enjoy before I joined my husband on the truck. And, I miss the opportunity to build friendships with other women of faith. We are far from millennials, but we are part of a big group of people out there on the road who find it very hard to connect with other Christians. Some truck stops do offer Sunday Christian services, but these don’t fit into our schedule. So, at times we feel rather isolated from the community of believers. I am a member of an online Bible study, it helps but it is still a little impersonal.
I was a part of a great meeting house back at home, but when I eloped, I started plugging into a house church with my husband and absolutely loved it! It’s so much more personal. Anyways, I just wanted to share that my actual family judged us for going. They said we needed to be in an actually meeting house verses someone else’s personal home. It’s how people are raised. The sad part that I have realized, most meeting houses do want to just fill pews, as you have said. There’s no sound doctrine. I’m not saying every church is like that but a majority are just looking to fill pew and plates.
My husband got thrown out of a meeting house last year after being invited to their revival. The pastor was talking about prosperity in a way that would suggest to the members they could instantly receive money and cars after praying to God. He made it seem as though Christianity is all about fancy things God can provide. Anyways, Eric was promoted by the Holy Spirit to stand up and read scripture that goes against what the pastor was saying. And they threw my husband out violently. Even told him that they had a gun, then proceeded to have him arrested.
It’s crazy to see these things because where I’m from, we all came together, all meeting houses alike to worship as a community at times. We also served Christ together in communities that needed His love the most. And I was discipled there and new what I was being taught and what I was learning on my own lined up. It’s so hard to find that today.
I agree with your post completely. Christians need to plug into a group that are truly teaching them the word and are showing the love of Christ. We all need building up and praise God that we serve a God that builds us up when we press into Him.
Thanks for sharing. God bless.
As much as I appreciate the authors sentiments on community I think the church is more than just about how I am experiencing community. Often in practice it devolves down into ” me & my friends that think like me like to get together”. Church ought to reflect Matthew 5:43-48 love and stretch me to relate to people I don’t choose and aren’t like me. This to me produces the attraction spoken of in Matthew 13:34,35.
I also see that community is only one aspect of church. It is also ’cause’ or ‘communitas’ as Frost describes it in ‘Exiles’. There are many causes that change communities and nations that a simple little community of Christians can’t make happen. When I travel to the developing world I see many ministries going on that are only possible because of a church or group of churches are making it happen.
I also believe that community is not antithetical to the institutional church it only needs us to to do within what we think we can only do by leaving.
I still believe the church with all its faults, blemishes, and inadequacies it still the greatest collection of God’s people and force for positive change in our world.
Amen so very accurate and true, KS.
If anyone wants to use the accurate, biblical, Jesus-defined term “church” great. If you want to use “community” fine. But the essence of Jesus’ church is defined precisely by the model of the early church Acts 2:42-45. The lowest common denominator of any true church with the Spirit present is Acts 2:42. Anything less that this is a nice gathering but it is NOT a functioning church of Jesus.
See https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unity-spirit-part-1-what-does-mean-louis-posthauer
“We’ve mistaken church attendance with living in community. They are not the same.”
Great post Jeffery! Keep it up!
G’day dude and thanks for your post. You raised some really good stuff, and its not just happening in the states that’s for sure. The awesome thing is that we who are the body are the church. People often forget or don’t know that so I think there needs to be regular reminders of that.
“Finding a community of people that are following Jesus that you can live life with is more important than finding a church that has great preaching and moving worship” — I really love this as community is really important to me, but I am finding that the older I get the harder it is finding people who are interested in going deeper and Real fellowship. Its often because of how “busy” life is.
Whether we find an awesome community to be a part of, or stay in a congregation because that’s where it is for us, I reckon the heart of the matter is the choices we are making when it comes to vulnerability and growth.
Looking forward to reading more of ya stuff
Great article, and very interesting points to consider. Praise God!
I appreciate every thing your saying. Basically, you still have “church,” it just looks different. You gather with other believers, only on a much smaller level. I enjoy our large church. But what makes my large church infinitely better is the small group I attend that consists of members from our church as well as nonmembers. I love to sing together in worship with the large group, but I have to say we also spend time singing a couple of songs together in our small group and it is awesome! I enjoy listening and learning from sermons, and I enjoy studying and diving into the word together on a smaller level where I can give input to what I’m personally learning. The opportunities our church offers for classes on varying topics is really nice as well. I feel like I have the best of both worlds. But I totally get what you’re saying. Keep up the good articles. I’ll keep reading.
Really enjoyed this piece. It’s definitely not the easier subject to talk about, and I think you handled it with mercy. 🙂 I too have wrote about church, and I also wrote about my toxic church experience, how God used it to teach me, and how later He did provide a church, and a community to me afterward 🙂
Remember, when Jesus speaks of the church, He is referring to the body of Christ made up of believers. No longer are you Jew or Gentile, but believers in Jesus Christ. The building, the church system is irrelevant, what matters is the fellowship with other believers and getting into the word in order to get revelation about your Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kind regards,
J Arnn
Jewish Studies for Christians
My wife and I were called out of our mega-church several years ago. Since then, we have hosted gatherings in our home, met with believers in all manner of places, and ministered to others on various Mission fields. Our “community” largely consists of our immediate and extended family, and several missionaries. One of the misleading assumptions prevalent in our culture is equating church (the institutions that meet on Sunday mornings) to “The Church” (the Body of Christ made up of believers all over the globe). We have learned that there is a definite distinction. While we do not attend a local church, we are constantly given opportunities to BE the church to those we encounter. Church, to us, has become a way of life–it is who we are every day, whatever we are doing, wherever we are. Being the church is drastically different from going to church. It’s akin to the illustration of a plate of bacon and eggs: the chicken was involved, but the pig was committed. We have asked God to show us a local church when (if) He wants us to rejoin the institution, but so far we have not been called to one. We give more and do more for God than we ever have. We miss our friends from our old church (we have moved far away from there), but I would not change the choices we have made. The main decision, I think, was our mutual prayer that the Lord would use us in any way He sees fit. We told Him that we would go anywhere and do anything He wishes. If you pray a prayer like that, watch out! God will take you up on it, and you never know where you’ll end up.
I believe that a church is a community of people who love God and want to serve him. It doesn’t have to be in a fancy building with fancy attire. When you do that you are doing exactly what Jesus didn’t want done. We are to serve everyone. We are equal. My church is strictly mission based to serve our community and other needy programs. Wherever God leads us we will follow. It’s not about us. because by practicing this we have it right. We are pleasing God. We are truly happy.
I love this Jeffery! I attend a large church but its main focus and thrust is community which, of course, is found in small groups and gatherings. It’s there we find accountability, encouragement and the friendships that sustain us. Being relevant to today’s culture and yet retaining that early church New Testament focus is, I believe, our challenge. Thank you for highlighting this truth.
Great job! This is awesome ☺️
Reblogged this on Removing The Veil and commented:
I have been saying this forever. My blog partner here says it very well. 🙂
Amen x1000!!!!!
Twitter is my church. The bible K.J.V is my daily read for daily instruction. Who said what, when & why is irrelevant to me today in my daily life. It gives nothing to instruct for just today and that’s what matters, today. I only read one or two verses a day deliberately, that’s enough to focus on for any given day for me. I read everyday and know the bible quite well. I can’t quote any verses or tell you how to find them; but I’m not called to preach or teach. I simply focus on the day. Not many get into heaven, few do infact. I read it in the bible! Many speak, few are called. Most churches I’ve attended over th last 15 years are more into behaviourism and self rightiousness, group dynamics, power authority & money. Jesus says unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom…….. But how do you get born again? Not straight forward; not according to your own will and timing but according to god and his timing: and once you are, it’s impossible to give it back or deny it. It’s a total and immediate change of heart that continues. Sin is revealed in an instant as is an amount of gods love through Jesus (enough love to know the power of true unconditional love, anymore and we couldn’t function normally). That’s what we receive and that’s what changes us. It’s not about our love for him. Would you reading this sacrifice your child right now for someone else’s in faith? Exactly. So stop measuring your love for god, as it’s at best inadequate.
Why would anyone (anyone who can read that is) need church when we have a bible and direct relationship. All the answers for any individual are in the word. Fellowship is nice, not crucial.
Twitter, here, and other social media fulfill this need. I have a Jesus page on twitter. Only post my daily/weekly readings and prayers and is open to comment from anyone called to OR wanting to speak. In just over 200 or so tweets, and 16 weeks- over 4K followers and rising daily. Engaged followers/fellowship of all denomination and peoples who follow Jesus and the word. Why would anyone need a building or any status? The building wouldn’t be big enough for this kind of growth anyway.
The church is full of a Nice people being nice and doing nice things, that doesn’t mean they’re born again, a new creation or even really nice. Infact, it has very little to do with being Christian. People talk god and Jesus, read bibles and go to churches, they do so for years, they ‘ cast out demons and cry out Jesus name, doesn’t mean they’re in true relationship with god or that they are actually born again. I walked into one church in 15 years where I could feel, see and know the presence of the Holy Spirit – it was packed to the rafters with mostly old people crying out and worshipping freely. Turns out I later found out they hadn’t had a pastor for over 2 years and were completely unorganised – apart from their own just to get things done. A few minutes in this room and I knew god was there. #Jesusfuelsme @jesusfuelsme
A very thoughtful essay. Many uncomfortable truths about churches in the West.
Nevertheless those who willingly disconnect themselves from any meaningful relationship with a local church are dropout believers. To be clear -any community of Believers that practices acts 2:42 is a local church.
Unfortunately Dropout believers are outside of the known will of God and will not be able to contribute to the restoration of the church in the west with its many problems.
Jesus said the Gates of Hell will not Prevail against my church. Rest assured he will take necessary steps to restore the Church of the book of Acts once again!
http://Www.huntersoftheharvest.org
This is a very thought-provoking post. Indeed, the church will be able to have a much bigger impact when we truly accept that church wasn’t meant to be an institution for believers but the body of believers themselves. Some of the greatest Christian community I’ve ever seen wasn’t during a church service (though there is definitely a place for those) but during Bible studies, small groups, family reunions, one-on-one conversations and anywhere they could get believers together in the Name of Jesus–including but not limited to living rooms, basements, backyards, cars, kitchens, and other random places. Pray for the church everywhere.–E.R.Peters
Romans 10:4-13: For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Do you need to be in a church to be a Christian? No – Do you need to be in a community to be a Christian? No. However, both of these entities, unto themselves or together can strengthen or weaken the Christian depending on their purpose.
In Romans 10:4-13 the believer learns that Christ was the end of the law ( end meaning: termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be) If you confess the Lord Jesus you are saved and by reading, seeing, and hearing the scripture you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and you confess Jesus is your Savior unto salvation – then you are saved. It does not matter whether you are born into the covenant (Jew) or adopted into the covenant (Gentile) – if you call on His name, the you are saved by faith apart from works.
Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling. one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.
Unlike the Jew, who is required to repent in order to receive salvation, this requirement does not exist for the Gentile to receive salvation. Go back to Romans and you will not find the word repent in order to receive salvation – it simply is not a requirement of the free gift – if it were then the gift cannot be free and if you could repent of your sin then there would not be a need for a Savior. Also, take note in Ephesians that there is only one baptism – why would there not be two baptisms? Certainly there were two in the bible – the baptism of water and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, water baptism was a thing done before Jesus – as an outward sign of covenant faith just as circumcision was a sign for Jewish males who were born into covenant with the Lord. After Jesus comes the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is the real one baptism. I am not against water baptism just like I am not against circumcision – however, these are signs which amount to nothing without faith and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Why did Jesus wash His disciples feet? Was it to show His place as servant? Partly. However, remember, that in the beginning there was the word and the word was made flesh – therefore, Jesus is the word and when He washed His disciples feet it was the word washing the dust and dirt from the feet of the believer. We are not of this world but we are in it – saved and apart – but we walk in it daily and pick up the dirt and dust of concerns and hear the terror of the night and the arrows that fly by day – when we read the word of God – even though we are saved – this is Jesus washing our feet – removing the dirt and dust of this world from us.
Church and community can strengthen you when you fellowship with like minded people. However, many churches and communities preach a mixture of grace and self-effort which creates confusion and frustration with the people. Their problems, they are told, are because perhaps they don’t pray enough, or believe enough, or have enough faith, or their sin is preventing God from acting on their behalf. All very wrong and very dangerous teaching. Another mistake of the church or community pastors is that they themselves do not understand how to rightly divide the word of God and they mix what was meant for Israel in with what is meant for the believer. I have seen even the most accomplished PhDs preach the Lords prayer to Christians when it was clearly meant for the Jew. Even Paul told Timothy to rightly divide the word because God instructed Paul to rightly divide the word. How terrible to think that a person became frustrated and left church because some pastor told them that they needed to forgive their molester, or rapist in order to receive from God. This terrible tragedy is just wrong believing and wrong teaching. You want to know why people are leaving the church – because of wrong teaching. It is that simple. What about the addict who is told that they must get right before God will bless them? Where is the hope in self efforts? There is no hope in self-effort. Whereas, you show them the leper who came to Jesus and asked – if you are willing, heal me – and Jesus answered – I am willing. Show the addict that Jesus loves them and is willing to heal them despite of their sin, despite their addiction – then there is hope.
Kind regards,
J Arnn
Jewish Studies for Christians
Interesting article. Great you are sharing this. I think it is easy for Christians to use the Bible as a “blueprint” for how the church “structure” should look, implement the blueprint and think they have a church. The true church is not a structure at all. It is a dynamic, interactive and living entity led by the Holy Spirit of God withIN our lives as a whole body. How that will manifest itself in any given group may look different than the “blueprint” our culture has adopted over the years. I have found it interesting that when Paul corrects the church at Corinth he does not tell them to sit down, listen, and be taught the word of God – not there is not times for this. He tells them to be sure to not usurp one gift over another and to be sure that everyone has opportunity to share their gift. (In that passage I see the church gathering very different than the traditional corporate-type setting).
And I should mention that I believe the *focus* of the body should not be about a gift, or any other THING, or even about structure per say – it should be on Jesus Christ and HIS creating the order organically so we can all see Him in His greater light and not in our own. (Sounds obvious, but He does get lost in all our “stuff.”) I have found that this does take a bit more faith because sometimes there is only a little light shed on one step right in front of you. Blessings for the conversation 🙂
This is a sad truth about many churches and many individuals in the churches. We are often not like Jesus as He has called us to be and it shows in the way churches act and look. We need to be loving and caring as Jesus was. When that happens, then the church will be real and alive for the world to see and want.
Great article!
I am not apart of any formal church.
However community is the key, I am always seeking fellowship, even if it means interacting with an online community.
I visit weekday churches as often as I can, and often time pull my friends in for conversations on God and what we are learning on this path.
Church is indeed about community!
I wrote an article about the church not long ago!
Great read, I totally agree !
Reblogged this on The Auxiliary Diary and commented:
Well put…
Interesting, yesterday I was reading ! Corinthians !2:28. and the verses surrounding it. Paul seemed to be giving a structure to their churches, apostles, prophets, , elders———-gifts, each assigned by the Holy Spirit, As people leave an organized church,( some for good reasons ] , to live in community, are they taking with them the structure, the authority, gifts that each one is given by God so they can function as Christ body for His glory here upon this earth. It can’t be all about us but about Him. I value the church, Christ’s body. Without it I would not survive as a Christian these past 55 years. The importance in my growth in submitting to the authority of its leaders, sitting under the hearing of God’s Word, being able to use my gift, submitting to discipline, learning and still learning to look to the cross to love sacrificially. I believe without this type of structure churches whether a building or a community cannot survive. Do you sense that those that are leaving and seeking to live, as you say is the most important thing, in community, finding the structure the Paul gave to the early churches.
The church is the body of believers. naturally once you understand this you will seek others with the same beliefs therefore attracting those who are actually living the faith not just acting it out,. people leave the church because they realize its not the actual church talked about in scripture or because they realize the hypocrisy. the truth is the bride of Christ is the body of believers in Jesus not those who attend a building. the “community” is the actual believers living by faith we are children of God.
I believe we can.
Whilst it can make it appear more difficult at times, as inspiration does come from others sometimes,
And more importantly being around and hearing messages that are God breathed.
Yet that doesn’t take into account different places or stages we might find ourselves in.
Those battling depression or other such type social inhibitations should not be disqualified by other Christians as to be less than acceptable because of needing to withdraw.
We also overlook personality and judgement issues that come from being around more than one person. (Church or otherwise). Group situations wherever may highlight already difficult circumstances for personal reasons.
There’s so many things we don’t take into account.
Ppl judge more ferociously in group environments. In church also. (Gasp, I know .. but it can happen).
People can feel that from an earlier church and carry it into a new one.
It’s not unreasonable to accept that not every social set is right for each individual.
Not every party suits each and every person that exists.
So why do we expect to be able to just walk in and be at home at the first church you enter.
Recently heard it referred to as finding your DNA of a church.
Think that is really appropriate.
Let’s also not undermine some of he wonderful resources available to one now through the appropriate use of the net.
Until finding the right home that is.
I agree, It is not the church that defines our personal relationship with Christ. Also, in the Bible most of the miracles were performed outside of the church. We are to be disciples for Christ and that requires getting outside of those walls to reach the lost.
I attend church regularly and I happen to enjoy but, it took years to find the perfect fit for me. Also, my church home is really involved in the community. Great post
You are right, we are called to get outside the walls. It’s really easy for a church to get caught up in what is happening inside, but that’s not the purpose.
Church never really did feel like community. Given the age segregation, life-station segregation, and other times there was separation going on – I felt like I didn’t belong. I think as long as I attended church, no one bothered to ask what I was struggling with or offered to help.
Do you still attend a church?
No, most churches in this area are pretty strict about what they believe and they don’t like people who have their own beliefs.
Thanks for sharing a part of your experience! I hate when I hear about churches clinging to tightly to their beliefs and not allowing others to think differently. There’s only one belief I think is essential. Everything else is up for discussion.