Do you think going to church is mandotory for Christians?
97783
"Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them . . ."\n\nThat does not mean it has to be a structured CHURCH building. I have felt God's presence during small Bible Studies in my home, or during choir rehearsal. I think it is important for the saints of God to take opportunities to fellowship and uplift each other. I think new Christians can benefit greatly from church and Bible study, but I don't think that going to church is mandatory for SALVATION. I believe it is a way to increase knowledge, receive confirmation, and to strengthen belief and faith.
380106
If you read how church was done in the beginning, in the book of Acts, it was expected that Christians would meet together for mutual benefit. We bring spiritual gifts to build each other up ie the gift of prophecy or tongues, we pray for healing. You don't HAVE to go to church but it's the best way to grow spiritually. Also the Bible talks about believers being like a body, all parts are needed to make the body whole.
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.
134694
Even if you dont go to church god will always love you.. he will always love you no matter wut and forgive you for anything u do..! its ok that you dont go to church on a daily basis.. but if you want to get closer with him u should try and go mor often but i u cant u shud read more of the bible and learn more about the him. Hes gret..!
694452
Answering as a non-churching Christian, with Catholic-style theology.\n\n1. Yes, to a point. I am responsible for taking care of my fellow believers, and pointing out if they are engaging in reckless/dangerous behaviour. They are also responsible in this regard towards me. If I give in to my dark side, for example, and start smoking crack, I would expect my close Christian friends to band together for an intervention on my sorry kiester! Likewise, if a fellow Christian starts slapping around his wife, when I find out about it, I am to take some sort of saving action; for both their sakes.          \n\n2. Only if asked as a point of theology, or if it comes up in a public setting as a point of law (on which I can vote). Spiritually, our problems are not what we DO, but with our entire BEING. Change the being, and the actions will follow suit.  That is the point of being "born again": all humans need a fresh start from God. Because He loves us, He has provided this!\n\nI think we are a small minority.
1129067
Just pray for them...\n...whether they go or not,, it is our faith that is important... \nyeah yeah,, i see Christians don't go to church, i see Christians drink,  parties,  swear ,,, and then?? don't go to church because of them doing this?? \n\n  Are you going to church because of them?? do we go to church because the church is popular ? or we go there because we want to worship, pray and give thanks and listens to preach the word of GOD?? \n  yes blame it to people,,  and where is the faith?
124428
If you are a student or have a job working around lots of people, or if you have lots of friends in that area, I'd ask them.  Anytime I've needed to find out about going to church, word of mouth was the best incentive for me.  I would talk to people about whether or not they found the services to be moving or not, and then I would just go on their word.  I mean, they go there regularly, right?  I would hope they'd be able to make an informed judgement about something like that.  \n\nGood luck, in your search for church!  (Hey, that rhymed!)
200844
I dont go to church- my fellowship is among my fellow Christians that I worship and praise with- The Church that is required is the people, not the building.  Fellowship is what we are guided to do, and for some, that works better in a church.  More power to them, but I do not need a building.\n\nIn fact, many people that go to a church to worship only do it once or twice a week.  If we are supposed to pray without ceasing- and worshipping should be an everyday practice- I dont appreciate being judged by people saying I am wrong for not going.  Just as I think its wrong to say people are wrong for going to church.\n\nI am NOT against going to church, I just dont feel comfy in the ones I have been to.  The last one I went to was AWESOME, but I had a falling out with a friend who claims to be super christian, but her and many of the people at that church enjoyed gossipping and slandering me- I dont think I am missing much by not going if thats what most churches are like (and from experience, it is like that in every church if you dont fit the code they have for people)
912087
The church is the body of Christ. Jesus intsructed Peter to institute it. Therefore the "church" is essential.\n\nI do agree that there is a lot of bad that can come from so-called "churches".\n\nI don't think that Jesus would neccessarily endorse every group of people that call themselves his "church".\n\nMany people claim to be christians, but do not follow Jesus' teachings. I believe this has given organized religion a bad name.
1115205
Yes I go to church on Sunday's for worship, Wednesday's and Friday's for work.  Forsaking not the gathering is a command.  I think it is important though to spend time with the Lord daily not just once a week. I am privileged to be able to do that through prayer and reading of His word.  \nWestside Bible Church, Victoria BC Canada.\nwww.westsidefamily.org
1027098
I think that many people who claim some form of Christianity as their chosen religion are not terribly interested in living a truly christian life. I mean, religion is for many people an excuse, or a comfort blanky, or something to that effect, but is not a way of life, as it should be. People shouldn't only be Christains on sunday, or saturday, or whenever. It should be a part of the way you think, the decisions you make, and the goals we have in life. So in answer to your question, yes, I think that many of us as Christians have forgotten who we are and why we're here. That's probably one of the reasons that the world is in such bad shape.
97383
I think it's great to go to several churches. It's also great to find one that you consider your home church. You can do this without turning your back on other denominations. The church needs more people like you who are not only willing, but excited to cross the denominational lines. Afterall, unity is so important!
125021
People who go to church are no different than people who do not.\nSome people are cruel and hartless and some are not.\nWhen dealing with humanity, expect the best and be prepared for the worst (in church and out).
425730
I'd like to know the answer too. It's a phenomena that links Christians to the political right and thus to gas-guzzling, Bush-supporting SUV's. My vote for a church that believes that "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions?"...Try United Church of Christ. Its a socially progressive denomenation that truly looks at the words of Christ and tries to make a difference in the community. Good question.
331923
No. Christianity is about who you are, not just random choices you make.\n\nGrace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.\nBut also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.\nTherefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  II Peter 1:2-10\n\nLet us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:\n Fear God and keep His commandments,\n For this is man’s all.  Ecclesiastes 12:13
1046475
Yes I really like going to church.  First of all, the church I go to is an excellent bible teaching church, and I learn so much.  We begin at Genesis and go through to Revelation....it takes us about 8 years!  We're in Mark right now.  The people in church love the Lord so much.  We have such wonderful praise and worship music.  It's a very beautiful, joyful and educational experience...and I love going.
1064858
YES.  Maybe for different reasons.\n\nThis is a cage for Christians.\n\nWe will be set free.\n\n.         :)\n\n.