No Desire To Attend Church

[Bonairos]

Let me start by saying I'm very committed to local church. I worked as a pastor for 5 years - which also means I've been burnt by churches.

I too know the limp and appreciate your perspective.

I think that part of the problem, at least in many churches I know, is the pastors understanding of church. The church is the vision of the pastor! This comes from the leadership stuff that gets taught to pastors.

Unfortunately when church becomes reduced to the vision of the pastor, then it is no longer about the people, even when the vision is helping people! Because people are secondary to achieving the aim. People become 'used' to fulfill the vision.

It is hard to find a place to share 'real' issues, when the church is busy building the vision of the pastor. How does someone struggling with sexual issues, or drug issues fit in with the vision of the perfect church? Often they don't.

And while I agree we need to be putting into church, not just taking, pastors love that stuff as well - because it is about you achieving their goal! When people start sensing this, they can feel used.

And what is even more distresses is that pastors turn to 'leadership skills' because they need to grow the church, so they can pay their bills! So then people start to sense that money is behind what is going on. And unfortunately often it is.

Hmmmm, what can I say about this but "EXCELLENT POINT!"



Be blessed, Stay blessed!

 

[Lloyd]

Lloyd, when and where do you take communion?


And, if it's OK for us to not be a part of a local fellowship with pastors and teachers and those equipped, why did God give the church pastors, teachers, bishops etc.

"I don't want to put on my 'sunday best' to praise the Lord, I hope that my actions and my life and my words praise him each and every day. My life is for the Lord, not a certain day of the week, or a certain place of worship but every step I take, I pray and hope I do it for the Lord."

I do agree with this, I view pretty much every day the same as well, but still find value in joining together with other believers for communion and for corporate worship.

It's easy to make the local church a "whipping boy" of bad Christianity...as we see from this thread, and from the "Us and Them" thread, local churches are filled with fallen sinful people...but, nonetheless the Holy Spirit exhorts us to not forsake assembling together.

I think the very fact that the local church is filled with difficult people is part of the reason why we're exhorted to be a part of it. We need to be in there with each other, stimulating each other, exhorting each other, learning from each other and worshiping with each other.

Lone guns are just as susceptible as congregations to false doctrines, false teachers and judgmental attitudes. One doesn't avoid these things by avoiding church...one just internalizes them. It's good and healthy to be challenged by others and to be held accountable by others. For all her warts...the local Body does these things.

Hi Handy

For Communion, I keep it between myself and the Lord. I'm guessing by communion, you mean wine/unleaven bread? Excuse my lack of understanding on certain things. Yes, I share my moment with the Lord...

Thanks for your post.

 

[Lloyd]

This is one of the reasons I think it is so important to remember that attending or belonging to a church is more about what we can put into it than what we get out of it. If we participate in a church for us rather than an opportunity to worship God in unity then I think we are mistaken. Something to think about.

That's a great point that I haven't thought of before.. thanks

 

[NestForASparrow]

I used to think the same way, that my relationship with God was just a personal thing. I believed I was a Christian at the time, but I was not as I had not received the Holy Spirit and did not believe in the Spirit.

They just have to find the right Church for them. At my current Church, I received the Holy Spirit some years back. Not out of anything I did, but out of God's mercy. To make a stubborn guy like me relent is a miracle.

 

[l'Chante]

Why would someone NOT want a church family?

I attend church and I love it.

Our minister is amazing. He is the most talented preacher in history and he has the most amazing character to top it. <O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

But that is as far as it goes. A while ago, both of my parents were fighting cancer and I was emotionally drained. I worked a full time job (10 hours a day) had to attend to my little girl (whom has special needs) and I had to take care of the household over and above taking care of my parents. I actually had to ignore people at our front gate whom wanted to visit my parents and I took the phone of the hook and switched the cell phones off. The congregation was literally harassing me to a point were I chased people away and told them that I will call the police if they don’t quit.<O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p

I understand that bulk of society are social beings and they have absolutely no insight into an introvert’s outlook on life or their need to just be alone and deal with whatever life dishes out at them. I don’t want a ‘church family’. I really, really don’t. I find people on the overall to drain my energy and I avoid social interaction at all costs.<O:p</O:p

 

[taromina2003]

I don't get it. Why would someone NOT want a church family?

I've never understood this, and it make me question the heart of the person who has no desire to attend church.

Mathew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

If I am discussing my Christian faith with fellow Christians online would that be considered church? I myself do not attend a church but I love the Bible, I love to talk about my faith to all who will listen to me. I am not saying I wont ever attend church, in fact I would love to but I personally have not found one that I feel is genuine.

 

[Alabaster]

Mathew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

If I am discussing my Christian faith with fellow Christians online would that be considered church? I myself do not attend a church but I love the Bible, I love to talk about my faith to all who will listen to me. I am not saying I wont ever attend church, in fact I would love to but I personally have not found one that I feel is genuine.

No. That scripture is out of context for it to be considered church in any way.

When I was without a church for a short time because we moved, I asked the Lord to find me a good church that he wanted for us to be planted in. Planting is an appropriate word as we need to be in a local church family for growth. Within three weeks and the second church we went to we found our 'home'. God is more interested in making sure we are planted in the right garden than we are.

Ask God to take you to where He wants you. He will do it. He is just waiting to be asked. If you love the Scriptures, you will love even more to have them opened to you with good Godly teaching and insight. If you love to share your faith, you will enjoy being taught how to do it effectively, and in having a place to lead others you meet outside of the church for their own needs for worship and good teaching. How would you guide someone you lead to Jesus if you have no place to take them?

God wants you in His house.

 

[taromina2003]

No. That scripture is out of context for it to be considered church in any way.

When I was without a church for a short time because we moved, I asked the Lord to find me a good church that he wanted for us to be planted in. Planting is an appropriate word as we need to be in a local church family for growth. Within three weeks and the second church we went to we found our 'home'. God is more interested in making sure we are planted in the right garden than we are.

Ask God to take you to where He wants you. He will do it. He is just waiting to be asked. If you love the Scriptures, you will love even more to have them opened to you with good Godly teaching and insight. If you love to share your faith, you will enjoy being taught how to do it effectively, and in having a place to lead others you meet outside of the church for their own needs for worship and good teaching. How would you guide someone you lead to Jesus if you have no place to take them?

God wants you in His house.

Thank you for your opinion, not everyone can attend a church dating back to the begining of Christianity and in some parts of the world now for fear of persecution or no availability. Just think about that for a moment.

 

[Alabaster]

Thank you for your opinion, not everyone can attend a church dating back to the begining of Christianity and in some parts of the world now for fear of persecution or no availability. Just think about that for a moment.

Those who are persecuted find a way. We don't have that excuse here, do we? Instead we free, fat, spoiled Christians have become lazy and comfort-seeking and have decided that some of God's instructions are not worthy of heeding.

 

[taromina2003]

Those who are persecuted find a way. We don't have that excuse here, do we? Instead we free, fat, spoiled Christians have become lazy and comfort-seeking and have decided that some of God's instructions are not worthy of heeding.

Thank you again for your opinion and I am quite confident that my morning bible studies, my daily prayers and worship to the Father as well as asking him how can I serve him today will probably suffice, somehow not making it to a "church" on a Sunday for 45 minutes of singing and a snippet of sermon is going to make or break my salvation. I think fellowship can be done right here on this board if it is done in kindness and respect of our fellow board members opinions.

 

[Alabaster]

Thank you again for your opinion and I am quite confident that my morning bible studies, my daily prayers and worship to the Father as well as asking him how can I serve him today will probably suffice, somehow not making it to a "church" on a Sunday for 45 minutes of singing and a snippet of sermon is going to make or break my salvation. I think fellowship can be done right here on this board if it is done in kindness and respect of our fellow board members opinions.

You are rationalizing disobedience. You are saying to God, "Thanks but no thanks. I'll do it my way."

You must have had a very poor church experience to characterize it in that way. There are many excellent churches that are a joy to serve God in. He designed it that way for us, and we need to take hold of His way.

Membership at a Christian forum is no substitute for good Spiritual nutrition.

 

[taromina2003]

You are rationalizing disobedience. You are saying to God, "Thanks but no thanks. I'll do it my way."

You must have had a very poor church experience to characterize it in that way. There are many excellent churches that are a joy to serve God in. He designed it that way for us, and we need to take hold of His way.

Membership at a Christian forum is no substitute for good Spiritual nutrition.

I came here to enjoy the opinions and thoughts of other Christians or non-Christians who are exploring their spiritual quest, I get plenty of Spiritual nutrition from my daily bible studies and prayers to the father or perhaps you are only reading what you want to read and not reading my entire posts because you seem very closed minded to the fact that one cannot have a relationship with Christ unless it is communicated in a church? Have you ever heard of a dead church? there are to many to count unfortunatly, and if you read my posts thoroughly you would see I am not opposed to going to church I just don't feel the need nor have I found one I feel is genuine but it doesn't stop me from studying the word or worshiping the father.

There are plenty of church going Christians that don't even bother to open their bibles except on Sunday. Are you really convinced that if one doesn't attend a church that they are not spiritually fullfilled? Church obviously has it's place but not everyone has found their church. Maybe you should be little more open minded and not so quick to judge.

 

[Alabaster]

I came here to enjoy the opinions and thoughts of other Christians or non-Christians who are exploring their spiritual quest, I get plenty of Spiritual nutrition from my daily bible studies and prayers to the father or perhaps you are only reading what you want to read and not reading my entire posts because you seem very closed minded to the fact that one cannot have a relationship with Christ unless it is communicated in a church?

You say you do not have a need for a local church, that what you think you are doing will 'suffice'. Am I wrong?

Have you ever heard of a dead church? there are to many to count unfortunatly, and if you read my posts thoroughly you would see I am not opposed to going to church I just don't feel the need nor have I found one I feel is genuine but it doesn't stop me from studying the word or worshiping the father.

Whether or not we feel the need, we need to obey God. It is important to Him. I pray that you will continue to seek out a good church, and I know you will succeed when you ask God to find it for you.

There are plenty of church going Christians that don't even bother to open their bibles except on Sunday.

What does that have to do with you obeying God? There are millions of devoted believers in the churches who devour the word daily.

Are you really convinced that if one doesn't attend a church that they are not spiritually fullfilled?

Yes.

Church obviously has it's place but not everyone has found their church. Maybe you should be little more open minded and not so quick to judge.

Church has it's place, but...? God doesn't call us to be open minded about what He considers important things. An open mind is dangerous. We could fall in.

 

[Alabaster]

I think a reprise of an old thread is needed here, in order to help people see the importance of the local church to our walk with God and victory in our lives...

(I think all scriptural references are NLT)


WHY DO WE NEED CHURCH?

1. It is good for people not to be alone.

Genesis 2:18
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone...â€

2. The Church is the family of God. Just as a child needs a family for protection and growth, so we too need a spiritual family for the same reasons.

Psalm 68:6
God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

3. Being in a local church helps protect us from deception.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

4. Being in a local church helps protect us from false teaching.

2 Peter 2:1
But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.

5. The local church is a place for us to discover, develop, and release our gifts and talents to glorify God.

Read Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12.

6. We are encouraged by God to encourage each other in love, spurring on one another in our walk, remembering to meet together regularly.

Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.



PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF CHURCH:

1. Every person can function: A word of instruction, an interpretation, a hymn, etc. Someone who is outside of a local body cannot participate as God requires, and one's gifts go unused.

1 Corinthians 14:26
Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

2. Each person can be discipled. Jesus commands us TO disciple as well as BE discipled.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

3. Each person can be trained. all through the gospels we see Jesus training twelve men who would later turn the world upside down!

4. Every member can be a minister. We grow into maturity, receiving gifts and using them.

Ephesians 4:11-16
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

5. Every believer needs valuable relationships. Jesus is the ultimate friend. We learn about friendship.

John 13:15
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

John 15:15
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

6. You can reach your friends and family for Christ.

Matthew 28:16-19
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 

[taromina2003]

You say you do not have a need for a local church, that what you think you are doing will 'suffice'. Am I wrong?

Whether or not we feel the need, we need to obey God. It is important to Him. I pray that you will continue to seek out a good church, and I know you will succeed when you ask God to find it for you.

What does that have to do with you obeying God? There are millions of devoted believers in the churches who devour the word daily.

Yes.

Church has it's place, but...? God doesn't call us to be open minded about what He considers important things. An open mind is dangerous. We could fall in.

I don't mean to be foul (Sorry but that is my lame attempt at humor) I appreciate your concern and your time in responding to my posts but... 4 walls and a stepil with a sign does not make a church... Jesus is in my heart and soul.. I ask the good Lord every morning in Christ's name " what can I do for you Lord" and when brothers and sisters around me need me I try my best to serve them. Thank you again for your concern but please don't be so legalistic about your faith and please have an open heart and realize that the good Lord can be found, worshiped and loved anywhere and any place. God Bless

 

[Alabaster]

I don't mean to be foul (Sorry but that is my lame attempt at humor) I appreciate your concern and your time in responding to my posts but... 4 walls and a stepil with a sign does not make a church... Jesus is in my heart and soul.. I ask the good Lord every morning in Christ's name " what can I do for you Lord" and when brothers and sisters around me need me I try my best to serve them. Thank you again for your concern but please don't be so legalistic about your faith and please have an open heart and realize that the good Lord can be found, worshiped and loved anywhere and any place. God Bless

Ask the Lord to find you a great church. He wants to. He will do it. I am not being legalistic---I detest legalism. I am all about obeying God.

There is such a thing as an independent spirit. Being a part of the house of God will help alleviate that tendency.

He established the order in which we fellowship---in groups we call churches, whether they be home churches or regular churches, and as all Jesus' followers assembled in that way, and He did faithfully attend synagogue, we can be sure He wants us to follow that same way of life.

Living outside the Body is not being a part of the Body, is it? Body parts need to be connected.

 

[taromina2003]

Ask the Lord to find you a great church. He wants to. He will do it. I am not being legalistic---I detest legalism. I am all about obeying God.

There is such a thing as an independent spirit. Being a part of the house of God will help alleviate that tendency.

He established the order in which we fellowship---in groups we call churches, whether they be home churches or regular churches, and as all Jesus' followers assembled in that way, and He did faithfully attend synagogue, we can be sure He wants us to follow that same way of life.

Living outside the Body is not being a part of the Body, is it? Body parts need to be connected.

We are connected as long as Jesus is our Lord and High Priest, Church does not connect me, the Holy Spirit and the good word connect me not some building. Thanks again.

 

[Alabaster]

We are connected as long as Jesus is our Lord and High Priest, Church does not connect me, the Holy Spirit and the good word connect me not some building. Thanks again.

Yes it really does.

Where do you take communion?

We need the Body, or we are simply not part of the Church. The Lord tells us that we must not separate ourselves, or think too highly of oursleves. We need each other. Separation from the Body keeps us from growing straight and healthy because there is no one to correct us! Iron sharpens iron! Most people we meet who have strange spiritual views are those who have abandoned church.

1 Corinthians 12:18-21 NLT
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-28612">18</sup> But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-28613">19</sup> How strange a body would be if it had only one part! <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-28614">20</sup> Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-28615">21</sup> The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.†The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.â€


We are not to deprive the Body of our gifts and abilities. They are for use FIRST in the Body---not the world. We all need a home base to spring from.

 

[taromina2003]

Yes it really does.

Where do you take communion?

We need the Body, or we are simply not part of the Church. The Lord tells us that we must not separate ourselves, or think too highly of oursleves. We need each other. Separation from the Body keeps us from growing straight and healthy because there is no one to correct us! Iron sharpens iron! Most people we meet who have strange spiritual views are those who have abandoned church.

1 Corinthians 12:18-21 NLT
<SUP id=en-NLT-28612 class=versenum>18</SUP> But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. <SUP id=en-NLT-28613 class=versenum>19</SUP> How strange a body would be if it had only one part! <SUP id=en-NLT-28614 class=versenum>20</SUP> Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. <SUP id=en-NLT-28615 class=versenum>21</SUP> The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.†The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.â€


We are not to deprive the Body of our gifts and abilities. They are for use FIRST in the Body---not the world. We all need a home base to spring from.

You are Catholic? I can take communion at home everyday if I wish to do, Jesus is my High Priest not somebody that man has designated as high Priest. Thanks again.

 

[Isrealite144000]

Many Christians today are very judgemental yet they are not to judge others. Gods love for us is unconditional and all forgiving and I must be the same to be apart of his Kingdom.
Maybe you are looking for the right Church? Yes I know there are many churches to choose from! and so much division within all of them. So the first thing is to find yourself, for you are his Church and His Temple.

God Dwells within you!
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you!
The Holy Sprit lives within you!
He is within us as we are within him.

So look for God within yourself first! and then He will guide you into all truth!

<DIR>2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.


</DIR>