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No Desire To Attend Church

Bonairos

Bonairos

Member
People who have no desire to attend church. A physical church.

They say, "I believe in God, but I have no desire to attend church!"

Question is, "Why?"

Real Christian Living. Real Issues. Real Struggles.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
 
I think it has a lot to do with the "have it your way" attitude that seems to be prevalent today.

It's been my observation that a lot of folks go with the attitude of: "What can I get out of this" instead of: "Lord, how can I serve you in this place", not realizing that it is in the service of God and the exercise of one's ministry gifts for the edification of the church that the true blessings come.

Looking for the "perfect" church...and not finding it, giving up....
 
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.
 
This attitude is an attack from the devil plain and simple.

Of course he doesn't want you going to church were you get support and you build up your faith.

If he can keep you away from other believers he has a lot better chance of making you stumble.



Surround yourself with other believers and pray for each other. :thumbsup
 
Bonairos said:
People who have no desire to attend church. A physical church.

They say, "I believe in God, but I have no desire to attend church!"

Question is, "Why?"

Real Christian Living. Real Issues. Real Struggles.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
Click to expand...
The posted question is this, right? Question is, "Why?"

Gen. 6:3 documents that the Holy Spirit was 'STRIVING WITH THE PRE/FLOOD ONES FOR 120 Years'

I do not think that there is any of mankind who does not have a desire to Worship God, at least at first. And just going to church?? Any church?? Does that benifit any one individual??

And what makes a church, if not Christ being in the Church? When we read John 10:16 we find that Christ stated Himself that He had His OWN in other folds that He would bring... would leave! If He were in these 'folds' why must they leave?? So perhaps these ones see something that most do not? Read Rev. 18:4

And we are asking things that we do not have any answer for as I see it. Only God knows the heart.

But, Rom. 2:14-15 does tell 'me' that there will be many who will be saved with God's 'Law Written in their hearts' that had never even heard of our Lord the way that we had, but LEARNED OF HIM FROM HIS NATURE! And to have the Law of God in ones heart, requires the Born Again Life as I read it. Acts 5:32 John 3:3-8 2 Cor. 3:3.


That kind of tell's me that the Christian's WORK IS A 'LOVING' PRIVALEGE, and NOT A NECESSITY for God to save the lost!

Even of the ones of Japan's 10,000+ in the Japan's disaster who most likely did not know the truth as did some of us, as seen in Luke 12:47-48 surely will not be accountable on past their knowledge that Rom. 8:14 Holy Spirit had given them.


--Elijah
 
I've never understood the isolationist either. Meanwhile, you have Christians risking their lives in persecuted areas just to feed and be fed in fellowship.
 
There are two classes of why, I think.

One class is the average class that most run into. The "I do not think its necessary", {but its because I want to do my own thing}, class. They do not want to because they want their own thing.

But there is another class. The class that says "I want to, but I will not be yoked with unbelievers". This class still yet has a desire to be with other people, but does not want to go against the striving of the Spirit in their life.

We make the assumption that if a church has the name "Jesus, Christ, or Church" in its title, then its a group of believers. Of course, then we will admit that not "all" of them are believers. But what we are doing is admitting full well the exact thing that Paul told us to NOT do. Interesting.

I will not beat down another person for not attending a 'church' building. And if they know full well why it is they do not go, then I am all for it. But sad to say, most of the time it is from pure selfish reasons and not Godly ones.

We should be real careful what we call "church" today. Most of it is not. Most of it is simply a group of people coming together to hear someone talk about God. In fact, "church" today is more like the Synagogue's of Jesus' time. "Churches" today do not adherer to most of the teachings of the NT. Need a list? It really takes no interpretation other than word for word reading from the letters written to the REAL churches.
 
Hmmmm. Perhaps I should clarify the thread.

I’m aware WE may not see any reason for not desiring to attend church, but let’s get out of the box for a moment and put ourselves in another person’s shoes. Unless of course we (in the church) are so focused on ourselves that we must distinguish between “us†and “themâ€. If that’s the case, then end of thread.

I can think of several reasons why a Believer (in God) has stopped or now has no desire to attend church. But as the OP I’m not trying to get my points across. I’m attempting to get “US†in the Christian realm to go beyond thinking of ourselves and what we do or don’t do. Sorta like Paul saying, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.â€

Perhaps I'm in the wrong place, asking the wrong probing questions, with the wrong (silent or not) readers in mind.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
 
Bonairos said:
Hmmmm. Perhaps I should clarify the thread.

I’m aware WE may not see any reason for not desiring to attend church, but let’s get out of the box for a moment and put ourselves in another person’s shoes. Unless of course we (in the church) are so focused on ourselves that we must distinguish between “us†and “themâ€. If that’s the case, then end of thread.

I can think of several reasons why a Believer (in God) has stopped or now has no desire to attend church. But as the OP I’m not trying to get my points across. I’m attempting to get “US†in the Christian realm to go beyond thinking of ourselves and what we do or don’t do. Sorta like Paul saying, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.â€

Perhaps I'm in the wrong place, asking the wrong probing questions, with the wrong (silent or not) readers in mind.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
Click to expand...

Ok then. Are we talking about believers or non-believers who have "no desire"?
 
The answer: Be thrilled with the uniqueness of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus. And heed what the New Testament says: 'forsake not the assembling of yourselves together'.
 
Bonairos said:
Why not both? Is there something they see, feel, endure, etc. that we don't?

The point is gathering and not scattering.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
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Well, that depends on what side "we" are on. ;)

But yes, the opposite is true. We, believers, feel, see, and hear a lot different than them; or at least we should...

Maybe what your "seeing" in their lack of desire is the outcome of our effort to become like them, instead of our call to 'be separate'.

I could be wrong, but ask a person who does not want to go to church and a lot of the time they comment that it's no use because people in the church are just like the ones outside except they 'act' different inside the church building...
 
Bonairos said:
Why not both? Is there something they see, feel, endure, etc. that we don't?

The point is gathering and not scattering.


Be blessed, Stay blessed!
Click to expand...

If you think about it...early Christians could have been accused of 'scattering' by the religious people of that day. In fact, one of them said that "if it's not of God then it won't prosper".

We also have to admit that in the end times it is God Himself that calls people out of a corrupt 'look-a-like' church.

There are a lot of variables to your question.
 
Let me express my opinion as to "Why?"

Because the "Church" today is not equiped to handle Real Issues!! No one (okay, when I say no one...I don't mean you necessarily) is ready to be "Real"! Church is a place where you go to feel good...to sing praise songs...to listen to a canned message. It is not equiped to speak to the "real" challenges most of us "Christians" struggle with! That is to say if we were being honest.

Tell me, what would you say to the person who loves the Lord (is part of your local church) that comes to you and tells you that they are struggling with thoughts of having sex with someone of the same gender?? And is married??
I can just hear the response," I would question if they are really Christians!"

Oh, wait...Here's a good one, What about the Christian who comes to you and tells you they are strugling with pornography?? OOOHHHHHH.

How about the woman who says she is married for 10 years but is now pregnant with another mans child???

Shame on them!!! right?? Come on now. I viewed the thread about cigarette smoking christians!! Everyones claws came out!!

If the body of Christ "Church" going people can't even handle something as simple as smoking cigarettes, what makes you think they can handle anything bigger than that???

So, let us take off our gloves (boxing and inspection) and let's really face the truth! People have real problems! Things that they come to God with daily and ask for help.

Do we really expect them to open up and be real to us if we ourselves cannot be real? How can we expect anyone to come and face a crowd of outraged and pious people who can't handle the truth?? And not just that, but have no answers?? And Who can't (no, won't) get past the judgements that automatically come to their mind?

So, back to the question. The church today as I have seen it, can't handle the real! So, if coming to a church is dressing up in our Sunday best and pasting a smile on our face to say "Present and accounted for" than thats just a waste of time! Mine and yours!!

Let me add...I hear the voices in the crowd shouting, "Church is a place to worship God"! Well, if that's my only option, coming to Church to Worship God with a mob of unforgiving, judgemental people...then I'd rather stay home and worship God in "Spirit and in Truth!"
 
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Attending Church is the only way I can worship God out loud, not to have that is just saddening. I feel sorry for the people who just stand in Church and not sing worshiping God, I have been there........its not fun. I feel even more sorry for those who follow Christ, but not go to Church.
 
Going to church can feel like doing a chore for many people. Its an inconvenience in their lives, even if they are christian. They would rather sleep in, would rather watch a football game, go to an event, or go shopping all while making an excuse that going to church isnt what makes you a Christian. If believers loved and were excited about church as some of those other things, you could be sure they would attend every week and get involved and be early! I myself struggle sometimes with boredom in church, I wont lie. Sometimes I am really excited to go and other times I really dont want to go. The important thing is I go because I want to please God and I also realize the importance of going to church to come together in the body of Christ and fellowship. Bottom line is God wants us in church, so we should go whether or not we feel like it. So yes, I believe that the main reason why people have no desire to attend church is.... for believers, it feels like a chore that can be easily put off, and for non-believers, there is no point to go. It would be wasted time for them.
 
GracenMercy said:
Let me express my opinion as to "Why?"

Because the "Church" today is not equiped to handle Real Issues!! No one (okay, when I say no one...I don't mean you necessarily) is ready to be "Real"! Church is a place where you go to feel good...to sing praise songs...to listen to a canned message. It is not equiped to speak to the "real" challenges most of us "Christians" struggle with! That is to say if we were being honest.

Tell me, what would you say to the person who loves the Lord (is part of your local church) that comes to you and tells you that they are struggling with thoughts of having sex with someone of the same gender?? And is married??
I can just hear the response," I would question if they are really Christians!"

Oh, wait...Here's a good one, What about the Christian who comes to you and tells you they are strugling with pornography?? OOOHHHHHH.

How about the woman who says she is married for 10 years but is now pregnant with another mans child???

Shame on them!!! right?? Come on now. I viewed the thread about cigarette smoking christians!! Everyones claws came out!!

If the body of Christ "Church" going people can't even handle something as simple as smoking cigarettes, what makes you think they can handle anything bigger than that???

So, let us take off our gloves (boxing and inspection) and let's really face the truth! People have real problems! Things that they come to God with daily and ask for help.

Do we really expect them to open up and be real to us if we ourselves cannot be real? How can we expect anyone to come and face a crowd of outraged and pious people who can't handle the truth?? And not just that, but have no answers?? And Who can't (no, won't) get past the judgements that automatically come to their mind?

So, back to the question. The church today as I have seen it, can't handle the real! So, if coming to a church is dressing up in our Sunday best and pasting a smile on our face to say "Present and accounted for" than thats just a waste of time! Mine and yours!!

Let me add...I hear the voices in the crowd shouting, "Church is a place to worship God"! Well, if that's my only option, coming to Church to Worship God with a mob of unforgiving, judgemental people...then I'd rather stay home and worship God in "Spirit and in Truth!"
Click to expand...
I'm having a hard time with your post. You seem to have some strong opinions but I'm not sure where you stand on the points you've made. Your post seems to suggest you feel one way and then later the opposite. I'm confused and don't know how to address your questions.
 
WIP said:
I'm having a hard time with your post. You seem to have some strong opinions but I'm not sure where you stand on the points you've made. Your post seems to suggest you feel one way and then later the opposite. I'm confused and don't know how to address your questions.
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Sorry. My initial post was not in response to anyone who had posted on this thread. I have issues with past experiences concerning the church not being there for me when I felt I needed love, compassion and answers. I was probably too harsh in my post and for that I apologize.

You are right that I am a bit bi-polar in my thoughts. Point taken. Just trying to sort out where I see the Church and my role in it.

Dealing with some open wounds that have yet to be healed. Forgive me for being out of line.
 
Bonairos said:
I’m aware WE may not see any reason for not desiring to attend church, but let’s get out of the box for a moment and put ourselves in another person’s shoes.

I can think of several reasons why a Believer (in God) has stopped or now has no desire to attend church.

Be blessed, Stay blessed!
Click to expand...

I'll speak for the believer who is not desiring to attend church because I am that believer. My reasons are various, but the main reason is because I believe that the churches have mischaractorized, misunderstood, and mistaught the scriptures and have set up corporate institutions based on the teachings and commandments of men cloked under the name of the Lord and in the process have deceiveds the masses.

I believe church is a bad thing to the extent that churches wear the name of the Lord when in actuality they are institutions of men. Nothing is wrong with linking with a church when one realizes this, but when one promotes the church institution as God's household and the place where one must come to worship the Lord, then the problem arises. If one uses the church to seek out, meet, and befriend other believers that is a good thing, but to dedicate oneself to the worship and exultation of a religious institution is borderline idolotry IMBO.

Having said that, I not not believe for a moment that the believer is to be an island to himself. Believers are to seek out and consider one another so that we can fellowship and provoke each other to love and good works.
 
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