Is Church Mandatory?

[no_halo]

I'm thinking of giving my life to the Lord, but I have a lot of obstacles I have to overcome. One is church. The church I attended as a child was very judgemental and not at all welcoming. Instead of faith, the focus was on rules and obedience. It was very stifling, and when I was fifteen I left it and considered myself an atheist. Now I am thinking of examining Christianity from a less reactionary standpoint. I do believe in Jesus, but still have a lot of issues with God and also with Christian history and Christian people in some cases. I sometimes think I would benefit from attending a church, or at least an evening Bible study, but I'm afraid a churchy environment will just drive me away. Does one have to go to church to be a Christian? I keep a prayer journal, read the Bible and other Christian books at home, but I don't have any friends who share my views and I feel it would be easier to have a support group. Are all churches condemning and oppressive? Are there churches that celebrate and welcome instead of judge and criticize?

[rogsr]

Church is, in my opinion, essential to spiritual growth but not a necessary obligation. Many early believers, like back in the day, lived solitary lives. However, we do not live in the days of old and we face the adversary while he is unchained. So, church, while being unnecessary is the best place to live outside of living alone in a cave or in a monestary. That is why we have churches in the first place. They are supposed to be a tight community of spiritual brothers and sisters. Imagine how important church was in the first century during the first great christian persecution. One minute you are having a secret mass, and the next you are being fed to lions. So, take your time in finding a church and live by the two great commandments, which are necessary. Love God with all your mind, body, and soul; and love everyone as Christ has loved you.

[servant4ever]

No, you do NOT have to go to church to be a Christian. However, I do attend a church that is really welcoming and not focused on rules. I had the same problem you did when I first came to college, I just didn't like any of the churches around, and my college is in a metropolitan area! Then, one week my roommate told me he was going to take me to this church and ever since that first step into the church I knew that this church would be my "homechurch" while at college! There are churches around that do celebrate what Jesus did for them! I would encourage you to give your life to Lord Jesus Christ, as He wants you to do it. You can send me some of your issues with God and Christian history and Christians by a PM and I will respond ASAP. :)

God bless you

servant4ever

[theFijian]

You do not have to go to church to be a Christian, but if a Christian does not want to meet with his or her brothers and sisters in Christ to worship him then there's something amiss.

I understand that some people don't like a lot of aspects of church going, but nothing is perfect in this life.

[Jessica Lauren]

No you do not have to. I go because I'm comfortable in my Church, and I enjoy hearing the sermons. :)

[theFijian]

Important point to add: going to church does not make you a Christian.

[StAnselm]

...any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car. :D

[no_halo]

I would like to go to church and have fellowship and Christian friends, but I just worry that a judgemental church will turn me off and push me back to feeling rebellious. I am currently in college, and there is a church near me that advertises a Thursday night Bible study for new Christians and those who are seeking. They meet in a restaurant, do a study and talk. I think that might work better for me then the traditional setting. My only concern is that it's Episcopalian, and I have no idea what that means.

[servant4ever]

Episcipalean is another Christian denomination just like Baptist and Lutherans, but with different believes. As I am not Episcipalean, this denomination is really similar (if I'm wrong, I apologize) to the Catholic church. Basically the Episcipaleans are the Church of England and they just don't have the Pope as a religious authority and they have some different books in the Old Testament (there is a debate as to what books are "true" to being God's word and not). Anyways, thos eare some quick beliefs about what they believe. From what it sounds like what you DON'T want to see in a church, I would recommend going to a nondenominational church -- a church is not affiliated with any denomination and they get their beliefs from the Bible, not tradition. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bash Episiciples, but just not a good use for right now, I love my brothers and sisters in Christ, that are Episciples)

I hope this helps a little...

servant4ever

[Krazy_4given_1]

I think it is not completely neccesary to go to church to a christian. I personally love going to church. Being a christian, in my opinion is about taking the Lord God as our savior. That doesn't mean you HAVE to go to church. Many people cannot go to to church due to medical prob. ect... but they can still be christians.
Now, this is just my opinoin, I could very easily say it IS completely neccesary to go to church in order to be a christian.
But, I think it is not completely neccesary.
God bless
kate

[rogsr]

I am Episcopal. We are very close to the Catholic church concerning orthodox beliefs, but we are liberal in our doctrine. I come from a Roman Catholic background and I view the Episcopal Church as kind of like a left leaning sect of the Catholic church. Not a wishy washy version just a very accepting Church. If you love Jesus then you will fit right in. Faith based, non-legalistic, and socially oriented. Before coming into the Episcopal Communtion I went to almost every kind of Christian church under the sun and I found a nice comfortable home in the Episcopal Church. Some people wear suits to sunday services, some wear jeans and polo shirts. It's a nice mix of people that come together in faith rather than divide over doctrinal regulations. Perhaps a bit too lenient at times but never too harsh.

Peace-

[fanatiquefou]

If you're interested in learning more about the Episcopal church, I'd suggest visiting the Anglican congregation forum on this board and asking some questions of the members there. The Episcopal Church of the USA is essentially the same thing as the Anglican Church (Church of England). I believe they're all part of the same worldwide communion, though I'm not sure if they all accept the Archbishop of Canterbury as their head - I'm assuming they do? Anyway, from my experience with the Anglican church, services can vary pretty widely. If you attend a 'high' church service, you're going to find that it closely resembles a Catholic mass. On the other hand, 'low' Anglican churches are often indistinguishable from your average evangelical congregation, complete with rock band performing praise choruses, et cetera. At any rate, good luck with your search - I know how hard it can be to find a church where you can feel at home (or at least not feel like you're fighting to remain civil and swallow your objections all the time). I'm going through the same situation myself right now.

[whatseekye]

Are there churches that celebrate and welcome instead of judge and criticize?
I was not raised in the Church, but when I became a Christian about 3 years ago, I spent a year solo before checking out churches. I visited quite a few of them. Every single one of the churches I visited was a totally unique place with a particular emphasis, style, and vibe. It took a little while until I found a Church that offered all the main things that I needed. (I needed: non-stuffy atmosphere, bible teaching, opportunities for fellowship and involvement, non-horrifying worship music, no legalism). I happened to find myself most comfortable at a Calvary chapel because of the emphasis on teaching through the bible verse by verse. Perhaps you could visit some churches without any feeling of having to commit. Visiting their sunday services is a little safer than going to a group meeting since you can come and go without feeling obligated to stay. Sit near the door and you can even leave before the service is over (if it's really uncomfortable or awful). After belonging to my church for two years, my big realization is that people aren't perfect but the church is a place to worship together and learn the bible with others who believe the same. I think it's important to know why you are going and don't let yourself place high expectations on other people for a feeling of well being at church.

[theFijian]

...any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car. :D
chuckle chuckle, you wiseguy! ^_^