Do you need to go to a church to worship God?

Ok I'll start. No you don't have to go to church to worship God. And I don't think that you have to have faith in ONE religion either.

I personally do not believe you have to attend Church to be with God. He resides inside us if we have chosen to accept him. A place to congregate is really of no impact, but how we live and how we conduct ourselves, the amount of love we give to God and other people is what makes the difference in us. Some people believe as Christians, we need fellowship to grow, to ease the pain of other people, to meet their needs (be it faith, money, food, compassion), and to remember what Jesus sacrificed for us. This I don't disagree with, its the strength of the masses so to speak. Like minded people congregating to strengthen their faith, to lean on each other etc.

Really depends on what the Bible says. If you believe in it fine, but if you don't that's ok too.

No, I don't think you have to attend church to worship but I do believe that you need to be around others of faith who can support you and encourage you. I know that sometimes in my life when I think things can't get worse it helps when someone tells me "I'm praying for you" or "I've asked God to give you strength". Even though I am praying too, it is good to know I have others to help me in my petitions especially when I feel like I don't deserve God's help.

I think it all depends on what God you worship. I don't believe in only one God. I believe in the Mythical Gods. For example when I am out fishing and things are slow, I look to the Great God Neptune for advice. I believe church for a lot of folks is a place to hook up with friends for coffee and cake. It is also a place where you may find an employer or two. I wonder where Allah fits into this?

Johnny Love

You are either a spiritual being or not.
Either is fine.
Going to church has nothing to do with how spiritual you may or may not be.
The bible is one interpretation of religion.
There are many, many religions throughout this big orb that we live on.
I have lived in many countries and experienced many different cultures and their religions.
No one religion owns the rights to God.

Good explanation!!!! I agree.

Johnny

Thank you, Grasshopper

I believe there is only one true God. Do you have to go to church to believe in him? No. However, the Bible is very clear as to how we show our love of God. Trust and obedience. He commands us to assemble with other christians for worship. He also says "where two or more are gathered in my name, so there, will I be". It's not the building, but I believe the building serves another purpose. When believers are seen traveling to and from church, they set an example of obedience.

With that said, I fall far short in my obedience. My own fault though. Doesn't give me the excuse to shed his requirements or expectations of me.

great post

I just started back after being gone for a couple of years. It feels great.

I dont feel that you have to go to church to worship God, I also dont believe that just because someone goes to church it makes them a christian. I know alot of people around this town that go to church religiously, however, I dont know anyone that NEEDS to be there more than they do. Some of the most hateful, egotistical, self centered, two faced people ive ever known can be found in churches on sundays. I do believe that the Lord wants us to go and be a part of the fellowship and worship together. But I dont believe you would be condemned if you chose to skip the political scene that most churches seem to have going on nowadays to stay at home and worship on a more private and spiritual level.

Very well stated!