What's so great about church??

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Jonthree6teen

Guest
#1
There was a time where I believed I didn't need a church in order to maintain a relationship with God. To be honest I still believe it.

I had a bad experience growing up in church. My father followed my old pastor and did everything he asked of him and then some.I felt as if church was the most important thing to him and he sometimes he even left us to go help the pastor with whatever. My pastor seemed to take the role of God, confusing my father in believing that "Church" was first and my family was second.

I remember I was 12 and during pantry night I was asked by my pastor to go wait for my father outside of the church in 20 below weather and around 9 o'clock at night. When it got too cold I wanted to go back inside, but the door to the church was locked. I didn't want to believe that my own pastor had just locked me out of the church! What made things even worst is that my own parents had known this had happened to me and they didn't do a thing.

There is so much more to tell, but I would have to share my testimony. Anyway I learned that church was only good for Fellowship and hearing the Word of God. I read the word of God everyday and my relationship with God has been stronger after I left church. I'll admit it would be nice to chat with people about what I've learned during my walk.

What do you think? I am wrong? What do you think the purpose for church is for? How does it benefit us Christians? Be as bold as you like and don't pull any punches with your answers.

God Bless
 
Feb 10, 2008
3,371
16
38
#2
Very thought provoking post. I'm sure I'll have more to add later.

I guess I'll start by saying that I have gone long periods of time without attending a church. I think people can grow in their walk without the support and guidance that a church provides, but the slow fading of sin is often difficult to detect and correct on your own. It is definitely easier to grow and stay strong when attending a church.

The image of the Body of Christ came to mind when thinking about churches. If you cut off a head or a foot, it doesn't do much good on its own. Also, the rest of the body is left handicapped. It's really only when all parts are together that a body is effective at much of anything. Also, throughout the Bible there are references to gathering in groups and the increased effects of such group activities.
 
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NinJaGGS

Guest
#3
I think church is an easily perverted institution. It can draw people into a closer relationship with God, or it can be used as an ego-trip.I think its a matter of what you find helpful. I find it helpful to go to church because it keeps me in check, my mind would trick me if I didn't have guidance. Also being around others who also struggle is helpful to me. But I go to an Orthodox church, which is very organized and pre-catholic. I went to a Baptist church for a while and found it very unhelpful to me. Sorry if it offends anyone but it gave me the creeps. However, God works miracles no matter where someone chooses to go.
 
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Ugly

Guest
#4
Sorry to hear about your bad situation. But the problem is you're basing all churches on one church. That's not fair. Yes, without a doubt there are bad churches, bad pastors, bad congregations. But there are also good ones. Its not fair to judge the good ones on one bad one. Neither is it fair to yourself to deprive yourself of the good at that can come from finding a good church. Friendship, fellowship, encouragement, bible studies, praise and worship, and even serving. Is it required? No, but the bible does encourage it.
I've been to some bad churches, but i've also been to good ones, and once i'm able i plan on going back to a good church i found nearby. I say if you can, start looking around for a nice church.
 
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nukreation

Guest
#5
Sorry to hear of your experiences. 'The Book of Eli' is a great movie about the misuse of the bible.

I've been blessed to have attended a church that I love for over twenty years. Something that I love about my church is that my pastor never criticises other churches, Christ will return for His bride one day after all.

My church has geat worship, but that isn't what I like about my church, you could enjoy the same worship at many churches, seeing as many churches use our songs (I go to Hillsong - yes it was and is a church before it became a music label)

My church has great teaching, but that isn't what I like about my church either. Some people from other churches even criticise us because out teaching isn't deep enough but I think if you want depth, then do some study in your own time. Week in, week out, the gospel is preached in one way or another and week in, week out, people are saved from lives of insecurity to lives of peace and joy.

I think what I love the most about my church is the people. I read that I should know His disciples by their love one for another, but I didn't feel that love. Then I realised that it wasn't them, it was ME. I would go to church and say 'Hi, how are you' to people but I didn't care how they were. I changed myself and decided to love people and funny thing happens when you start to love people they love you back.

I love my church but I'm sure that if you find a local church that teaches the grace of Jesus, and love the people there you will find Jesus there too.

I pray you find a church to love too.
 

mystdancer50

Senior Member
Feb 26, 2012
2,522
50
48
#6
The Bible tells us not to forsake the coming together as believers. You need to let go of the past and find a church that believes and follows God's Word. We are to be a part of the body of Christ in order to function. We all have a place. You can always find a person with a church horror story, myself included, but that doesn't mean you give up on church. It is vital to find a church home that teaches truth and doesn't adapt God's Word to fit them but strives to change to fit His Word. These churches exist...persevere and find one.
 

Lucy68

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
2,538
22
0
#7
There was a time where I believed I didn't need a church in order to maintain a relationship with God. To be honest I still believe it.

I had a bad experience growing up in church. My father followed my old pastor and did everything he asked of him and then some.I felt as if church was the most important thing to him and he sometimes he even left us to go help the pastor with whatever. My pastor seemed to take the role of God, confusing my father in believing that "Church" was first and my family was second.

I remember I was 12 and during pantry night I was asked by my pastor to go wait for my father outside of the church in 20 below weather and around 9 o'clock at night. When it got too cold I wanted to go back inside, but the door to the church was locked. I didn't want to believe that my own pastor had just locked me out of the church! What made things even worst is that my own parents had known this had happened to me and they didn't do a thing.

There is so much more to tell, but I would have to share my testimony. Anyway I learned that church was only good for Fellowship and hearing the Word of God. I read the word of God everyday and my relationship with God has been stronger after I left church. I'll admit it would be nice to chat with people about what I've learned during my walk.

What do you think? I am wrong? What do you think the purpose for church is for? How does it benefit us Christians? Be as bold as you like and don't pull any punches with your answers.

God Bless

Yes, it is extremely sad that there are many stories like yours about sour church experiences. It's good though, that you see that your relationship with Christ is more than just going to church.

I have attended churches that were more like social clubs with some scripture thrown in. And loyalty to 'the group' was more important than loyalty to Christ and to God's Word.

But, we need to remember that no person is perfect on this side of heaven. That the message is perfect, even if the messengers are not.

I do know that when I meet a few mature Christians that everything seems easier. And those are usually at a Church.

I suggest visiting around to different Churches and develop some relationships. You may find a small group bible study that will meet your desire for spiritual growth.

Praying for guidance for you :)
 
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simplyme_bekah

Guest
#8
If you go to church you are a lot less likely to slip and slide so easily down that slippery slope into sin. It gives you fellowship and friendships with other children of God. It grounds you and god is there. Who wouldn't want that?
 
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David_E

Guest
#9
The vast majority of the new testament is about attending church, and how to behave in a worthy manor. God wants you to go to church, he wants you to enjoy fellowship with other Christians, and to gather around and worship him. You had a bad experience at one, there are crooked pastors among us, but I think it's very important that you attend one, ask around, i'm sure you can find one that works for you.
 
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amiracle

Guest
#10
I am not going to tell you you need to go to church. Everyone is different. If you can sit at home on Sunday mornings and do your own praise and worhship then watch church via live stream or just read the Bible to yourself, that is good. Throw in somenbible study with others (to get a different perspectfive of the Word) and who is to say you are wrong? There are folks that go to church every Sunday that have absolutely no relationship with God. Some are dragged to church by spouses/ family members. Some are more focused on getting out of church so they can catch the game or go out to dinner before the restaurants get crowded. Basically I say do you. Going to church does not make you a christian. It is better for you to get more out of one-on-one fellowship with God than simply going to a building and mocking what you see everyone else doing (praise and worship) and listening to a sermon but not really getting anything from it.
I go to church sometimes so I can pay my tithes and hear new songs I can listen to in my personal praise and worship but honestly I just do not feel comfortable doing what everyone else does. I praise God in my own way alone, not for show. I also find it harder sometimes for me to focus on the sermon versus if I was at home and could take notes and really listen. It can be opposite though. Sometimes I watch church live stream and end up getting distracted from something in my room then I go to church and take in a lot more from the service from actually being there. It varies. I would say do what is best for you.
 
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rauleetoe

Guest
#11
It says in his word to forsake not the fellowship..assembling of yourselves..as some already have, that said it would be wise to just pick yourself up..get over this hurt, and find a place that feels like home..it took me some time..but i found a place..tge question remains..do you really want to get well? I believe its impirtant to fellowship..if you do not then you are walking in disobedience and are letting a past hurt shape you to this person that you are now..you can heal..there are good churches..i found an amazing spanish wesleyan church..never thought id give up the english speaking contemporary non denom servuces..but i love my new church..they teach the bible..and show you how to apply it in your life
 
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answers

Guest
#12
Remember the church is full of flesh (sinners) we all are to strive to be like Jesus, but that doesn't mean we are him.
Here are bible verses that pertain to church. Hope this is helpful.


Acts 20:28
28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Romans 12:3-5
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 12:12-26
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Ephesians 1:18-23
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 5:25-32 (#5 of 10 Bible Verses about the Church, the Body of Christ)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Colossians 1:17-20
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 3:14-16
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
 
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Siberian_Khatru

Guest
#13
I think church is an easily perverted institution. I think its a matter of what you find helpful.
*Siberian_Khatru "likes" this*

I felt as if church was the most important thing to him and he sometimes he even left us to go help the pastor with whatever. My pastor seemed to take the role of God, confusing my father in believing that "Church" was first and my family was second.
As hard as it can be to accept, God is to come before loved ones. You entered Church with quotes, however, so I'm not quite sure if what you're getting at is: Your dad put the Church (specifically) before family, or he put his Faith before family.

If you have the time and enjoy reading, I suggest picking up a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress, by Jon Bunyan. It touches on this on some level. :)
 
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EnaGoguette

Guest
#14
Church shouldn't be taken for granted! I'm 14 and I LOVE church! Church is a place for blessings and happiness!;)
 

Red_Tory

Senior Member
Jan 26, 2010
611
17
18
#15
To teach sound doctrine and combat heresy.
 
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Paulie079

Guest
#16
There was a time where I believed I didn't need a church in order to maintain a relationship with God. To be honest I still believe it.

I had a bad experience growing up in church. My father followed my old pastor and did everything he asked of him and then some.I felt as if church was the most important thing to him and he sometimes he even left us to go help the pastor with whatever. My pastor seemed to take the role of God, confusing my father in believing that "Church" was first and my family was second.

I remember I was 12 and during pantry night I was asked by my pastor to go wait for my father outside of the church in 20 below weather and around 9 o'clock at night. When it got too cold I wanted to go back inside, but the door to the church was locked. I didn't want to believe that my own pastor had just locked me out of the church! What made things even worst is that my own parents had known this had happened to me and they didn't do a thing.

There is so much more to tell, but I would have to share my testimony. Anyway I learned that church was only good for Fellowship and hearing the Word of God. I read the word of God everyday and my relationship with God has been stronger after I left church. I'll admit it would be nice to chat with people about what I've learned during my walk.

What do you think? I am wrong? What do you think the purpose for church is for? How does it benefit us Christians? Be as bold as you like and don't pull any punches with your answers.

God Bless
I agree with you that the main purpose of the church is so that Christians can learn from each other and grow alongside each other. "Iron sharpens iron" as Proverbs says. God made us to be relational people and church is our opportunity to be relational in a Christ-centered way. Also, there is something very powerful about worshiping God and praying to him as a corporate body.

With that said, there are a lot of churches out there that aren't healthy churches. You won't experience growth in them because they aren't founded on biblical principles. There are, however, churches out there that are very healthy and are great for experiencing growth. I think you just have to test out different churches and find one that you feel welcome in and feel that you can become a part of. There might be weird or quirky things about the church, but if it's not a deal-breaking issue, give it some time. I realize that most people don't have this much time, but I honestly believe that 6 consecutive weeks of attending services at a church will give you a solid grasp on what things are like there. Also, though, if you just go to a weekly service, you're not going to get a whole lot out of it. Join a small group or a ministry. It's when you start interacting with people in more open personal environments that you really start to get to know them, be real with them, learn from them, grow because of their influence, etc. I'm a part of a small group at the church I attend, but if I only ever went to the weekly service, I would feel totally disconnected from what's going on.

Hope this helps!