Q. Do You Have To Go To Church To Be A Christian?

This episode answers a common question many Christians ask about church - DO I HAVE TO GO? To properly answer this question, we also need to know why churches exist, what they're for and what the bible says about it all. Church is not a building, although people often refer to the building where the meeting is as 'church'.

This episode answers a common question many Christians ask about church - DO I HAVE TO GO?

To properly answer this question, we also need to know why churches exist, what they're for and what the bible says about it all.

Church is not a building, although people often refer to the building where the meeting is as ‘church’.

The word actually means assembly. Not school - getting together!

In our modern English Bibles, the word “church” is supposedly translated from the Greek word “ekklesia” which simply means: people assembled.

Why is it good to get together?

What does the bible say about church:

Hebrews 10:24-25 Be regular at meeting together. It is for your benefit - to love others (encourage others and be encouraged).

1 Corinthians 14:26 What would be good things to do together as Christians?

1 John 1:6-7 It is a given that if we become Christians and live in the light then we will share our lives with one another. Other versions say that we will have fellowship with one another, which means spend time together as friends.

God commands us to love him and to love our neighbours - everyone we come in contact with.

He especially wants us to love other Christians. The bible often says, “love one another” and is talking to believers.

What influences you? School friends, TV shows, family? God wants us to influence one another. This is WHY anyone would want to go to church.

Bible Verses about Influence: 

• 1 Corinthians 15:33

• Proverbs 13:20 

• Romans 12:2

• Proverbs 12:26

So do you have to go to church to be a Christian?

The prisoner on the cross next to Jesus never did and he went to heaven.

If there’s no church where you live you can’t go.

If you can’t physically get to church that makes it hard too doesn’t it?

No, you do not have to go to church to be a Christian, but God wants us to be a part of a church for our benefit - because it is good for us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the main things or people who have influenced you in your life so far?

2. If you don’t go to church, why/why not?

3. If you do go to church, what do you like and dislike about church?

4. What things can you do at your local church that can encourage others?