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Christian Naturists Am I the only on here who does not regularly attend church services?
| That's an interesting question and another one is exactly how one goes about posting anonymously but I'll let that one go for now. I guess the answer lies in how one views church. What's the point of church? If I'm looking for a good sermon I can just catch any one of a number of good sermons online. If I'm looking to be entertained there are any number of alternatives. The same thing goes for social interactions and involvement with "good works". For myself a big part of why I go to church is that I believe helping to fulfill the mission of the church in creating a relevant environment for those who don't regularly go to church or even think about God to hear about Christ and His unconditional love and to hear it in a way that makes sense on a practical level. If even one person makes that connection it makes all the work worthwhile. Now I'll grant you that it's not easy to find that kind of a church and that far too many churches are either stagnating and aging social clubs or achieving growth mostly through whiz bang gimmicks and attracting church people from other churches. Anyone else? What's the attraction with church or if you don't go why not? | |
| Another thing you might consider is that "going to church" is not what God is looking for. He is looking for a broken and contrite heart, he is looking for people who knows they are broken and looking for Him to fix it. He is also looking for disciples. A good disciple (student) is not going to church and "bolting out the door" as you put it. Yes, we have a few of those, but not many. Our host here has gone to one of our services, twice, and probably noticed that there were almost as many people there an hour after church as there were during. But having food there certainly helped! ;-) What we created was not a social club but a time for fellowship, personal time to talk to (or argue with) the pastor, to get to know someone, to learn and give back what you have learned. Being a disciple requires - demands if you will, involvement at more than just at a "pay and pray" level. But it's not just volunteering for a social gathering either. It's complex, yet quite simple. Church is not about projects and listening to a pastor drone on about another Seven Step Program to "Get closer to God". Getting involved in bible studies, not just attend, will make all the difference. Try to lead one of the studies, pray for God to reveal your gifts, (there are tests out there than can help you find your gifts, though gifts are something God gives you when you need it, even if you don't see it now). Church is a community of believers, not a building run by a pastor who can get the most people. I have to be careful and not allow numbers be my focus for CNC. I have to make sure that quality is far above quantity, learning far greater than just attendance. I hope you understand what I'm saying here and that it will help you in your search. Knock, and it will be opened to you, but keep in mind, knocking does make a noise. No sneaking in. Another hint, don't go looking for signs (spiritual that is) since "signs will follow", not lead. Boyd | |
| I think there is something special about "corporate" worship. | |
| Church attendance is very important, but not as a duty. We should go out of joy for the chance to worship God and fellowship with other believers. Unfortunately, I admit I haven't been attending *any* church with regularity for a long time. Once you get out of the habit it is very easy to continue, sadly. That is one of the things I'm pumped about changing for this coming school year, and would encourage all of your encouragment and prayers on this issue. | |
| I think as a christian I am part of the 'body of christ'... I also believe church attendance is important... I used to have a boss who couldn't fathom why i would take a perfectly good day (sunday), and go to church (instead of working)... i stood my ground then, and now he goes to his church every sunday, and unfortunately i don't attend anymore... his situation changed (he got married and had kids) to influence him to now attend church... mine changed the other way (personal issues)... i can go to websites for my type of church, and view the entire service online (and usually live), and have a choice of many, many churches, across the country, and the planet... but i do miss it... just wish i didn't have to get dressed to go there... it's important to be a part of a spiritual community, where people have your spiritual interests at heart... unfortunately this is not how it worked for me, in my most recent experience... maybe something will work out in the future... | |
| I go to a college christian group regularly, and honestly, outside of the fact that we don't do worship time yet, I get way more out of the college christian group than I did going to normal churches services. And because of time restraints with college, I've decided to hold the college christian group as my "congregation" time. The Bible says not to give up meeting together, I don't think the word "church" is even mentioned in the Greek of the Bible. The word is "congregation" if I'm not mistaken, which is merely a gathering of people (in our case, christians). So I won't give up meeting together, but I don't really have a problem abandoning the standard format of church services. Personally, being an education major, I can say that evidence indicates that lengthy lectures (probably the majority of sermons would fit into this category) are a poor teaching strategy, and so I honestly believe that pastors need to get rid of the typical format and replace it with more productive methods. It doesn't help any that a lot of churches probably wouldn't let me serve in any form of ministry and be known as a nudist at the same time anyway. Not to mention the numerous churches that wouldn't even let me be in the congregation. I'll choose a small group and being able to serve the community with them, over being stuck in a pew in a large church sitting with my arms crossed. I've got better things to do than be a quiet christian. | |
| First thing you have to understand is that there is "NO" commandment that you have to attend any church. Two thing to consider though is that the scriptures "DO" state that you are to "Keep Holy the Lord's day". How you do that is more subjective then objective. But, the scriptures also suggest that "It is wise to keep the companionship/counsel of a like wise (christian) fellowships." If your intent is to grow in your relationship and knowledge of our Lord, then you need to seriously consider being part of a consistant church fellowship. There are lots of great bible teaching churches with services at all hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Be honest with yourself. Are you just being lazy or do you want to grow in your faith? The decision and the accountable for your action or inaction is yours and yours alone! When the time comes that you stand before our Lord, what will you testimoney be? | |
| I'm now regularly attending Sunday morning services at a nearby AG church. College let out over winter break, so I finally had free time on the weekend to do so. I think I'll probably be able to keep going, because I'm taking less credit hours this semester. But the funny thing is, while the worship is okay, I still find the sermons to be mainly reruns of things I already know, and so I read books while the pastor is preaching, even though I know everyone can see me. I've found that it can make a great witness to the fact that people really do get significantly bored during a lot of sermons, and I get to be one of the few people who has the courage enough to show the pastor what is really going on in his congregation that he can't normally see visually during his sermons. | |
| If you are in a church that is not spiritually feeding you, then find another church that will! Your trying to "teach the paster you are board" by being rude (it is far from being "a great witness") is not constructive or edifying to you, the people around you or the pastor. Perhaps what you should be seeking is personal mentorship so as to grow in your faith and not stagnate as you believe you are. Your pastor would be glad to find you a mentor and get you going in the right direction on this issue. Growth is your personal responsibility. The pastor is there to lead and teach the flock. As a good shepherd to his flock he is to go before them leading by example and teaching. He leads by knowing his flock, understanding their needs and where the majority of the flock are and then ministering to that need spiritually. He can not be all things to all men and that is where your own personal responsibility come in. You, and you alone will be judged for your walk, example and growth. All rudeness asside, so far your example to other christians leaves a lot to be desired. So, get up and get going. God is watching you, your attitude and your actions. You can not fetch "living water" and be fed if your keep your bucket up-side-down! | |
| I do not attend church. I tried many years ago to find one that I was comfortable with, but was unsuccessful. In recent years and months, I visited several more churches, looking for one that was less on the choir or congregation "singing" and more on sermons and what the church was doing as a group in and for the community in outreach programs. One I thought to be a good fit, but was only a seasonal church, closed in the winter. Instead, I have found people who are walking so close to the Lord and have such a strong understanding of scripture that they can share that joy with others, any and all who are open to the Word. This is not a church as recognized in the phone book as much as that which is spoken of in the Bible. | |
| I fought hard with my workplace in not scheduling me in working Sunday mornings. Some people couldn't understand why, even other Christians. I'm very much into Old Testament theology, and after having read and studied Deuteronomy and Leviticus I was more than convinced that God calls us together as a corporate body to glorify Him. I'd love to sleep in on Sunday mornings at times, but when I realize God's gift and grace, going to church and declaring my faith weekly, adding my prayers with others physically present, and taking communion, I am doing something that blesses me throughout the week when I am at work. When I hear of Christians who forgo church (even organized church, which gives us the foundation established by God to worship Him) I beg them to seriously rethink their position. | |
| Roddy, I could not agree with you more on your understanding concerning church attandance. According to OT and NT scripture (Psalm 55:14 & Acts 2:42) there is wisdom in the gathering of like minded believers both for fellowship and for edification of self and the church body. Keep living the faith and your good work. Jet |
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