BGEA: Why should I bother with church? I don't need to go to church to be a good Christian, do I?

I know I am a Christian, but I just don't feel at home in most of the churches I've been to. Getting dressed up and smiling at people I don't know and everything like that seems so phony to me. Why should I bother with church? I don't need to go to church to be a good Christian, do I? — K.R.

We come to Christ as individuals; we each must make our own personal commitment to Him. We aren't saved because we belong to a group, but solely because as individuals we have put our faith and trust in Christ to save us.

But once we come to Christ, we become part of a family—the family of God. Think of it: You are no longer just an individual, but you are now part of a group—a spiritual "family" that includes every person on earth who truly believes in Jesus Christ. Everyone who believes in Christ is now your spiritual brother or sister! This family of believers is what the Bible calls the Church, the body of Christ: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Why is it important to be part of a local fellowship of believers? Let me ask you a question: What does God want to do in your life? The answer is this: He wants to make you more like Jesus. But this won't happen if you are isolated from other Christians. You need them—and they need you. The Bible says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24).

Ask God to give you a desire to become more like Christ. Then ask Him to help you find a church where you'll not only feel comfortable, but you'll find the fellowship and teaching you need.

7 Comments

victorjay says 7.20.2012, 5:52 p.m.

thank you

larry bailey says 7.14.2012, 12:19 a.m.

What a powerful article! Churches are suffering because Christians are being distracted by so many material things in this world. May GOD bring people back!Also, so called Christians are causing churches to split because of their selfish actions.

Lynn says 7.13.2012, 9:08 p.m.

Dear Dawn, I'm so very sorry to hear of your situation. I wish you could find a church home where you could be excepted for who you are andnot for what you look like. We all fall so short of truly being like the Savior. Christ's love to you sister

Vivian says 7.13.2012, 5:34 p.m.

I bet your church family misses you too, it's your spirital family. Give it a try, I bet you'll get more love and support than you could imagine. God lovingly made you and wants you in his church.

Donny says 7.13.2012, 1:25 p.m.

Yes, our individual stand for God Almighty is surely strengthened by attendance in a scripturally sound church. I recommend a New Testament Missionary Baptist Church, Bible study and a closer walk with the Saviour.

Margaret says 7.13.2012, 12:30 a.m.

Dawn Many people suffer from physical deformities but Christians that truly understands God knows that it is what in a persons heart that matters.I encourage you to phone a church. Ask to speak personally with the pastor so he can introduce you.

dawn says 7.28.2011, 11:49 a.m.

I moved from my home church 9 years ago. In 2005 I was diagnosed wiith cancer. I stay in pain and can hardly walk and I lost most of my teeth. I am bothered by the way I look and I stay away from other people. I know this is wrong but its how I feel. I miss church and everything that comes with it.