Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Have you ever encountered this question before? Have you ever wondered, “Do I really need to go to church to be a ‘good’ Christian?”.
No.
The Bible never mandates churchgoing. But here’s the twist—while church isn’t a salvation requirement, it’s a spiritual power-up you might not want to skip.
Let's explore some ideas that make churchgoing essential for a Christian's growth.
Early believers met in homes (Romans 16:5), shared meals, and turned cities upside down with radical love (Acts 17:6). The apostle Paul put it bluntly:
But here’s the catch: Even Jesus attended synagogue (Luke 4:16). Why?
He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Mathew 18:20).
No.
The Bible never mandates churchgoing. But here’s the twist—while church isn’t a salvation requirement, it’s a spiritual power-up you might not want to skip.
Let's explore some ideas that make churchgoing essential for a Christian's growth.
Church Isn’t a Place—It’s a People
When Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), He wasn’t sketching blueprints for a building. The Greek word ekklesia means “assembly” or “gathered ones.” Church is people—not a steeple.Early believers met in homes (Romans 16:5), shared meals, and turned cities upside down with radical love (Acts 17:6). The apostle Paul put it bluntly:
Isolation is faith’s silent killer. Ever tried doing a group project solo? It’s like that—but for your soul.
The Early Church
Forget stained glass and pulpits. First-century “church” looked more like a potluck with a side of miracles:- Bible study: Apostles taught about Jesus’ life and resurrection.
- Shared life: They sold property to support needy members (Acts 2:45).
- Prayer marathons: Miracles happened “daily” (Acts 2:47).
“But Do I Have to Go?”
Let’s clear this up: Church attendance ≠ salvation. Biblical giants like David and John the Baptist didn’t “go to church”—yet they walked closely with God.But here’s the catch: Even Jesus attended synagogue (Luke 4:16). Why?
- Community: Faith thrives in relationships.
- Accountability: Ever tried fasting alone? Exactly.
5 Reasons Why People Choose Church
Why do millions prioritize gathering? It’s not just for the potluck.Friendship That’s Actually Real
- In a world of DMs and doomscrolling, church offers face-to-face hugs, prayer circles, and people who notice if you vanish. “Fellowship” isn’t just a churchy word—it’s soul medicine.
Spiritual GPS
- Life’s chaos can drown out God’s voice. Sermons and small groups act like a reset button, refocusing you on what matters.
Bible Study Without the Boredom
- Struggling with Revelation’s beasts? Church is where you can ask, “Is the mark of the beast a microchip?” without getting side-eyed.
Worship: The Ultimate Experience
- Singing “Amazing Grace” with 100 strangers? Surprisingly electric. Collective worship can crack open hearts in ways solo Spotify sessions can’t.
Collective Social Intervention
- Churches feed the hungry, house refugees, and fight trafficking. Your presence = more hands for healing a broken world.
What If Church Hurt You?
Let’s keep it real: Some churches wound. But the Bible’s vision is a “family” (Ephesians 2:19)—not a clique. If your past experience was toxic, it’s okay to:- Shop around: Try a different congregation of the same faith, house churches, online communities, or service-focused groups.
- Be the change: Start a house Bible study (Covid19 proved that this is possible). You might birth the next Acts 2 movement!
Church Is a Verb
Jesus didn’t die for buildings or bulletins. He died for people—flawed, quirky, and desperate for grace. Whether you meet in a cathedral, barn, or Zoom room, church happens when we choose to love like Him.He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Mathew 18:20).