Student Voice
Do you have to go to church to call yourself a Christian?Jan 12, 06:05 PM
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The short answer is that you do not have to go to church in order to be a Christian. The Bible tells us that we merely believe in Christ’s death on the cross and accept Him into our lives in order to be a Christian. However, God did not make any of us to go through this world alone, and realistically speaking, it is nearly impossible to grow in your relationship with Christ without also being involved in a Bible believing church. It is through these faith based relationships that our personal relationships with God will grow and develop. The church is meant to be a place of growth and development for believers and a place to seek the truth for those who have yet to believe in Jesus Christ.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up in him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” — Ephesians 4:15-16
In this passage, the term “body” is in reference to the church. As each part of the “body” does its work the church with grow and be built up. It also states we will “grow up in “him who is the Head, that is, Christ”. This means our faith and relationship with Christ will grow because of our involvement and commitment to the church.
“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.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12
God created us all with the need for community, the need to be involved with others who are pursuing the same goal, to serve and follow God, and grow in their personal walk with the creator. So, can you be a Christian and not attend church? Yes. However, if you truly know you are a Christian and want to follow God, finding a Bible believing church is absolutely necessary for your relationship with God. Attending Lock-in’s, Next Events, and small groups are good first steps; however attending regular church services would definitely benefit you spiritually.
— Brian Locke
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