Attending church is a common practice for Christians, but what does the Bible say about those who choose not to go? Scripture emphasizes the importance of gathering together for worship, fellowship, and encouragement. These teachings highlight the value of community and the spiritual benefits of being part of a church family.
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What Does The Bible Say About not going to church
Hebrews 10:25
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of regularly gathering with other believers in a local church. It encourages believers to not neglect the communal aspect of their faith but rather to gather together, support one another, and build each other up.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
This verse illustrates the early believers’ commitment to both learning from the apostles’ teaching and engaging in fellowship. Going to church provides an opportunity for believers to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, partake in communion, and participate in corporate prayer.
Psalms 133:1
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
This verse highlights the beauty and goodness of believers coming together in unity. Going to church fosters unity among believers and allows them to experience the blessings that come from being in a community where they can support and encourage one another.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
This verse reminds believers that Jesus is present when they gather together in His name. Going to church provides an opportunity for believers to experience the presence of Christ in a unique and powerful way.
Ephesians 4:16
“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.”
This verse highlights the importance of being part of the body of Christ. Going to church allows believers to contribute to the overall growth and edification of the body as they use their spiritual gifts to serve and love one another.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
This verse emphasizes the idea that every believer has a vital role to play in the body of Christ. Going to church allows believers to recognize and fulfill their God-given purpose within the broader context of the church community.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse encourages believers to commune with one another and with God through teaching, admonishing, and worshiping together. Going to church provides a platform for believers to engage in these practices and grow in their spiritual journey.
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
This verse recounts the early Christians gathering together on the first day of the week. Going to church on Sundays has become a tradition for many Christians, and it offers a designated time for believers to receive teachings, participate in the Lord’s Supper, and engage in extended worship.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to the authority of church leaders. Going to church allows believers to receive guidance, teaching, and pastoral care from leaders who are called to shepherd and nurture the flock.
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
This verse instructs believers to set aside financial contributions for the work of the church. Going to church provides a practical opportunity for believers to give their tithes and offerings, supporting the ministry and the needs of the church community.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
This verse calls believers to humble themselves and submit to one another. Going to church allows believers to learn from the wisdom and experience of older believers and cultivate a spirit of humility in their relationships within the church community.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the call to bear one another’s burdens within the body of Christ. Going to church provides a context for believers to offer support, comfort, and practical help to one another, fulfilling the commandment to love one another.
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
This verse highlights the importance of daily encouragement among believers. Going to church offers regular opportunities for believers to uplift and strengthen one another, helping to guard against spiritual apathy and the deception of sin.
Romans 12:4-5
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
This verse illustrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers in the body of Christ. Going to church allows believers to experience the unity and mutual care that comes from being part of a community where each member’s unique gifts and contributions are valued and needed.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
This verse emphasizes the active participation of believers when they come together. Going to church provides a platform for believers to share their musical gifts, teachings, revelations, and spiritual insights, contributing to the edification and growth of the church as a whole.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This verse encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for each other. Going to church facilitates a safe and supportive environment where believers can receive accountability, confess their faults, and experience healing through the power of prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the ongoing need for believers to encourage and uplift one another. Going to church allows believers to engage in mutual encouragement, offering words of affirmation, support, and motivation to help one another grow in faith and resilience.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
This verse highlights the connection between walking in the light, fellowship, and the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. Going to church enables believers to participate in a shared experience of God’s presence, grace, and forgiveness, strengthening their faith and renewing their commitment to holy living.
1 Timothy 4:13
“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”
This verse instructs believers to engage in the public reading, preaching, and teaching of Scripture. Going to church provides a formal setting where believers can receive biblical instruction, be equipped in their knowledge of God’s Word, and grow in their understanding of God’s will for their lives.
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
This verse encourages believers to be devoted to prayer and intercession for one another. Going to church offers a time and space for corporate prayer, where believers can unite in seeking God’s guidance, provision, and intervention in their lives and the lives of others.
Psalm 92:13
“Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.”
This verse depicts the flourishing of those who are planted in the house of the Lord. Going to church provides a nurturing environment where believers can grow, thrive, and bear fruit in their faith journey.
Psalm 122:1
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!'”
This verse expresses the joy and anticipation associated with going to the house of the Lord. Going to church allows believers to gather together with like-minded individuals, united in their desire to worship God and experience His presence.
Psalm 133:3
“It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”
This verse portrays the blessings and refreshing that come from dwelling together in unity. Going to church offers an opportunity for believers to experience the outpouring of God’s blessings, spiritual refreshment, and the fullness of life that comes from being part of a unified body.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the sharpening and refining process that occurs through meaningful relationships. Going to church provides a space for believers to engage in deep, authentic, and mutually beneficial relationships, where they can challenge, encourage, inspire, and learn from one another.