I'm tired of church and all the politics. I don't need to go to be a Christian. God and I connect in our own way within the walls of my own home. Sound familiar?
I know many people who believe this. In fact, I used to be one of them. The church I grew up in was not one that held the interest of teens and young adults. The congregation was an older one and filled with sweet people who were model Christians. However, this forced me to think religion was for elderly.
I was wrong. Church is a building for higher education. The highest. We go to church to not be good for one day, rather to learn how to model Christ all week.
The building is only brick and mortar and means nothing. A church is a gathering of people who are learning Christian principles and sharing with others.
Church is not only the place where we go for communion and hymns, it is where we go to be in community with others. Where we recharge our batteries to continue carrying out the great commision of Christ.
Unfortunately over the long history of the church, traditions and denominations have clouded these facts. Church is a college for Christians. If we want to be great at our professions, we get education and training.
To be more effective for the Kingdom of Christ, we need to get all the training we can. Being self-taught Christians really limits our potential. Even those who don't go to college and start their own businesses are seeking education from mentors and others.
Just do a Google search of one verse in te Bible and you'll get many different interpretaions. Each is bound to have some value. Maybe reading or hearing another explain something will give you that "ah ha" moment.
Just because you are not happy with a church you attend, don't give up on God. Find a new church where you feel you are growing. There are even online churches, now. Then supplement this teaching with your own efforts like reading a one year Bible or seeking out your favorite online Christian author (ahem).
Joe is a freelance writer living in Charleston, SC. Be sure to subscribe to him and get updates of new articles. Also, feel free to follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/joeylaw or read more articles at www.inspiretomorrow.com/writer.
FOLLOW UP: In response to some comments, here is a follow-up article. Click Here.
Comments
Interesting perspective.
Thank you for your article!! It is refreshing to know that there are other people out there who knows that being a Christian does not mean you have to go to church. Don't get me wrong there are many good churches around, but I have been through a few that I have caused me to seek God within the walls of my home. Sometimes I may go to a worship service, but most of the time, I am before the throne of God in my home.
Why is there a different denomination church for every 1/2 mile of road? Why do some churches have to be multi-million dollar structures. Shouldn't churches be humble so the extra money could go toward helping the poor? Aw~ I totally agree with you. Joe, will you tell us which church would be the right type of church to go to: Catholic, baptist, lutheran etc.
John, I think I answered your questions about why there are so many denoms. I can't put links in a comments but I added one to the bottom of the original posting or you can click on me up above and read my article about "Why bother with Christianity and all the traditions?"
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