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Churches serve as
important gathering places for all Christians regardless of their chosen
denomination. Whether meeting in a large, ornate cathedral or a modest living
room at home, most Christians feel church attendance is an integral part
of their lives. Most congregants will explain the main reasons they attend
church on a weekly basis are to learn more about the Word of God, to
fellowship with others, and because they feel the presence of God. Generally,
church attendance isn't viewed as something that effects, at least not
directly, one's salvation. However, the sermons provided by the church leader
can teach believers the way in which God intended his children to live. This
is why the apostles declared that believers should
not give up meeting together, as
some are in the habit of doing (Hebrews
10:25).
A new term, "Lone Ranger Christian", has surfaced
within the past few years to describe people who believe they don't need
other Christians present in their walk with God. While it's true that
independent Bible study and/or individual retreats can deepen a person's
personal relationship with God, no one can, or should, live their spiritual
life in isolation. Fellow Christians need to rely on one another to gain a
deeper understanding of God's Word. Churches, in whatever form they take,
offer God's family places to teach, rebuke, and uplift one another, as well
as to offer praise and worship to God.
Contrary to the beliefs of many loners, the mass
media isn't intended to be used as a suitable replacement for church
attendance. Church sermons aired on television and radio do provide a means
to spread the Word of God. The drawback in relying solely on these sources is
there's no actual human interaction. Specific questions a viewer or listener
may have concerning some teaching that appears contrary to Scripture, more
often than not, must go unanswered. Some churches and individual Christians
now utilize the internet to spread the teachings of Christ. Many of these
websites make the claim that they're "on-line churches". Even though many
good sermons and Bible studies are provided, they aren't churches, nor should
they be viewed as such. Instead, these internet sources should more properly
be considered ministries and used only as adjuncts to attendance at a local
church.
There are many reasons put forth by believers to
explain why they've stopped going to church. It's true that many churches
have become too large and impersonal; however, many of those using this as
their reasoning rely on sermon broadcasts of the mega-churches for their
weekly sermons. Television and radio are the ultimate definition of
impersonal churches. It's also true the clergy should serve as examples
to the congregation, but some are the biggest hypocrites within the church.
These people can and should be either rebuked or, if they continue in
hypocrisy, removed from the leadership position. There are many other
reasons, including gossip and rituals, people stop attending church. If
someone becomes disillusioned with their particular church, there are other
options available. Instead of simply choosing to stay away from church
entirely, they need to try to change the particular church or find another,
more suitable one.
Perhaps most Christians who attend church on a regular
basis view these excuses as nothing more than the people who use them trying
to self-rationalize their disobedience to God. However, many of these same
people are themselves ritualizing church attendance. Instead of "Lone Ranger
Christians", these people could be called "One Hour Christians". They go to
church every Sunday because they feel compelled to do so, mostly because they
were taught by parents or the church they must attend. While they may not
drag their feet to delay their arrival at church, these congregants are the
ones who think the service shouldn't last any longer then the advertised
forty-five minutes or hour. They may be happy during that time, but as the
hour draws to a close, they become impatient for the end. They refuse to stay
for fellowship or Sunday school because this would cut into their personal
time.
Are there legitimate reasons for not going to church?
There are people who, for various reasons, can't attend an organized church
meeting. Some believers are in hospitals where there are no services
available; others are homebound for health or other reasons. In these cases,
the believer shouldn't be left in isolation. It's the church's responsibility
to provide for the absentee's spiritual needs. Whether an ordained member of
the clergy or not, |
