Go to Church or Not????

You worship at home and don't go to church. Alot of people worship at church and never crack a Bible or even speak about God in there home. So it is AWESome that you have brought God into you home...and are building a Christian foundation for your children. That being said...I believe you are totally robbing yourself and your family and all the people whos life you could touch and visa versa by not being a part of a group of believers. The Church is built up of a body of people with different gifts and talents all important in the Kingdom of God. God created you for a reason...and He created us all to go forth and tell others about Him. Jesus would go off into the wilderness and pray to spend His alone time with God...but He always came out of the wilderness to minister and witness.

Hebrews 10:25
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.

A church where your children could be in a nursery where they are happy and well cared for and as they get older taught scripture and songs appropiate for there age would be great..so you and your husband can worship knowing they are ok.
There are alot of people that like you can't hear but do attend church. Some have interpretors..mine doesn't ..yet...but I invite you to attend or watch our service FREE on streaming video http://www.maurydavisministries.com/ My Pastor also comes on CHannel 5 on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am if you are interested in watching him. Nothing is as important as your personal relationship with Jesus and like I said it is great you have that intact....but to not give others the chance to meet you and your family is robbing the world of the uniqueness God created when He created you and your family :) Pray about it...I sought a church for a long time..and tried quite a few ..til God led me to the place I know He wants me to be. Nothing like the feeling of KNOWING you are where God wants you to be. And you are not sure God wants you to stay at home..are you wouldn't have asked the question :) Obstacles like "a ride to church" can be worked out. "Seek and you shall Find." This goes for everything in life worht finding. God Bless

Being a part of a church is wonderful and I believe it is what God requires as Christian. You can also help be a part of a place that is a pillar of strength for that community - and that's a great thing to contribute to and most churches have wonderful activities that kids enjoy. I say try and see how the family likes it

I believe it is not about church it is about your relationship with God. I also feel that is harder to maintain a strong relationship with Him without suport from other believers. I was out of church for the first 5 years of our marriage and just start back last Oct. Sometimes it is just easier to stay home with little childern. I have a son that just turned four and he loves going to church on Sun., but at first it was an adjustment.

Our church does post Sun. and Wed. messages online for others to watch live or later in the week. Check it out at:
www.newhopeforall.com (Click on teaching on the left side of the page.) Also, a lot of church meet in small groups at home. That might work out better for you too.

A.,

It is my personal belief that going to church is better. I think you can believe in God & not go to church & still make it to heaven but I think going to church brings you so much closer to God & his message. You get a connection with other people who believe like yourself & plus your children learn about God & going to church & how to socialize in sunday school. I used to not go to church but still believed in God & prayed but it just seems like my life became so much more enriched when I began actually going to church.
At least that is my opininon...you have to do what is right for you & your family.

I think this decision is up to you and your husband. I'm sure you have other Christian friends and family members so aren't lacking for fellowship. One thing I feel might help, have you tried finding a local pastor (or whoever is church leader for your religion), and seeing about having him come to your home once a month or so for a prayer meeting?
We used to have the pastor come to our house every other week for meetings and a lot of times, managed to get our non practicing Christian friends to join us.
A lot of people don't go to church but still worship God. Invalids, people with agoraphobia who can't leave their house.. the disabled do have a harder time then other's realize. My son is visually impaired and has a lot of trouble so he just goes on Wednesday evenings because it's easier for him.

Whatever you decide to do, it's your decision and don't let anyone tell you what is right for you. Bless you

A. I too believe you can worship God in your home, that being said I also believe that God established the church for a reason. I was also raised in church and when I got married we unofficially decided to not go to church. I would say the same thing you said if anyone asked. "I can worship God in my home." But did I? NO! We did not have prayer time together through out the week, watch services on tv, go through a devotion on a regular occasion. We lived still believing in God but slowly slipping away from our relationship with God. Not going to church also affected our marriage. And not for the better! I realized that I needed church. I needed to learn more and grow more in my relationship with God. I needed the support of other christians around me. But most of all I needed to worship God in a very real way. I needed to lay down my desires for sleeping in on Sunday and make an hour for the God of the universe who provided every breath I breathed. A. my advice to you is to start looking for a church that both you and your husband will love. You will develop a network of christian friends that will be so valuable to you when life throws you a curve. But most of all you will get closer to God and who knows what God is just waiting to do in you and your husbands life. God bless you.

A.,
I think that is important to worship God in your home as well as at church. Going to church helps me to maintain a strong faith. I also feel that I learn so much form listening to my preacher preach. It is very important for Christians to have other believers to fellowship with. Church is a great place to meet other Christians. I also believe that it is imporant to be a part of a Church so that you are involoved in outreach. The Bible says that you should go into all the world and preach God's word. It is hard to do that on your own, but as part of a church it becomes much easier.
God Bless

I definitely think worship at home is fine! Especially if it becomes difficult for you to go to a church because of your hearing aids. I'm sure you can get more out of your religious studies by being comfortable at home than you would being uncomfortable at the church. It's all in your heart anyways, not a building.

A.,

I think that your relationship with God is just that - between you and God. I personally feel that if you are sincere in your worship whether it be at home at a bus stop or in the grocery store or a church that God knows you are sincere and you should do what you feel is best for you and that relationship. What you're really talking about is just geography. There are some people who get a lot out of the fellowship of going to church whereas others are more comfortable worshiping in private. I say do what feels best for you and your husband.

Take care

I do agree that you can worship,praise and thank God no matter where you are at. But at the same time I feel like going to church and worshiping with other Christians helps keep your faith strong and helps form good Christian friendships and bonds with other believers. Maybe you could compromise and go 2 Sundays a month.

Your relationship with God is just that, yours. I gave up going to church 8 years ago (I used to be an avid member) for different reasons, but I have not felt that my spirituality has suffered. If anything, it has flourished.
God can meet you anywhere, anytime. You don't need a church to do that. The Bible even says "Wherever two or more are gathered, there am I."
Some say that the fellowship of the church is important, and I can see that point, but who says you need church for fellowship?
It sounds like you have a beautiful family and it is my belief that you can worship God with them from your home. Don't let others put limits on your faith, no matter who they are. This is between your family and God, and I think God is pleased with your arrangement.
-K.

A.,

Who is a 'lot of people'? Do they make the decisions for you and your husband? For your family life? Do they have the right to tell you how you should worship God? This country is based on freedom of religion. No one has the right to tell you what is right or wrong as far as religion goes, as long as you are living according to the Bible. You and your husband sound like very good people. Our Christian religion is based the basis that God is everywhere. Do these people mean to tell you that you can't talk, pray or listen to the word in your own home? What about the shut in's? Are they wrong to worship in their own home because they can't get to church?

The question you need to ask yourself is are you happy with the way things are? If so don't worry about the others. You have to live your life the way you see fit. As long as you are not doing anything against God's law, no one has the right to tell you what you are doing is wrong.

Personally, I talk to God no matter where I am. I feel he listens. I am catholic, my husband is protestant. Big deal. We all worship the same God. We have all been taught what is right and wrong when we were growing up. Now that we are adults it is up to us to interpret things for ourselves. Parents, teachers, and schools all give you the groundwork to live your life. How you choose to live it is up to you.

If anyone disagrees with me, that is their right to do so also, I don't have to listen.
E.

i think you have to listen to your own heart. there are times that i feel i need to be at home and i use sunday as a day of rest. attending church is not just about receiving, but it is about giving of ourselves, our time, our hearts. it's a sign of commitment to our creator. i feel a conviction in my heart when i have been away from church too long. i use to go everytime the doors opened. i felt it was especially important when my children were small, and thank goodness they now lean on their faith through trials in life. God teaches us to fellowship with one another, it helps to be with those who are like minded to avoid the temptations of this world. Be Blessed.

To all: JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED! Do unto others as you'd have done unto you.

A.: I myself have 3 children and am a conservitive Southern Baptist. I used to be an avid church member as well. Since the birth of my youngest son I worship and pray from home. The only person that knows what is right for you and your family is... YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! As one quoted " a church is a gathering of 2 or more ... that's your answer. I wish you and your family the best of luck in making the best decision for (again) YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! Noone else matters.

Church is where ever 2 or 3 come together. Rather it be church or home. Going to church isn't what is going to get you into heaven. It is your relationship with God. Hope I helpped.

I feel you should worship any way you want. My husband and I used to be real active in church, but we worship the Lord at home as well. Only God and you know your hearts and do not worry about what other people think. If it is right for you then I think it is okay.

God Bless!!

A church is not a building but anywhere two or more people gather. You can worship God on the side of the road if you like! He is everywhere and wants us to communicate with him anywhere/anytime we like. Where or when you worship is up to you and has nothing to do with the location. I once heard that people who want to give you their opinion on religion and church very seldom want to hear yours! I wouldn't worry about what everyone else says.

I totally agree with you that we can all worship God anywhere, anytime and often feel the most closeness to Him when we are alone with him. That said, I also believe that we can't do all that he asks us to do in the scriptures if we are outside of the church. He made the church for a purpose and christians are told to meet together and to encourage one another as they work together for Christ. That is something that we can't do on our own. That's not to say we can't have very meaningful worship on our own, but we can't meet with other Christians and build them up, sing and pray with them (as we are told to do) on our own. Just a couple passages to look at are Colossians 3:13-17 and Hebrews 10:22-25. If you're really wanting deeper answers, read Acts and the letters to the churches in the New Testament and see how the church was designed to work. There are no perfect churches because churches are made of imperfect people, but that shouldn't stop us from striving to be what God asks of us.
I definitely feel that worship on our own and family worship have a huge place in the life of a Christian, but I also know that God gave us the church as a family to support us and that we are supposed to help support each other and work with one another in the Body.

I'm sorry but everyone can throw scripture around all day long the point is that a place of worship doesn't have to be a church. The Bible doesn't saying anything about having to go to church to get to heaven. A place of worship is any gathering of people anywhere at anyplace. You don't have to go to a building full of people. Your relationship with God is all that is really important. Jesus taught in fields and standing on rocks whether there were 3 people there or 300. Who needs a church to worship God. Thats how i see it.

I see no problem with this. Honestly I would think that those who know you would have no problems with your choice. I personally chose the same route for different options. If you miss the community aspect you can always find a church with Wednesday and group events that interest you. That way it is a small ratio group and you will be able to speech read, sign, and/or use your amplification more efficiently.

Anyone who does have a problem does not understand your particular situation.

Everyone has their own point of view on things like this but for me I need church. I need the fellowship and the accountablity. I think yall should decide what is best for you but if you dont go to church you should still get christian fellowship. You could have bible studies at your home and have friends come join you. Its your choice but for us I lack in my christian walk if I dont. I hope that helps. God Bless.

Read the book of Acts, that's where the church was established.

You can worship God anywhere and in your own home, and when I travel and can't find a church to go to or am unable to attend, I do have time with him, but God didn't have that in mind for us. God established the "church" for a reason, to come together collectively as a group of believers....what we call the church. It's a way to lift one another up, worship, praise, to bear each others burdens and be there corporately for one another in Christ's name. It's easier to focus on God with a group of belivers. Not to hap hazardly worship him at home and get caught up doing other things. Before you know it, He get's put by the wayside, when we should be focusing on him. I know it's easier to stay home, but there are a lot of people in your same situation that go to church, and there are people who can pick you up and bring you home too. It's a choice. No matter what you decide to do, you still have a friend here!

L.

You are membres of God's very own family,citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with everyother christian. Ephesians 2:19

Following Christ includes belonging, not just believing. For the organs of your body to fulfill their purpose, they must be connected to your body. The same is true for you as part of Christ's body.If an organ is somehow severed from it's body , it will shrivel and die. It cannot exist on it's own, and neither can you. It's good to get out of the day to day and be with other believers, in the house of the Lord. The church is God's agenda for the world.Jesus said, "I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." Only in regular contact with ordinary,imperfect believers can we learn real fellowship and experience the New Testament truth of being connected and dependent on each other. I pray you and your family can find a home church, so you can pray, and worship with other believers. God bless

going to church is not only worshiping God but is also a spiritual net work. we as christians are to lift up one another encourage If we don't have that it can become easy to slip into what this world offers. Going to churh no matter what isnt always easy it can mean fighting with Family who can't always understand why I am in church twice on sunday and bible study on wednesday night. I some times find it inconvient but because I am faithful I have been blessed we move around alot and finding a good church is not easy. But my girls see and know I try to live what I believe. We go because I believe God commanded it for my own good! to be with brethern of the same faith as I .

A.,

It is imperative that your children are raised with a strong belief system. This is what will get them through the hard times in life. Your example comes first, but the reinforcement, learning and training they get in Sunday School with other children their own age is something that will stick. There is a feeling of belonging, they will learn more, and it will be fun. I still sing the childhood songs I learned in Sunday School. They bring me joy - especially in hard times.

That is interesting because my husband and just started doing that also. Since we have 2 little ones(5 month old boy and 19 month old girl) getting up early and being on time for church can be alittle hard. We read this book by Charles Capps called The Tongue- a creative force which blow our minds. We take passes from that book and do further studies in the Bible. We find that this has been very spiritually forfilling for us. We do plan to visit a few churches to followship with other christians. We also plan to take lots of weekend trips for our business so we plan to worship in the car as well.
Perhaps we can exchange information sometime.

J. G

You can worship God in any way you want no matter if some people don't agree. It not their place to tell you how and where to worship thats between you and God.

While I agree that you can worship from your home, to me there are benefits to being part of a church family. I don't know what your religion is or how your faith worships, but I'm Baptist and we move around a lot. No matter where we go, we are always welcomed as part of the family. Because I stay at home, it's really the only time I get to be with other adults, and my kids love the activities too. I also think that it's a good habit for the kids to be in, esp as they approach the rebellious years.

If it's something that you are missing, maybe you can find a different church? One that has services at other times then when your husband works, one that has a deaf ministry. I know our church has about 20 people that sit together and the service is signed for them. They also meet once a week for support I think. You never know, maybe you are the person to start something like that for the others in your community that could benefit!

good luck to you!