You have heard these words and perhaps even said them: We don’t go to church, we are the church. I have a relationship with God; I don’t need an institution or a building. Going to church is a man-made, American, modern invention. God wants us to connect with him and others. I “do church” in a different way—over a meal, in nature, through serving others—this is my church.
Some people say they are Christians but never go to church. They aren’t sure the Bible instructs us to do so. Are they right? Does the Bible say anything about going to church? Let’s explore seven different answers to that question.
1. God Has Long Commanded His People to Gather Weekly
Where did the idea of going to church originate? Some of the typical culprits suggested are Constantine, American business models, old people, or pastors desperately in need of jobs. But whose idea is it, really?
Here’s what God says:
Speak to the Israelites and tell them: These are my appointed times, the times of the Lord that you will proclaim as sacred assemblies. Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there is to be a
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