no to organized religion (churches, priest, Holy Spirit, bible)

[debk]

is it possible to be a Christian and not belong to a "church"? i may be wrong but i truly do not see Christ in the organized setup. maybe i haven't met the true Christians but i only see people who like the tradition of playing church. is it possible to be a Christian and just join or start a small group at home for accountability...and follow the ways of Christ in my family, neighborhood and workplace? do i really have to belong to organized religion to be a Christian?

[sean98125]

Church and community is a pretty essential part of Christianity, I think.

You can certainly start a small group at home - you're basically forming your own "church". If a small group is gathered in His name, He will be there also.

Christianity is an organized religion, though, even if your church is only three people who get together to read the Bible. It isn't a solo venture - you aren't part of the Body of Christ by yourself.

Denominations are different than the church, though - all denominations are part of the one church, the Body of Christ. It might be helpful not to confuse the two.

[AT9]

You can certainly be a Christian without belonging to a church, but God did call us to fellowship and worship with other believers.

[Pathwalker]

We are indeed told not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together, but Jesus also said that where two or three (presumably more, though I'm not putting words in His mouth) were gathered in His name, there He was in their midst. So I emphatically do not believe one must belong to a particular church denomination. I likewise don't believe we must follow some regimented structure of worship such as you find in "organized" churches. Jesus told us that God is a spirit and we are to worship Him in spirit. Since our very bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, I believe we can worship God wherever and whenever we want. That means you don't have to follow a set liturgy with pre-formulated prayers and responses of "Amen" after a pastor or priest says something specific. Worship should be from the heart - not done out of sheer ritual or routine.

[ShanaBrown]

Hi Debk, the church is the body of believers wherever they are I believe. You are the church, but getting together with other Christians and fellowshipping can be beneficial. On the other hand, like you say, there seems to be a lack of authenticity organized religion in many places. Maybe God wants you to focus on Him and His word right now, and as you ask Him to lead you, He will lead you to where He wants you to be in time. He knows your heart. God bless.