Does God require church attendance?

[MissKate12]

Originally Posted by Matthew 4:4

The word 'church' is the building, but the 'Christian Congregation' does require gathering together - Hebrews 10:24-26

Church is an English word. The term in Scripture is ekklesia. It means assembly/congregation. So yes, we are commanded to assemble together, and we have examples of the congregations of the NT doing just that.

[MissKate12]

Originally Posted by Matthew 4:4

Meeting attendance is 'survival classes' for the Christian Congregation no matter where on Earth located.- Hebrews 10:24-26.
The person who isolates himself from the congregation will seek his own selfish desires - Proverbs 18:1

Excellent verse!

[Meerkat2]

Originally Posted by MissKate12

Church is an English word. The term in Scripture is ekklesia. It means assembly/congregation. So yes, we are commanded to assemble together, and we have examples of the congregations of the NT doing just that.

Ekklesia is not just about assembling though, the Greek term was about the assembling of the called out

In a way that is what is happening on this forum to a certain degree where there is a very loose assembling together from a diversity of backgrounds

G1577***(Strong)
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia
ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

[MissKate12]

Originally Posted by Meerkat2

Ekklesia is not just about assembling though, the Greek term was about the assembling of the called out

In a way that is what is happening on this forum to a certain degree where there is a very loose assembling together from a diversity of backgrounds

G1577***(Strong)
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia
ek-klay-see'-ah
From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, church.

Good post, and I actually get it.

[carrcollie]

No, God does not require church attendance, contrary to what many people believe. Tithing is mentioned in the Bible but that is not a requirement either. I've seen too many people leave the church because they felt like failures if they could not afford to donate money to their church. As a young, single woman living in poverty back in the nineties, I was pressured to donate money when I could not even feed myself most of the time. And the singles groups in churches back then got pressured constantly to donate money since it was (wrongly) presumed that any unmarried person had tons of money. Churches do need money to finance their operations, building costs, pay salaries, etc. But they over spend on overseas missions instead of things that will benefit their own community. I'd give more money to my church if I knew it went to food banks, help with medical bills for indigent people, and providing clothing. I've seen churches where kids had holes in their shoes and clothing and their parents were sitting there, putting a twenty dollars or more in the collection plate. You need to take care of your family first.

[Meerkat2]

Originally Posted by carrcollie

No, God does not require church attendance, contrary to what many people believe. Tithing is mentioned in the Bible but that is not a requirement either. I've seen too many people leave the church because they felt like failures if they could not afford to donate money to their church. As a young, single woman living in poverty back in the nineties, I was pressured to donate money when I could not even feed myself most of the time. And the singles groups in churches back then got pressured constantly to donate money since it was (wrongly) presumed that any unmarried person had tons of money. Churches do need money to finance their operations, building costs, pay salaries, etc. But they over spend on overseas missions instead of things that will benefit their own community. I'd give more money to my church if I knew it went to food banks, help with medical bills for indigent people, and providing clothing. I've seen churches where kids had holes in their shoes and clothing and their parents were sitting there, putting a twenty dollars or more in the collection plate. You need to take care of your family first.

Welcome to the forum

Good point, I guess it depends on the churches motivations

I think what was being set up initially was about community not business - but along the way it can get changed to business and not community

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by MissKate12

I have good friends who say they are Christians but are not affiliated with any group. Is this acceptable to God? Does He require us to to attend the services of a church?

No. He does not require it. However, fellowship with other Christians on a regular basis, the same group of Christians, is recommended in Scripture. "Do not forsake the fellowship of other believers".

People may disagree with me, but I do not think it needs to be every week. If you miss a week or two, or you attend once a month, I think that is fine. Twice a month, also fine. At someone's home rather than a church, I think that's OK. I think attending on important holidays is important.

I can't imagine Easter or Christmas without gathering with other Christians. If you don't feel called to attend on these days, perhaps Christianity isn't your religion. I feel compelled, in the best possible way, to be there.

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent and I feel excited and drawn to church.

Christianity is not a solitary religion. It is a communal religion. I am not legalistic about perfect attendance. Not even close. However, a solitary walk in the park while nice, is not Christianity as I understand it. It can be a lovely adjunct to your practice of Christianity, however.