deBunk Church
Top Reasons People {Think} They Don’t Want to Go to Church
I don’t believe in organized religion. Christians don’t believe in religion either. Religion is a man-made set of rules created in attempt to get you closer to a god. Christianity is about having a relationship with God, not through any actions you can do or achieve, but through the unconditional forgiveness you have been given through Jesus.
I have my own way of connecting with God. Yep, everyone does. However, if God wants you to be a part of His church, you should probably go, right? Not to worry, though. God wants you to be in a church to grow closer to Him, not so you can belong to a religion.
Churches just want my money. It’s true that churches need money to operate. They have to pay their electric bill, make coffee, and even fix the plumbing just like any other organization. The myth is that churches ONLY want you for your money. The church isn’t interested in your money; they are interested in YOU. Once you know and love Jesus and the church, you’ll want to freely give to the church to help pay the bills and spread the word to reach others. In fact, this website was paid for by people that cheerfully gave money to reach you.
I don’t have to go to church to be a good person. Church isn’t about being “good,” it’s about being Christian. Many non-Christians are good people who give money to charities, volunteer their time and pay their taxes. And, we love them. But there is so much more to life than morality, there is a deeper level of fulfillment through knowing Christ.
I’m too busy, and Sundays are my only time to rest. Church is the ideal place to rest. God gives us more rest and peace than anything you can do on your own. Give God an hour and you’ll be surprised how much more fulfilled and rested you’ll find yourself.
Church is boring. Nope. It isn’t. The only way to find out is to go and see it.
The people at church have known each other forever; I won’t fit in. People make friends in church and certainly enjoy each other’s company. Church was designed by God to bring all kinds of people together in the name of Jesus. You may not be exactly like the person sitting next to you, but everyone fits in just as they are. You will too and there’s always an open seat.
Christians are judgmental and hypocritical. People are judgmental and hypocritical – even Christians sometimes. We aren’t perfect and we get stuff wrong sometimes. We make mistakes too. But true Christians work hard to emulate Jesus and love others no matter what their circumstance.
I don’t think I’d be welcome – I’m not perfect or I’ve done some pretty bad stuff. Nobody is perfect, no one. There’s only been one perfect person in history, Jesus Christ. Church isn’t even about being perfect. Don’t let your past define your future with Jesus. He knows right where you’re at and He’s waiting for you to meet Him and to accept His offer of full forgiveness.
I didn’t grow up in church so it’s too late to start now. People come to church at many places and times in their lives. Some grow up knowing God their whole lives and others find Him as an adult. You don’t have to worry about your “church knowledge” before you go. Church is a place to learn and everyone is welcome. There are no quizzes at the door.
Doubts about going?
Still a little uneasy about going to church? It’s okay to be nervous, lots of people are. Watch this short video to see what others have to say about the “reasons people don’t attend church”.
Church-y Word Definitions
Sometimes all those church-y words can be confusing. They may make you feel overwhelmed by the Bible or even like someone is saying you’re a bad person. If you’re studious and want to know more about church-y definitions, we hope this is helpful. If you prefer to learn at your own pace, there won’t be a quiz at the door when you visit church. Come to church and learn as you go.
Godhead or Trinity – A theological term that describes the three persons of the Godhead; God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit – The third person of the Holy Trinity, also called the Holy Ghost. Jesus promised his followers that he would send the Holy Spirit after his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is God that lives in us.
The Lost – The state of not knowing God, and consequently not being saved. Christians have a heart for the lost and seek them because God seeks all of us.
The Fall of Man – This refers to when Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the forbidden tree in the garden (because Satan deceived them). The ‘Fall’ simply means they rebelled against God and caused sin to enter the world.
Satan – A fallen angel that was cast from heaven because he rebelled against God (created sin). Satan is real, not a myth. He promises earthly pleasure or rewards, but keeps you from fully experiencing true joy, peace and hope that Jesus offers. Satan strives to keep you from God.
Sin (Sinner) – Rebellion against God or independence from God. Yep, we’re all sinners. All of us. Sin causes eternal death (not going to heaven) when you don’t accept the forgiveness from Jesus.
Holy – Set apart from sin or the perfection of God. Because God is Holy, He can’t be in the presence of sin in His kingdom.
Salvation – A term that describes God’s rescue plan for us out of sin and eternal death. Salvation comes through the gift of Jesus and it’s how we’re reconciled back to God and into heaven. To accept Jesus in your life is to gain salvation.
Savior – Jesus Christ. He paid the price for sin through his death on the cross (sacrifice) and set us right again with God.
Redeemed – To be brought out of sin and back into forgiveness through Jesus.
Grace – Forgiveness of any sin from God.
Believer – Someone that believes Jesus is God and has accepted Him as their Savior.
Born-again – To accept Jesus as your savior and receive a spiritual “rebirth” from the Holy Spirit. Since humans are all born sinners by nature, to be born again through the acceptance of Jesus as your savior, is to get a new heart with new desires that coincide with God’s plan for you.
Baptism – Can mean different things in different denominations. In general, it is the act of publically declaring your acceptance of Jesus as your Savior to others. Baptism is not, in itself how a person is saved, but rather an outwardly profession of faith in Christ.
Communion – Is an act of remembering Jesus and the price he paid for us. The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ on the cross and the bread symbolizes his body dying for our sins. In it, we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death (because Christ rose from the grave on Easter) and thank Him for his salvation.
Tithe (and offerings) – Tithe literally means a tenth. It’s a guide for giving the first 10% of your income to the church to help others in need and further reach people with the message of God. Note: Although tithing is not a law, many Christians happily tithe or give above a tithe. All tithes and/or offerings come from a person’s free will and are an act of worship and happiness.
Worship – Showing love and devotion to God. Often this term is used during the musical part of church when people sing, which is a common way to show worship to God.
Fellowship – A gathering together of Christians who share a common interest – loving Jesus.
Scriptures – The 66 books of the Bible.
Gospel – Literally means “good news.” The gospels are the specific stories of Jesus’ life, His death and resurrection. There are four gospels written from four different perspectives by the authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — which comprise the first four books of the New Testament.
Disciple – Someone that follows Jesus’ teachings.
Pastor – A person who teaches and a spiritual overseer of a church congregation. A pastor literally means “a shepherd,” a metaphoric description of one who cares for and leads God’s flock.
Elders – A mature believer with spiritual supervision and ministry within the church.
Ministry – How a Christian uses their talents or time to serve others or spread the word of God.
Denomination — A group of believers who are formally organized along a common structure built around shared practices or beliefs within Christianity. In a nutshell, different denominations may do things a little differently, but the core of Christian belief of Jesus is our Savior, our Lord, and best friend, stays the same.
Non-denominational – Refers to a church that doesn’t belong to a formally organized group.