To d a y , m a n y Christians f i n d themselves asking, “Do I have to go to church to be a good Christian?” Weekends are usually when we finally get some downtime or catch up on things, so you might wonder if it is okay to pray at home or if missing church now and then hurts your bond with God. These are honest questions, and it is important to answer truthfully. Attending church is not a requirement for salvation. Salvation comes from believing in Jesus, confessing Him as our Lord, and trusting in His sacrifice for our sins — not by our actions or church attendance. So, no, going to church does not make you a Christian. What makes you a Christian is your personal relationship with Jesus. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that it is our faith in Jesus that saves us.
So, if you are feeling guilty or worried about not going to church regularly, take comfort in knowing that your salvation is not dependent on how often you attend church. What’s the purpose of the church, then? You don’t have to go to church for salvation, but it is still an important part of being a Christian. The early church was not even about meeting in a building for an hour each week. It was a community of believers who supported one another, prayed together, and spread the gospel to those around them. The Bible encourages all Christians to get together regularly — not because it is a rule we must follow, but because it helps us grow in our faith and become better people. Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about how gathering with other Christians helps us encourage and motivate one another to love and be kind.
In today’s culture, it is easy to feel disconnected from church. But being part of a church community is not just about what we get out of it but also about what we can give. When we join a church, we join a big family. We are here to help each other, pray with and for one another, and grow together in our walk with Christ. Honestly, we really do need each other. Christianity is not meant to be a solo journey. When we don’t spend time with other Christians, we lose out on the encouragement, accountability, and growth that come from being part of a church. Sure, praying and singing at home can be meaningful, but it is not the same as feeling the love and kindness of a Christian community. Through the church, we learn patience, forgiveness, and how to love others like Jesus loves us. We all get busy and miss a Sunday or two, so that is okay. Just try not to let these occasional absences turn into a habit.
When you make it a point to attend church regularly, you will find that it becomes a natural and fun part of your week. And if you are having difficulty finding a church that feels like home, don’t give up. Finding the right community might take some time, but it is worth it.
