Question: Is it necessary to go to church to be a Christian?

Answer: The Bible never says, "Go to church in order to become a Christian." Salvation is a gift of God's grace, through faith in Christ and His sacrificial work on your behalf. However, the Bible does teach that believers will and, in fact, must go to church to be obedient followers of Christ, the Head of the church.

In Hebrews we are commanded to be faithful in a church:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another,] and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NKJV

In fact, the opposite of the above verses is true:

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but [they went out] that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. 1 John 2:19 NKJV

For one thing, going regularly to church tells you something about your love for the "brothers." This is a strong and clear sign of true conversion as given to us in 1st John. It is almost impossible to believe that someone could be a true Christian without wanting to spend a lot of time with other believers in the family of God.

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love [his] brother abides in death. 1 John 3:14 NKJV

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NKJV

The church is God's way to help you grow as a believer in Christ. But if you are not yet a Christian, then you might attend a church to hear just exactly what it means to be one. If so, ask a lot of questions and people will be glad to help. You will meet believers there who have similar struggles to yours, who can pray for you, and can help you along the way. God did not mean for us to go it alone.

You should find a good church (see the question: What is a Good Church?") and attend faithfully. You should certainly not expect that the church you join will be perfect. In this church you will learn the Bible, worship God, pray, find motivation to live an obedient life, assume a place of service to others, and enjoy your Christian family. Occasionally we at WTG can help you find a good church. If you care to ask, we will see what we can do to provide you with some possibilities.