Not going to Church Every Sunday

Teresa - posted on 04/07/2013

If you look at the original Greek, you'll see that the Church in the NT was not a place that was attended; rather, it is a body of believers. It is a personal relationship. Others used the scripture about not forsaking assembling with other believers, but if you read in Acts, they met in their homes. It never instructed us to meet in a building. On the contrary, Jesus said His Church was not built by human hands. The Bible is also clear tat where two or more are gathered, he is there. So...how close are you to the people in your Church? If they really knew you, they'd understand your situation and come to you rather than having you meet them. Also, at this church building, how much net reaction do you honestly get?

Maria - posted on 05/26/2012

Honey, God is not a vindictive God. He understands your situation! I was the same way feeling guilty, until one Sunday, I attended the mass when the parish priest said, even if we for any reason can't make it on Sundays, He doesn't forsake nor leave us. Often, we leave Him. Just keep the faith and prayer is a powerful communique, more so than you think. It gives us hope and serenity. Hope this helps.

Angela - posted on 05/22/2012

Great post there Leekeisha!

I have SO MANY Sunday shifts that I miss Church more than I'd like to. I also had last Sunday morning off work - but missed Church anyway because by the time I got away from work (9am after sleeping there), my husband had already taken the car for something else and I was very tired.

Finding the time for God in one's busy schedule is important - if you fit Him in, He'll make sure you find the time for everything else. Finding the time for Him doesn't necessarily mean attending a Church service - depending on your circumstances, you may get better quality time with the Lord elsewhere. Praise music, awareness of His blessings, prayer and bible study are all good. He is not simply a distant figure we worship, He's REAL and we need to develop a personal relationship with Him.

Church attendance is good though as it gives you the opportunity to fellowship with other Christians and keep "in the loop" of your own Church community.

Leekeisha - posted on 05/22/2012

My pastor always says that church starts from home. I also have 3 small kids and I know how hard it is to get them ready and when you get to church you can't pay attention because they won't keep still. I have a relationship with my heavenly father and I have praise and worship at home also. I feel as long as we don't stop our worship he is ok with it.

Sharon - posted on 05/15/2012

Skipping Church is not a sin and I understand the effort it takes to take 3 small children to church and try to keep a handle on them.

It sounds like you really want to go, if you have made some friends or if there are some teens, would you be able to ask for help once inside the doors?

God will not take your garden away because you miss church. God the Father is not your earthly father in any way. God loves you so much that he gave His only Son for you and your children.

Most older people and pastors love to hear the sound of children in church, even when they don't sit still and quiet like dollies because they know that these same children are the future of the church. So don't sweat the small stuff.

Go to church when you can and when you have the energy and do not feel guilty when you just can't make it. Just keep looking up and keep your faith.

Tracy - posted on 05/15/2012

Carla I loved your post encouraging her.
I am very new here but I could relate with the original poster. I too used to view my Heavenly father like my earthly father so I know exactly what you mean. I used to live in fear and condemnation thinking everything I did would be punished if not done right, or enough. Thank the Lord that I am free of that mind set now. I can tell you what helped me in the hopes that maybe it will help you too. I had to go to the word and study all I could on God's love and his grace, in the person of Jesus. God started revealing to me how loving, graceful and merciful He is... How I can do NOTHING in and of myself, I have to rely on Him to do it through me. This scripture comes to mind the most as I write this:

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Because I found the more I seeked out the person of Jesus and who He was and IS, God did a change in my heart. It changed totally how I perceive my Heavenly father and how He loves me ( and you) so very much.

I also believe that a person can sit in church every day of there life and not even be a Christian. Just like sitting in a garage does not make you a car.

I fully believe God desires relationship with Him and when you pursue that, the rest will fall into place.

I think from the post you wrote,.. your heart is most defiantly in the right place and God honors that.

It was sad to me to see some people using harsh or condemning words.. Who are they to do
so.

My bible tells me that
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

I also suffer from asthma and sever allergies so I can relate on that front too. I will be praying for your health. I know how frustrating and exhausting not being able to breathe can be, I can't imagine trying to do that with 3 kids that young.


God Bless you and keep on pressing on!

Carla - posted on 04/22/2012

Thank you, Angela. We ARE here to strengthen, encourage and lift each other up. Sometimes, when we are typing something, the emotion and emphasis aren't heard like when we talk face-to-face with each other. Some of us just aren't as smooth and glib as others, and our message is mistaken.



Let's pray for Sissy Rose today (and me, as I am unable to attend this week), and for all those who struggle to get to church every Sunday.



God bless, my dears

Angela - posted on 04/21/2012

I don't think it's helpful when people on here make comments that might make Sissy Rose feel guilty. It's pretty hard for mothers of kids of a very dependent age to do a lot of things and stick to a schedule. CHurch attendance isn't the only thing that gets missed from time to time.

Just lately I've missed a few Sundays at Church - and my kids are all grown-up! I have fairly regular Sunday shifts in my job and quite recently I've been ill - as has my husband. He has actually been more sick than me so neither of us has been fit to drive. We've even had our cleaning lady come over and walk our dog!

Thankfully I'm a little better now and have returned to work and my husband returns to his own work on Monday.

Sometimes, in the busy life of being a parent you get a little tiny window of respite - not necessarily occurring on a Sunday, not necessarily long enough to make your way over to your Church. But perhaps just long enough to spend a small amount of quality time with the Lord. Read your Bible, pray - praise and give thanks etc ...

Also, if the circumstances are suitable, maybe you could attend a midweek service at your Church once in a while? It might help you feel a little easier in your mind about the Sundays you're missing?

Someone once told me that when you manage to find some time in your life for God, God helps you find time for everything else.

Good luck in your Christian journey - don't let other people make you feel guilty, God knows what's in your heart.

Keisha - posted on 04/20/2012

I am right there with you. We have a 14 year old boy, 8 year old boy, 2 year old boy/girl twins and a 4 month old girl. Sometimes, making it church is just not gonna happen. God truly understands. I truly believe that going to church is very important, it should be an established part of your life. Having that been said, the most important is your relationship with Christ, the one you build with Him. The Bible says that we are not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together, however, sometimes, getting all the kids together and to church ON TIME is a challenge that even the two of us can't bear.
God is merciful and full of grace which is renewed every morning. As long as you don't make a habit out of not going to church..... You'll be just fine~

Sissy - posted on 04/11/2012

I am writting back after a while of not being on. I joined this community for help, and not to be ridiculed. And thank you thank you so much to those who gave me those amazing encouraging words. But there were some that made me feel worse than I already did. Such as I should think about those who are in other countries and have to walk miles to make it to church. I must say things like this make me slightly bitter inside because I thought as Christians we were supposed to be encouraging and not condemn others, but it's okay I will pray about it. But I must say I have found a balance. On the Sundays I don't make it I write pages upon pages in my journal to God, and I feel he understands. And yes I love being at church it does make my entire week worth it, but at the same time I have seen that God is in each of my children every time I look into their eyes, He is in my husband who loves me unconditionally, and He has blessed me like crazy, and I do beleive that he wants me to go to church, but at the same time I don't think that he punishes me for not. I will pray for those of you who made me feel worse, and I will Thank God for those of you who built me up. God wants me in church on Sunday yes, but he wants me to be a church for Him everyday, and I am focusing more on that than worrying whether or not I am physically in a building once a week. And for the record I go to a church that is about an hour away. Our nursey isn't really a nursery it's a tiny room where about 3 teenagers watch about 7 kids. It's a very tiny old church with little money. I guess I am saying these things because while going to church on Sunday for some people is easy because they can drop the kids off in the nursery it's not that easy for me. But I sitll love going and my kids love going. I was in a bad mind set when I wrote the last post. I was physically exhausted with my asthma and I was having extended family issues. I didn't make it to church that Sunday, and guess what I don't beleive God was mad at me. Thank you for the encouraging words to those that gave.

Carla - posted on 04/11/2012

You know, PEOPLE have pounded into our heads that if we aren't at every service, we are somehow lesser Christians. God is NOT a building, He is GOD! God wants our hearts, not necessarily our attendance in the prescribed number of church services.



God is all about relationship, not religious ritual! Think of Him as your most beloved Friend/Spouse/Family member you have. Do you only communicate with the one you love most just on Sundays, or Wednesday? No! If you can only see that person once a week, you call during the week, or drop an e-mail, whatever you can to let that person know you are thinking about them! What about the woman who's husband is overseas in Iraq or Afghanistan? Does she love her husband less because she can't see him? Of course not. But she DOES write to him, sends him e-mails, gets a care package together for him, carefully picking out items she knows he loves. It's the same with God. We can't always physically be at the Church building, but let's look at what we CAN do--we can't go to the mission fields, but we CAN give money for missions. We think that just because we can't physically go to Russia or Afghanistan or any of the countries that need missionaries that we don't have a chance of being blessed. Missionaries have a terribly thankless job, are the last on the list of most churches to get funds. You can't afford to send any money? Pray for them! Pray protection over them, Father, give them the Words that will change their lives--we used to send care packages to ours in Germany, and I was the one who took the parcels to UPS to weigh them, and send them off. Our missionaries were so grateful to get powdered sugar! Little things that we take for granted were luxuries for them. What about the Christmas or Easter program? Can't sing? You can draw props, make costumes, or just pray the play touches hearts. We just had a giant Easter Egg-stravaganza at church. I can't participate in these activities, but I COULD buy candy and eggs to help the others. Does your church have little business cards with Scripture or encouraging words? Take a handful and give them (along with a generous tip) to your server at the restaurant. Pray over the card, asking God to bless the message into her heart. Each of these things God sees, and blesses us for doing what we can.



God isn't some horrible taskmaster, one who is standing with a whip in hand, just waiting for us to screw up! He is the gentlest, most loving Being, watching and wanting us to succeed, and to be lifted up and blessed with His Relationship.



Understand God, then relax, and just BE with Him. Talk to Him often during your day. You will find the weight of your work day will be lighter, and you will feel the closeness you long for.



God bless, sweethearts!

Pat - posted on 04/10/2012

God knows where your heart is. I am a single mom and when i dont have my 14 yr old to help me, i have to handle an almost 5 yr old and a 3 yr old. it is a mini nightmare having to drive to my church(about 25 minutes away), find parking(huge church), walk across the large campus, wait for the sunday school teacher for the 5 yr old, then race over to the 3 yr old class and hope i dont have to wait long or i end up being late for worship(i hate being late).. so yea, there are plenty of times when i make it a point to listen to messages online, or download them, or watch them, listen to christian music, and do a little lesson with my kids. yea, we should be going to church regularly, but its not always ideal. sometimes we all learn more from life lessons and nature than in the building or classrooms....

Carla - posted on 03/27/2012

Tosha, I meant not offense. We are here to encourage each other, and that is what you were doing.



God bless

Tosha - posted on 03/26/2012

No, I have the right chapter. I was just trying to be encouraging to the mother who wrote the oringinal comment. Maybe that chapter has a different meaning for you than it does me...but I shared it because I felt lead to do so...

Carla - posted on 03/26/2012

@Tosha-- Okay, finally found an Abundant Life NLT online, and looked up Matthew 6. I think maybe you have gotten the wrong chapter. But I am still interested in WHERE this is, so if you can tell me exactly where you are, I'd be grateful.

Tosha - posted on 03/26/2012

Abundent Life NLT

Carla - posted on 03/26/2012

Tosha, I would be curious to find out which translation you are using. The KJV of Matthew 6:5-18 is talking about praying, the Lord's prayer, and fasting.

Tosha - posted on 03/26/2012

hi there...This story I recently read in Matthew came to mind and wouldn't leave... So, I grabbed my Bible and I found it very quickly (not a common thing for me...lol)



Matthew 6:5-18



If it's better for your peace of mind to be home every once in a while on a Sunday...so be it. Keep your heart full of love and be peaceful for your children. That is what matters the most. Take some time out of your day when you feel the most peaceful, while sitting in the sunlight while the kids are playing...leaning against the washer (lol)...whatever it may be... to be thankful and gracious to HIM... The children will see God through you because you will radiate His Love... :)

Angela - posted on 03/17/2012

I don't always get Sundays off work, because of the nature of my job. My vicar understands this and I'm sure the Lord does as well!



I enjoy lots of blessings in life, but also face challenges too. This isn't because I only attend Church when I'm off work (although a handful of times I've attended from work and taken clients along, LOL!!). God makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust - whether or not we attend Church or Chapel every Sunday.



It's pretty much a nightmare organising kids to get along to a Church service when you're on your own. I wouldn't worry too much. No one's judging you for this except yourself. You should enjoy Church for the fellowship and company you get with other Christians and (of course) because it brings you close to God. You can still be close to God outside of the Church building & the Church service - but I suppose you might miss the fellowship of the other people? God is NOT going to make your garden perish or any other negative stuff happen because you didn't get along to Church every single week. If anything like this happens, it just happens because God is impartial. He controls Nature but He doesn't consider to Himself "Ah! Sissy Rose hasn't attended Church for 3 weeks out of the last 7 .... I think I'll send adverse weather conditions so her garden won't flourish - that'll teach her to put ME first...!"



Pray for your husband to get more suitable shifts from his workplace. Pray for me getting better shifts too, if you like!

Tanysha - posted on 03/17/2012

Honestly I believe if you take it to God he will make away for ur husband to have off Sundays so u guys can go as a family. As a Christian wife we take on a lot that's y we have to seek God's face even more. Pray about God will fix it trust me.

Lyndsey - posted on 03/15/2012

I can completely relate! My husband works Sundays as well, I have two three year olds and a one year old and I have asthma! Going to church used to be so simple, now it's a workout and by the time I get in the car I am ready for a nap. However, I do believe God wants us to be involved in a church, go regularly and fellowship and worship with other believers. He also tells us to keep the sabbath holy. Do I think he understands if you miss church? Absolutely! We have such an understanding and forgiving savior. However I do think we have to try and miss as little church as possible. Miss one week and Satan will be on you trying to get you to miss just one more week then maybe another. You can try getting some help at church. Maybe an usher can meet you at your car and help you get the kids out of the car seats and into their Sunday school classes. Also, on Saturday do as much prep as you can to make Sunday easier. Get clothes and diaper bag ready etc.

Kyra - posted on 03/14/2012

i have 4 daughters and we don't get to church every sunday but i have bible study with the girls a couple times a week and we dress ourselves spiritually every morning by prayer together, bible verses and spiritual music. A personal walk with God is so important daily not just sunday. I read a verse in Mark 2:27 today, where Jesus said the sabbath is made for humankind not humankind made for the sabbath. And you should not beat yourself up about it. Ask for forgiveness of any sins and BELIEVE that you are forgiven and you are! God Bless ( I think God gave me that verse today for you).

Shatoyia - posted on 03/13/2012

Andrea, I agree! Both sides are important:-) We should definitely understand that we are saved by grace through faith (not by works) and that if we are in Christ then nothing can seperate us from His love (not even missing church!). The other side is that we must learn to rely on God's stregnth to be made perfect in our weaknesses. God often uses those difficult times in our lives as wives and mothers to conform us to the image of Christ. Although having ashtma is difficult God in His grace shows us through scripture through many examples (Paul is one) that we can by God's grace perservere even through afflictions.

Andrea - posted on 03/13/2012

I suppose I read that differently than you are. I understand that she is too overwhelmed or exhausted to get to church in the morning but doing things around the house at her own pace is doable. There have been been mornings I have not been able to get up and go somewhere but then sitting at home I find other things to do - actually taking a day of total rest is difficult at least for me. For example this Sunday the kids were too sick to go to church (we were preventing illness from spreading) but were fine to go out and play in the yard and help pick up sticks. If she is indeed saying I would rather stay home and clean/do yard work than attend services then yes there is a heart issue.

Honestly I believe the issue more pressing than going to church every Sunday is her belief that she must attend every service or be punished by God. This indicates a faith that has not yet fully grasped the idea of Grace and God's forgiveness. Which is what I was trying to address to a certain extent in my first comment.

Shatoyia - posted on 03/12/2012

Andrea,



But she mentioned herself that she sometimes would rather stay at home to clean, do yard work,etc. I am also a mother of three and both my husband and son have asthma so I know the difficulties of that but they are usually find if they take a few puffs of their inhaler. All I'm saying is we should always check our heart. God intends for us to depend on His stregnth not our own stregnth. God can and does give grace to us mothers who have to get little ones ready for church (sometimes without the aid of our husbands). It could simply be an issue of self-discipline; getting clothes ready during the week. The truth is that it takes the same amount of energy (maybe more) to do laundry, yard work, etc as it does to get kids ready for church. Think about the Christians in other countries who have to walk miles just to get to a church service.

Carla - posted on 03/12/2012

Well said, Andrea. Asthma robs you of vital air, and as a result, you are exhausted. After an attack, it would take me weeks to 'catch up', only to have another one come on. It stunted my growth--at 15 when I got married, I was about 75 pounds and 4'10". After marriage, I outgrew my asthma, and grew another 5 inches (I won't tell you how many inches around I grew ;))



I can't always go. I have drastically reduced my ritual for getting ready to go anywhere (it used to take me two hours to get ready for work or church), I have to also decide if I have other commitments, which one gets me. If there's a birthday for the children in the afternoon, I know I won't be able to do both, and the grandchildren don't understand if I'm not there. I wanted to go to Christmas morning service this past year, but we were going over to my daughter's for dinner, so I had to forego service. I am positive God sees the motives of my heart, and understands.



We need to stand behind Sissy, and all the other Sissy's out there and pray for strength and lend a hand and encourage, whenever possible. Life is rougher now than it ever has been. Let's all help each other!



God bless, all

Andrea - posted on 03/12/2012

Sissy - is there someone in the church you would feel comfortable having come over on Sunday mornings to help you with the children? I have on a few occasions called a friend and asked her if she could stop by to help the kids with breakfast while I got myself ready. If you don't know anyone you might ask your pastor. There are quite a few older women in our church who would be willing to spend some time with the kids and help out if they are asked. Even our "crankiest" little old lady came by one day to get my son dressed when we had an emergency hospital run.

Andrea - posted on 03/12/2012

Vicky, Shatoyia - her feelings are exhaustion from asthma and being overwhelmed with a big task of getting 3 kids up and out the door early in the morning. I would hardly label them sinful. From what I read she is doing her best and makes it to church most Sundays. She says she loves to go so I do not think her problem is not wanting to attend. Yes the worship and fellowship is important. Yes if she has the ability to attend it is in her and her family's best interest to do so. But not being able to attend because you are physically unable to is not in any way sinful. If she begins to make a habit of "I'm too tired" it's too hard" excuses hopefully her local church body will recognize her struggle and come to help and support her not accuse her of sinning (as we all do) and tear her down. One missed service does not send you to hell just like attending every service religiously will not get to into heaven.

Shatoyia - posted on 03/12/2012

God does care and that why is Hebrews 10:25 is in the bible and why the New Testament is about the Church. Christ died for the Church and has given our local church leadership authority over us; to keep watch over our souls. I would say through studying the scriptures that God most certainly cares. Going to church or not going is more of a heart issue. That's where our concern should be. Am I desiring not to fellowship with the local body for biblical reasons? Regardless if it's one Sunday or many Sundays. If we excuse sinful feelings/desires and don't guard our hearts then we can find ourselves going down a slippery slope.

Shatoyia - posted on 03/12/2012

Well said Vicky:-)

Vicky - posted on 03/12/2012

Here's a question. Why would you not want to go to church every Sunday? This is the place where we worship the God of All Comfort, where we find rest and peace for our souls, where we can praise the living God who gave us everything, EVERYTHING. Church should refresh you, feed your soul, and be the best part of your week. Saying like you don't feel like it, is like saying what the Lord has provided isn't such a big deal. If church isn't where you want to be, ask yourself if you love God. Yes the building is just that, but going to church is more than just spending a few hours in the building, it is where we all come together to celebrate not only our Lord but each other. God desires our love for him AND our love for one another. So no, he will not punish you for not going, but neither is it his best design for you to not go.

Andrea - posted on 03/12/2012

I am glad to see you getting encouraged by the ladies on here. They have a demonstrated a good understanding of the fact the Church is the "the called out ones" i.e. the People of God and not a building.

I have 2 children 15 months apart (a 2 yr old son and a 1 yr old girl). I am also a pastor's wife which means my husband is always working on Sunday morning. Your struggle is understandable and if you are too weak to attend a service here and there it will be OK. God is not petty and sitting in heaven waiting for you to "mess up" so He can punish you. He wants you to succeed and is interested in a relationship with you not in how often you sit in a building with His name on the front. However it is important to attend community worship whenever you can and to be involved in His work everyday not just on Sunday. When you accepted Christ as your savior you not only entered a relationship with him you joined his family which is the church. Just like you need your earthly family you need this spiritual family and they need you. Each person in the church has gifts and talents that can be used to build up up the body and strengthen and encourage it so the church can go out and fulfill its mission to make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey His commands. Not saying you do or will but if you give up attending or decided it's too much work you will put yourself in a position of being compromised and more open to attacks from satan You also will rob the church of your talents. By going to worship services and classes you are placing yourself in a position to learn and be built up So that you can grow into maturity. You need the church as much as they need you.

Now for the "punishing" aspects of God think of it more by how you relate to your children. You want the best for them and sometimes that means you have to discipline them. Your desire is that they learn to trust and obey you so they can grow to be the best people possible and to protect them from harm. God's desire is that you grow closer to Him and that you grow to have a more Christ like character. When you do something harmful to yourself (i.e. sin) it breaks His heart and He wants to help you overcome it so you are no longer hindered by its effects in your life - sometimes when we don't listen to His Words that means a harsher discipline but again He is not a tyrant waiting to punish but a loving parent wanting to guide and discipline. When you go through hard times in your life it may be a trial or test, it may be discipline, it may be attacks from satan, or it may just be the result of living in this fallen imperfect world. God will not give up on you and leave you to face these things alone. Just as you will always be there for your children He is always there waiting for you to come to Him. In times of trouble or hardship you turn to Him through prayer and seek His will but also His Family (the church) is there to help you and to offer support and encouragement. No one can do it alone. We are all in this together

Julie - posted on 03/11/2012

WE cannot go to church

If we are saved we ARE the church ...

God could care less... relationship with Him is what its all about ♥

Shatoyia - posted on 03/10/2012

Thank God that His love and our salvation isn't based on our performance! I'm sure every mother has skipped a Sunday or two in her lifetime. I think the important questions to ask however are rather we are skipping church for a biblical reason or rather we are just forsaking to assemble with our local church because we don't feel like going. The attitudes that we have about going to church are the attitudes that our children will pick up. If we constantly make church out to be an inconvenience or a hassle then our children will see that. I think it's a great opportunity,by God's grace, to teach our children (and ourselves) self-discipline (doing what we need to do even when we don't feel like it) and perseverance (not giving up with things are hard) . I've learned the hard way that it's just easier on me to have the motto of "Sunday starts on Saturday night" with that in mind, I try to get Sunday's clothes ready the night before. If not then I get up really early and get clothes ready; which makes it harder on me but are the consequences of me procrastinating.



But I do think it might be a heart issue if you are desiring to do other things around the house rather than go to church then that would be forsaking to assemble. As Christians (and parents) we'll fail every time if we depend on our own strength to do the things God desires us to do. Is is going to be easy? No, some days are harder than others to get ourselves and little ones ready but the blessing of being able to worship God together through the teaching of God's word, singing songs and hymns together, and fellow-shipping with other brothers and sisters in Christ is well worth it. I hope this helps!

Christy - posted on 03/06/2012

Hey there :)

I know exactly where you are coming from! :) I have a 3 year old and 9 month old twin boys that I have to feed, dress and get ready for church on Sunday morning, and it is VERY exhausting, especially when my hubby has to work and cant help get the little guys dressed. To tell you the truth, I most normally dont get breakfast on Sunday lol But the thing is that I am so glad I took the time to get the kids ready and take them. The twins go to the nursery and my 3 year old has Sunday School, so I get Sunday School and Service time to ,,, not to sound sacriligeous, but to unwind a bit and enjoy being there, fellowshipping with my church family and being taught the Bible by our wonderful Pastor. I think the thing that keeps me going even when I'm exhausted, is the promise my hubby and I made to the Lord when we dedicated all three of our sons to Him. We promised first that we would raise them in a godly home and second, keep them in church regularly. :) But I tell you what, when I get sick or am just so tired I cant think, and hubby isnt there to take the boys, we stay home and listen online :) Just remember, God loves you, he's not out to get you every time you stumble, cause we all do that! He's there to forgive us :) And I'm pretty sure he understands when Moms get bone tired :) Love and Prayers! :D

Sissy - posted on 03/06/2012

thank yall so much. it has serioulsy made me feel so much better know that i shouldn't feel guilty about missing one sunday of church

Nidya - posted on 03/06/2012

In no way should you feel guilty for not attending church regularly God knows your issues big or small, you pray for strength to get you up n going the next service , God doesn't expect us To go out of guilt or b/c you feel he is not going to bless you, he wants us to go b/c we want too b/c we feel a need to be there. Don't loose site of what's most important to you besides church thats your family.. 🙏 just pray n worship God at home, watch a service on TV..

Lori - posted on 03/06/2012

I soo understand you and I only have two little ones a three year old and a ten month old and it is truly a struggle to go almost at all right now... I often times worship thru internet service of church and quiet times ..

Joy - posted on 03/06/2012

Not going to church is not a sin as others have said. My church focuses on having a personal relationship with God. Having a relationship with Him does not mean you have to attend church because it is a ritual that must be done. Attending church is for the fellowship, encouragement of other believers, a special time for worship (which for me means letting my 2 year old play in the nursery while I focus my attention on Him & His Word in a service or adult Bible study.)



You don't need to go to church to worship Him though. I try to set time aside each day to worship, pray or study the Bible -or teach my daughter how to do these things. Going to church (especially my bible study) has helped me feel closer to God as other believers & I share what God's done and what we've learned about Him from what we've read or experienced in our lives.

Sarah - posted on 03/05/2012

I don't think you are going to be punished if you don't go to church every Sunday. I think church is important and something we should try to go to every week, but if we miss it is not the end of the world. God knows our heart and that is the main thing. I do find that sometimes when I miss a lot of Sundays in a row it is hard to get back into going on a regular basis, so sometimes I do need to push myself into getting up and going. Something you could do for those days you feel very overwhelmed is find a church program on TV. I don't think the TV program should replace church, but I think it can be a good tool for getting God's message.

Louise - posted on 03/05/2012

Take a breath and breath honey! You have so much to do just getting 4 kids up and dressed in the morning. Can I just draw your attention to the fact that God is every where and not just in church! If you are raising your children to believe in God and his teachings then buy a childrens bible and on the Sundays you cant go at some point read them a story and chat about the story, so they understand that you can be any where in the world and still prey and he will hear you. He does not punish you for feeling over whelmed or just too tired to go to church. God is love and love is everywhere. xx

Carla - posted on 03/05/2012

Every mother understands your exhaustion, and those of us with asthma understand the energy it takes when you are laboring to breathe. And don't you think God knows as well? He's the one that made you! I have a lot of physical ailments, and there are times when I simply can't get it together to 'put the face on' to be out in public. I have come to understand that God knows my heart, and knows I would be there if I could. Put worship CDs on, or listen to Christian radio and have a little worship service in your living room!



Sunday (or Saturday) is called the day of rest in the Lord. With your health restrictions, you need to be observing this as much as possible. He said whatever work you have to do, get it done in 6 days. I think if you REST (as much as possible with 3 kids ;)), the Lord will bless you. Church isn't walls, it's heart. So, get there when you can, read your Bible in between times, and lighten up on yourself! As I tell my son, sometimes you are your worst enemy! Satan doesn't have to do anything to you, you do it all yourself! As long as your heart belongs to Jesus, and you are having a daily relationship with Him, missing a Sunday here or there isn't the cardinal sin ;)



God bless, sweetheart!

Rebekah - posted on 03/04/2012

Your Heavenly Father will not punish for missing church! Missing church is not a sin. Actually the Bible describes church as "us" - we the people, not a building that we attend. You are the church! So, if you stay home, church is right there with you - why? Because the Holy Spirit lives within you!!! Have time with God at home - read the Bible, put on music and praise God while you work. There is nothing wrong with that.

Kaitlin - posted on 03/04/2012

I hear you. I have a 29 month old boy, 16 month old boy, and baby number three due in July. WOO! ;)

Sissy - posted on 03/04/2012

Thank you so much. This does really make me feel better. and you are right I do have alot of kids..lol...and I wouldn't have it any other way.. the funny part is that we want more..I think the hard part is not how many I have it is their ages they are all so close in age that it's almost like having triplets.. well I don't know what its like to have triplets but this is my best guess.. But thank you I am glad to hear that I am not the only person who just can't make it sometimes whether it be a phyiscal or an emotional issue

Kaitlin - posted on 03/04/2012

I think lots of new moms feel this way- and experienced moms too! My grandmother, hard core Catholic woman that she was, used to say that God isn't going to send you to hell because you miss church once in a while. Sometimes you just can't. Going to church is a discipline, just like keeping yourself healthy physically, this keeps you healthy emotionally and spiritually. However, your health and abilities with your ga-gillion (just kidding, though it feels like that sometimes) kids need tending to as well! If you can't go, spend a half hour with your kids singing songs/hymns or reading Scripture or from the daily Missal (Catholic thing). Take time out for God even if you can't get there. I think it's best if you do it in your pjs, personally- that's what we do when we can't get to church on occasion. Don't feel guilty. You have been resolved of guilt. ;)