What to do about not going to church.

Anne - posted on 04/18/2013

Because of the age of this Post I am going to close this. If others would like to discuss this subject you are welcome to ask a similiar question.Athak Anne Watkins

Anne - posted on 04/18/2013

Because of the age of this Post I am going to close this. If others would like to discuss this subject you are welcome to ask a similiar question.Athak Anne Watkins

Nicole - posted on 04/17/2013

A lot churches have some kind of daycare. God wants you to go to church but more than that, talk to god, praise him, have a conversation with him, thank him for what you do have. Ask and you shall receive, read the bible, help others like Jesus did. Start listening to someone like Joyce Meyer or a religious preacher. Doing those things, you will start to feel the Holy Spirit again. It's something out of this world. God bless!

Celina - posted on 08/20/2010

Why not have church at home with your children? Or invite persons over and have church. After all church is people and where two or three are gathered to give Him praise He will be in the midst to bless. Give it a try; you may surprise yourself.

Crystal - posted on 08/20/2010

I know what you mean about needing church. Our family thinks we are crazy because we go at least 3 times a week or more. Church is like a gas station. You can only drive so far without having to fill back up. I know we also have family devotions. We sing with each other, read the Bible and disscuss what we read. It is amazing how God will sweep right through your bedroom and bless you. We have to drive an hour to church our selves and so I know about having to save money to go back and forth. Good Luck!

Jill - posted on 08/20/2010

There is a great TV program called "Time of Grace" that is on in many cities on Sunday mornings. While it isn't the same as attending church, the pastor has a wonderful message each week and it allows you to hear the Word while you search for a church home. We listen to it in addition to attending services at our church.

Maggie - posted on 08/18/2010

it isn't trivial. have you considered holding a women's Bible fellowship in your home?

Doreen - posted on 08/18/2010

Online sermons are excellent! The main thing is to honor the day and find a way to worship even if it only means going to a park to be in nature.

MISTY - posted on 08/17/2010

I know how this is hun I went on Vacation away from my Church for a month and the Lord open new doors for me and really wanted me to connect more with him through his word. read at least One Chapter in the Bible a day with you and the kids get a story books for them if you can that explains the bible thats agae apprpiate for them my kids love the story bibles and has the bibles vrs on the bottom than we look up them in the bible after we read the story about god.Jesus...Also Start a Group in your area how the lord has worked with you today in the past and do like snacks like once a week with a Time our church is huge on group meetings and thats how we all stay connected with each other Jesus and its about people getting Involved with Jesus in our community and people becoming the Church it such a blessing to have no church at all and we reach out to others in the cummunity and regroup on Sunday in a big School to Worship and Bring the Lost ones To Christ so think about not finding a church think about finding God in your heart right where you stand at this moment and the church will find you my dear God bless you and your Family ...♥ Misty

Jessica - posted on 08/16/2010

Not trivial at all, Tonye. God bless you for having the fire burn in you to want to be in the house of the Lord to worship and fellowship..."Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Heb 10:25
I went through the same thing having moved across the USA. I visited some in walking distance, watched a lot of church on TV and sent my tithes to those broadcasts, and after months of praying for the Lord to lead me where HE could use me, I found a church really close by. I walked for a couple years until I could afford a car.

Marcia - posted on 08/16/2010

In the church i attend, I can call another member of my church to ask for a ride. If my car doesn't work or if I have no car. I have done it for years, if you know anyone in the church you used to attend, maybe you can call them to ask for a ride

Crystal - posted on 08/16/2010

I know how you feel. On the days I don't get to attend I feel as if there is something missing in my life. God is in my life everyday but I still have that empty feeling when I have to miss services. I attend a Seventh Day Adventist Church. I recently started it back in 2008. I love it because they attend on the Sabbath Day ( Saturday ). The same day that Jesus kept when he walked the earth. I hope you can find something that will make you and your kids happy. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for the best for you. May God Bless.

Darcel - posted on 08/16/2010

Hebrews 10:24-26 (King James Version)

24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Another scripture to show that God wants us to worship him in unity and love with other Christians. Wanting a church home is not trival. It is important.

Susan - posted on 08/16/2010

I would encourage you to call your church to see if they could help you get there. There might be someone willing to come pick you up. Or, try different churches closer to home. I attended a church that took 45 minutes to get to. It was hard to develop relationships because I couldn't get involved with small groups or other activities for the kids. Good luck.

Dara - posted on 08/16/2010

Are there any home groups or anything you can attend? You don't have to go to church to enjoy fellowship, and you can worship and read your bible as a family at home. I personally don't go to church anymore at all, and I find it very nice to get together with my Christian friends and talk over coffee.

Gail - posted on 08/16/2010

"Where ever 2 or more are gathered in My name I am there with them" says the Lord...
this may well be a season of new connections. It is true we called not to forsake the gathering together in scripture, but keep in mind the church is not a building, it is His (God's) people... find other believers and connect in new ways, in the homes... There are many home fellowships... or a variety of new ways you can be blessed with new believers..
He is the author and finisher of our faith... so pray, He will lead! Be open and committed. You may be connected to someone willing to transport you or others that meet in a home or just one other person.. But you can start with those in your home and be open, even invite others to you. Some great idea's listed here. I would even call your church family and ask them for idea's or leads how to connect. Invite others to your home for a potluck or over for coffee/tea/water often, that way those who have vehicles travel and you host. When the church first began back in "Acts" they met commonly in each others homes and sometimes for meals... read through the book of Acts and this will probably give you some inspirations. Lord be with you sister.

Mrs. - posted on 08/13/2010

Pray, pray, pray. Listen as God communicates with you. Pray and listen as a family. There may be a minister in the home.

Anne - posted on 08/11/2010

Tonye there is nothing trivial about asking about help in finding a church. We are told in the word to not forsake the gathering of believers.

Have you looked on line to see what churches are available in your area? If you do have a car could you take your husband to work so you would not have to stay quite so close to home to find a church?

I would look for churches that are children friendly. Maybe even a church that has a Bus Ministry. There may be even a church that could be Praying for an Adult to volunteer as a Bus Monitor. I hope this helped. I will keep you in my Prayers.

Jill - posted on 08/10/2010

where do u live.... there are churches all over ... but here is an idea until you find one... a church in my area post its sermons on line and i actually find it uplifting when i don't get to go to my regular church... google Parker Hill church and check out the sermons until you find a church

Regina - posted on 08/10/2010

Take the bus! Don't miss a service! It may not be easy with 3 kids, but I promise you God WILL honor your efforts & WILL bless you beyond what you will be able to receive. He is faithful especially when you are faithful!

Katrina - posted on 08/10/2010

I love to listen to sermons on the internet. Growing spiritually begins when we nurture our relationship with God through reading his word and memorizing scripture and praying. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. We need to put Him first in our lives in all that we do.

Carla - posted on 08/10/2010

Great, Lisa! The Early Church was exclusively home churches, due to the persecution. I think the swing is heading back in that direction, especially in places like China, Korea, Africa, the Middle East. Funny, things almost always go full circle.

Lisa - posted on 08/09/2010

start a bible study in your home. I did & now we have a church & moving into a new building

Carla - posted on 08/09/2010

All the ladies have answered wisely. We are in transition ourselves, and it is like there's a big empty hole. We have started daily Bible Studies, then on Sunday we have communion and play music off YouTube.

Where two or three are gathered together, there am I (Jesus) in the midst. In the meantime, there has GOT to be church busses or some dear saint that will pick you guys up. Pray, and God will provide.

God bless, honey

Victoria - posted on 08/08/2010

I was thinking also, after reading some posts here. God will answer, and sometimes we'll continue to search after God has brought us to where He wants us to be, but because we have other ideas of what we want, or we find our faith, traditions, level of commitment, strength in the word (or lack thereof) etc... challenged we pull back & say oh that can't be for me, and yet it is where God wants us to be. It might take a few month or a year or so, but any longer than that, then God has probably taken us some place & we backed off. I just pray for those that that has happened to, that they will allow God control, even if it seems really hard. God won't leave us or forsake us, but He does allow our choices to run there course and teach us that we're better of staying on His course.

Again, I pray for all those who are earnestly seeking God for a home church, God will provide, you just have to trust His direction when He does.

Stephanie Jo - posted on 08/08/2010

It is not trivial,we all need church.At least I do it makes me feel better and ready to face the week.Call your other church and ask if the pastor can recommended you a church or explain the situation and maybe they could help w/the cab.Praying for you.

Tonye - posted on 08/08/2010

Thanks a lot for all your encouragement and suggestions. Will start my home service and keep on praying for a solution to this problem.

Mallory - posted on 08/08/2010

Speaking from personal experience, I know how hard it can be to find a new home church! Having been displaced from my church due to some issues within that congregation, it has been nearly two years since I have been able to call another home. Recently however through an internet search and much prayer, I have found a home church within minutes of where I live. God is so good, and even after this extended period of time and what seems like a lot of stress, I'm sure he will guide you as he did me, to a loving group of people with whom you can fellowship! Good luck!

Christina - posted on 08/08/2010

I know how you feel. I have been away from church for a very long time and it has created a void in me that I cannot explain. I have been searching for a church home for almost 6 years.

I have prayed and prayed about it and yet I have received no guidance. I think about it often and wonder why God has not answered my prayers. The only thing I can think of is that there are times that we must trust that God will lead the way.

I remember reading about Mother Teresa and her letters. After she died, some of her letters were released that she wrote to her spiritual advisor. In the letters, she wrote that for many years she did not feel the presence of God. She called it almost a black hole in her life. But yet, she continued to do God's work.

I think of those words as I search for a church home. When we are without the reinforcement of God and a church family, I sometimes wonder if God is testing and striving for us to continue to do His work. It might be a period for us to reflect on all that we have learned and wait for Him to come to us.

I have stayed in prayer all of this time and it has been difficult. I haven't done everything I should do, but I always come back to God, no matter what. Yes, having a church home fortifies us. But, in the end, the only thing that fortifies us is God alone.

Victoria - posted on 08/08/2010

It's not trivial. As Christians attending Church regularly, having that fellowship with the believers and that in depth teaching from God through one of his chosen vessels for ministry is so very important. If we don't feel we've missed out on something when we don't attend regularly then we might want to question whether we truly have a relationship with the Lord in the first place. After all Gods word tells us NOT to forsake the fellowship of the believer and NOT to let our foot break the Sabbath.

As for what to do, continue to pray about it, allow God to lead you. Once you find a Church that you feel lead to become a part of, check around for transportation ministry, someone or a couple who is will to drive you and your children to church, be it as a blessing of for a little money towards the gas.

God knows your heart and He see your desire (and that of your daughter) to attend a regular service. So be expecting for Him to fulfill that, after all scripture tells us that God will give us the desires of out heart, how much more if our desire is to seek him first.

I will keep you in prayer.

Melissa - posted on 08/08/2010

Well, you can pray to the Lord and worship him at home by reading out of the Bible every Sunday. It doesn't hurt anything to do a family Bible time. I have to do that right now because my children have really bad separation anxiety from me taking a small vacation and I really feel bad... So, we do Bible readings at home and talk about it. It is a great family experience! You could always send your church a request to start a little technology. My church does broadcast their services on-line, which I find helpful when I need a little more than what I can give myself! Good Luck!

Heather - posted on 08/08/2010

I would recommend praying about it and asking God to open a door for you. Until then, maybe start doing family worship at home on Sunday with you and your daughter. Start by doing some praise and worship, then pray and do a Bible study or find an online sermon to listen to. I know it's not the same as going to church, and you will still miss out on the fellowship, but it's something, and it will help your daughter to see that you are trying.

Stephanie - posted on 08/08/2010

Maybe you can reach out to neighbors in your area perhaps their is a church van that transport members to church, if you have computer get on internet search for a church you and the family can attend. Pray and ask God to lead you to a place of worship he will do it.I pray you find a place to worship.God Bless