What are some of the reasons people don’t like going to church buildings or institutionalized churches?

[bdavidc]

Hi Dave,
I agree with all that you said. Except-
I just think it's a bad idea for us all to have small home groups. There is strength in numbers and the body of Christ if possible should meet each other as much as possible. All sorts of good comes from that. So instead of that, why don't believers in a church unite ,and get rid of that false teacher? That's how it's done- not we leave. No, they LEAVE.

Besides, imagine what it would be like with 1 zillion home groups- talk about false teachers-! Just look at the nuttiness on this forum. Some of them would want to lead. Mayhem.

We need to unite not divide. When Jesus spoke of division that He brings- He was not speaking about amongst believers!!!!!
There are people here (like Taken) who actually believe that Jesus came to divide believers.
'

I believe what you are saying, and I’m really not pushing small groups as the answer for everyone. All I wanted to do was hear what other actual believers who follow the Bible think about the issue. I knew right away the “you must go to a church building” crowd would take offense, because they treat that like it’s a command in Scripture, but the truth is, it’s not. Nowhere in the Bible are we told that meeting in a church building is the requirement. What we are commanded to do is not forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), but the Bible also shows that believers gathered in homes (Romans 16:5, Acts 2:46, Philemon 1:2). The issue is not the size or location, but whether the Word of God is truly taught, believed, and lived out.

I agree, why don’t the people in churches rise up together and remove false teachers? According to Scripture, that’s what should happen. Paul said to "mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). In 1 Timothy 5:20, he said, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." But sadly, in most churches today, people are either biblically ignorant, spiritually lazy, or more afraid of man than of God. They would rather tolerate error than confront it.

So yes, I agree with you that we should unite, but only around the truth. Not unity for the sake of unity, but unity in Christ and in sound doctrine (Ephesians 4:13-15). Jesus never taught that unity at the cost of truth is what God desires. And you’re right, He didn’t come to divide true believers from each other. He came to divide light from darkness, truth from error, even within households (Matthew 10:34-36). But when someone twists His words to make it seem like He causes division among His true followers, they’re not reading the Bible honestly.

I’m not promoting leaving faithful churches. I’m saying don’t stay in one that compromises God’s Word. That’s not rebellion, it’s obedience, because God calls us to “come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). So yes, anyone defending opinions that contradict the plain teaching of Scripture is not walking in the truth, and that’s dangerous for them.

 

[dad]

I did not ask you to look up anything....

Except you actually said this in reply to my asking about the church you held us as good. "Look them up" So I did. They were up front about saying they profess an allegiance to the pope. A pope many wondered if he was even a Christian by his actions and words. Now you apparently claim that is a 'fault'!

Hey congratulation! You found a fault.

List of Pentecostal denominations - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Worshipping Mary is not a fault so much as a clear warning sign to stay away from obvious idolatry and false doctrine. Forget being some high and mighty sample of 'the Christian life' while you proclaim others are going to hell.

 

[dad]

I just think it's a bad idea for us all to have small home groups. There is strength in numbers ..

The strength does not come from big numbers in one place. Especially when the large group consists of many non believers as many churches do. Otherwise why have an altar call? Also when that large group is in a denomination that is largely apostate such as the main ones I posted earlier (supporting ungodly agendas etc) Also most large churches obeyed the closures and restrictions such as not meeting in person. There are some mega churches that are basically warmongers, supporting the US military and Israel. There are thousands of churches that have numbers, but are a disgrace to the cause of Christ. Jesus tended to often avoid the big crowds. The strength we have is from God! Not our own strength through big numbers all in one place. Being strong in the Lord does not mean being in a large 'church'.

 

[bdavidc]

Again a lot of effort not to assemble and worship the Lord and fellowship.
Can you find scriptures not to assemble and worship the Lord and fellowship.
Can you find scriptures that says that worshipping alone is better than assembling and worshipping.

Then there is the history of it all. Early Christians risked their lives to assemble to worship God. Whether it be in catacombs or house churches. But then you have today people that call themselves Christians but have no interest for even going through motions of Christians or apply Christianity to their lives.

Let’s get something straight. I have never told anyone not to worship God, not to gather with other believers, or that worshiping alone is better. That is a lie, and you spreading it are doing exactly what the devil does, twisting words to make themselves look right while refusing to face the truth (John 8:44). I’m not here to please people or uphold man-made religion. I’m here to stand on the Word of God. If that bothers you, then your problem isn’t with me, it’s with Scripture.

What I said, and what I still say, is that many so-called “churches” today are filled with compromise, false doctrine, and man-centered agendas. That is a biblical observation, not a personal attack. And yes, it matters. Jesus didn’t die so people could check into a building once a week while ignoring His truth the rest of the time. He calls for obedience, not attendance. He calls for truth, not tradition. He said, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

I affirm what Scripture commands: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25). I also affirm what Scripture equally commands: “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Both are the Word of God, and I will not twist either to protect anyone’s fragile view of church buildings or denominational comfort zones. If a group is not preaching the truth of the Bible, I will not pretend that attending it somehow honors God. That isn’t “disobedience,” it’s discernment. You can’t honor Christ by sitting under a lie.

No, I’m not looking for a perfect church. I’m looking for one that’s faithful, one that actually fears God, preaches the whole counsel of His Word, and doesn’t bow to culture or compromise to fill pews. If that’s too much for you, maybe ask yourself why. Because I’m not here to defend buildings, brands, or religious systems. I’m here to call people back to the truth of Scripture and warn about the deception that’s running wild in what calls itself “the church.”

And let me be even more blunt: anyone who cares more about defending institutional church systems than confronting false teachings is helping lead others down the broad road to destruction (Matthew 7:13-15). It’s not loving to stay silent while lies are preached in God’s name. It’s not humble to tolerate wolves among the sheep. It’s cowardice. And I won’t play along with it.

I asked what other Bible-believing Christians thought, not what defenders of man-made systems think. If your loyalty is to the building instead of the Bible, to the institution instead of the truth, then you’ve already chosen your side, and it’s not the one Christ is leading. I’ll keep standing with Scripture, calling it like it is, and warning people to get out of false religion while there’s still time. Jesus is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle, not one drowning in tradition and compromise.

So stop lying about what I’ve said. I’m not against fellowship, I’m against falsehood. And there’s a big difference.

 

[Grailhunter]

Except you actually said this in reply to my asking about the church you held us as good. "Look them up" So I did. They were up front about saying they profess an allegiance to the pope. A pope many wondered if he was even a Christian by his actions and words. Now you apparently claim that is a 'fault'!

Worshipping Mary is not a fault so much as a clear warning sign to stay away from obvious idolatry and false doctrine. Forget being some high and mighty sample of 'the Christian life' while you proclaim others are going to hell.

I have not talked about the Catholics

 

[Grailhunter]

Let’s get something straight. I have never told anyone not to worship God, not to gather with other believers, or that worshiping alone is better. That is a lie, and you spreading it are doing exactly what the devil does, twisting words to make themselves look right while refusing to face the truth (John 8:44). I’m not here to please people or uphold man-made religion. I’m here to stand on the Word of God. If that bothers you, then your problem isn’t with me, it’s with Scripture.

What I said, and what I still say, is that many so-called “churches” today are filled with compromise, false doctrine, and man-centered agendas. That is a biblical observation, not a personal attack. And yes, it matters. Jesus didn’t die so people could check into a building once a week while ignoring His truth the rest of the time. He calls for obedience, not attendance. He calls for truth, not tradition. He said, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

I affirm what Scripture commands: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25). I also affirm what Scripture equally commands: “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Both are the Word of God, and I will not twist either to protect anyone’s fragile view of church buildings or denominational comfort zones. If a group is not preaching the truth of the Bible, I will not pretend that attending it somehow honors God. That isn’t “disobedience,” it’s discernment. You can’t honor Christ by sitting under a lie.

No, I’m not looking for a perfect church. I’m looking for one that’s faithful, one that actually fears God, preaches the whole counsel of His Word, and doesn’t bow to culture or compromise to fill pews. If that’s too much for you, maybe ask yourself why. Because I’m not here to defend buildings, brands, or religious systems. I’m here to call people back to the truth of Scripture and warn about the deception that’s running wild in what calls itself “the church.”

And let me be even more blunt: anyone who cares more about defending institutional church systems than confronting false teachings is helping lead others down the broad road to destruction (Matthew 7:13-15). It’s not loving to stay silent while lies are preached in God’s name. It’s not humble to tolerate wolves among the sheep. It’s cowardice. And I won’t play along with it.

I asked what other Bible-believing Christians thought, not what defenders of man-made systems think. If your loyalty is to the building instead of the Bible, to the institution instead of the truth, then you’ve already chosen your side, and it’s not the one Christ is leading. I’ll keep standing with Scripture, calling it like it is, and warning people to get out of false religion while there’s still time. Jesus is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle, not one drowning in tradition and compromise.

So stop lying about what I’ve said. I’m not against fellowship, I’m against falsehood. And there’s a big difference.

Find the good in them in stead of the faults. Support going to church....finding a church.

 

[bdavidc]

I have not talked about the Catholics

If I had known up front that you identify as Catholic, it would have made your entire position much clearer. That explains why you put so much emphasis on church buildings, religious systems, and man-made institutions, because that’s exactly what the Catholic Church teaches. But let’s be honest: the teachings of the Catholic Church are filled with traditions and doctrines that are not found in the Word of God, and in many cases, directly contradict it (Mark 7:7-9).

You should have stated plainly that you don’t believe the Bible alone is sufficient and that you follow a system that believes it has the authority to add to, twist, or override Scripture. I stand on Sola Scriptura, Scripture alone, because God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), and it is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I don’t follow the teachings of men, popes, or councils. I follow what the Bible actually says. That’s why we’re not going to agree. You believe the church defines truth, I believe the truth of God’s Word defines the church. That’s the real issue.

 

[bdavidc]

Find the good in them in stead of the faults. Support going to church....finding a church.

I do support going to church, but only if the church teaches the truth and follows the Bible. God never tells us to support or attend a church simply for the sake of tradition or community. He commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are warned not to follow teachings that go against the Word of God. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for elevating man-made traditions above the commandments of God, saying, “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). The Bible calls us to mark and avoid those who teach contrary to sound doctrine (Romans 16:17) and to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11). So yes, I support church, but not just any church. Only a church that stands on the Word of God, preaches the full counsel of Scripture, and calls people to true repentance and obedience to Christ is worth supporting. Anything else is disobedience dressed as religion.

 

[PS95]

The strength does not come from big numbers in one place. Especially when the large group consists of many non believers as many churches do. Otherwise why have an altar call? Also when that large group is in a denomination that is largely apostate such as the main ones I posted earlier (supporting ungodly agendas etc) Also most large churches obeyed the closures and restrictions such as not meeting in person. There are some mega churches that are basically warmongers, supporting the US military and Israel. There are thousands of churches that have numbers, but are a disgrace to the cause of Christ. Jesus tended to often avoid the big crowds. The strength we have is from God! Not our own strength through big numbers all in one place. Being strong in the Lord does not mean being in a large 'church'.

The ability to coordinate many charitable deeds are indeed better when large numbers work together. An altar call is a good thing. What about those altar calls? how will innocent people who respond to an altar call be with believers if they leave and you leave them with the false teachers?? you make no sense.
OF course fake Christians are in churches! AND? they are here too and i dont see you leaving.
Wrong again- many big churches did not close under covid. Please..
I agree a bout many mega churches- but this OP isnt only about mega churches- I don't go to one.
I go to a small church. There are tons out there. They connect with one another for various charitable things.
Many people go to a church to seek. You want them to have nowhere to go.
good job

 

[Grailhunter]

If I had known up front that you identify as Catholic,

Never said that

 

[Grailhunter]

I do support going to church, but only if the church teaches the truth and follows the Bible. God never tells us to support or attend a church simply for the sake of tradition or community. He commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth

Do you know enough to know if they teaching the truth?
Actively seek a church that you like.
Be good and do good.

 

[dad]

I have not talked about the Catholics

You mentioned your church was the Holy Spirit Church and gave no details. I looked it up. Just about every one I saw was Catholic. So unless you want to explain rather than obfuscate I can't help you.

 

[Grailhunter]

You mentioned your church was the Holy Spirit Church and gave no details. I looked it up. Just about every one I saw was Catholic. So unless you want to explain rather than obfuscate I can't help you.

I did the same thing and got the same thing....no fault of your's or mine

 

[dad]

Do you know enough to know if they teaching the truth?

Yes. Of course

Actively seek a church that you like.

No thanks

Be good and do good.

Impossible, there is none good, no not a one. Christ in us is the hope of glory. By His stripes we are healed. Of course we should try to obey and do good. But I do not see that as needing to be part of a largely corrupt and apostate church system.

 

[dad]

I did the same thing and got the same thing....no fault of your's or mine

Actually, unless you clarify it is your fault. All you gave was that name. If most results are not reflective of the true nature of that church, then you need to be clear and honest

 

[Grailhunter]

Actually, unless you clarify it is your fault. All you gave was that name. If most results are not reflective of the true nature of that church, then you need to be clear and honest

LOL

 

[dad]

LOL

No problem, be evasive about the church you said was good. Not sure what you are afraid or ashamed of.

 

[David in NJ]

I’ve been thinking lately about why a lot of people don’t like going to church buildings or being part of big, organized churches. The Bible talks about staying connected with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), but it also warns about false teachers and churches being more about money and show than real worship (2 Peter 2:1-3, Matthew 21:12-13). Do you think things like constant fundraising, big building projects, and entertainment-focused services are turning people away? What other reasons do you think people have? Curious to hear what everyone thinks — and if any Scripture comes to mind too!

TRUTH
FACT
FREEDOM

TRUTH = JESUS/the Word that is God
FACT: What people call churches are just man-made buildings. God has no desire to dwell in any of them.
FREEDOM: Christ established His Church with His Blood and He builds with "Living Stones" where He is the Chief Cornerstone.

TRUTH - JESUS - FREEDOM = The only Place God desires for us to dwell in and He in us.

 

[Grailhunter]

No problem, be evasive about the church you said was good. Not sure what you are afraid or ashamed of.

Are you always this funny? Not evasive. I said they were mostly all good and enjoy a lot of them. I just like the Protestant Holy Ghost churches more. Mostly because the spirit that is in the church.
We are about done because I am tired of your attitude.

 

[dad]

Are you always this funny? Not evasive. I said they were mostly all good and enjoy a lot of them. I just like the Protestant Holy Ghost churches more. Mostly because the spirit that is in the church.

OK so am I supposed to google protestant holy ghost churches? Which one?

We are about done because I am tired of your attitude.

Still no clarity or honesty and I can see why you fear posting what your favourite or home church is. But, for the sake of lurkers I may take a gander at those churches and see what you were holding up as so great. Would that be where you got your accuser of the brethren-false prophesy habits? (like saying other posters are hell bound, etc)