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

[Grailhunter]

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

Pentecostal churches? There are a lot of good ones. Here is some Wiki information, but keep in mind I said there are a lot of good churches I worship with. Of the Holy Ghost churches the one that I mostly attend is the Glad Tiding Assembly of God.

List of Pentecostal denominations - Wikipedia

Pentecostalism - Wikipedia

About Us | Glad Tidings Assembly of God

 

[dad]

Pentecostal churches? There are a lot of good ones. Here is some Wiki information, but keep in mind I said there are a lot of good churches I worship with. Of the Holy Ghost churches the one that I mostly attend is the Glad Tiding Assembly of God.

List of Pentecostal denominations - Wikipedia

Pentecostalism - Wikipedia

About Us | Glad Tidings Assembly of God

OK, thanks

Looking at the beliefs it seems they got many things pretty straight.

 

[Dash RipRock]

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

They all teaching false doctrine and are mostly tares in attendance.

 

[christsavedme]

According to Scripture, elders and bishops are not tied to church buildings or formal institutions, but to the local body of believers, wherever they meet.

In the New Testament, the words "elder" (Greek: presbuteros) and "bishop" or "overseer" (Greek: episkopos) are used interchangeably to describe mature men who are spiritually qualified to lead, teach, and shepherd God’s people (Titus 1:5–9, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Acts 20:17, 28).

These leaders are appointed within the church, which the Bible defines as the assembly of believers, not a structure or denomination (1 Corinthians 12:27, Romans 16:5). If you are regularly gathering with other believers in the name of Jesus, studying the Word, praying, and walking in obedience, that is a biblical church. Within that setting, if God raises up men who meet the qualifications laid out in Titus and 1 Timothy, they can serve as elders or overseers, even if your group meets in a home. The key is not where you meet, but whether the group is submitted to God’s Word, led by the Spirit, and functioning in the way Scripture commands. Leadership is about spiritual oversight, not titles or buildings. 1 Peter 5:2–3 says, “Feed the flock of God which is among you… not by constraint, but willingly… being examples to the flock.” So, elders and bishops fit wherever the true flock of God is gathered, even in a living room, as long as the Word of God is being obeyed.

I’ve seen churches appoint elders and deacons who don’t meet the biblical qualifications, simply because they couldn’t find anyone else. In my opinion, that only makes the situation worse. I don’t claim to have all the answers, and that’s exactly why I started this thread, to hear from people who actually know what the Bible think. Grin.

Just to be clear, I’m not against going to a church building. What I have a problem with is when the leadership in a lot of churches teaches false doctrine, constantly talks about money to expand their buildings, or pressures people to give, give, and give, not for the sake of the gospel and help people, but to make themselves more comfortable. When people start acting like going to a certain church or denomination somehow makes you more saved, that’s dangerous and unbiblical. Honestly, that kind of mindset almost kept me from coming to know the Lord at all. But praise God, He opened my eyes and showed me that true salvation is not about buildings, money, or religious systems, it’s about knowing Him through His Word, prayer and truth.

I really appreciate your heart for keeping things biblical and your honesty about the struggles you’ve seen in some churches. You’re spot on that the Bible focuses on the people, not the place, when it comes to the church. It’s refreshing to hear someone dig into Scripture like you have, pointing out how elders and bishops are about serving the flock with humility, not chasing titles or fancy buildings.

Your frustration with false teaching and the pressure to give for the wrong reasons hits home for a lot of folks. I’ve seen that too, and it can make people feel like faith is more about money than about knowing God. Your story about how God showed you true salvation through His Word and prayer is powerful—it’s a reminder that He meets us where we are, whether that’s in a living room or a cathedral. Keep seeking Him and encouraging others to do the same.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Some of us used to go to church for years until they went off the rails and started being a social club that teaches the wisdom of men as though it were the wisdom of God

 

[LittleTuneAlright]

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!

As a child, I grew up in a catholic environment, we were never taught to read the bible. In my eyes;-

1. I had no idea what the priest was on about so it made no sense.
2 We were made to feel guilty for not going, even though I had no idea what he was on about and why he felt the need to perform a ritual with lots of beautiful props in a beautiful building....which was enchanting for a while, but it was not explained to us in a language I could understand. It always felt like a wierd dream. And Even though I liked the organ, singing hymns I could not understand felt pointless.

----------------------
Today I find it more tolerable to go to the pub than to listen to a sermon, or go for a walk with other ramblers, or take up a hobby, where people find solace from their sufferings and enjoy the beauty of Gods Creation. People pay enough taxes today than needing to pay someone to preach on things they don't understand. I wish the minister would translate the scriptures in a more simpler way...I know ministers/pastors/priests are given a calling, and so they should be able to put the scriptures in their own words and not someone else's.


And the Catholic Church have more money than everyone else so they don't need anyones money. The Church itself has enough money to feed the entire world.

 

[Stumpmaster]

The context clearly shows that Paul is speaking spiritually, not literally.

The metaphor works because the material exists.

 

[bdavidc]

The metaphor works because the material exists.

The metaphor in Ephesians 2:19–22 works not because of the existence of physical materials like stone or brick, but because Scripture often uses earthly terms to explain spiritual truths. Jesus Himself frequently used parables and metaphors to communicate deeper spiritual realities. In this passage, Paul is not grounding the meaning in physical material but in spiritual identity and unity in Christ. The entire context is about believers being made part of God's household, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” This clearly parallels 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are called “lively stones,” being “built up a spiritual house.” The presence of real stones doesn’t mean Peter was speaking of a literal structure either. In fact, 1 Corinthians 3:16 plainly states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” This confirms that the dwelling place of God is in His people, not a building. Paul’s use of construction language is symbolic, not dependent on physical materials existing, but rather pointing to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ being God's true dwelling place.

 

[Grailhunter]

The metaphor in Ephesians 2:19–22 works not because of the existence of physical materials like stone or brick, but because Scripture often uses earthly terms to explain spiritual truths. Jesus Himself frequently used parables and metaphors to communicate deeper spiritual realities. In this passage, Paul is not grounding the meaning in physical material but in spiritual identity and unity in Christ. The entire context is about believers being made part of God's household, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” This clearly parallels 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are called “lively stones,” being “built up a spiritual house.” The presence of real stones doesn’t mean Peter was speaking of a literal structure either. In fact, 1 Corinthians 3:16 plainly states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” This confirms that the dwelling place of God is in His people, not a building. Paul’s use of construction language is symbolic, not dependent on physical materials existing, but rather pointing to the spiritual reality of the body of Christ being God's true dwelling place.

You are still talking justify not assembling to worship the Lord and fellowship. Trying to say that biblical instructions to assemble is metaphorical. But in fact the instruction to assemble is a requirement and a historical reality.

During the biblical period you had the Temple and synagogues for the Jewish-Christians ….the Apostles and Jewish converts. Put the Apostle Paul’s converts the Gentile-Christians were not allowed in the Temple or synagogues. No Christian church buildings until the 4th century. In the Bible the word church means congregation. Gentile-Christians were seen as a rogue sect that worshipped in hiding and mostly at night. Sometimes they met in catacombs or out in the wilderness or private homes, called house churches now. They risked their lives to assemble to worship the Lord, perform the Bread and Wine Ritual. to study, and fellowship.

Today you have people that apply Christianity as a social club. They sign up but no other action required. I call them Lazy-Boy Christians that sit and come up with their own beliefs. They do not go to church or give to the church and try to convince people that going to church is not necessary and even try to say that the Bible does not say it is required.

Some people call them lukewarm Christians, but I think it is more serious than that. Christians are followers of Christ, what does that mean? Did the Apostles agree with Christ and go home and find a chair to sit in? Did the Apostles teach people to believe in Christ and go home and sit? Non-participant Christians do not appear in the Bible.

And again I will say if you do not have it in you the desire and need to be at church a lot and participate in church activities, you are probably not saved. If church is too much trouble for you, you are probably not saved. Part of being saved is being changed. The strong desire and need to be at church and worship the Lord and fellowship with Christians. This is something you can not fake. If you just do not have it, you are just not part of salvation. Not even going through the motions of being Christians, your heart is just not in it.

 

[JohnDB]

Just in case EVERYONE forgot....

The Bible is focused on relationships....

Between mankind and God
AND
Between each other.

That's it....the major focus of the scriptures in a nutshell.
The rest is just nuances of those two themes.

And if you are a "Believer" you too need to focus on BOTH of these things.

Going off to the city park or forest and having a few holy thoughts doesn't cut it as far as making the cut.
Just saying.....

 

[bdavidc]

And again I will say if you do not have it in you the desire and need to be at church a lot and participate in church activities, you are probably not saved. If church is too much trouble for you, you are probably not saved. Part of being saved is being changed. The strong desire and need to be at church and worship the Lord and fellowship with Christians. This is something you can not fake. If you just do not have it, you are just not part of salvation. Not even going through the motions of being Christians, your heart is just not in it.

Let’s be absolutely clear, going to a church building does not save anyone, period. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not of works, so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). Sitting in a pew week after week does not prove you're saved any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. You can attend every service, tithe faithfully, and be involved in all the church programs and still die in your sins if you haven’t been born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3–7).

The kind of works-based religion you’re defending, especially Roman Catholicism, teaches salvation through sacraments, rituals, and allegiance to a man-made institution. That’s not biblical Christianity. It’s a counterfeit gospel that sends people to hell because it replaces the finished work of Christ with human effort. Paul warned clearly in Galatians 1:6–9 that if anyone preaches another gospel, let him be accursed.

And stop twisting my words. I have never said believers should isolate themselves. I have said repeatedly: if you can find a church that teaches the truth without compromise, go and be part of it. But if that church is preaching false doctrine, entertainment over truth, or tradition over Scripture, you are commanded to separate from it (2 Corinthians 6:17). So stop beating the same drum and actually read my posts. This is not about avoiding fellowship, it’s about following Jesus Christ according to His Word, not man-made systems.

The idea that Christians must attend a church building to prove they are saved is not supported by Scripture. The Bible commands believers not to forsake assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), but it never defines “assembling” as going to a dedicated building or institutionalized church system. The Greek word for “assemble” in that verse is ἐπισυναγωγή (episynagōgē), meaning a gathering or collection of people. It refers to the act of coming together, not to a location or man-made structure. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). That is assembly in its most biblical form, true fellowship in Christ, not tied to architecture.

You claim that “not having the desire to be at church means you are probably not saved.” But salvation is not based on church attendance, it is based on faith in Jesus Christ and being born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:8–9). A person can meet with other believers in a home, online, or anywhere and still obey God’s command to gather, pray, study the Word, and encourage one another in love (Acts 2:42, Romans 12:4–5).

There are many who faithfully follow Christ but have separated from modern church buildings because they are filled with compromise, false doctrine, entertainment-driven services, or leadership that does not follow the Bible. Scripture warns clearly, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17), and also that there will be “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). That is not laziness, it is discernment and obedience.

So no, the Bible does not teach that not going to a church building is evidence that someone is not saved. What it teaches is this: the true church is the body of Christ, not a building (Ephesians 1:22–23, Colossians 1:24). We are commanded to gather in truth, worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and encourage one another, but we are never commanded to do so in a specific type of building or system. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The question is not whether someone shows up at a building, but whether they are truly walking in faith, repentance, and obedience to God’s Word.

And let’s be real, you’re pushing your works-based religion on people who actually read and believe the Bible, and we know it’s false. You’re wrong. Flat-out wrong. Salvation is not earned, not maintained, and not proven by rituals, buildings, or religious effort. You can try to guilt or pressure people into your system, but it won’t change the truth. Your man-made religion leads people away from Christ, not toward Him, and that has eternal consequences.

 

[amigo de christo]

Churches should not be tax exempt.
These tax exemptions can come with government strings attached.
The church does not depend on government tax exemption, God will take care of the church.

• We should not be using money taken from taxpayers who don’t want to help us
• We should not be giving up control or ownership of the Lord’s money and people to unbelievers
• Charitable law creates an unnecessary burden, strain, and limitation on ministry groups
• We should not pledge to work for the world’s idea of “public benefit”
• We should not be depending on something that could easily be removed from underneath us"

Recently a church was asking the government for a subsidy to employ a summer student as youth pastor.
There seem to be subsidies in Canada for summer student employment in stores, churches, recreation centres, etc.

Of course this comes with strings attached.
For instance, what happens if the student is gay, and the church does not want to hire that person?
The government would lay down the rules. And trouble would follow.

Just wait till we see what is and what is to come and all because the many had their hopes and trusts in men
in false leaders , in wolves and NOT IN CHRIST .
A massive snare has been set , But this church age cannot see it and has rather taken the bait .

 

[Grailhunter]

Let’s be absolutely clear, going to a church building does not save anyone, period. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not of works, so no one can boast

No doubt that salvation is through Yeshua. But I find it amusing that people say we are not saved by works. It means they do not understand what the word “works” means in the Bible. So funny.

Going to church does not save you. Being good and doing good does not save you. But these are things that saved Christians do. If you are not doing these things, odds are real good you were not saved to begin with. Non-participate Christians are not in the Bible. The concept of non-participate Christians are not in the Bible. As far as helping people….read the story of the goats and the lambs and see what happens to the people that do not help each other.

The want and desire to worship the Lord. To stand with other Christians, arms raised high and singing hymns to the Lord and fellowship with Christians. To have your children in church and church activities and Sunday School. All of this is an inborn desire of saved Christians….those that are not saved do not desire or need this.

Who else should Christians hang with? Not that they should not spread the word….I even have some possible controversial views on this…..Superbowl Sunday down at the bar. Yes raise a beer to Christ and spread the Word! Do you think that is odd or wrong? Yeshua pretty much did this. Going to church and spreading the Word and bring people to Christ is all part of the Christian life.

Get into it one way or another….All of us get old and some are not healthy enough to go to church. Part of church activities are to visit these people in groups and fellowship with them. If you are not able to go to church attend church services on TV.

 

[bdavidc]

No doubt that salvation is through Yeshua. But I find it amusing that people say we are not saved by works. It means they do not understand what the word “works” means in the Bible. So funny.

Going to church does not save you. Being good and doing good does not save you. But these are things that saved Christians do. If you are not doing these things, odds are real good you were not saved to begin with. Non-participate Christians are not in the Bible. The concept of non-participate Christians are not in the Bible. As far as helping people….read the story of the goats and the lambs and see what happens to the people that do not help each other.

The want and desire to worship the Lord. To stand with other Christians, arms raised high and singing hymns to the Lord and fellowship with Christians. To have your children in church and church activities and Sunday School. All of this is an inborn desire of saved Christians….those that are not saved do not desire or need this.

Who else should Christians hang with? Not that they should not spread the word….I even have some possible controversial views on this…..Superbowl Sunday down at the bar. Yes raise a beer to Christ and spread the Word! Do you think that is odd or wrong? Yeshua pretty much did this. Going to church and spreading the Word and bring people to Christ is all part of the Christian life.

Get into it one way or another….All of us get old and some are not healthy enough to go to church. Part of church activities are to visit these people in groups and fellowship with them. If you are not able to go to church attend church services on TV.

Wow, it looks like we actually agree on something. We are not saved by works, but if we are truly saved, good works will follow. As Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” But verse 10 immediately adds, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” True faith produces fruit, just as James 2:17 says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Good works are not the cause of salvation, but they are the evidence of it.

 

[Grailhunter]

And stop twisting my words. I have never said believers should isolate themselves. I have said repeatedly: if you can find a church that teaches the truth without compromise, go and be part of it. But if that church is preaching false doctrine, entertainment over truth, or tradition over Scripture, you are commanded to separate from it (2 Corinthians 6:17). So stop beating the same drum and actually read my posts. This is not about avoiding fellowship, it’s about following Jesus Christ according to His Word, not man-made systems.

I don't go to church because I just cannot find a good church. Just another thousand and one reasons to not go to church. How hard are you looking? Christ knows. Go to church and make a differance.

 

[bdavidc]

I don't go to church because I just cannot find a good church. Just another thousand and one reasons to not go to church. How hard are you looking? Christ knows. Go to church and make a differance.

Oh well, I spoke too soon.

 

[Dash RipRock]

The Bible is focused on relationships....

Between mankind and God
AND
Between each other.

And one of the devil's recipe's for deception is to trick people in to putting relationships with each other before the Lord and His Word.

This is how deception is spread is when people join a church and that church teaches false doctrines and all the members pressure each other to accept the false doctrine the church they attend is teaching by telling each other "do not forsake the gathering of yourselves"

When one becomes aware their church is teaching false doctrine, they need to separate themselves from that church

If they don't, then they are putting what people think above what the Lord says in His Word and they have now become servants of man which is idolatry

Go to church and make a difference.

If I go to a church, I will call out their false doctrine and they'll give me the left foot of fellowship right out the door!

Maybe I should get me some signs and stand out on the side of the road in front of their church (on public property) and exercise my freedom of speech to let those passing by the church know that that church is teaching doctrines of devils.

That could be like a public service announcement to warn the public that the church is full of tares who are servants of satan who will deceived people so they end up in hell

if you can find a church that teaches the truth without compromise, go and be part of it

Well good luck finding one of those since there are very very few like this

No doubt that salvation is through Yeshua.

It's OK bro, you can say JESUS

One is not required by the Lord to say Yeshua

Yes raise a beer to Christ and spread the Word!

That's what the tares do is act like the world rather than being separated unto the Lord

Getting intoxicated with the booze and the weed is sinful behavior and no sinner is going to take you serious when you are doing what they do and acting like they act. It just convinces them further that Christians and Christianity is nothing but a clown show so you are actually bringing reproach upon the Body of Christ. satan thanks you for your service!

Yeshua pretty much did this.

You have no scripture proof Jesus was drinking fermented wine or that He was buddies with sinners and living in sin like sinners do.

He did spend time teaching God's Word to them telling them to repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand, but He was not partaking in their sinful behavior as you have been doing

All of us get old and some are not healthy enough to go to church.

Only those that don't know how to walk in God's promises become unhealthy

 

[Grailhunter]

f I go to a church, I will call out their false doctrine and they'll give me the left foot of fellowship right out the door!

Maybe I should get me some signs and stand out on the side of the road in front of their church (on public property) and exercise my freedom of speech to let those passing by the church know that that church is teaching doctrines of devils.

That could be like a public service announcement to warn the public that the church is full of tares who are servants of satan who will deceived people so they end up in hell

A word of wit….LOL
I am a formally educated theologian, educated in 5 countries.
If I was looking for a perfect church I would never find one either.
But yet I go to church on Sundays and attend services with different denominations. You know why?

Finding a perfect church is not the point. They all have errors in their beliefs but I love Christians and love worshipping the Lord. The denomination believes one thing….The pastor believes another…Who knows what all the congregation believes. How in the world could you believe you could nail it down as right or wrong. Go to Church and worship the Lord and quite coming up with excuses because….your last excuse might be in front of Christ.

 

[JohnDB]

And one of the devil's recipe's for deception is to trick people in to putting relationships with each other before the Lord and His Word.

This is how deception is spread is when people join a church and that church teaches false doctrines and all the members pressure each other to accept the false doctrine the church they attend is teaching by telling each other "do not forsake the gathering of yourselves"

When one becomes aware their church is teaching false doctrine, they need to separate themselves from that church

If they don't, then they are putting what people think above what the Lord says in His Word and they have now become servants of man which is idolatry

I hinted at or suggested any such thing...I was talking about the Shema....a paraphrase.

But while we were yet sinners Jesus died for us.

How else are people supposed to learn and know about God except by hearing the Word of the Lord?

Sure they can read the Bible. We are supposed to
"Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do EVERYTHING in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful".
But we are to do this together....

For where two or more gather in My name there I Am (Yahweh) also.

 

[Dash RipRock]

I am a formally educated theologian

That works against you as you have been indoctrinated by men according to the wisdom of man based on what men thought God said which is actually them passing on their religious indoctrination to their students.

The pharisees and sadducees were all formally educated theologians
Jesus had no formal education from man. Instead He was educated by the Father based on the Father's Word.

I go to church on Sundays and attend services with different denominations. You know why?

Because you have no problem sitting under false doctrine which is something the New Testament warns us about.
Those who got their spiritual education from the Lord know better than to sit under doctrines of demons.

How in the world could you believe you could nail it down as right or wrong.

I compared what they say to what God's Word says.

I've been at this a long time and have learned from experience from times I was attending different churches and as I grew in knowledge and understanding of God's Word came to recognize these churches were teaching doctrines of demons and the Lord led me out of them.

Go to Church and worship the Lord and quite coming up with excuses because….your last excuse might be in front of Christ.

If I do as you suggest, I will be in opposition to God's Word warning to not fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.
You are obvious not aware of what God's Word says on this having been indoctrinated in the dark religious teachings that come from the wisdom of man with the helps of the devil who seek to twist God's Word as we saw him do with Adam and Eve which is his MO

How else are people supposed to learn and know about God except by hearing the Word of the Lord?

You too are apparently unaware of what the Lord said in His Word about mass deception in the last days coming from those that claim Jesus as their Lord.

Just because someone is a pastor or teacher who stands in the pulpit claiming to be speaking truth does not mean they are speaking truth. Most of these guys speak a lot of truth that sounds good, but they tuck poison in along with the truth which is an earmark of these people being led by demons and not the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ Who leads into all Truth and Jesus said God's Word is truth