Is Missing Church a SIN?

[Chewy]

I heard a pastor here recently say that missing church is a sin.

I am wondering about all this justified means to accomplish the desired end business.

It seems that folks now are putting dire quid pro quo, provisos, circumstances and consequenses on just about anything and everything with the thought that, "If it keeps people praying, going to church, locked into the system, then it doesn't matter what method we use, biblical or not, true or not, accurate or not."

So, is missing church a sin?

[rgcraig]

What's the Bible say about it?

[Chewy]

What's the Bible say about it?

See, thats the thing, one person would say forsake not the gathering together of yourselves means you better be in church every time the doors are open or you are an outcast. Does "gathering together" mean weekly church, three services, one service or ? , or does this include barbques and picnics, and just asking a brother to go fishing with you?

What DOES the bible say about it?

[Sheltiedad]

It seems that in biblical times, women were not even required to go to church... sometimes I wish I was a woman. lol.

[SDG]

How does one miss church ... when we are the church?

Should we gather ... yes.

[Felicity]

If it is a sin, we had a large number of sinners ABSENT this past holiday weekend Sunday!

[retsambeW]

It seems that in biblical times, women were not even required to go to church... sometimes I wish I was a woman. lol.

Whew...glad you posted that lol. :D

[CupCake]

I heard a pastor here recently say that missing church is a sin.

I am wondering about all this justified means to accomplish the desired end business.

It seems that folks now are putting dire quid pro quo, provisos, circumstances and consequenses on just about anything and everything with the thought that, "If it keeps people praying, going to church, locked into the system, then it doesn't matter what method we use, biblical or not, true or not, accurate or not."

So, is missing church a sin?

Nope~

[Barb]

See, thats the thing, one person would say forsake not the gathering together of yourselves means you better be in church every time the doors are open or you are an outcast. Does "gathering together" mean weekly church, three services, one service or ? , or does this include barbques and picnics, and just asking a brother to go fishing with you?

What DOES the bible say about it?

Okay, this is my humble, yet profound opinion...:hypercoffee

There should be within the heart of every believer a desire to be in the house of God when ever possible. This desire will not allow any old thing or event to prevent them from being in service.

However, to make it a sin if a service is missed?! I don't see that at all.

The Scripture does say to forsake not the assembling together, but it does not say how often to assemble.

Some folks have two services a week...some three and some more...if it is set in stone, who is right here?!

No, I think that the abiding Spirit will direct and convict if and when we err in missing services. Pastors certainly will and should admonish re this, but making something a heaven or hell issue...

Listen, I remember when I was young that my parents NEVER missed. We didn't do vacations and were faithful in season and out...they would have ran through a burning building if the pastor had asked them to, and I'm grateful they felt that way...they raised us with that respect.

But there was one New Year's Eve that my folks decided to go to my unsaved grandmother's house in Dearborn for the holiday. Our pastor knew we were gone, YET when we came home, my sanctified grandmother who was in church that night, said that FROM the pulpit our pastor said that he hoped we could have a good time when we had missed service.

God rest his soul, I know he meant well and he was a good man, but I have never forgotten the hurt my parents felt...

Anyway, that's my view on this...

[COOPER]

See, thats the thing, one person would say forsake not the gathering together of yourselves means you better be in church every time the doors are open or you are an outcast. Does "gathering together" mean weekly church, three services, one service or ? , or does this include barbques and picnics, and just asking a brother to go fishing with you?

What DOES the bible say about it?
Good Chewy.

[OP_Carl]

all this justified means to accomplish the desired end business. . .

It seems that folks now are putting dire . . . thought that, "If it keeps people praying, going to church, locked into the system, then it doesn't matter what method we use, biblical or not, true or not, accurate or not."

So, is missing church a sin?

I suspect what you really want to know is whether the use this sort of teaching is a sin, or at least qualifies as pastoral abuse.

Can this one be reduced to one of those, 'How far from God can I live and still make it to heaven,' queries?

[RevDWW]

It seems that in biblical times, women were not even required to go to church... sometimes I wish I was a woman. lol.

:killinme:killinme:killinme.......

[RevDWW]

I suspect what you really want to know is whether the use this sort of teaching is a sin, or at least qualifies as pastoral abuse.

Can this one be reduced to one of those, 'How far from God can I live and still make it to heaven,' queries?

If one can only be close to God at church then we are in trouble...............

[ReformedDave]

This is the standard which I believe is the biblical one.-


VII. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, He has particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him:[34] which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week: and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week,[35] which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's Day,[36] and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.[37]

VIII. This Sabbath is to be kept holy unto the Lord when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their wordly employments and recreations,[38] but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.[39]


[34] EXO 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. ISA 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

[35] GEN 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. 1CO 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. ACT 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

[36] REV 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.

[37] EXO 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. MAT 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

[38] EXOD. 20:8, EXOD. 16:23,25-26,29-30; EXOD. 31:15-17; ISA 63:13; NEH. 13:15-19,21-22.

[39] ISA 63:13; MATT. 12:1-13.

[RevDWW]

Col 2:16 - 17 (KJV)
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

[ReformedDave]

Col 2:16 - 17 (KJV)
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

How 'bout the context of that scripture.......

[SDG]

How 'bout the context of that scripture.......

This is the chapter used by baptismal regenerationists ... please elaborate ... I'd like to hear the context.

[ReformedDave]

About the scripture quoted by RevDWW it is talking about the ceremonial law and the elements of the sabbath system. Although the ceremonial days are no longer to be distinguished the New Testament does distinguish the first day of the week from the other six, (1 Cor. 16:2, Acts 20:7) , and designates it the "Lord's Day". (Rev 1:20)

Also, one's interpretation of Colossians 2:16 must take into account the 'meat and drink' portion as well. Since the dietary restrictions didn't include "drink" its best to see this as referring to offerings made on special days (feast days, new moons, and sabbaths).

[mizpeh]

What's the Bible say about it?

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, acts 2:46

[COOPER]

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, acts 2:46
Did they ever work? You know, have a job? Or did they just hang out together all time?

[Praxeas]

See, thats the thing, one person would say forsake not the gathering together of yourselves means you better be in church every time the doors are open or you are an outcast. Does "gathering together" mean weekly church, three services, one service or ? , or does this include barbques and picnics, and just asking a brother to go fishing with you?

What DOES the bible say about it?
Not forsaking...as the manner of some, means some people had/have a habit of missing meetings. So we are not talking about someone that misses an occasional service.

Secondly, the bible indicates they DID meet for regular weekly services. The bible gives no indication that church meetings was optional or that it was sporatic.

I have raised this issue many times before and the problem is that some just don't have any idea what it means to be the Church and that the reason WE come together is to edify one another. Going from that, that means a Christian is someone that is not consumed with themselves, does not go to church just when they feel a need or feel guilty for missing too many services.

I have to ask, if one does not believe the bible says we should attend church regularly, then why attend church at all? On what basis do they even go to church every now and then? Bible?

Again the bible gives two different pictures. One is of the church, that meets weekly. And those that have a habit of missing those meetings. At issue in this verse is not that it's a sin to miss a meeting, but those who have a habit of doing so

In fact if church is about exorting and exortation, I'd say they did this daily and it is commanded
Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Heb 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,


Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

This obviously also included evangelism....it's safe to say that they did not go home and watch American Idol instead :driving

[Rico]

I wasn't going to get involved too much on this thread, but there isn't much else going on right now, so I guess I will go ahead and put in my two cents.

Speaking as a labeled "forsaker", I can tell you that the internet has really changed what it means to go to church. The truth of the matter is that I can get just about everything I can get from physically attending services, via the internet. I can listen to preaching, participate in the giving, help spread the Gospel, join Bible study groups, enjoy fellowship with like minded believers (via places like AFF), get prayed for, etc. There is, however, one thing I can not get from the internet that I can get from attending a live service: experiencing corporate worship.

Hard as I have tried, trying to worship via the internet just doesn't work for me. In fact, the one thing that has driven me back to looking for a home church is the lack of worship in my life. There's just nothing like being there when the worship is happening. Yes, I can be blessed by watching a worship service via the web and raising my hands in the process, but it's just not the same. I've missed being part of a good worship service, which brings me to something I have wanted to share with AFF for the last week or so.

The last service I was in, Sunday before last, I witnessed something I have not seen in a long time. Those of you who have been following my posts know I have been visiting a local UPC church the last 3 weeks or so. Well, during this particular service they had one of the most beautiful exhanges with the Lord in worship I have ever seen. The choir got up to sing this song and I noticed that people started responding spontaneously to the song they were singing. Nothing was forced, no cheerleading or coaching from the pulpit, nothing like that. It was pure. I watched this thing build until it just overflowed into this exchange between the congregation and the Lord. I really can't describe it other than to say it was so pure, unscripted, and refreshing. Here's the crazy part: the pastor wasn't even there. He was out visiting somewhere else or something like that. Most of the churches I have been a part of I could tell a difference in the services when the pastor was there and when he was out of town. It just surprised me to see this. These people were giving to God of their own free will. It was an awesome sight to behold.

[Praxeas]

I wasn't going to get involved too much on this thread, but there isn't much else going on right now, so I guess I will go ahead and put in my two cents.

Quick, someone start a Christmas thread :killinme
















Just kidding

[Rico]

Quick, someone start a Christmas thread :killinme
















Just kidding

THAT DONE IT!! Where's my pistol?!?!?!?!?! :D

[Praxeas]

THAT DONE IT!! Where's my pistol?!?!?!?!?! :D
lol

[Praxeas]

I wasn't going to get involved too much on this thread, but there isn't much else going on right now, so I guess I will go ahead and put in my two cents.

Speaking as a labeled "forsaker", I can tell you that the internet has really changed what it means to go to church. The truth of the matter is that I can get just about everything I can get from physically attending services, via the internet. I can listen to preaching, participate in the giving, help spread the Gospel, join Bible study groups, enjoy fellowship with like minded believers (via places like AFF), get prayed for, etc. There is, however, one thing I can not get from the internet that I can get from attending a live service: experiencing corporate worship.

Hard as I have tried, trying to worship via the internet just doesn't work for me. In fact, the one thing that has driven me back to looking for a home church is the lack of worship in my life. There's just nothing like being there when the worship is happening. Yes, I can be blessed by watching a worship service via the web and raising my hands in the process, but it's just not the same. I've missed being part of a good worship service, which brings me to something I have wanted to share with AFF for the last week or so.

The last service I was in, Sunday before last, I witnessed something I have not seen in a long time. Those of you who have been following my posts know I have been visiting a local UPC church the last 3 weeks or so. Well, during this particular service they had one of the most beautiful exhanges with the Lord in worship I have ever seen. The choir got up to sing this song and I noticed that people started responding spontaneously to the song they were singing. Nothing was forced, no cheerleading or coaching from the pulpit, nothing like that. It was pure. I watched this thing build until it just overflowed into this exchange between the congregation and the Lord. I really can't describe it other than to say it was so pure, unscripted, and refreshing. Here's the crazy part: the pastor wasn't even there. He was out visiting somewhere else or something like that. Most of the churches I have been a part of I could tell a difference in the services when the pastor was there and when he was out of town. It just surprised me to see this. These people were giving to God of their own free will. It was an awesome sight to behold.
One time a group in our home friendship group and another brother, got together to watch the General Conf of the UPC over the internet, live.

We worshiped God and genuinely had ourselves a time in the Holy Ghost.

[stmatthew]

I have raised this issue many times before and the problem is that some just don't have any idea what it means to be the Church and that the reason WE come together is to edify one another. Going from that, that means a Christian is someone that is not consumed with themselves, does not go to church just when they feel a need or feel guilty for missing too many services.


Prax, I enjoyed your whole post, but wanted to pinpoint this part, as you brought out something when you typed the word "WE". What folks do not understand is that "YOU" is not the Church, But Y"ALL" is. The Church is not 1 single person, but a corporate body of believers. To forsake coming together is like getting up some mornings and leaving your arm, or your ears, in bed for the day. You are incomplete without a time of local fellowship and breaking of bread (spiritual food). You must have ministry imparting into your life in order to grow up and mature to a usable state.

I know many may go through times for whatever reason that they have disconnected from a local assembly (building or house church), but this should be a temporary thing.

[Praxeas]

Thanks. I want to emphasize though, again, that church is not just about ministry imparting into your life. In fact I'd argue that we mis-use the term ministry to mean a preacher.

To minister is to serve and help. We are called to minister to one another. We have too many selfish Christians who think church is all about their needs and never about meeting the needs of each other. Church is about supporting one another and encouraging one another.

And you know what? I feel encouraged when I see my brothers and sisters praising God and supporting the word and praying for someone at the alter.

[freeatlast]

Okay, this is my humble, yet profound opinion...:hypercoffee

There should be within the heart of every believer a desire to be in the house of God when ever possible. This desire will not allow any old thing or event to prevent them from being in service.

However, to make it a sin if a service is missed?! I don't see that at all.

The Scripture does say to forsake not the assembling together, but it does not say how often to assemble.

Some folks have two services a week...some three and some more...if it is set in stone, who is right here?!

No, I think that the abiding Spirit will direct and convict if and when we err in missing services. Pastors certainly will and should admonish re this, but making something a heaven or hell issue...

Listen, I remember when I was young that my parents NEVER missed. We didn't do vacations and were faithful in season and out...they would have ran through a burning building if the pastor had asked them to, and I'm grateful they felt that way...they raised us with that respect.

But there was one New Year's Eve that my folks decided to go to my unsaved grandmother's house in Dearborn for the holiday. Our pastor knew we were gone, YET when we came home, my sanctified grandmother who was in church that night, said that FROM the pulpit our pastor said that he hoped we could have a good time when we had missed service.

God rest his soul, I know he meant well and he was a good man, but I have never forgotten the hurt my parents felt...

Anyway, that's my view on this...

I endured sitting under a pastor that had about that same level of inteligence for many years Barb.
He's gone on to his reward now...God rest his soul too.

[stmatthew]

Thanks. I want to emphasize though, again, that church is not just about ministry imparting into your life. In fact I'd argue that we mis-use the term ministry to mean a preacher.

To minister is to serve and help. We are called to minister to one another. We have too many selfish Christians who think church is all about their needs and never about meeting the needs of each other. Church is about supporting one another and encouraging one another.

And you know what? I feel encouraged when I see my brothers and sisters praising God and supporting the word and praying for someone at the alter.


I agree. I started to use Preacher instead of Ministry, and then typed it anyway. I understand what you are saying though, as we are all called to minister to one another. The imparting should be both received and given. Holding up each other. A time when the strong encourage those that are struggling or weak. It makes me think about the gifts of the Spirit. From my understanding, the gifts are never self edifying (used on ones self). They are aways directed outward in a giving manner. Gods Spirit does not promote selfishness, but a giving out of ones self for another's edification.

[Praxeas]

I agree. I started to use Preacher instead of Ministry, and then typed it anyway. I understand what you are saying though, as we are all called to minister to one another. The imparting should be both received and given. Holding up each other. A time when the strong encourage those that are struggling or weak. It makes me think about the gifts of the Spirit. From my understanding, the gifts are never self edifying (used on ones self). They are aways directed outward in a giving manner. Gods Spirit does not promote selfishness, but a giving out of ones self for another's edification.
Amen and I don't think we emphasize this enough in our movement.

[Scott Hutchinson]

If one is sick or is on vacation or has to work on sunday ,those would be legitimate reasons to miss church.If one attends a local assembly ,and just lays out of church, or something like that ,wouldn't that be forsaking the assembling together for corporate worship ?

[Rico]

If one is sick or is on vacation or has to work on sunday ,those would be legitimate reasons to miss church.If one attends a local assembly ,and just lays out of church, or something like that ,wouldn't that be forsaking the assembling together for corporate worship ?

Brother, it all depends on how one defines assembling together. For some people that only means at church. For others it can mean getting together with the brethren in your home. For others it can mean tuning in to a service on tv or the internet.

[RandyWayne]

Brother, it all depends on how one defines assembling together. For some people that only means at church. For others it can mean getting together with the brethren in your home. For others it can mean tuning in to a service on tv or the internet.

And for others, it refers to three regular services a week plus youth night, prayer evening, and specially scheduled revival services.

A tale of two extremes: I had one pastor who would single people out for praise if they got married on a Saturday and showed up for church Sunday morning. Obviously they loved God too much to miss church!

Another pastor would WARN a couple about to get married on a Friday or Saturday that "I better not see you here Sunday morning!" with a subtle wink.

So yes, I have lived with the "be in the church when the doors are open" crowd as well as those who realize it's importance AND place.
(And of course I am talking about church services......)

[COOPER]

And for others, it refers to three regular services a week plus youth night, prayer evening, and specially scheduled revival services.

A tale of two extremes: I had one pastor who would single people out for praise if they got married on a Saturday and showed up for church Sunday morning. Obviously they loved God too much to miss church!

Another pastor would WARN a couple about to get married on a Friday or Saturday that "I better not see you here Sunday morning!" with a subtle wink.

So yes, I have lived with the "be in the church when the doors are open" crowd as well as those who realize it's importance AND place.
(And of course I am talking about church services......)
Myth-Busted!

[RandyWayne]

They could have Tory, Kari and Grant perform some tests.

[MissBrattified]

Scripture says to "forsake not...assembling", but it doesn't say how often, with whom, with how many, etc. Sooooo...I think it is the motives of our heart and our reasons for missing that will factor into whether its a sin or not. I've known folks to be out of church every service for months because someone close to them was dying of cancer and needed constant care...but they were still faithful saints of God!

Staying away from church because you hold disdain for pastors and saints would be a poor reason...and indicative of heart issues that need to be resolved.

Staying away from church because you want to play video games instead of going to worship and being taught God's Word smacks of selfishness.

Staying away to spend time with family seems like an okay reason, but one must wonder...why not take your family to church and worship together?

Staying away because of illness...is understandable.

Staying away to rest is understandable...sometimes.

I suppose it depends on the reasons. And the overall picture of faithfulness...or lack thereof. And really, only God and the church-service-misser know for sure.

When a person suddenly begins to skip church, it can be a symptom of bigger issues, which sometimes (but not always) include sin.

Or it may be a symptom of nothing more than a worn out family provider working a 60 hour week and maintaining his home and family on the weekends and evenings. Or a mother of toddlers having a hard time balancing anything in her schedule, including church.

There are good reasons and bad reasons to miss church. You can't just say across the board that missing church is a sin...unless you just want to be hard to get along with. :D