Being a Christian has got to be one of the scariest things you can call yourself. There are so many labels and expectations placed upon those calling themselves Christians, one being that church attendance is almost a requirement.
Since not going to church and writing about it, I’ve opened myself to a world of criticism and questions from people I don’t know. Other Christians whom I’ve never laid eyes {and likely never will} have made it their business to ask questions to which I haven’t even shared the answers with more than a few, trusted friends.
Being a blogger in the Bible Belt who often writes about Christianity and church for sure has its drawbacks. I can count on one hand those who have asked me specifically why I’m not going to church. But it would take more than two hands to count the number of people who have felt it their Christian duty to advise me as to why I should be going; who have warned me against leaving the institutionalized church forever; who have asked me if I am abandoning Christian community; who have warned me against walking away from God.
I’m not sure if it’s due to the anonymity of hiding behind a screen, but some have asked questions and said things I imagine would likely never come out of their mouths in a face-to-face conversation. {I’m probably wrong on this since we Christians feel it’s our responsibility to speak the truth to those we believe are wrong; sadly, we often neglect the part about doing so in love.}
But not one person has asked me about my experiences with God since leaving church. I would think that should be the most important question, so I’ll go ahead and answer it:
He hasn’t admonished me for not attending church. Instead, He’s using this time to draw my family closer to Himself. Mark and I are having conversations about church we’ve never had. We’re learning that we have to be more intentional in our lives because we no longer have the weekly, Sunday morning feel-good boost.
I’m seeing God answer prayers. I’m experiencing peace and joy that I haven’t felt for some time. And on the rough days, His presence is almost tangible.
At some point, I may specifically write about why the break from church is necessary. For now, suffice it to say I’m recovering. And when in recovery, you don’t keep going back to the one thing from which you are attempting to recover.
So, yes, I am a Christian who is in love with Jesus, but doesn’t attend church…for now. Oddly enough, God seems to be okay with that.
Your relationship with Jesus is the important thing. Your walk is your walk. Have a great day.
Thanks, Marquis.
I have had some questions in my mind about some things that you have written but I find that it is better for a person to work these things out with god than it is for me to to worry about it. I know that everyones situations in life are not the same. I will continue to pray that you and god will work this out and that you will follow his will for your life. We dont all fit the same mold in our life. God will lead you in the way that he wants you to go. I will continue to pray for you and your family. We cant always worry about what others think.
Don,
Thank you for offering me the grace to work out my salvation. It means more than you’ll ever know!
Jesus calls us into community, it’s true, but “church” can be found many other places than that building with a steeple.
So true, Tim.
Hi Rebekah – thanks for this follow up post. I didn’t think to ask about your experience of God during this time away from “church” since the reality and vibrancy of your life with God seems so evident in your blog posts. I asked about community mainly because for me that’s part of what “church” means, and I know many people who might not be part of an organized body called a church but who find that kind of community in another form. I wouldn’t dream of asking your reasons since we’ve only recently connected on Twitter–I figure you’ll share those if and when you’re ready–but I’m glad to connect with you and to have this window on your journey. Thank you.
April,
Thanks so much for your comment. And thank you for believing the best of my experience with God. Unfortunately, some are not. Thank you for continuing to read!