When Leaving Church Might Actually Be the Beginning of Following Christ

[David]

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” ~John 8:31

Something interesting is happening right now. More and more people are quietly stepping away from church buildings. Some leave because they were hurt. Some leave because they grew tired of programs and routines. Others leave because something inside them started asking a question they could not ignore: Is this really what following Jesus is supposed to look like?

For many believers that question is uncomfortable. The moment someone says they stopped attending church, the assumption often comes quickly. They must be drifting away from God. They must be isolated. They must be losing their faith. But that assumption is not always true, and Scripture pushes us to look deeper than that.

The real issue is not whether someone attends a church building. The real issue is whether someone is actually following the Word of God. Jesus did not say, “If you attend services regularly, you are my disciples.” He said something much more direct: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” ~John 8:31. That is the measure. Not a building. Not a denomination. Not a schedule. The measure is whether a person continues in the Word of Christ.

This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable. A person can sit in a church building every Sunday for years and still not be living according to the Word of God. Jesus warned about that kind of religion. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth… but their heart is far from me.” ~Matthew 15:8. Religion can create activity without obedience. Attendance can create the appearance of faith while the heart remains unchanged. When that happens, the system itself can become dangerous, not because gathering with believers is wrong, but because people begin to believe the routine is what makes them right with God.

But there is another side to this conversation that many people overlook. When someone truly loves Christ and His Word, that love does not suddenly disappear because they stepped away from a building. In many cases the opposite happens. The Word of God becomes central in everyday life. It shapes conversations, thinking, and decisions. Scripture actually describes believers living this way: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another.” ~Malachi 3:16. Faith was never meant to be a weekly event. It was meant to be woven into daily life.

The early believers were not spectators attending religious services. They were a community centered around truth. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” ~Acts 2:42. Notice that doctrine comes first. The Word of God anchored everything else. Their fellowship existed because they were united around truth.

When you step back and look carefully at the ministry of Jesus Himself, something else becomes clear. His ministry did not resemble the modern institutional model many people assume is necessary today. Jesus taught on mountainsides. “Seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain… and he taught them.” ~Matthew 5:1-2. He taught from a boat while crowds listened from the shore. “He entered into a ship… and the whole multitude stood on the shore.” ~Matthew 13:2. He walked from town to town teaching along the roads. “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages… preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” ~Matthew 9:35. He even taught inside homes. “And it came to pass… that he went into an house: and the multitude cometh together again.” ~Mark 3:20.

The focus of His ministry was never building programs or maintaining religious systems. The focus was the Word of God and calling people to repentance and faith. He even warned people about religious systems that replace obedience to God with traditions created by men. “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” ~Matthew 15:9.

So this raises a serious question. Is the real problem that some people are leaving church buildings, or is the real problem that many people believe attending a building is the same thing as following Christ? Because those two things are not the same. Scripture never commands believers to rely on religious systems, but it does call believers to continue in the truth and walk with others who love the truth.

That brings us back to the real question. It is not where someone sits on Sunday morning. It is not whether someone belongs to a certain structure. The real question is whether we are continuing in Christ’s Word and walking with other believers who want to live by it. That is the pattern Scripture keeps pointing us toward, and it challenges both religious routine and spiritual independence more than most people realize.

So here is the question worth discussing. Is modern church culture actually helping believers continue in the Word of Christ, or has it quietly trained people to believe that showing up once a week is the same thing as following Him?

 

[dkontner]

I can't go to them

 

[David]

I can't go to them

?

 

[bobinfaith]

I can't go to them

Hello dkontner;

Welcome to the fellowship at Biblical Truth Forum. May I ask, what do you mean, "I can't go to them"?

God bless you, dkontner and your entire family.



Bob

 

[dkontner]

I have no family. I can't go to church anymore. It is what it is.

 

[bobinfaith]

View attachment 342

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” ~John 8:31

Something interesting is happening right now. More and more people are quietly stepping away from church buildings. Some leave because they were hurt. Some leave because they grew tired of programs and routines. Others leave because something inside them started asking a question they could not ignore: Is this really what following Jesus is supposed to look like?

For many believers that question is uncomfortable. The moment someone says they stopped attending church, the assumption often comes quickly. They must be drifting away from God. They must be isolated. They must be losing their faith. But that assumption is not always true, and Scripture pushes us to look deeper than that.

The real issue is not whether someone attends a church building. The real issue is whether someone is actually following the Word of God. Jesus did not say, “If you attend services regularly, you are my disciples.” He said something much more direct: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” ~John 8:31. That is the measure. Not a building. Not a denomination. Not a schedule. The measure is whether a person continues in the Word of Christ.

This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable. A person can sit in a church building every Sunday for years and still not be living according to the Word of God. Jesus warned about that kind of religion. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth… but their heart is far from me.” ~Matthew 15:8. Religion can create activity without obedience. Attendance can create the appearance of faith while the heart remains unchanged. When that happens, the system itself can become dangerous, not because gathering with believers is wrong, but because people begin to believe the routine is what makes them right with God.

But there is another side to this conversation that many people overlook. When someone truly loves Christ and His Word, that love does not suddenly disappear because they stepped away from a building. In many cases the opposite happens. The Word of God becomes central in everyday life. It shapes conversations, thinking, and decisions. Scripture actually describes believers living this way: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another.” ~Malachi 3:16. Faith was never meant to be a weekly event. It was meant to be woven into daily life.

The early believers were not spectators attending religious services. They were a community centered around truth. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” ~Acts 2:42. Notice that doctrine comes first. The Word of God anchored everything else. Their fellowship existed because they were united around truth.

When you step back and look carefully at the ministry of Jesus Himself, something else becomes clear. His ministry did not resemble the modern institutional model many people assume is necessary today. Jesus taught on mountainsides. “Seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain… and he taught them.” ~Matthew 5:1-2. He taught from a boat while crowds listened from the shore. “He entered into a ship… and the whole multitude stood on the shore.” ~Matthew 13:2. He walked from town to town teaching along the roads. “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages… preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” ~Matthew 9:35. He even taught inside homes. “And it came to pass… that he went into an house: and the multitude cometh together again.” ~Mark 3:20.

The focus of His ministry was never building programs or maintaining religious systems. The focus was the Word of God and calling people to repentance and faith. He even warned people about religious systems that replace obedience to God with traditions created by men. “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” ~Matthew 15:9.

So this raises a serious question. Is the real problem that some people are leaving church buildings, or is the real problem that many people believe attending a building is the same thing as following Christ? Because those two things are not the same. Scripture never commands believers to rely on religious systems, but it does call believers to continue in the truth and walk with others who love the truth.

That brings us back to the real question. It is not where someone sits on Sunday morning. It is not whether someone belongs to a certain structure. The real question is whether we are continuing in Christ’s Word and walking with other believers who want to live by it. That is the pattern Scripture keeps pointing us toward, and it challenges both religious routine and spiritual independence more than most people realize.

So here is the question worth discussing. Is modern church culture actually helping believers continue in the Word of Christ, or has it quietly trained people to believe that showing up once a week is the same thing as following Him?

Good morning, David;

After reading When Leaving Church Might Actually Be the Beginning of Following Christ I hear what you're saying. I really do understand and there are many who stopped attending the Church "building" and actually began following Christ.

They don't want to be manipulated when a fellow Church member or leader quotes to them Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42-47 and the popular Hebrews 10:24-25. I agree with the Scriptures but to use it as a manipulation is wrong.

And you're right, it's uncomfortable for many Christians who share or have shared with me.

There are nuances that describe the reasons many believers continue or discontinue attending Church. They still believe in God, but they no longer fit into the traditional, organized structures of church.

It's either attend Church entering with a heart of worship, or enter with reservations in their heart, is being completely honest either way!

Church in 2026 has completely changed since the first worship meeting in the Upper Room in Acts 1:13-15: 120 brothers and sisters gathered and shared the same Lord Jesus, love for God, a desire to adore and worship Him, living for Him and sharing the joy of the Gospel.

I'm not saying they didn't take time to share their struggles, prayer requests, sought an Apostle (Matthias) to replace Judas, but deep reverence for God was their main priority! This worship didn't last an hour or two, but up to the whole day, even up to additional days. It is what it was, then.

They didn't have the "same ol same ol" order of service, announcements of the upcoming event, new pew covers being installed, the next "bring a dish" potluck and a long list of individual "needs" prayer requests. Truth be known, in many of today's Churches this has become the priority instead of deep, reverence and worship for God being the main priority.

God understands our human nature to tire and desire to break from the same order of anything. But when we focus on the main reason we attend the building, we realize it's God building and He is deserving of all our attention.

I know where I've stood for decades as a Church going man. I don't encourage being a lone Christian, but I have my constructive views:

The Christian Church needs to prioritize to the fullest the reason to gather per what is taught in the Scriptures regarding corporate worship. I'm also aware this is why many Christians have left the organized structure of Church and have found the reverential meaning of following Christ and growing closer to Him.

We all have a responsibility to pray for each other, our gatherings, today's Church and what God says about our worship of Him.

God bless everyone.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

I have no family. I can't go to church anymore. It is what it is.

If it helps any ... BTF is my second church (the first being my inner Temple with God directly), and this is my fellowship place xxx

 

[bobinfaith]

If it helps any ... BTF is my second church (the first being my inner Temple with God directly), and this is my fellowship place xxx

Hello Yesua888;

I have a question for you. Do you feel you have found the reverential meaning of following Christ and growing closer to Him, here, than you did attending other Churches each Sunday?

God bless you, Linda.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Hello Yesua888;

I have a question for you. Do you feel you have found the reverential meaning of following Christ and growing closer to Him, here, than you did attending other Churches each Sunday?

God bless you, Linda.

Bob

Hi Bob,
I come from an "alternative" background, where I was fortunate to hear about God, when early in my life, I and my Sis, were taken to Sunday School and Church by neighbours.
I never felt comfortable in the traditional church setting, and felt in those days that people were not being authentic in Christ. They would always offer "I am praying for you", and I would think, now why are you doing that?
Anyway, long story short, I was never much into joining church groups later in life (had a few similar experiences when I did go).
However, ever since I had a demonic attack at the age of 16, and called on the name of Jesus, I have always believed that I am a Child of God.
It was only much later (about 4 years ago) that I chose to be baptised.
My faith in Jesus was concreted when I had that profound and frightening experience, and it continues to grow.
Hope that answers your question : )

 

[bobinfaith]

Hi Bob,
I come from an "alternative" background, where I was fortunate to hear about God, when early in my life, I and my Sis, were taken to Sunday School and Church by neighbours.
I never felt comfortable in the traditional church setting, and felt in those days that people were not being authentic in Christ. They would always offer "I am praying for you", and I would think, now why are you doing that?
Anyway, long story short, I was never much into joining church groups later in life (had a few similar experiences when I did go).
However, ever since I had a demonic attack at the age of 16, and called on the name of Jesus, I have always believed that I am a Child of God.
It was only much later (about 4 years ago) that I chose to be baptised.
My faith in Jesus was concreted when I had that profound and frightening experience, and it continues to grow.
Hope that answers your question : )

Good morning, Linda;

Thank you for sharing your testimony. You said that at one traditional Church setting, you felt people were not being authentic in Christ. They would always offer, "I am praying for you" without knowing you and appearing presumptuous. That's uncomfortable.

It would have been better to get to know you by listening to your story so they "know how to pray for you."

God bless you, Linda.

Bob

 

[Greg]

I am not condoning pulling away from Christian fellowship, however, after following Jesus for years and studying scripture, I canot align myself with false doctrines in the church.
Allowing a pagan rituals, like Christmas and Easter, permiate through Christianity has diluted God's holy days. I have tried to bring to light to them (church,s) what I know is true but they refuse to listen because they would loose too many members. No members, No income. I am of the opinion that pastors should have a full time job and not rely on peoples love offerings to support thier lifestyle. Of course a workman is due his wages but a home, car, insurance and whatever is stealing from the true meaning of a tithe. That is to help the orphaned, the widows and the traveler (poor) in the land. The reason the tithe was initiated was to help these folks. The levitical prest had no income for his duties was taking care of the temple but you are the temple.
You are the living stones! God is your supplier.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

This OP caused me to join this site. My husband and I no longer attend church. We have grown more just reading our Bibles and applying it to our lives.

Some issues with churches

---Tithing becoming extortion
---Lack of emphasis or denial of obedience and good works
----Scripture about gender roles denied
---Divorce and unbiblical remarriage rampant
---unbiblical visions of "grace"
---- Once Saved Always Saved

 

[dkontner]

This OP caused me to join this site. My husband and I no longer attend church. We have grown more just reading our Bibles and applying it to our lives.

Some issues with churches

---Tithing becoming extortion
---Lack of emphasis or denial of obedience and good works
----Scripture about gender roles denied
---Divorce and unbiblical remarriage rampant
---unbiblical visions of "grace"
---- Once Saved Always Saved

May God bless you and your family.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

May God bless you and your family.

Thank you. May the Lord bless you as well!

 

[David]

This OP caused me to join this site. My husband and I no longer attend church. We have grown more just reading our Bibles and applying it to our lives.

Some issues with churches

---Tithing becoming extortion
---Lack of emphasis or denial of obedience and good works
----Scripture about gender roles denied
---Divorce and unbiblical remarriage rampant
---unbiblical visions of "grace"
---- Once Saved Always Saved

I hear your heart in this, and I can tell you’re taking Scripture seriously. That matters more than anything. Scripture does warn us to pay attention to doctrine and not just go along with what everyone else is doing. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” ~1 Thessalonians 5:21. So that desire to line everything up with the Word is a very wonderful.

At the same time, what stood out to me most is what you said about being in the Word and actually applying it. That’s where real growth happens. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” ~John 8:31. That’s the anchor right there.

Stay in the Word. Keep testing everything by it. Keep letting it shape our life and our home.

 

[David]

Good morning, David;

After reading When Leaving Church Might Actually Be the Beginning of Following Christ I hear what you're saying. I really do understand and there are many who stopped attending the Church "building" and actually began following Christ.

They don't want to be manipulated when a fellow Church member or leader quotes to them Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42-47 and the popular Hebrews 10:24-25. I agree with the Scriptures but to use it as a manipulation is wrong.

And you're right, it's uncomfortable for many Christians who share or have shared with me.

There are nuances that describe the reasons many believers continue or discontinue attending Church. They still believe in God, but they no longer fit into the traditional, organized structures of church.

It's either attend Church entering with a heart of worship, or enter with reservations in their heart, is being completely honest either way!

Church in 2026 has completely changed since the first worship meeting in the Upper Room in Acts 1:13-15: 120 brothers and sisters gathered and shared the same Lord Jesus, love for God, a desire to adore and worship Him, living for Him and sharing the joy of the Gospel.

I'm not saying they didn't take time to share their struggles, prayer requests, sought an Apostle (Matthias) to replace Judas, but deep reverence for God was their main priority! This worship didn't last an hour or two, but up to the whole day, even up to additional days. It is what it was, then.

They didn't have the "same ol same ol" order of service, announcements of the upcoming event, new pew covers being installed, the next "bring a dish" potluck and a long list of individual "needs" prayer requests. Truth be known, in many of today's Churches this has become the priority instead of deep, reverence and worship for God being the main priority.

God understands our human nature to tire and desire to break from the same order of anything. But when we focus on the main reason we attend the building, we realize it's God building and He is deserving of all our attention.

I know where I've stood for decades as a Church going man. I don't encourage being a lone Christian, but I have my constructive views:

The Christian Church needs to prioritize to the fullest the reason to gather per what is taught in the Scriptures regarding corporate worship. I'm also aware this is why many Christians have left the organized structure of Church and have found the reverential meaning of following Christ and growing closer to Him.

We all have a responsibility to pray for each other, our gatherings, today's Church and what God says about our worship of Him.

God bless everyone.

Bob

I hear what you’re saying, and I appreciate the way you’re trying to look at this honestly and not just defend a system.

You’re right about something important. It’s not hard for routines and traditions to slowly take center stage if we’re not careful. Jesus warned about that exact thing, “in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” ~Matthew 15:9. So that concern you’re raising is real.

And I also appreciate that you didn’t swing the other direction and promote isolation. That balance matters.

What stood out to me most in what you said is the focus on the reason we gather. That’s where the heart of it is. When the focus is truly on the Lord and His Word, everything else falls into its proper place. “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” ~Acts 2:42. Doctrine first, then fellowship flowing out of that.

I think that’s the tension a lot of people are feeling right now. Not rejecting truth, but trying to get back to what actually matters.

Appreciate you sharing this.

 

[bobinfaith]

I hear what you’re saying, and I appreciate the way you’re trying to look at this honestly and not just defend a system.

You’re right about something important. It’s not hard for routines and traditions to slowly take center stage if we’re not careful. Jesus warned about that exact thing, “in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” ~Matthew 15:9. So that concern you’re raising is real.

And I also appreciate that you didn’t swing the other direction and promote isolation. That balance matters.

What stood out to me most in what you said is the focus on the reason we gather. That’s where the heart of it is. When the focus is truly on the Lord and His Word, everything else falls into its proper place. “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” ~Acts 2:42. Doctrine first, then fellowship flowing out of that.

I think that’s the tension a lot of people are feeling right now. Not rejecting truth, but trying to get back to what actually matters.

Appreciate you sharing this.

Hello David;

Which brings me to Biblical Truth Forum. There's been a lot of posts here lately with the opportunity for members to express their individual faith views "from the heart."

I still find areas in Scripture and Life Application that leave me scratching my head. So instead of holding back I say what I will truthfully whether correct or in error to "those have ears to hear" within the forums.

I appreciate your discernment to allow this in our discussions while balancing sola scriptura.

God bless you, brother.

Bob

 

[David]

I have a question for you. Do you feel you have found the reverential meaning of following Christ and growing closer to Him, here, than you did attending other Churches each Sunday?

That’s a really good question, and I know it was not for me but it made me think, so I want to respond also. For me, I can only speak from my own experience. When I was younger, it seemed like people in church actually took knowing Christ seriously. The Word was central. But after I moved and started visiting different churches, it was a very different experience.

A lot of places didn’t even seem to notice we were there. It felt more like programs, fundraising, and stories than actually getting into Scripture. And after a while, that gets discouraging, because you’re looking to grow, not just sit through something.

Scripture says, “Preach the word… with all longsuffering and doctrine” ~2 Timothy 4:2. That’s what I was looking for, and honestly, not finding it in Church buildings they seemed more like social clubs

So for me, the difference hasn’t been about a location. It’s been about whether the Word is actually central and being taken seriously. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” ~John 8:31.

When that’s happening, that’s where growth happens. When it’s not, it doesn’t matter where you are. That’s just been my experience.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

I hear your heart in this, and I can tell you’re taking Scripture seriously. That matters more than anything. Scripture does warn us to pay attention to doctrine and not just go along with what everyone else is doing. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” ~1 Thessalonians 5:21. So that desire to line everything up with the Word is a very wonderful.

At the same time, what stood out to me most is what you said about being in the Word and actually applying it. That’s where real growth happens. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” ~John 8:31. That’s the anchor right there.

Stay in the Word. Keep testing everything by it. Keep letting it shape our life and our home.

There are so many who believe that church attendance is a sin issue. As in, it has to be an established institution you go to. It has discouraged me over time. Thank you for your exhortation.

 

[David]

I am not condoning pulling away from Christian fellowship, however, after following Jesus for years and studying scripture, I canot align myself with false doctrines in the church.
Allowing a pagan rituals, like Christmas and Easter, permiate through Christianity has diluted God's holy days. I have tried to bring to light to them (church,s) what I know is true but they refuse to listen because they would loose too many members. No members, No income. I am of the opinion that pastors should have a full time job and not rely on peoples love offerings to support thier lifestyle. Of course a workman is due his wages but a home, car, insurance and whatever is stealing from the true meaning of a tithe. That is to help the orphaned, the widows and the traveler (poor) in the land. The reason the tithe was initiated was to help these folks. The levitical prest had no income for his duties was taking care of the temple but you are the temple.
You are the living stones! God is your supplier.

I hear what your saying and I understand your frustration. To want things to line up with Scripture rather than conform to traditions takes discernment, so I respect that.

I will agree with you though, we shouldn’t just believe something or do something because we’re told to without testing it. We are told to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” ~1 Thessalonians 5:21. And if something is clearly against the Word, we shouldn’t continue in that either.

I would just want you to be careful about going against what Scripture actually says on a couple of those.

With certain “days” or observances, Scripture doesn’t tell believers not to keep certain days in the New Covenant, it simply doesn’t mention it. So verses like “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” ~Romans 14: 5 tells us that is an area we allow freedom in and aren’t to use it as a dividing point.

And with pastors and getting support from preaching, Scripture does say they can make a living by preaching the gospel. “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” ~1 Corinthians 9:14. However at the same time it shouldn’t be used for greed or being abused, so we walk in balance with that.

I will agree with you on the larger issue though. When things like money, tradition or numbers become the driving force rather than the Word, things are out of whack.

So I would encourage you to continue doing what your doing in one way… stay in the Word, test everything and HOLD ON TO WHAT IS GOOD! But where Scripture gives us freedom, let’s make sure we don’t try and bind others where God hasn’t. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

My husband and I tried with church for many years. But we grew the most outside of it, going through and applying Scripture. It led to a lifestyle of giving directly to those in need rather than tithing and calling that charity. It led to us realizing the churches, all of them, are influenced by the leaven of the Pharisees because they love their hierarchies and titles and neglect housing the poor and meeting urgent needs.