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Do Christians really need to go to church? Pastors Dale & Rena Mae McDonald from Atlin Family Church explore what the Bible says about gathering, fellowship, church culture, and finding the right church community for you!
Do Christians Need to Gather?
A Biblical Conversation on Church, Fellowship, and Faith
By Dale & Rena Mae McDonald – Atlin Family Church
Welcome once again to Atlin Family Church and our YouTube channel, Engage Faith – Faith and Bible Talk for Real Life. Real life has ups and downs, and today we’re excited to talk about a question many people ask:
Do Christians really need to gather together?
Is going to church a command, a requirement, or a choice?
Can God Force You to Go to Church?
Let’s put this right-out front:
No one—including God—can force you to go to church.
As adults, gathering with other believers is a choice. However, while we are not forced to attend church, choosing not to gather or meet does come with consequences. When we isolate ourselves, we will miss out on part of God’s original design for our lives.
God knew us before we were born. His plan has always included community. When we remove ourselves from that, we lose something great God had for us—and others lose what God placed in us to share with them.
As we like to say:
We don’t have to go to church. We get to.
Church Isn’t About Obligation—It’s About Growth
Let’s be honest—there are times when none of us feel like going to church. Feelings change. But as we grow in God’s Word, something else develops: hunger.
We want to learn more.
We want to know God more deeply.
Church attendance shouldn’t be about rigid rules like “you must be there every Sunday.” Life happens—vacations, travel, seasons of rest. That’s one reason Atlin Family Church records and shares our teachings online, making them available anytime, anywhere.
Revisiting teaching—just like rereading a good book—often brings fresh insight each time.
What If You’ve Been Hurt by a Church?
Too many people may love God but have had painful church experiences. You can grow on your own—we all should be growing daily—but Scripture shows us there is more that comes from gathering with other believers.
If you’ve been hurt, we encourage you not to give up. There are many churches, denominations, and styles. You will never find a perfect church, because churches are made of people—and people are imperfect.
Think of church as a hospital:
People don’t go because they’re perfect.
They go because they need help, healing, and growth.
When You’re in the Right Church
When you find the church God is leading you to, something happens:
- Love grows naturally
- Relationships deepen
- Faith strengthens
- Community forms beyond Sunday services
The connection can be stronger than family—it’s the body of Christ functioning as God designed. It’s something you have to experience to fully understand.
We’ve seen this in churches across Canada and beyond. The key is seeking God and asking Him where you should be planted.
The Church Is Not a Building
This is crucial:
Church can happen in a home, a cabin, an office, outdoors, or anywhere two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name. Church is about focusing on God—together or alone.
Believers collectively are the body of Christ. Every person matters. God works through people to continue His ministry on earth, often speaking to us through others in everyday conversations.
Not Every Church Is Teaching Biblically - This Is Not A Church For Christians
This may be uncomfortable to hear, but it’s important:
Not every church or denomination teaches the full biblical message.
Some rely heavily on tradition.
Some downplay Scripture.
Some change biblical truth to fit modern culture.
If a church teaches messages that lead people away from Christ, we strongly encourage you to leave and pray for God’s direction. Unity must be in Jesus—without that, it is not the true church.
Denominations vs. The True Church
Denominations exist because of different emphases and interpretations of Scripture. Many sincere, born‑again believers attend denominations that may not teach the full gospel—and they are still part of the church.
Sometimes God places people in those environments to be a light to the lost souls.
What matters most for you is what is being taught from the pulpit. Teaching either leads you closer to God—or pulls you away. This is the true test of a church & if it is your church!
Why Doctrine Matters (It can be Life or Death)
What a church believes truly matters.
For example, if a church teaches that God no longer heals and someone faces serious illness, that belief can impact hope, faith, and outcomes. A church that teaches biblical healing places people in a much stronger position spiritually and in joins in your faith. The church you attend could help save your life or help you embrace your sickness until it kills you.
This isn’t being dramatic—it’s real.
Let God Lead You to the Right Church
We can’t tell you which church to attend—but God can.
Sometimes it’s not about convenience.
Sometimes it means travel.
Sometimes it means waiting and praying.
Scripture tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will be added unto you— we believe this includes provision, direction, and community.
Final Encouragement
There is no perfect church.
There are no perfect people.
If you find a perfect church, the moment you walk in, it won’t be perfect anymore.
Give grace. Stay rooted in Scripture. Seek God’s direction. And remember—church is not about rules, control, or fear. It’s about relationship with God, biblical truth, and Christian growth.
Coming Up Next
This message will continue in Part Two, where we’ll dive deeper into Scripture and what the Bible teaches about gathering together.
Thank you for joining us.
— Dale & Rena Mae McDonald
Atlin Family Church
