Trending Faith: Can I Follow Jesus but Skip Church?

This week’s episode of Trending Faith explores a topic that crosses the minds of many Christians – is church really that necessary?

Tim Griffin, Grand Canyon University’s campus pastor and dean of students, and Jason Hiles, PhD, dean of the College of Theology, began this discussion by addressing the very reasons believers may feel uncomfortable in an organized religious setting.

Some people find church cliché, and some are more introverted and do not want the commitment of regularly attending church. Meanwhile, others trust their own experiences and interpretations of God over a pastor’s understanding, because they fear that they may be misled.

All of these reasons are valid and very relatable. Yet, we cannot allow our fleshly instincts to distract us from what the Bible clearly states, which is to live in community.

Romans 12:4-5 says, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

In addition, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul says, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Pastor Tim pointed out that church life is not comfortable, just as living in community is not comfortable and neither is life with Jesus. In fact, He promised us that it wouldn’t be! (John 16: 33) People are frustrating and sometimes hard to deal with, but that is where we grow.

Having relationships with others gives us the opportunity to practice the kindness, generosity and servant’s heart that Jesus calls us to live out. Church is a form of fellowship and community, and we are called to engage in it. How could we ever put into practice what the Lord teaches us if we never apply it to our relationships and the community around us?

To hear the full discussion, watch the video below:

Do you have questions for Pastor Tim and Dr. Hiles? Send them to trendingfaith@gcu.edu or use #trendingfaith. To learn more about Grand Canyon University, visit our website today!