It’s been a bit since my last post. I normally try to make a point of getting at least a few out every month, but I’ll admit that I’ve been slacking off in that regard. I don’t really care how many people read these, it’s more for my own enjoyment anyways. This site gives me a chance to get my thoughts out in a more coherent and concise way than if I were to do an unscripted video series instead. I’m not really great in front of a camera, so I’m writing these posts instead.

Something I’ve been reflecting on recently is the importance of corporate worship, and the dangers of what many theologians call “lone wolf Christianity”. To summarize what corporate worship is, it’s basically a term to describe worshiping God in public places along with other believers. Going to church, giving public testimonies, and building Christian relationships are all forms of corporate worship. To most Christians, these are things that they tend to do without second thought. It’s normal behavior, and the proper way to integrate yourself into the faith.

Meanwhile, lone wolf Christians are those who believe they can worship God on their own, without the guidance of a church or like-minded believers. There are many reasons for why some Christians fall under this category, ranging from social anxiety to their own inability to look for a healthy church to go to. In my eyes, the idea that we can worship God without being part of the church community is not only disingenuous, it also goes against the Bible itself. This is a dangerous practice to hold to, and I feel that it’s one that isn’t touched on nearly as much as it could be.

For starters, God meant for us to be social with each other. God himself even says in Genesis 2 that it’s not good for man (Adam) to be alone, hence the introduction of women (Eve) into the world. Men and women are meant to be joined together as one flesh before the Lord, and they are meant to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). This rang true for not only Adam and Eve, but Noah, Abraham, and all of their descendants as well. While God has plans for every human individually, it is generally expected that Christian men and women marry each other and start their own families. It’s both unhealthy and contradictory to scripture to ignore this and to not seek out Christian companionship, as some have done and are doing right now.

The Bible also describes the church, especially in the New Testament, as being a place of gathering and community, and one that we are meant to attend as much as we can. Hebrews 10:24-25 directly tells not only the recipients of Paul’s letter, but modern day believers as well, to neither forget nor disregard gathering together as believers. Public worship is also an open declaration of your faith, as well as an acknowledgement of Christ’s death and your obedience to the Lord. To say you love Jesus Christ, while rejecting his body (the church), is a very serious issue, and one that cannot remain in your life. A sheep is meant to be in a flock, not alone on some mountain.

Lastly, not attending church consistently can lead to your faith drifting away. Whether people realize it or not, it’s gradual apostasy. How can your faith grow and mature when you aren’t taking in the Word of God with other believers? It can’t. I understand that some of those who could be classified as lone wolves come from places of hurt, mainly caused by previous church experiences. While there are many healthy ways to cope with that pain and to gradually move past it, one idea which cannot be considered is leaving the church outright. Severing your connection to the body of Christ, no matter the reason, is a bad idea. While it is valid to take some time to recover from that aforementioned pain, it should be reiterated that God is the ultimate cure for that. Isolation may help with keeping a flu away from your loved ones, but it can also damage your spirit. Tread lightly.

If by any chance someone is reading this and anything I’ve said hits close to home, then that’s good. As someone who has previously struggled with these exact issues, I say all of this as a warning to anyone who thinks this way. We cannot be apart from God, we must grow closer to him. And in order to do that, we need to read the Word, we need to choose friends with Christian intentions, and above all, we need to be a part of the church. Do not stray away from what God commands, because it will burn you later.

That’s all for now. Gotta say, it feels good to do another one of these. More will come soon, I’m sure.