I'm a Christian and I love Jesus with all my heart, but I don't go to church anymore. Is this a sin? This question has sparked a debate that has been trending in recent years. During the pandemic, churches were forced to close their doors and adapt by offering online services until they could meet in person again. But when the church doors reopened, something unexpected happened - many members didn’t return. This phenomenon has left pastors scratching their heads to this day. In 2025, the American Bible Society released interesting data which revealed that nearly half (45%) of American Christians have not attended church in the past six months. Key Findings of the 2025 Study: Declining Attendance: While approximately 64% of American adults identify as Christians, only 55% have attended church in the last six months. Church Attendee Breakdown: Of the Christians who do attend church, 34% attend weekly, 10% monthly, and 11% about twice per year. Method of Attendance: Most churchgoers (72%) primarily attend services in person, while 12% participate online and 16% use a mix of both. Engagement Levels: Generation Z exhibits the lowest church engagement scores, while highly engaged churchgoers report higher levels of human flourishing. The study also suggests that while a significant portion of Christians are not attending church in person, many still consider themselves committed believers. This highlights a shift in the importance believers once placed on going to church in person. What Does This Mean? With the data revealing the percentage of believers who stopped attending church, it now becomes clear why so many are asking the question, ‘Is not going to church a sin?’ Many pastors might answer ‘yes’ to this question. However, here at God’s Word Revealed, we rely on God’s Word to guide us in all things. Hebrews 10:25 says, ‘And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near’. But to gain more context, we should look at the two previous verses as well. Verse 23 and 24 says, ‘Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works’. These verses teach us that meeting together with other believers is not only a directive, it’s something we need to do to remain strong, encouraged, and motivated in our spiritual walk. Additionally, Jesus made it clear in that we (believers) are the true church. So, although we call the brick-and-mortar buildings we meet in ‘churches’, the actual church is the body of Christ, which are the followers of Christ (Christians). Additionally, the Bible makes it clear that the true church is the bride of Christ ( Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17 ) and the body of Christ ( Ephesians 4:12 ; 1 Corinthians 12:27 ). It cannot be contained, walled in, or defined by anything other than its love for Christ and its dedication to Him. So although we call the brick-and-mortar buildings we meet in ‘churches’, the believers and followers of Jesus, are the true church. The word church is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia , meaning “a called–out assembly.” The word describes a group of people who have been called out of the world and set apart for the Lord, and it is always used, in its singular form, to describe a universal group of people who know Christ. The word ekklesia , when pluralized, is used to describe groups of believers who meet together. Interestingly enough, the word church is never used in the Bible to describe a building or organization. While physical buildings make it easier for us to meet together with other believers, it’s not a requirement that we meet that way. Consider that Jesus did most of His miracles, teaching, and ministering in the field, not in the synagogue. Also, consider John the Baptist, who was preaching about Jesus and baptizing people in the wilderness to prepare the way for Him. Also consider that the New Testament church met primarily in houses (house churches) for roughly the first 300 years, with believers gathering in private homes for worship, meals, and fellowship. This is why it’s so important as believers that we read and understand God’s Word for ourselves. The Bible is clear on this issue: there is really no significance to ‘where’ we meet, as we are directed only to ‘meet’. There are many believers in other countries that have to meet in secrecy because churches are outlawed. So how then, can we justify saying not going to a physical brick-and-mortar church is a sin? We can fulfill this directive from anywhere, as long as we’re meeting with other believers. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” In conclusion, as long as you are gathering in Jesus’ name (meaning uniting with another believer in faith, agreement, and alignment with His will, authority, and character, rather than just occupying the same space) with at least one other believer, you are fulfilling the Hebrews 10:25 directive. God’s Word Revealed Ministry was created to provide a community where believers can meet with other believers, learn, grow, and fellowship in the online environment. Have questions? Contact us today!