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“What Do You Do On Sunday?”
Categories: THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHIs the phrase "go to church" a biblical concept? Also, does a local church exist outside of an opening and a closing prayer? Thanks.Sincerely,
Church Goer?
Dear Church Goer,
The phrase “go to church” isn’t wrong, but it is often misused. 1 Cor 11:18, 1 Cor 14:19, and other verses use the word ‘church’ to refer to when the church is assembled together. Therefore saying “go to church” simply means ‘going to the church assembly’. Having said that, many people have forgotten that the church is the people, not a building. Many people who say, “I’m going to church” are referring to the church’s building. As long as you understand that the church is the people, then you are fine in using the phrase.
As for your second question, since the local church is the people, they do exist outside of the worship services. The very fact that 1 Cor 14:23 refers to the church in Corinth “coming together” means that they are still the church when they aren’t together.
