5 Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask About Church (But Never Have)

If you’ve ever sat in church and thought, “I have no idea what’s going on,” you’re not alone. Or maybe you’ve thought about visiting a church but stopped yourself because you had too many questions. Here’s a little secret: lots of people have the same questions, but they don’t always feel comfortable asking them out loud.

The truth is, faith can feel confusing. Church traditions can be mysterious. And sometimes we’re worried our questions will sound silly. (Spoiler: they won’t.)

So today, I want to walk through five of the most common, honest questions people have about church. These aren’t theological trick questions. They’re real, everyday “things-I’ve-always-wanted-to-ask-but-haven’t” questions. And who knows—maybe one of them is a question you’ve had too.

Question 1: Do I Have to Believe Everything to Belong?

Many people assume you have to sign a kind of invisible contract before you walk into a church. Believe every word, know every Bible story, have a halo glowing above your head—or else, no entry.

But here’s the good news: church isn’t a members-only club. It’s a gathering of people who are on a journey. Some are full of faith, others are hanging on by a thread, and many are somewhere in between.

Belonging comes before believing. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need every answer to every question. You don’t even need to be sure about God. What matters is showing up, being open, and being willing to grow together.

Question 2: Why Should I Go to Church When I Can Pray at Home?

This is one of the top Google searches about church, and it makes sense. If I can pray in my living room (and in my pajamas), why bother with church at all?

Here’s the thing: prayer at home is wonderful. Online worship is also a real and meaningful way to connect with God and with the church community—especially when gathering in person isn’t possible. You are part of the church when you worship online. Period.

What’s unique about being physically present is the way we experience community with all our senses—singing with others, greeting friends face-to-face, even sharing coffee afterward. There’s a kind of energy and encouragement that comes from being in the same space together.

But whether you join in person, online, or both, the heart of church is the same: we’re connected to God and to each other.

Question 3: Does the Church Really Want Me As I Am?

This question cuts deep, because many people worry the answer is no. Maybe you’ve been judged before. Maybe you don’t feel like you fit the “church person” mold. Maybe you carry guilt or shame.

Here’s the truth: the heart of the gospel is that God loves us as we are. Church, at its best, is meant to reflect that love. Yes, we’re all called to grow and be transformed—but transformation begins with being accepted first, not after we clean ourselves up.

Every person walks into church carrying a different story. Those stories are not barriers to belonging; they are the very reason we come together.

I remember one Sunday, a young man walked through our doors and the first words out of his mouth were, ‘I’m not really a church person, I don’t think I belong here.’ We told him what I’ll tell you: you don’t have to be a ‘church person’ to be here. You just have to be yourself. Over time, he became part of the community—not because he changed into someone else, but because he realized he was loved as he was. That’s what church is meant to be.

Question 4: Why Does the Church Talk About Money So Much?

Ah yes, the question everyone thinks but doesn’t ask. Why does money keep coming up in church?

Here’s the short answer: churches don’t exist to make money—they exist to make a difference. But like any community, resources are needed to do that work. Giving supports things like worship, outreach, caring for the poor, programs for kids, and keeping the building available as a place of welcome.

When churches talk about money, ideally it’s not about pressure or guilt. It’s about invitation—an opportunity to join in the mission God is doing through the community.

Think about it: we regularly invest in things that matter to us, whether that’s a streaming service, a gym membership, or a favorite hobby. Supporting the church is about investing in something that touches lives and shares God’s love.

That said, churches (and pastors!) need to be careful to talk about money with honesty and transparency. It should never feel manipulative. Instead, it should feel hopeful, purposeful, and connected to the mission of God’s love in the world.

Question 5: What If I Don’t Know How to Pray or What to Do in Worship?

This might be the most relatable question of all. Maybe you’ve been in a worship service and felt like everyone else got the script but you didn’t. When do we stand? Why do some people cross themselves? How do you know the words to the prayers?

Here’s the secret: most people have felt that way at some point. Worship is something we learn by doing. It’s okay not to know what comes next. (Pro tip: when in doubt, just follow the crowd.)

As for prayer—there’s no magic formula. You don’t need fancy words or perfect sentences. Prayer is simply talking to God, whether with joy, anger, sadness, or gratitude. One-line prayers like “God, help me today” or “Thank you for this moment” are just as holy as long, poetic ones.

Church is a great place to practice prayer together, so that over time, it becomes more natural on your own.

So there you have it: five honest questions about church that many people wonder about but don’t always ask. If you’ve ever felt unsure, out of place, or full of questions—you’re exactly the kind of person church is for.

Because church isn’t about having all the right answers. It’s about being part of a community that learns, grows, and walks through life together.

Maybe you’ve asked these same questions yourself. Or maybe you’ve got five more that I didn’t cover. Either way, you are welcome here. Questions and all.

Join us online or in person each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. And if you’d like answers to other questions, let me know what they are!