In the small town where we live there are 9 churches. NINE. So naturally there is some subtle/sometimes not so subtle competition between them. When my husband and I decided to find a church we took our time and toured almost all the churches in the area. They all had good points, but we never felt at home until we went to Mt. Olive. Now we have friends at many other churches in town, and that (to some) would have been a good reason to go somewhere else, but we "fit" this church the best. The worship style, the preaching and the multitude of young families convinced us even further.
Of course like ANY church, there are pros and cons, church politics, and cliques of people that have been attending there forever...but we saw past that and chose to make it "our church".
Recently there has been conversations that have been rather derogatory towards my church and I hate that. Perhaps it comes from a background of being a pastors daughter that I feel this need to defend my church and pastor, but why is it that in a group of believers, we choose to "nit-pick" over place of worship, instead of just rejoice that friends are being fed by the Word??
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but please don't speak badly to me about the place where I go and meet with Jesus twice or three times a week! How mean spirited to assume that because things are done differently, they are done wrong or without spiritual merit. To conclude that this church is "not serious about Jesus" enough for you, perhaps just means you are looking more at the congregation lifestyle, than that of the message being given. Are we not all sinners making mistakes? Isn't church about being able to accept people as they are and show them how to walk with God?
When did it become about the type of music, or Mom's group or small groups or version of the Bible used? Why do we miss the fact that Jesus can work through any circumstance, building or denomination? He can speak to those who would LOVE to attend church, but have none - and yet we, with our abundance of places to worship, want to make it about us and our opinions.
Something has happened. Living in a primarily "Christian" community perhaps has made us unforgiving and narrow minded.
Our church is not perfect...nothing is, but for us, it is home.
Psalms Week 1 : An Introduction
2 years ago
You have many things on your plate right now- Don't take it personally.:) You have a beautiful caring spirit and I am s glad you have found a community of a home church but with that just remember- We are all flawed- even with God we are still human. We all have our opinions and judgements- some use them to judge people, some use it to judge churches, some use it to judge choices... Some make a silly comment not realizing how they insult. I have been guilty of that many times in my lifetime and it has never been with malice...maybe it's those people too?
ReplyDeleteI am sorry it is hurting you and hurting community. It is sad when the community can not be the support they are supposed to be for each other- you make a good valid point BUT it's none of us our guiltless. Perhaps some of these people who are complaining have been hurt by the church or someone in it and are venting it inappropriately- we never know until we are in their shoes- Try to forgive and be your gracious self and allow it to gently roll off your back. You deserve more than worrying about it and carrying the hurt.
God knows the true circumstances and he knows you love it there, He cherished you and he also cherishes the people you are talking about who are perhaps being mean. I think it's very brave of you to set your boundaries along with your grace.
I sincerely hope you find peace in this tough circumstance. I also hope you can find reconciliation against your perpetrator.
I am so glad you found a home. That is such a nice feeling:) If you ever need a babysitter so you can enjoy your church groups without worry- call me. I would love to support your church decision.
Love you