5 Ways To Be Unsatisfied With Your Church

[evangelist6589]

This post is off topic but it doesn't surprise me that someone would bring up the idea that someone might be smarter than everyone else. Quite the elitist attitude.

What is wrong with his statement? Have you read Hebrews? Why do you sow discord and division with your every post?

 

[evangelist6589]

Your discord never ceases to amaze me. I bet you find it difficult finding a group of believers so mature and knowledgeable as yourself.

This coming from someone that loves seeker based sermons, "easy-believeism" and one whom cannot dive into deep Reformed theology for fear of being changed.

 

[evangelist6589]

Maybe this would be the time to step up and assist the ministry how ever the ministry needs. We've had numerous men step up and teach great, advanced, college level classes at our church and we're very much the richer for it. Why leave just because you got some book smarts? Is church only to consume or is to to be able to minister to the body using our gifts?

But what if there are no opportunities and or the pastor only wants certain people involved? I have volunteered to teach, but the pastor chooses to hog all the opportunities and I only got to teach once. After I taught the pastor and many others said I did a great job, however I have not taught since probably due to a lack of opportunities as its a small church.

I am also willing to teach the Way of the Master evangelism, however the church does not agree with it, and they teach their own "soul winning class" which is very Arminian based of which I will not get involved. So Basically I am stuck with no or few opportunities to serve other than cleaning of which I am not gifted nor called. My area of ministry however is street evangelism.

 

[evangelist6589]

Not everyone in church can or wants to teach.

In a church where the leadership, especially the preaching pastor is teaching shallow doctrine, milk &c and some sheep feel like they aren't getting fed, the answer isn't to go teach a class. Sometimes it is to leave.

Some of the sheep who feel this way cannot do a thing about it as they are not equipped to teach and they can't change what they hear from the pulpit. Some of these are in fact doing things in and for the church, not just in a teaching capacity. There is a time to leave a church, and if it is for shallow preaching, and/or due to weak doctrine then I see that as valid.

I've heard this excuse from preachers for years; 'The reason you aren't getting anything out of my preaching is because you don't study yourself'. Utter nonsense. Sure, at times this may be true, but I don't see any person who is not getting a thing out of it as being this way. Why would they be worried about that? It doesn't seem to be a fitting attitude for a person who doesn't study but of one who does study in my opinion.

This is the problem in my church. The sermons rarely if ever address sin, hell, judgment, repentance, and the sermons are usually shallow of doctrine. Sunday Schools however are detailed enough for book introductions so I am satisfied with Sunday School, just not the preaching in the church.

I am equipped to teach and have taught when I was in seminary, however I am not finding many opportunities to teach adults in the church as its a small church. Got to teach once and people liked it, however have not taught since despite the many that said they got something good out of my teachings.

It may be possible due to my Reformed views my opportunities to teach have been reduced. I do not jam my views on anyone, however I speak with CONVICTION, CONFIDENCE, AND BOLDNESS in open discussion and prayer in sunday school. Giving the influence of some KJVO and or former KJVO that are also in the class I am not finding a good fit in this church, but I am stuck here until God can persuade my wife.

 

[preacher4truth]

What is wrong with his statement? Have you read Hebrews? Why do you sow discord and division with your every post?

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[preacher4truth]

This coming from someone that loves seeker based sermons, "easy-believeism" and one whom cannot dive into deep Reformed theology for fear of being changed.

You're on fire today. Nailed it! :laugh: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[preacher4truth]

Exactly what we see on BB sometimes....:thumbsup:

It's shameful. There are preachers who will chase others out of a church because they feel threatened. We have one here in town who is notorious for this. Teachers, music ministers, preachers, the gifted in any capacity are shunned by his wife and treated poorly by the preacher and they end up leaving.

 

[preacher4truth]

This is the problem in my church. The sermons rarely if ever address sin, hell, judgment, repentance, and the sermons are usually shallow of doctrine. Sunday Schools however are detailed enough for book introductions so I am satisfied with Sunday School, just not the preaching in the church.

I am equipped to teach and have taught when I was in seminary, however I am not finding many opportunities to teach adults in the church as its a small church. Got to teach once and people liked it, however have not taught since despite the many that said they got something good out of my teachings.

It may be possible due to my Reformed views my opportunities to teach have been reduced. I do not jam my views on anyone, however I speak with CONVICTION, CONFIDENCE, AND BOLDNESS in open discussion and prayer in sunday school. Giving the influence of some KJVO and or former KJVO that are also in the class I am not finding a good fit in this church, but I am stuck here until God can persuade my wife.

So you're learning to wait on the Lord in a different way. Be patient. We will pray for both of you again.

 

[Salty]

Evangelist,
something tells me you and the church you are attending (not a member of) would be better off if you went elsewhere - or possibly you should start a church yourself.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

This is the problem in my church. The sermons rarely if ever address sin, hell, judgment, repentance, and the sermons are usually shallow of doctrine. Sunday Schools however are detailed enough for book introductions so I am satisfied with Sunday School, just not the preaching in the church.

I am equipped to teach and have taught when I was in seminary, however I am not finding many opportunities to teach adults in the church as its a small church. Got to teach once and people liked it, however have not taught since despite the many that said they got something good out of my teachings.

It may be possible due to my Reformed views my opportunities to teach have been reduced. I do not jam my views on anyone, however I speak with CONVICTION, CONFIDENCE, AND BOLDNESS in open discussion and prayer in sunday school. Giving the influence of some KJVO and or former KJVO that are also in the class I am not finding a good fit in this church, but I am stuck here until God can persuade my wife.

Don't fret....you will find your level....God will nt allowyou to float aimlessly. In the meantime pray, study, read, listento sermons ....and don't compromise your beliefs for anyone. You may think your in a pickle but its just a test. Keep the Faith brother and it will happen.

 

[evangelist6589]

So you're learning to wait on the Lord in a different way. Be patient. We will pray for both of you again.

Yes indeed I need to be patient and wait on the Lord. Cant rush it. Rome was not built in a day.

 

[evangelist6589]

Don't fret....you will find your level....God will nt allowyou to float aimlessly. In the meantime pray, study, read, listento sermons ....and don't compromise your beliefs for anyone. You may think your in a pickle but its just a test. Keep the Faith brother and it will happen.

The people in the church are very nice, polite, and kind. The sad news is that I have been in Reformed churches where they were not, but the peaching was on fire. It takes both good preaching/teaching, and people that live out their faith. But in the meantime I read, listen, and pray.

 

[quantumfaith]

This coming from someone that loves seeker based sermons, "easy-believeism" and one whom cannot dive into deep Reformed theology for fear of being changed.

I will refrain from commenting EVANG, but you do not know the WHOLE story. I have been changed, I encounter change constantly, I just don't bow down at your preferred and revered "reformed" theology.

 

[annsni]

So there you go.....the church no longer fit....IE was no longer feeding you. And that is quite natural & you did the only thing you could do.

No, the church ceased to feed us a while before and we were willing to stay on. If that was the only issue, we would have stayed. We're not church hoppers. In our 28 years of marriage, we've been in 2 churches and trust me, the one we're in isn't perfect either. (But I do like the pastor - he's kinda cute.)

 

[annsni]

But what if there are no opportunities and or the pastor only wants certain people involved? I have volunteered to teach, but the pastor chooses to hog all the opportunities and I only got to teach once. After I taught the pastor and many others said I did a great job, however I have not taught since probably due to a lack of opportunities as its a small church.

I am also willing to teach the Way of the Master evangelism, however the church does not agree with it, and they teach their own "soul winning class" which is very Arminian based of which I will not get involved. So Basically I am stuck with no or few opportunities to serve other than cleaning of which I am not gifted nor called. My area of ministry however is street evangelism.

Honestly EV - I would have to admit that from knowing you on this board, I'd also most likely have a bit of an issue putting you in a leadership roll as well. I don't think you're quite there yet.

 

[JonC]

When a church focuses on the propagation of the gospel, it will be effective both at evangelism and at discipleship. Both are part of the propagation of the gospel. It isn't either/or but both/and.

As far as the church being a family? Or for corporate worship?

There I respectfully part company....

Or to put it simply, Christians don't exist to make churches, churches exist to make Christians.

All of this, of course, to be under the rule of Christ and used as God so desires.

We obviously differ here. I think that the Church is the body of Christ, and in that there are specific and biblical roles for the local church. But there is also a role in terms of mission.

What I mean by a “family” is that we are to encourage each other, to meet together, to “stir up” each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). Christians are to love each other with brotherly affection (Romans 12:10). We are to teach and admonish each other, to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). We are to fellowship as a church (1 John 1:7). My “opinion” is that we, as Christian have a common and shared identity in Christ. We are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19-22) and part of our identity is encouraging one another and building one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In short, I believe that the church as a “family” is Christians sharing life, having much more in common than merely meeting to evangelize (Acts 2:42-47).

Our mission as a church is to share the gospel of Christ. But I do not know it is appropriate to choose this as its primary function above and beyond all other roles and functions. We evangelize while and through being the Body of Christ - not apart from it. So while I agree with the implication that churches exist to evangelize, I respectfully disagree with singularity of your definition of the church. I do agree that it is “both/and” here.

 

[JonC]

This is the problem in my church. The sermons rarely if ever address sin, hell, judgment, repentance, and the sermons are usually shallow of doctrine. Sunday Schools however are detailed enough for book introductions so I am satisfied with Sunday School, just not the preaching in the church.

Evan,

You made a comment, and hopefully you can shed a little light on the topic for me. I have always wondered why Christians seem drawn to preaching on “sin, hell, judgment, etc, particularly from the Reformed standpoint. It seems that the local church would benefit more from teaching that is applicable to functioning as the Body of Christ. From a Reformed standpoint, I am confident that you do not believe there is a danger of believers going to Hell. But at the same time you appear to crave such teachings from the pulpit - sin, repentance, judgment and Hell. I understand from an evangelistic standpoint, but from a pulpit sermon directed at Christians? Or, am I separating edification and evangelism too much?

 

[evenifigoalone]

I would add when a person has outgrown the ministry of that assembly.

For instance: Often those who have gone to higher education training - in particular that which is offered by good Biblical universities - the person no longer can be sustained upon the milk of the word. They need meat in which another church may bring to the plate.

In that case, it is well and good that the person seek an assembly in which they may continue to grow.

This is in no way being critical of the other church, but practicing discernment of the spiritual needs of that person and even that person's family.

Some might suggest the person should stay and enhance the level of teaching in that assembly.

Unfortunately, when leadership is feeding milk to the assembly as a constant diet, the above suggestion doesn't work that way. Eventually, there will be a disagreement, there will be unity of one camp in contrast to another camp, and there will be a destruction of harmony.

The wise student of Scriptures will seek that area in which they may grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures - the meat - not the milk.

I agree. And I don't believe it just applies to those who have gone to a Bible university or seminary, either.
I was told that if you are not feeling fed at your church and you examine yourself and are able to rule out you being the problem, then it's best to find another church. I agree with that.

On the other hand churches shouldn't be left at the drop of a hat, either, and no church is perfect.

 

[preacher4truth]

Evan,

You made a comment, and hopefully you can shed a little light on the topic for me. I have always wondered why Christians seem drawn to preaching on “sin, hell, judgment, etc, particularly from the Reformed standpoint. It seems that the local church would benefit more from teaching that is applicable to functioning as the Body of Christ. From a Reformed standpoint, I am confident that you do not believe there is a danger of believers going to Hell. But at the same time you appear to crave such teachings from the pulpit - sin, repentance, judgment and Hell. I understand from an evangelistic standpoint, but from a pulpit sermon directed at Christians? Or, am I separating edification and evangelism too much?

Good question. I believe Paul answered this when giving instruction to Timothy, that is, that all Scripture is profitable in his ministry to the church, 2 Timothy 3:15ff which would include all the things evangelist6589 mentioned that are lacking in some ministries.

 

[evangelist6589]

Honestly EV - I would have to admit that from knowing you on this board, I'd also most likely have a bit of an issue putting you in a leadership roll as well. I don't think you're quite there yet.

Thanks for the personal attack. I am not perfect but better me than someone whom teaches "easy-beievism" and does not teach the whole counsel of the gospel. Well pastors that do this will be judged harshly. I avoid like the plague "professional ordained evangelists" that avoid preaching on hell, sin, and judgment.