Finding a new church

[tinytim]

Donna,

Just a few words from someone who did the "Church Hop" thing for a while. Please know this, okay? No Church is perfect. Even the most doctrinally correct Churches have issues. After I left pentecostalism in April of 2004. and did my 9 month sabbatical from Church altogether, I sought out a Church that I felt I was doctrinally aligned with... and travel-wise, it was close. I stayed a few months, long enough to see the bad stuff too. and I basically walked out, with a very judgemental and pious attitude towards those people . Well, for the 14 or so, months, I made the rounds in this area. Now, Mind you, I didn't go to *every* Church in this area. But went to enough to see that *EVERY* Church, no matter how big, small, amount of money or programs. Is going to have some sort of something that you are not going to like or approve of. Trust me, I've been there and done that. and you wanna know where I ended up? right back where I started. and I've basically taken the attitude, what I cannot change, I put in the Lord's hands and let him deal with it. and I pray, if something is not right, I just pray "Lord, convict them, and deal with this issue."

.......and you wanna know something? He has.

and dare I say this? Taking a David Cloud attitude with you, when observing Churches, will leave you very frustrated. David Cloud, may have his Doctrinal stuff down, very well. But taking his Pious mentality into a Church, will only cause you to become isolated. and the Lord doesn't want his people being isolated, at all.

another thought, as I sit here... Something I've learned in the last few months, Never expect more out of anyone else, than you would out of yourself... Too many times, people expect Pastors to be "Super-Christians", and as someone who wants to persue that calling, I'm learning alot about what Pastors really are, just sinners saved by grace, who are called to a special office. we're not super human. Show grace to others, as God has shown it to you. Swap places, mentally with your Pastor and put yourself in HIS shoes for a while. and see how you'd feel, if someone just left your Church, how would you feel? Insulted, Sad, angry? It's something to ponder.

Now, I realize my comments probably won't change your mind. But at least pray long and hard before walking out.

In Christ,

-WTD :wavey: :godisgood: :jesus:

Windork, that is a great post!!!:thumbs:

And may i add, that sometimes when a person prays for God to change someone else, He changes the person praying.

I have told people looking for a church to make a list of possible churches. Attend each for a month... no exceptions.... then after you get through all of them, sit down with your spouse and discuss them.

Every church does some things wrong.... Every church does some things right. Let God lead. He will.

 

[TheWinDork]

Tim,

While I am a famous for my foul balls, ever once in a while, I hit a home run.

-WTD

 

[donnA]

Thanks for all the great advice. After some prayer and talking with the pastor for 2 hours last night we have decided to wait it out and see what God does or for something more clear from Him on moving.

 

[Jack Matthews]

Thanks for all the great advice. After some prayer and talking with the pastor for 2 hours last night we have decided to wait it out and see what God does or for something more clear from Him on moving.

You did the right thing. I think a lot of problems people have in their church could be solved if they would sit down with the pastor and talk about it.

 

[tinytim]

I wish more people were like you all.

If God wants you to move, HE will opem the door. You won't have to pry it open.

 

[LeBuick]

What's even funnier, some of the things that makes members want to leave also makes the pastor want to quit his job. It helps the Pastor address these things when he knows he has support of some of the membership.