Topic: "shopping" for a new church home
no photo
Sat 02/16/08 04:14 PM
Hi All -

Ugh, I hate it don't you? After 3 years of what I thought was home.

A dear friend died; I used to pray with him a lot at the alter. I just couldn't go for a few weeks, I kept missing him so. That's when I noticed the hugs at the door weren't the same, the "how glad we are to see you" stopped. I stayed away a few months and then got a call from the membership mentor that they would going to have to "cancel my membership" since I hadn't been there for a while. *wow*

I know the church is filled with only flawed people, all at different milestones in their walk with Christ.. I don't expect perfection... just sincerity and genuine. I want the smiles to actually reach the eyes, know what I mean? genuine.

So, I'll pray and trust that I'll find a 'good fit', not looking for perfect. I'll keep with my Bible, and daily converations with God.

We people are sure something else ;) Thank God He's more patient with us than we are with each other.

Have a super night.

Hoosiergirl

liquidcandy's photo
Sat 02/16/08 04:19 PM
OH TELL ME..MY GRANDMOTHER WAS ONE WHO ATTENDED CHURCH NEVER MISSED SHE DONATED LOTS OF TIME TO ALL THERE FUNCTIONS AND LEFT ALL HER MONEY TO THE CHURCH ONLY TO HAVE THE PREACHER SAY HE COULD NOT DO HER FUNERAL SERVICE BECAUSE HE WAS ON VACATION AND HE WAS NOT AWAY OUT OF TOWN JUST HOME.NEEDLESS TO SAY I NEVER RETURNED THERE AGAIN.mad

KennethP5206's photo
Sat 02/16/08 04:28 PM

Hi All -

Ugh, I hate it don't you? After 3 years of what I thought was home.

A dear friend died; I used to pray with him a lot at the alter. I just couldn't go for a few weeks, I kept missing him so. That's when I noticed the hugs at the door weren't the same, the "how glad we are to see you" stopped. I stayed away a few months and then got a call from the membership mentor that they would going to have to "cancel my membership" since I hadn't been there for a while. *wow*

I know the church is filled with only flawed people, all at different milestones in their walk with Christ.. I don't expect perfection... just sincerity and genuine. I want the smiles to actually reach the eyes, know what I mean? genuine.

So, I'll pray and trust that I'll find a 'good fit', not looking for perfect. I'll keep with my Bible, and daily converations with God.

We people are sure something else ;) Thank God He's more patient with us than we are with each other.

Have a super night.

Hoosiergirl



Wow I haven't ever heard of that before...Is it a big place where you live?
If so you can look online. If I were you, I would try to find a good undenominational church.

Sorry that happened to you.
Good Luck flowerforyou

no photo
Sat 02/16/08 04:43 PM


Hi All -

Ugh, I hate it don't you? After 3 years of what I thought was home.

Have a super night.

Hoosiergirl



Wow I haven't ever heard of that before...Is it a big place where you live?
If so you can look online. If I were you, I would try to find a good undenominational church.

Sorry that happened to you.
Good Luck flowerforyou



Thanks :) Not a huge city, but it's largest church in town, a mega church. It is nondenominational. Need to get back to a smaller church.

BillingsDreamer's photo
Wed 02/20/08 05:27 PM

Thanks :) Not a huge city, but it's largest church in town, a mega church. It is nondenominational. Need to get back to a smaller church.


This is the thing that I have noticed over the years. The church follows the same kind of pattern that nations or corporations follow. They start off with a vision that they believe in and want to fulfill. They sacrifice and work hard to fulfill the commission. In time the organization grows, and then it begins to serve itself not the purpose for which it was created.

I have been in churches that boasted members in the thousands. I spoke before a congregation of 1600. The ministers feel a sense of power when they speak to a large group. So, they build large churches with large incomes and it strokes their ego.

Now I fellowship with a group of 24 and we have people who listen in that sometimes brings us up to fifty. Our bylaws require that if the local group becomes more than fifty, we start another group. I love the family atmosphere, and the fact that everyone has a significant part.

I am voting for you finding a small church group. You certainly will be missed in such a group.

Art




anoasis's photo
Wed 02/20/08 05:44 PM
Edited by anoasis on Wed 02/20/08 05:46 PM
My grandfather attended the same methodist church for over 50 years. He tithed that whole time. He was a deacon and part of the men's group and helped everyone he could over the years.

When he died the church offered to have a lunch for the family at the church to honor him. We all thought that was really nice. Not to sound ungrateful but they served baloney sandwichs and kool aid.

It was January in Michigan so at least some soup or hot chocolate might have been nice... and they rushed everyone out the door after less than an hour.

It just seemed disrespectful and cold (like the lunch...).

frown

Good luck to you though, I'm sure churches are just like any other group of people- a mix of good and bad- hopefully you can find a nicer group. flowerforyou



no photo
Thu 02/21/08 06:06 AM

This is the thing that I have noticed over the years.
I am voting for you finding a small church group. You certainly will be missed in such a group.

Art


Art: Thanks for your input, and I agree. It does seem that the focus is sometimes lost when organizations become successful. What irony, to have the focus it takes to succeed, only to lose once successful?

Have a great day!

Hooshgirl

no photo
Thu 02/21/08 06:21 AM
Edited by hoosiergirl on Thu 02/21/08 06:24 AM
anoasis:

I'm sorry to hear how your family was treated at such a time, especially from a group who meant to be a support for all of you. You're right on the mark though when you said "I'm sure churches are just like any other group of people- a mix of good and bad".

Here is to warm lunches with encouraging friends!

Hooshgirl