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We have been part of a church for about 2 years or so and we have found it hard to 'break in' as there are definite clicks (cliques) in the church - however my wife finally made a few good friends and they decided to meet once a month for a meal at a local Greek place where they pay £20 for a Greek Meze meal of several courses of fruits, meats, salad and breads.. the invite was open to non christian friends and friends from other churches.. the invite went to a couple of fringe friends in our regular church but two of them cancelled and then soon after the elders called one of the ladies in and questioned her saying the meal was a clique and too expensive.. they said the leaders wives would need to attend the next meal in order to see what the deal was and how the women were behaving to ensure they acted in a manner keeping of believers... when the leaders wives did attend they said that the meal neededto move from the restaurant to the church building possibly once every 3 months and should include a teaching...
My wife and her friends stated that this would not work as it was just friends having a meal and enjoying each others company... the non christian friends who were in attendance at this meal lost their temper and have now been put off church over this behaviour.. the christian friends from the other church I mentioned felt like they were not welcome as they were not part of our church and this meal was now being suggested as a church thing .. this whole thing makes me very cautions of heavy shepherding and spiritual abuse.. I dont know what right the leaders have to tell my wife and friends how often they should meet socially, how much it should cost and where it should be held and with whom ...
What are the thoughts of folks here please?
I understand you only have one side of the story but this is as it occured...
My wife and her friends stated that this would not work as it was just friends having a meal and enjoying each others company... the non christian friends who were in attendance at this meal lost their temper and have now been put off church over this behaviour.. the christian friends from the other church I mentioned felt like they were not welcome as they were not part of our church and this meal was now being suggested as a church thing .. this whole thing makes me very cautions of heavy shepherding and spiritual abuse.. I dont know what right the leaders have to tell my wife and friends how often they should meet socially, how much it should cost and where it should be held and with whom ...
What are the thoughts of folks here please?
I understand you only have one side of the story but this is as it occured...