But, though you had backslidden, did He not bring you back?
Why did He? Is He wiser than we give Him credit for?
Are there other backsliders out there He is humbling, Hiding His face from until they suffer so much they cry out?
I know there are.
The churches are not infallible, neither is any pastor or teacher.
I agree that there are too many churches today which do not allow God's Word to work in the hearts of the assembled. Not enough teaching and preaching straight from the Bible, too much self-help and social gospels and the like. But some people prefer this, as they do not want to hear either the Law or the Gospel.
I have read that though these large Mega-Churches have huge numbers, many are leaving out the back door and this is not advertised. I suppose His sheep keeping looking until they are so famished they have to leave the place they are not fed.
The Bible has all the instructions in it for right living and discipling, everything we need as individuals and as a body. But if its not taught, the people starve. Some do give up, for a time. But if they are His, He will make arrangements. I have seen it many times. If they are not yet His, but they are seeking, He will intervene there as well. I have seen a most extraordinary example in person recently. Someone the whole community had written off as a vile drunken sinner....appeared one day completely changed: no one recognized him
What does denominationalism have to do with it though?
Everyone if they go to church has assembled with some sort of denomination. Even churches which identify as non-denominational are denominations!
But, why is it about YOU discipling anyone?
The church's job is to continue to assemble and hear the words of the LORD, to build each other up in love, to worship and give thanks together, to confess our faults to one another, to be at peace amongst ourselves and allow eachother to grow in grace.
And to work together to take the Good News to the world. That means supporting my church's missions, locally in person or monetarily abroad. And it means not being ashamed of the Gospel in my own little world where I am surrounded by people who don't know the LORD yet, and are hostile towards Him.
God Bless
marianna