Attending Two Churches

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K

kujo313

Guest
#1
#1
Both of my daughters attended public school. While there, they stood strong in their faith and was not afraid to show it.
Many kids learned about Jesus through my daughters and they led many kids out of bondage of sin and into a relationship with Jesus.

The problem started by attending a 2nd church where some of their friends go to.

Our church's mid-week service is on Thursdays. My pastor said it was to not fall into tradition and for us to visit other churches and for them to visit us.

My daughters went to where some of their friends go to church. Their youth service is on Wednesdays. Ours is on Sunday evenings. So, my daughters would go to church twice on Sunday, once on Wednesday and Thursday. Both of these churches are of the same denomination and both say you must be born again.

Some people at my church, including an assistant pastor and our youth leader, say that you cannot attend both. They say that if you lead somebody to Jesus and they end up attending another church, then you must not associate with them again. Even if they're your classmate at school or workmate at your work place. You must pray that somebody at their church disciples them and leave them alone.

I see this as my children want to be in the congregation as much as they can. When our congregation doesn't meet, they can't wait! They also want to disciple those of whom they've led to Christ.

I, personally, went to this "2nd home", as I call it. The Holy Spirit is there just as He is at my church! Unfortunately, some people at my church actually believe that we should not associate with people outside of our congregation.
Jesus said where "two or more gather" in His name. He never mentioned that they have to be from the same congregation, city, country or continent.

Again, this 2nd church's mid-week service did not conflict with the schedule from the church we attend. Actually, our church, even the office, is closed on Wednesdays.
 
T

texasman

Guest
#2
#2
terrible!!!

ask the person who told you about leading and attending another to show you that in the bible. its not there.
 
T

Thaddaeus

Banned
#3
Jan 31, 2009
2,225
11
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#3
I can't be for sure but sounds like your Church maybe afraid that you might give some money to the other church or that you might actually like the other church better and start going there all the time , ( which wouldn't be a bad idea, if the 2nd home don't mind sharing you with other churches). in this area churches actually combine there services some times and three or four churches will hold services together, unless it is a Church of Christ you are talking about then they believe if you leave the Church you are a member of, then you lose your salvation. if I was you I would talk with the pastor at your second home. and see how they look at this , i might even think about making my second home my first home and find a new second home, unless this is a Church of Christ then a would find a new Home that wasn't a Church of Christ , cause I have looked real hard in the Bible and can't find any where that the Bible says we must remain at one church to keep our salvation. I guess Paul didn't believe that either for he attended alot of different Churches. I don't even know if he was a member at just one or if he claim to be part of all of them he attended.


1co 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.1co 12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.1co 12:14For the body is not one member, but many.

each blood bought church is part of the body, as each member of a church is part of that body. But please don't take my advice either the advice of your first home , but rather prayer and follow the Holy Ghost

Joh 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Joh 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
 
I

imoss

Banned
#4
Feb 27, 2007
3,179
19
0
#4
Sounds quite controlling... beware of bible studies, churches that try to control & you are shunned if you question what you are taught... I could see if your daughters were attending rave parties or a jehovahs witness meetinghouse something that would hinder their christian development. I think you should stand up for your girls and rebuke this. I would talk to your pastor about it as its a definite problem within the Church. You dont want people leaving your Church because of what may be a simple misunderstanding. Personally, I think God gave us free will and I will associate with anyone who professes Jesus as Lord and Savior... and MANY MANY MANY who do not. How are we to let our light shine before men if we are holed up in our individual congregations being controlled by the clergy... WHO btw are MEN... Men get it wrong occasionally. perhaps they are afraid of losing their congregation? I dont know why they would have this line. If they arent willing to accept the girls branching out and fellowshiping with other Holy Spirit filled christians then perhaps its time for a change for your family. then again i'm a bit of a rebel who cant stand it when others try to take someones free will away. My aunt goes to jehovahs witness meetings & has asthma, she lives in town where there is horrible pollution (we call it the bowl) her asthma is so bad she has to be hospitalized regularily. If she moves out of the Bowl she is no longer allowed to attend her meeting house, she will have to move to the northern meeting house where she has no friends so she sticks it out and suffers all because of the control... I'm certain this must be a misunderstanding. God Bless you as you get this issue clarified with the Pastor.
 
K

kujo313

Guest
#5
#5
My oldest daughter was a member of our Youth Worship Team. She was given a choice: go here or go there. So, she went to the one that DIDN'T make her choose! I don't blame her.
I'm sticking to the first home until they kick me out. I work at Ford Motor Company and when we're laid off, I go to Wednesday AND Thursday services and I'm not shy about posting it on my MySpace. I'm waiting for some people to mention it again one more time. I'll tell them to get over it.

I talked briefly with my senior pastor and he simply asked me, "Have I EVER told you that you can't have friends?" No. "Well, then."
I'm laid off for two weeks from my job (Ford Motor Company). During that time I'll be attending my 2nd home's service tonight and my other home's service tomorrow night. Next week, I'm going to go see my sister-in-law and my niece where they attend.

Other things that I didn't post:

I posted a bulletin about "how to know that you're in a cult". It was a clip-and-paste straight from a website. That caused a small uproar. What I told the complainers is that we're told in the Bible to check ourselves to see if we're in the Faith. Also, we're to judge the teachings in our congregations so see if what we're being taught is true. Finally, why not take a look at the denomination you belong to? Is any part of it part of Galations 1: 6- 10 ?

Finally, again, I'm led to do in the assembly just what I'm SUPPOSED to do: Praise, worship, pray, use my Spiritual Gifts. I won't let any feelings towards anybody get in my way.

Maybe it'll catch on. If not, then at least they know and are accountable.
 
I

imoss

Banned
#6
Feb 27, 2007
3,179
19
0
#6
It sounds like you have a good attitude about it and arent going to let them control you & your girls thats good. Sorry about your work situation & being laid off at times. its a tough world out there right now but thankfully you work for Ford who produces THE BEST ;) & saw the economic downturn and worked to structure their company so it WILL survive this. not that i personally know anything at all about it LOL just what i've seen and can grasp from the media and my dear old Dad the FORD man! God Bless You & your girls as they seek The Lord and work on his behalf.
 
I

incorporatestreet

Guest
#7
#7
kujo313 said:
Both of my daughters attended public school. While there, they stood strong in their faith and was not afraid to show it.
Many kids learned about Jesus through my daughters and they led many kids out of bondage of sin and into a relationship with Jesus.

The problem started by attending a 2nd church where some of their friends go to.

Our church's mid-week service is on Thursdays. My pastor said it was to not fall into tradition and for us to visit other churches and for them to visit us.

My daughters went to where some of their friends go to church. Their youth service is on Wednesdays. Ours is on Sunday evenings. So, my daughters would go to church twice on Sunday, once on Wednesday and Thursday. Both of these churches are of the same denomination and both say you must be born again.

Some people at my church, including an assistant pastor and our youth leader, say that you cannot attend both. They say that if you lead somebody to Jesus and they end up attending another church, then you must not associate with them again. Even if they're your classmate at school or workmate at your work place. You must pray that somebody at their church disciples them and leave them alone.

I see this as my children want to be in the congregation as much as they can. When our congregation doesn't meet, they can't wait! They also want to disciple those of whom they've led to Christ.

I, personally, went to this "2nd home", as I call it. The Holy Spirit is there just as He is at my church! Unfortunately, some people at my church actually believe that we should not associate with people outside of our congregation.
Jesus said where "two or more gather" in His name. He never mentioned that they have to be from the same congregation, city, country or continent.

Again, this 2nd church's mid-week service did not conflict with the schedule from the church we attend. Actually, our church, even the office, is closed on Wednesdays.
Click to expand...


i dont agree with "not associating with anyone outside of the church" if thats true, then how are you going to bring people in who need saved? limiting yourself to the people in the building is kind of ridiculous to me. church isnt the building, its the people. we are the church. your daughters probably want to go to that church because they have friends there, its hard to go to a church where you dont have many friends. at my church im the only one around 20. it sucks and its hard but i know god wants me there. its good that your daughters go to both churchs the same amount of times and doesnt 'favor' one over the other. but its hard to tell if they are going to the other church just to hang out with theirfriends. teens like to be social and they will go anywhere to do so, even at church. i pray that god will guide your families feet to the church he wants you to be at. god bless!
 
MahogonySnail

MahogonySnail

Banned
#8
Jan 8, 2009
7,576
23
0
#8
Our church's mid-week service is on Thursdays. My pastor said it was to not fall into tradition and for us to visit other churches and for them to visit us.
Click to expand...

Not related to the topic, but this just reminded me that some people have a funny idea about tradition. So they reall move things around and make things different each week. They think if you do the same thing every week at the same time you are being "religious" or legalistic or following tradition. Which I think is absurd. But there's nothing wrong with having tradition. Or could it be called simply routine?


Unfortunately, some people at my church actually believe that we should not associate with people outside of our congregation.
Click to expand...

Then don't let "some people" stop you. I wouldn't stand for that, tell them straight to their face what you think if they challenge you. Do what you feel or think God wants you to do. God doesn't forbid one church from mixing with another, they are supposed to be on the same side!! Or they'll get a big culture shock once they get to heaven!
 
W

wisdomseeker

Banned
#9
Mar 11, 2009
463
2
0
#9
God Has many churches
revelation 1,4: John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
5: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6: And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
7: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
8: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
9: I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11: Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12: And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13: And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle

If your church doesnt follow the word leave it.Paul attended all kinds of churchs,He however did not look to the church for guildance but he looked to God and Jesus.
 
Godsrocker

Godsrocker

Junior Member
#10
Jan 20, 2006
25
0
0
#10
its fun to go to different churches i just moved myself about 2 -3 months ago and i have to go to a church that is not the same church as the one i went to but they teach the bible and thats all that matters to me as long as its bible based and they want to serve God and bring many more to Christ does it really matter if You don't have the same name out the front or are under God looks at the heart not whats on the outside and as for not talking to someone because they go to a different church as long as u have the same belief well u know also as a christian we should talk to non christians to how else would they know about Christ so to me not talk to someone who don't go to ur church sounds a bit like they are trying to control u and sounds a bit like a sect sorry don't mean to make u up set but its a bit over the top to not talk to someone for that anyway its up to u i guess
 
K

kujo313

Guest
#11
#11
incorporatestreet said:
i dont agree with "not associating with anyone outside of the church" if thats true, then how are you going to bring people in who need saved? limiting yourself to the people in the building is kind of ridiculous to me. church isnt the building, its the people. we are the church. your daughters probably want to go to that church because they have friends there, its hard to go to a church where you dont have many friends. at my church im the only one around 20. it sucks and its hard but i know god wants me there. its good that your daughters go to both churchs the same amount of times and doesnt 'favor' one over the other. but its hard to tell if they are going to the other church just to hang out with theirfriends. teens like to be social and they will go anywhere to do so, even at church. i pray that god will guide your families feet to the church he wants you to be at. god bless!
Click to expand...
Actually, my daughters have friends at both churches. They are not there for their friends but because God is there. They are also discipling their friends, too. My eldest daughter is now being seen as a Youth Leader at the 2nd church.

I'm so proud of them!
 
I

incorporatestreet

Guest
#12
#12
well good for your daughters then! you raised them well.
 
olivetree32

olivetree32

Senior Member
#13
Jan 4, 2009
226
36
28
#13
kujo313 said:
Both of my daughters attended public school. While there, they stood strong in their faith and was not afraid to show it.
Many kids learned about Jesus through my daughters and they led many kids out of bondage of sin and into a relationship with Jesus.

The problem started by attending a 2nd church where some of their friends go to.

Our church's mid-week service is on Thursdays. My pastor said it was to not fall into tradition and for us to visit other churches and for them to visit us.

My daughters went to where some of their friends go to church. Their youth service is on Wednesdays. Ours is on Sunday evenings. So, my daughters would go to church twice on Sunday, once on Wednesday and Thursday. Both of these churches are of the same denomination and both say you must be born again.

Some people at my church, including an assistant pastor and our youth leader, say that you cannot attend both. They say that if you lead somebody to Jesus and they end up attending another church, then you must not associate with them again. Even if they're your classmate at school or workmate at your work place. You must pray that somebody at their church disciples them and leave them alone.

I see this as my children want to be in the congregation as much as they can. When our congregation doesn't meet, they can't wait! They also want to disciple those of whom they've led to Christ.

I, personally, went to this "2nd home", as I call it. The Holy Spirit is there just as He is at my church! Unfortunately, some people at my church actually believe that we should not associate with people outside of our congregation.
Jesus said where "two or more gather" in His name. He never mentioned that they have to be from the same congregation, city, country or continent.

Again, this 2nd church's mid-week service did not conflict with the schedule from the church we attend. Actually, our church, even the office, is closed on Wednesdays.
Click to expand...
hi kujo, i my self have been attending two churches because i had to move away from my home church, over and hour away. but when i can, i go there. There is nothing in the bible that says you cannot attend two churches. However my reasons are much differant than yours. im in a place where i cannot always get to my home church, so i attend here when i can. "You should go wherever God is calling you. I have stayed where God has called me in the past, and this is somthing you must stay prayerful about. you are the leader of your home, so you will be leading your family. Make sure the choices you make are of God and not what you want. We should stay where God puts us and we should submit to leadership. I'm not saying in regards to a church making up a bunch of there own rules, but you don't have to worry because God is in control. just make sure its ok with God and what He wants. you can still lead people to the Lord but that does not mean you have to change churches to do so. there is nothing wrong with visiting churches, pastors do it all the time when teaching the word of God attending other churches and filling in for other pastors. just once agian, make sure your making the right choices for your family in whatever you desided making sure its the will of God.
 
1

1still_waters

Guest
#14
#14
WHy should you only attend one church at a time? To me it's one of those things where I can't find a reason, it's one of those things where I'm like, "well just because you should!"

Like why can't you wear a hat inside? It's not really hurting anything? Why is it considered disresptectful? You really can't pin down an answer. It's just one of those "Well because it is!" type things.

Why does the fork and spoon go on one side of the plate and the knife on the other? Because, that's just the way it is!

Why do women wear lipstick and men don't? Because well that's just how it is.

Why should you only attend one church? Well that's just how it is.

I mean if your conscience isn't bugging you, then fine, go to more than one church. But to me I think we just need to stick to one church and be consistent there. That's just the way it is!
 
K

KingdomGeneration

Guest
#15
#15
I think it's ridiculous that one of those churches, especially the church that you had been a part of for some time, made your daughter choose. I can understand if there was a fundamental difference in doctrine which would eventually lead to confusion but, if both churches were of the same denomination, I don't see the problem. It's sounds to me that there could be a jealousy issue.

I did face a simular situation a few years back. A friend invited me to his church for what he called a "cell meeting" which was basically a small group study held at someone's home. I really enjoyed meeting in a small group and started frequenting the home study meetings. However when the pastor caught wind that I was involved with a youth program at another church, things didn't go over so well. So I stuck with the church where I was already involved with ministry seeing as I didn't want to let the kids down.
 
M

mguitar010

Guest
#16
#16
i go to two churches at the moment because God has me at both places. Both have two similar but different doctrines...Now one i go to i don't necessarily believe in, but If God has called me there... then who am i to say no to His calling?? Go where the Holy Spirit Leads you even if its two places.

:)
 
K

kujo313

Guest
#17
#17
I see God using the Spiritual Gifts that He gave my family for us to use where ever we go. My daughters are seen as pillars of faith in the body. I can see belonging to one church and giving your tithes and offerings there. After that, I can't see you "turning off" your Spiritual Gift so nobody else can see and be helped from.
Somebody may get a blessing from being with you and take that blessing to other people.

It's like Billy Graham or Joyce Meyer. How many millions of people have they helped? Yet, they have one home church.

What the leaders at my home church should've done in the first place is looked at the Spiritual Gift that my daughters have and found out how to use them in the body of believers. Then, they need to realize that the "body" is not limited to the walls of where you gather.
It's like Joyce Meyer's church in Fenton, Missouri telling Joyce, "You can't go over there."

I'm glad they don't say that to her.

You guys on this web site ROCK!

(hugs)
 
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