hi

hi my name is keith i was first born agian in 1984 while in the navy.after many bad experieces including 2 bible based cults i washed my hands of the whole thing.I still have that never in my life but i'm never going to express my faith by going to churchagain i feel the bible doest teach that i need too and God won't do anything to me for not going,I distrust most pastors as mini versions of the pope powermad little dictators who can take people disagreeing with them i love the bible and am trying to get back to it if you want to talk about the bible it ok.but if you try to preach to me about what you believe the bible tell me to do then be forwarned i won't be nice.I'm just here to reconnect and try and build some chrisitan friendships and fellowship.God Bless

Hi ya...brace yaself for the impending replies haha.....nice ta see ya here

in my opinion, ive noticed that when i go to church, it helps me build up my faith. im not self disciplined, so its hard for me to read my bible and worship god outside of church, but having a place to go that i can do that openly and freely helps me greatly. plus you also get to meet and fellowship with other christians. yes, ive had plenty of trust issues with pastors, but also other christians as well. but you have to keep in mind that we are only human and that we all make mistakes. if you want to chat, message me. nice to meet you.

Hi and welcome! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences too... I think I can understand a little bit of how you feel: my girlfriend grew up as a jehova's witness (she is no longer a member) and because of this, she has really mixed feelings about God, the bible, Christians, etc.
I too have difficulties with going to church for totally different reasons... But I can't say that I don't need to go to church. My experience is that I really really do need it. Without it I slowly drift away from God almost without even being aware of it. Last weekend I suddenly realized that I let it happen...again, so I joined this site as a first step. I just need my brothers and sisters.
By the way, have you ever looked at it this way: you might not need the church, but maybe the church needs you!
I'll stop now, you might be pretty mad already... Feel free to not be nice to me. I can handle it!

Hey Keith,
I've seen some dark and scary sides to some church leaders including myself. Just remember that we are ALL fallen and finite in our thinking and actions. I'm not trying to excuse anyone for anything, but remember that Christ himself asked God to forgive those that had nailed him to the cross. It was Christs' peers and followers that condemned Him to death.