Misuse of the local church

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,527
113
#21
Gosh, I forgot to say, I love my first fellowship assembly of charismatics in spit of their dubbing me as demon possessed jsut because I mentioned Jesus, Yeshua, walked this earth as a Jew.

At the meeting when this occurred I simply said, God is the God of order and not disorder, if I indeed am demon possessed, I would b the last to know, therefor anyone here who knows I have a demon, by all means cast it out. God would not allow a person to perceive a demon and not have the gift of casting it out.

All the mouths dropped open, and there was utter silence until I was out of the meeting place.....

I love them dearly to this day. That was in 1969.
 
S

susi

Guest
#22
I am the first to know Spain is not somewhere next to Mexico, which I have heard from an American, Estadounidense. Growing up in California I studied about Hernan Cortez and his cousin, yes!, his cousin, Pizarro. Great explorers. I recognize the role of Spain in the exploration and naming of so many territories of the US. California for one, a Catalan name meaning forno calida or hot oven.. Tell a US citizen the names of many of the states are Spanish and you may get an argumetn.

I live in Spain now, and I have no desire to ever leave. The Spanish people(s9 can be annoying, and I mean to each other, but they are basically great. If you want an example of being annoying to each other, start with Pedro Sanchez and Señor Casado...…...if those two do not annoy each other, no one does.

I adore the people here, and though they have faults as do all peoples, they do not seem to have all the prejudices of other nationalities...they do have some but they are hard to pin down

God bless you for being first His Child and second, Spanihs… Long live the Andaluces, the Castillanos, the Gallegos, the Asturianos, the Basques, the Catalans, the Valencianos, the Baleareanos, the Canarios, the Extremeños, and even the Spain inclinded of Gebralter and Andorra...
And if you talk about VOX...hehehe YES LONG LIVE!
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,527
113
#23
por favor no debemos hablar de nada politico………….es el domiño del diablo....
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,527
113
#24
I am the first to know Spain is not somewhere next to Mexico, which I have heard from an American, Estadounidense. Growing up in California I studied about Hernan Cortez and his cousin, yes!, his cousin, Pizarro. Great explorers. I recognize the role of Spain in the exploration and naming of so many territories of the US. California for one, a Catalan name meaning forno calida or hot oven.. Tell a US citizen the names of many of the states are Spanish and you may get an argumetn.

I live in Spain now, and I have no desire to ever leave. The Spanish people(s9 can be annoying, and I mean to each other, but they are basically great. If you want an example of being annoying to each other, start with Pedro Sanchez and Señor Casado...…...if those two do not annoy each other, no one does.

I adore the people here, and though they have faults as do all peoples, they do not seem to have all the prejudices of other nationalities...they do have some but they are hard to pin down

God bless you for being first His Child and second, Spanihs… Long live the Andaluces, the Castillanos, the Gallegos, the Asturianos, the Basques, the Catalans, the Valencianos, the Baleareanos, the Canarios, the Extremeños, and even the Spain inclinded of Gebralter and Andorra...
Oops Jigger my jota, I dun left out the Aragoneses....
 
S

susi

Guest
#25
por favor no debemos hablar de nada politico………….es el domiño del diablo....
Si, aveces no vale la pena. Por cierto creo que eres el primer Espanol con quien he habldo aqui...no hay muchos...bueno, no hay muchos creyentes en Espana comparado con otros paises. Espana, lo llaman el ceminterio de los misioneros...
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,196
6,539
113
#26
Thank you understanding it now. I know most of you here are from the USA and things are different there. I used to live in Australia and in the church I went to, people could used the facilities for their own things, but the whole church gave their consent and everything came out of thier pockets, not the churches. There were also rules and an insurance for these cases. I never gave these any thought as people can do whatever they want with what is theirs.
When you say the money to cover the expenses came from the Church...........does not the Church collect Tithes? Would that not mean that the money was coming from the Congregation in reality? Just asking to clarify.

Also, does your church have By-Laws that were voted on by the Congregation? If so, is there anything in the By-Laws to allow or prohibit the use of the building and it's facilities for an occasion such as this?
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,196
6,539
113
#27
wow.............went from being a thread about the misuse of church building facilities to one about speaking in tongues really quick

:) :)
 
S

susi

Guest
#28
When you say the money to cover the expenses came from the Church...........does not the Church collect Tithes? Would that not mean that the money was coming from the Congregation in reality? Just asking to clarify.

Also, does your church have By-Laws that were voted on by the Congregation? If so, is there anything in the By-Laws to allow or prohibit the use of the building and it's facilities for an occasion such as this?
Expenses i mean when it comes to paying the water and electricity bills. These are paid by the offerings of all the members on Sunday morning. Not sure about the By-laws. I know there were some years ago...more than 30 years ago. it would have to be revised. But although there may be nothing that prohibits it or alows it, doesnt mean its right. Its very possible that its not even mentioned because this is actually something new. knowing the elders that used to be elders years ago, they would not have ever permited it. these elders are relativly new. all in their 40s too. But I will check.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,527
113
#29
Si, aveces no vale la pena. Por cierto creo que eres el primer Espanol con quien he habldo aqui...no hay muchos...bueno, no hay muchos creyentes en Espana comparado con otros paises. Espana, lo llaman el ceminterio de los misioneros...
I understand every word he but we are not supposed to go into other languages here, though I started it……..I just wanted you to know I am somewhat familiar with Castellano. I am a paleto from the US...……..born and raised……..I just love Spain. It is Mediterránea, and I love it because Jesus was too.

If you ever feel like communicating in US hillbilly, I am your man. God bless you always in Jesus, Yeshua.......j
 
S

susi

Guest
#30
I understand every word he but we are not supposed to go into other languages here, though I started it……..I just wanted you to know I am somewhat familiar with Castellano. I am a paleto from the US...……..born and raised……..I just love Spain. It is Mediterránea, and I love it because Jesus was too.

If you ever feel like communicating in US hillbilly, I am your man. God bless you always in Jesus, Yeshua.......j
OH sorry i didnt know. my apologies to all. A paleto?? thats what they call village people here but in a negative way. funny you would call that yourself. Dont think you are a paleto.
 
S

susi

Guest
#31
wow.............went from being a thread about the misuse of church building facilities to one about speaking in tongues really quick

:):)
Sorry i didnt know we werent supposed to speak in other languages. yes makes sense we shouldnt
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,685
13,376
113
#32
I understand that the OP's church culture is different from my own, but I see nothing wrong with the situation the OP described.

Here, our church building, or rooms within it, may be rented by members for private functions. The building is paid off, but the rent covers bills and janitorial services. As long as the function is not contrary to the gospel, and there are no conflicts with other uses, the rental is normally approved by the staff. I as a member trust our staff and board to make such decisions, and I have no need to concern myself.

I see a danger with the concern being taken too far, in either of two directions: people could feel left out of events that aren't their business anyway; and there could be too many people thinking they have a say in every decision. That kind of governance is simply untenable. There will be strife quickly when everybody has the right of veto. Better to entrust such decisions to certain people who are accountable to the body as a whole, and if necessary, to build policies that guide such decisions for the sake of consistency.
 
S

susi

Guest
#33
I understand that the OP's church culture is different from my own, but I see nothing wrong with the situation the OP described.

Here, our church building, or rooms within it, may be rented by members for private functions. The building is paid off, but the rent covers bills and janitorial services. As long as the function is not contrary to the gospel, and there are no conflicts with other uses, the rental is normally approved by the staff. I as a member trust our staff and board to make such decisions, and I have no need to concern myself.

I see a danger with the concern being taken too far, in either of two directions: people could feel left out of events that aren't their business anyway; and there could be too many people thinking they have a say in every decision. That kind of governance is simply untenable. There will be strife quickly when everybody has the right of veto. Better to entrust such decisions to certain people who are accountable to the body as a whole, and if necessary, to build policies that guide such decisions for the sake of consistency.
Yes, if there were policies I wouldnt have written this post. Noone is renting anything. Private functions behind doors and only for a few...
I dont feel like i have to have a say in everything and I wish I could trust the people in charge. But when there is no transperecy, policies ..nothing..It is difficult. To trust somebody, that somebody but prove their trustworthiness. because why all the secret? If they are private function then we need policies, if they are not then why only people who get on well with certain people are the only ones invited?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,685
13,376
113
#34
Yes, if there were policies I wouldnt have written this post. Noone is renting anything. Private functions behind doors and only for a few...
I dont feel like i have to have a say in everything and I wish I could trust the people in charge. But when there is no transperecy, policies ..nothing..It is difficult. To trust somebody, that somebody but prove their trustworthiness. because why all the secret? If they are private function then we need policies, if they are not then why only people who get on well with certain people are the only ones invited?
I recommend you bring your concerns to the local leaders. If they defend the practice and resist reasonable policies, then they aren't functioning as the Church but as a private club... which means you are free to leave.
 

Hamilton

Active member
Nov 26, 2018
142
44
28
#37
I understand every word he but we are not supposed to go into other languages here, though I started it……..I just wanted you to know I am somewhat familiar with Castellano. I am a paleto from the US...……..born and raised……..I just love Spain. It is Mediterránea, and I love it because Jesus was too.

If you ever feel like communicating in US hillbilly, I am your man. God bless you always in Jesus, Yeshua.......j
Wow JaumeJ you are really multi cultural. An asset if you ever decide doing missions.

Can you explain why Yeshua instead of Yahshua?

In the Bible the short name is Yah (short for Yahweh), and shua means save? So it would seem Yahshua being the correct.

I was once very concerned about the correct name, but when I noticed the Apostles were ok with Iesous Cristos (Ιησούς Χριστός) So I understood that if that name is good enough for the Apostles, then is good enough for me.

I know is a little of topic but take it as an aside.
 

Hamilton

Active member
Nov 26, 2018
142
44
28
#38
Yes, if there were policies I wouldnt have written this post. Noone is renting anything. Private functions behind doors and only for a few...
I dont feel like i have to have a say in everything and I wish I could trust the people in charge. But when there is no transperecy, policies ..nothing..It is difficult. To trust somebody, that somebody but prove their trustworthiness. because why all the secret? If they are private function then we need policies, if they are not then why only people who get on well with certain people are the only ones invited?
Bendiciones hermana:

The Catholic Church has a Moral theology framework to study a case like this:

1 Object: a particular group of persons were using the Church building for some act, celebration, etc.

2 Intention: they seemed not to be violating any by-laws as such things are not regulated. Were they trying to be elitists, asserting that certain persons were more worthy of being invited due to some common or attractive demographic? Or were they trying to contain costs and were forced to choose some by some godly criteria?

Many more possibilities could be explored here.

3 circumstance: did they go there in an emergency because the original locale elsewhere had a problem (flooding, power outage etc?) Did they not have enough money to invite all and did not want to hurt sensibilities so did not announce to all? if so were they shy so they did not organize a whole church bring your own brown bag deal?

Or even: are they infiltrated tares, pushing an ungodly occult agenda and this is not more than a show of their reptiles of a scale stick together deal?

See there is a need to find the root cause of the situation.

a. If there is someone you trust and went to the place ask her/ him why a chosen group only.
b. pray and fast for God to show you what was that all about.
c. only after you really understand what really happened, then take action to prevent recurrence.

In my daughter's school, if something is going to be celebrated is limited to 10 children, for a limited time, and to try to keep things under control.

Some other times, people with shortage of funds limits the persons to be invited and allow the principal in the event to pick.

The church is different I know, but if all those that went are of good christian standing, and did what they did for a legit reason, I would not be offended.

Just be careful to not act unjustly with respect of what really happened and why.

With the same measure that you judge, you will eventually be judged, so be kind, merciful, objective in investigating, and just in correcting.

Saludos.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,527
113
#39
Yeshua is not much more than an accent howev er I do have my own resons which satisfy me for Yeshua.

Joshuea, son of Nun is tranliterated as Yahoshua, which is an older version of Yeshua.

Many times you will read in the OT of King David and the Throne of David. David, Dahh veeed, actually may be translated as Beloved, His father was Jesse, Yeshi. Yeshi may be translated as my Redeemer.

Let'is continue a moment. If you look at the transliterated name of Isaiah, it is Yeshi Yahoo…...Sometimes I suspect is also is a variation of Yeshua or Yahhoshua…….also people say Yahshua.

Actually it is the end of the name Yeshua which is Yahweh, Yeshi Yah……….Savior Yahweh or Reedemer of Yahweh…...you may throw in the of…..and this is why the angel said to mMay, yu shall name the child Yeshua for He shall save His people.


No one need repeat this name simply on my understanding, but I love to say Yeshua with the maning in mind, and when you consider the ÇAngel said He would save His people, what does that make us? Of coure you got it, His people, the Israel of Yahweh comprised of the oll, original flock of the Good Shepherd and the new Flock composed of save gentiels.

Baruch Yahwh, Yeshua, Jesus, God Elohanui, Adoneinu, Avinu HaKoen Gadol, and whatever other tile you know of His.

We actually do not hav ewhat is called a nem today for God, so we are limited to many true titles, but accordint to Zephania on Yahweh's Day He is going to return a puretongue to all nations so they may call on Him with one name (one accord). I believe I have heard the language on occasion, no sound no voice but clearly understood…..Praise God, amen.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,429
12,913
113
#40
Ive spoken to the mother of this 18 year old how I felt. That this is a lack of respect to the rest of the church and that we shouldn't use the church for our own private and personal things as this is a misuse of the church and people can feel left out.
I believe you are correct in this. The local church is supposed to be one Christian family, so either all should be invited or none.

It was wrong to have a semi-private celebration, and then foolishly post that on Facebook.