Disconnected from church

[Bryancampbell]

Sorry..


But what's wrong with Wyoming lol??????

 

[secularhermit]

"... 2. No friendships. I have some older women that are friends with me and my mom, but I have no friendships my age. No one to call. No one to read the word with. No one to study with. No one to just hang out with..."

Have any of you noticed this common factor in matching sites?

Most of the people I knew feel the same, even when married or attending formal schooling to fill THAT EMPTINESS (no matter they go to the Church).

God is not blind! He knows everything, but I gess He wants to overcome selfishness or that self-centerness that crawls inside my skin.

I could keep that cat I had because she was so demanding and liked to eat more food than I had... I'm serious! She gave me a lesson and most of us are ASKING instead of giving.

Count me in this list of selfseeking person!

 

[mystdancer50]

Sorry..


But what's wrong with Wyoming lol??????

The distance from New Mexico. I love Wyoming. In fact, I tried to find a job there to relocate...but failed. God wants me here for now, apparently. I'm good with that.

 

[mystdancer50]

I received so many answers and like-minded feeling responses to this thread, both publically and privately, that I am greatly encouraged. The main thing I learned right now is that God never wants us to shoulder things alone. I have been feeling this way for so long about church, and though I've talked it over with my mom and some others at the church, I never really felt like they got it completely, you know? Here, having finally opened up, setting aside all my desire to appear well put together and stronger than I am, I find that I am greatly encouraged. I have received sound advice and helpful encouragement and have taken a moment to examine these feelings under the light of new revelations. I am so very grateful for all of your input. I look forward to staying in contact with you all regarding this and hope to hear from all of you, too, as things change and move in our lives, no matter how far apart we are.

I have to say that lately I have really seen the value of this site. I think when I first signed on, I was very pious and self-assured and so I saw myself as the answer gal back in February of 2012. I took a break of many months from this site and only recently returned and I have to say that this has definitely been a richer time, knowing that I am flawed and far from having all the answers. There are also members on here that I actually look forward to seeing having responded to threads I'm a part of or having started threads. I literally light up when I see some member names pop up. That is such a wonderful feeling.

Thanks again. Words fail to express my gratitude for the support I received upon being open about my feelings regarding church.

 

[homwardbound]

So, tonight I made the decision to not go to church. Again. It has been such a long time since I have felt a real connection at church. I also don't feel that God is telling me to leave there to find another church home. The thing is that tonight I literally felt condemned. Despite my assurances in who I am and the fact that going to church doesn't dictate salvation, I wondered if I was truly saved, so much so that I had this question running through my head: am I going to go to hell because I don't want to go to church?

I know that church is vital to a Christian's growth. This is due to the need of godly fellowship and the need to hear sound doctrine/preaching and learn God's word. Why, then, do I dislike being in church so much? There are many reasons:

1. Pastoral changes. I had finally opened up to our pastor and his wife, felt accepted and welcomed, and then God called them to Wyoming. Wyoming, of all places! I am in New Mexico. So, I don't see them but once or twice a year now and I just feel so disconnected. The new pastor and his wife are so different from what I'm used to, from my first church to my current church. I just believe that judgments of others and concern for outer rather than inner man is prevalent. I can't find rest in the church.

2. No friendships. I have some older women that are friends with me and my mom, but I have no friendships my age. No one to call. No one to read the word with. No one to study with. No one to just hang out with.

3. Feeling stifled. I really do. I just feel like my call is stifled and will be. I felt this at the other church I attended for over 15 years. Now, having been here nearly 4 years, I just feel so stifled and I feel like there is no point in attempting to follow God's call because they aren't going to allow it regardless.

4. No connection. I don't have connection with the leadership or the body. I am just disconnected, unplugged, and the only reason I attend the services I do is because I have to, in order to keep up the appearances. I hate this. I hate this because I have no desire for the world and I don't want to leave God and serve the world. I want Him so badly and I just stand in the church unmoved and disconnected and annoyed and lost.

Yup.

So sister there is a book out called "so you don't want to go to Church anymore" quite interesting and very truthful. Many people feel this way, and do not ay a word in fear of being shunned or kicked out, when we are to be able to say what we think and how we feel.
I mean God has been taken over and is being used for Man's gain, form his profit, claiming he is a prophet, and it is not so.
Now today we are to receive the gift(s) as the Holy Spirit gives right?
But what is happening is man has got cookie cutters and throwing the congregation into the oven, and burning out some, and making molds of the rest to fit their need(s)
The Spirit is to flow freely, not a planned ordeal, that we must or else, how not so of God himself is this?
Thanks for the post and find that book I think you will enjoy it immensely

 

[homwardbound]

I dont go to "church" I myself rather dislike being around people.

being wise as a serpent an harmless as a dove, and where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, there he will be right there amongst us in spirit and truth

 

[homwardbound]

well I am pretty much a recluse on the edge of a city. but hey i dont really know any better. ive spent pretty much 31 years alone. so meh.

If you are a believer, which I suspect you are then you are never alone, just appears that way.

 

[homwardbound]

meh you get used to it.

i guess it does change you after a while.. longer time alone the more you just don't like people. you fall into a routine and well, if someone buggers up said routine you end up not happy about it at all..

If we all would see this below and treat each other this way, there would be a lot less evil doers
[h=3]Psalm 1[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

[h=3]Psalm 1[/h][SUP]1 [/SUP]Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

And I am not preaching the Mosaic Law as in the Letter nope rather the Love of God given to us through Son at the cross, which is to be received not created or reproduced by any self efforts from anyone

 

[homwardbound]

I can relate with all of those reasons. Especially number 4. I'll be asking God to help us.

Yep the only true connection I ever found and was shown as truth is God and God alone

1. Romans 5:8
   But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
   Romans 5:7-9 (in Context) Romans 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
   Romans 8:33-35 (in Context) Romans 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. 2 Corinthians 5:14
4. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
   
   Once God has shown us this connection from God to us through Son, who can ever break the connection? Will God? I think not let every man be a liar, but not God
   Truth is truth no matter what man does to scramble it with his but's, being like a Billy Goat, butting into God's amazing plan of salvation for us that believe, trying to take away the power of the cross, especially in the resurrection for us here and now in the Spirit of God through Son's finished work at the cross for us all that believe.
   The full gospel and the completion of it is at the resurrected Christ. The proof is when he sent the Holy Ghost to come and live in us to teach us truth that sets us free, each personally and we gather together as in here on /CC sharing what we each have learned without condemnation to anyone, reckoning ourselves to be dead to sin (flesh) and alive to God in the Spirit of God, a daily practice of truth that is already, yet flesh always hanging around to throw us off the truth from God through Son. So as Paul I am learning to die daily to self anyone else?

 

[homwardbound]

I figured it out

Please do tell Sister, I am sure it will be helpful to many

 

[homwardbound]

I received so many answers and like-minded feeling responses to this thread, both publically and privately, that I am greatly encouraged. The main thing I learned right now is that God never wants us to shoulder things alone. I have been feeling this way for so long about church, and though I've talked it over with my mom and some others at the church, I never really felt like they got it completely, you know? Here, having finally opened up, setting aside all my desire to appear well put together and stronger than I am, I find that I am greatly encouraged. I have received sound advice and helpful encouragement and have taken a moment to examine these feelings under the light of new revelations. I am so very grateful for all of your input. I look forward to staying in contact with you all regarding this and hope to hear from all of you, too, as things change and move in our lives, no matter how far apart we are.

I have to say that lately I have really seen the value of this site. I think when I first signed on, I was very pious and self-assured and so I saw myself as the answer gal back in February of 2012. I took a break of many months from this site and only recently returned and I have to say that this has definitely been a richer time, knowing that I am flawed and far from having all the answers. There are also members on here that I actually look forward to seeing having responded to threads I'm a part of or having started threads. I literally light up when I see some member names pop up. That is such a wonderful feeling.

Thanks again. Words fail to express my gratitude for the support I received upon being open about my feelings regarding church.

When one is an open book with nothing to hide, one is freed and loves as God loved and loves us best described in 1 Cor. 13:4-13 All in God's type of Love to you not man's prejudice love as Christ revealed to love all how?

1. Matthew 5:44
   But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
   Matthew 5:43-45 (in Context) Matthew 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Matthew 5:46 If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much.
   Matthew 5:45-47 (in Context) Matthew 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. Luke 6:27 “Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
   Luke 6:26-28 (in Context) Luke 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. Luke 6:32 “Do you think you deserve credit for merely loving those who love you? Even the godless do that!
   Luke 6:31-33 (in Context) Luke 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. Luke 6:35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned about the fact that they won’t repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked.
   Luke 6:34-36 (in Context) Luke 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. Romans 1:6-7 And you, dear friends in Rome, are among those he dearly loves; you, too, are invited by Jesus Christ to be God’s very own—yes, his holy people. May all God’s mercies and peace be yours from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord.
   Romans 1:5-7 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

 

[p_rehbein]

The distance from New Mexico. I love Wyoming. In fact, I tried to find a job there to relocate...but failed. God wants me here for now, apparently. I'm good with that.

So, I've been out running errands, and was thinking of you and this thread, and gee, I got to thinking .......... "hmmm, maybe she shouldn't listen to me.......'cause if she listens to me, I'd have her out on a street corner in Winslow, Arizona (or some corner in some town in New Mexico) with her flat top guitar, surrounded by her pictures, singing praises to God, and witnessing to any who dared to stop and listen. Shoot, I'd have her Mom with tambourine keeping time and singing along.

Or, OR, I MIGHT even have her and her Mom, and those women who have befriended them out scouting around for some storefront they could rent, redecorate, and open up their own House of Worship.......Shoot, she BETTER NOT listen to me."

 

[p_rehbein]

[video=youtube_share;4JK_6osCH74]http://youtu.be/4JK_6osCH74[/video]


............

 

[drawn]

I am not sure of the details, but i know that i found peace in my congregation when i found peace in myself. Perhaps a portion of your pain is self-inflicted. Ask for god to give you rest where needed, but also ask for correction where needed. "Change my mind to truly love my oppressors." And this does not mean people are doing the oppressing.

 

[mystdancer50]

So, I've been out running errands, and was thinking of you and this thread, and gee, I got to thinking .......... "hmmm, maybe she shouldn't listen to me.......'cause if she listens to me, I'd have her out on a street corner in Winslow, Arizona (or some corner in some town in New Mexico) with her flat top guitar, surrounded by her pictures, singing praises to God, and witnessing to any who dared to stop and listen. Shoot, I'd have her Mom with tambourine keeping time and singing along.

Or, OR, I MIGHT even have her and her Mom, and those women who have befriended them out scouting around for some storefront they could rent, redecorate, and open up their own House of Worship.......Shoot, she BETTER NOT listen to me."

You're sweet. This made my morning!

 

[wisebeardman]

Sorry..


But what's wrong with Wyoming lol??????

more cows then people? never was good at talking to cows, they just moo at me.. what does moo mean? its like they speak asian or something.

 

[isaria]

You should take action b4 this gets worse.

You may speak with your church and what may be done.
Good communication and honesty can shockingly help some times.


You can also change church.

Sometimes it feels like not every one is welcome in church or in catholic facilities and it may be based upon lies circulating community.
Lies that educated people with positions of power have spread.
Maybe they were jealous or pedophiles or covering crime but yes people do lie in church and when a group of people lie in church about some one the community all hates on them and does not see the truth.
Truth may be it is a good person who works but not had ackknowledged but God knows all.


A whole community looking down at some one year after year and not really being welcomed in church because of lies and because "we swap doll".... arrogant attitude based upoin ignorance yes ignorance by educated people in postions of power.


Some times crime goes on in church and is covered and laundried in church.
Some times a lot of people were in on such .
This is a shame for the good people who are sincere.


I do not go to church with my human format.
Catholic care did not seem accept me volunteer aged care either in body.
One was a woman had surgery of some one elses time and was identity theft. truly.
astounding but true.
One doing work was alone and the other one merely was living good on other ones time so to say...(theft) and more and worse....


I pray I will attend church at least this christmas also for carols and mass.

Maybe i am afraid because of lies and badness done to me by yes christians .

Also a catholic was stealing my time saying main...

I may not be the only one who feel this way and it is the people not God.


God knows me.
God knows my sins and God knows the lies these people spread are not my sin even made to look like was.
"directors cut" and things aint always as they seem.....


You should simply talk with your church and pray about it or change church.

As for me ....
God help me and also I have a special someone who may help me also along with some true brothers and sisters met "online" one could say.


Remember your relationship with God is not less based upon such but it is very good attend church for many reasons.

Also social inclusion, break isolation which ironically seems be what is happening when a community and church

You may find a good communion and peace in your church again.

Blessed be.

 

[homwardbound]

You know people all of us want and need connection do we not?
So a deaf man goes into a place of worship early, and sees a man sitting in a chair and moving around, snapping fingers and tapping, he is listening to music that he is in beat with.

Now the deaf man not being able to hear, joins in and copies this man to fit in, and so think on that wise, are we like Lemmings?
you know what a Lemming is? they follow the leader. in the Jim Jones unfortunate incident, and many other not so good scenarios that we all do as in following a leader of flesh and blood, and we learn the rhythms of that place of worship, and get caught up in self and others, putting others or our place of worship as the new mediator between us and God. Christ still there, yet really if I have man, a building, place of worship between Jesus and me, then Jesus to Father I think I have been fooled by my own flesh, when in truth there is only one mediator between Man and God, Christ Jesus
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

How has all this other crept in the way and stifled the true relationship between God and you. Do you have a Pastor, a Spouse, a Child in the way between God and you? Do you have to be circumcised?
Who did make the connection between God and you? are we in folly adding and subtracting? Copying and not receiving?

 

[arb71]

I will keep you in my prayers about this...because it truly is wonderful when the Lord blesses you to find a church home that you love (and keep in mind, that no church is without issues and people who will cause division. Everyone who goes to church is not a Christian). The Lord knows your heart. I am in the military, so as I have had to move from tour to tour, I have also had to find a new church home at each new location. The Lord has always blessed me to find great churches, but out of the six different tours and churches, I only developed friendships at two of them. With the others (and this current one overseas), it was/is incredibly lonesome, but what blessed me was knowing my ministry and getting involved in church activities. If you don't know already, ask the Lord to reveal your ministry, gifts, talents and how you can contribute to your church. Sometimes the Lord is also trying to get us to understand something about ourselves that he wants to change, improve upon or just reveal to us. Finally, ask the Lord if you should leave. Talk to Him about this, He will talk back to you, whether you hear his voice, or he uses someone else and you'll know that it's Him. The Lord does not want us unhappy in our church homes or confused, so pray to Him, talk to Him and He will respond back to you. And you're not going to go to hell for not wanting to go to church. I think we all go through moments similar to what you are going through, where we don't want to do something we should. The Lord will get us through it!

 

[J-Kay-2]

Sometimes, I think being a recluse in the mountains would be a life I'd love.

Well, it appears we are not alone in our 'world of seclusion.' At least in
our minds. I am not in Church either. I have been a Church goer and worker
for so many years, and for reasons I won't go into, I am not there now either.
I, too, feel like I could go into a Cave and be perfectly satisfied. I would not
turn away from Jesus. He is everywhere I am, because, He lives in me.

I have often said to myself .."self, you are going to regret the days you could
have been out among people again, and instead, sat behind the computer screen."
I say, "self, you are making new friends and a few enemies, but they really don't
hate me, right ?" Maybe I will regret not getting out while I can, but I am very
comfortable with Christ here in my home and my private and personal life. My
husband is the only member in my little Church world. And then he nods off when
I am praying or reading something spiritual.

God bless and may we all just keep Christ # 1 in our life and keep watching for
His return. ARE WE READY FOR SOME CYBER CHURCH ? Can I get an AMEN?