It Works Both Ways

  • 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.

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,046
1,800
113
#21
I think it's okay that you chuckled a little when you read it. That's what I was going for.

But there is a serious side to letting a local church devolve into a McDonald' s-like techtopia of QR codes, websites, kiosks, and apps.

Where has all the human connection gone?
Totally agree.

If you cannot connect with your pastor except by appointment weeks out they are not your pastor.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,046
1,800
113
#22
.

5. Churches mistakenly think that "the pastor" should be totally focused on preaching from the pulpit. That is not correct. God has given various spiritual gifts and if there were several men in leadership one could have the gift of evangelism, another the gift of teaching, another the gift of oversight called "government", and so on. Then one man would not be the only minister of the Word. Elders are supposed to be "apt to teach" in general.
Agreed. Not all pastors are elders but all elders are pastors. These are saints gifted with the care and attention to the people. In the corporate structure pastors are everything-men. No such man exists in the Kingdom of God save for One man.
 

FollowerofShiloh

Well-known member
Jan 24, 2024
4,321
715
113
#23
I don't know. It's pretty much the same response you get when you simply wish to give praise and encouragement to your pastor for a job well done.

"Just get on the website, fill out this contact form, and someone will get back to you." Huh?

Now, you may be thinking that a pastor of a 10,000- member congegation would be waaaaaay too busy to shake the hand of a lowly parishoner like me. And you would be right.

But I've seen this phenomenon in churches with only 57 people! The pastor is typically "protected" from the low-lifes in his congregation, no matter how many people are in the church. What's weird is that the assistant pasors typically have the same "I'm-too-busy" attitude.

Thus, the introduction into your church of modern corporate gatekeepers, such as websites, contact forms, QR codes, and apps. It's all designed to keep you at arms-length.

So, how far down the ladder does one need to go to receve spiritual guidance within the church? Parishoner #56?
What Denomination does this Church belong to?
 

FollowerofShiloh

Well-known member
Jan 24, 2024
4,321
715
113
#26
Your posting history shows you followed the Pastor from Roebuck Parkway Church which is Church of Christ (read his books).
Your posting history also shows a continuous pattern of tearing down Church Leadership.
If the Associate Pastor did offer you a position to help he clearly was not able to Discern you.
Not shocking knowing that some Churches literally fulfill the title "Dead" in Christ.
I know this because the Holy Spirit said to me, research your "posting history."
 

SteveEpperson

Junior Member
May 12, 2018
552
222
43
#27
If I can offer the OP a suggestion, keep in mind that the pastor depends on those he delegates authority. Try to get aquatinted and keep communication open.
I really need to impose myself onto "the scene," barge into the prayer meetings (as if I belong there or something), and not let any human deter me. Being alienated from my church is just as much my fault as it is everyone else's. :ROFL:

Seriously, your thoughtful response is much appreciated.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,610
4,538
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#28
I really need to impose myself onto "the scene," barge into the prayer meetings (as if I belong there or something), and not let any human deter me. Being alienated from my church is just as much my fault as it is everyone else's. :ROFL:

Seriously, your thoughtful response is much appreciated.
I'm not casting blame on you. I don't even know what details there are to make an evaluation of your challenges other than that you have a challenge that is common in big churches. That's why I addressed it with a principle that might help.

I know how it is trying to serve in a mega church . I had a lot of frustrations that I was forced to go to the Highest Authority about. I had to go to the pastor's Authority a time or two. I could write a book about many blessings and problems in that church alone. Wherever there are a lot of people gathered together, there's one thing certain: There's going to be a LOT of problems. It's inevitable.
I hope you find the church that is God's perfect will for you.

Before anything else, I would verify their main/ fundamental/ primary doctrines.
Most mess up in the response part of how we are Supposed to do to be saved
according to the Bible.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,755
6,920
113
#30
But that's really my point. When was the last time your pastor--or even an elder--made the first move to connect with you?
When I lived in Alabama, the Pastor and two Board Members came to me and asked me if I would become the Treasurer. I agreed because I knew they needed someone with Accounting experience and a desire to serve my Congregation.

Later, they asked if I would make Announcements and give the opening Prayer before each service, and, again I agreed.

Most often, in the Congregations I have been a part of, the Pastor, and/or Board Members ask persons if they would agree to serve in some capacity to benefit the Congregation. This is not an unusual thing. Nor does it mean they are becoming a McDonalds.

There has to be more back story to your situation than you are revealing. Have you ever served in any capacity to benefit the Congregation you were a part of? If not, why not?
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,755
6,920
113
#31
Instead, we are told to shut up, sit down, and listen to a sermon once a week. If we simply do that, we will become mega-disciples in no time.
I have never attended a Church Service that had that approach to Worshiping God. Maybe the person above who suggested you find a new Church is correct.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#32
Where has all the human connection gone?
Those stupid iPhones might be responsible for some of this. Looks like everyone wants to simply fiddle with their phone instead of having a conversation. At the very least they should be banned from church services and meetings.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,046
1,800
113
#33
Those stupid iPhones might be responsible for some of this. Looks like everyone wants to simply fiddle with their phone instead of having a conversation. At the very least they should be banned from church services and meetings.
So how’s the weather in Russia?
 

SteveEpperson

Junior Member
May 12, 2018
552
222
43
#38
Maybe you need to find a new church
A few people have mentioned that on this thread. I have been to many churches in my area, trying to find the right one. I get a chilly reception at each one, maybe because I show up without a well-manicured wife, a nice car, a couple of kids, and a huge check in hand.

When my wife left me six years ago for a "better Christian man" --with more money, of course-- I lost my wife, my son, my business, and my house. They set out to destroy me at every turn.

I would love to move somewhere else for a fresh start, but my son lives close by with his mom and "Mister Wonderful."

Magenta, the fact that you are reading this means that you have shown more Christian love and concern in two minutes than any pastor has for more than six years. I pray that one day, I will find a church full of Magentas who truly care for one another.

Until then, I will, without forsaking the assembly, muddle through on my own under the close watch of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. :)
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,194
30,327
113
#39
A few people have mentioned that on this thread. I have been to many churches in my area, trying to find the right one. I get a chilly reception at each one, maybe because I show up without a well-manicured wife, a nice car, a couple of kids, and a huge check in hand.

When my wife left me six years ago for a "better Christian man" --with more money, of course-- I lost my wife, my son, my business, and my house. They set out to destroy me at every turn.

I would love to move somewhere else for a fresh start, but my son lives close by with his mom and "Mister Wonderful."

Magenta, the fact that you are reading this means that you have shown more Christian love and concern in two minutes than any pastor has for more than six years. I pray that one day, I will find a church full of Magentas who truly care for one another.

Until then, I will, without forsaking the assembly, muddle through on my own under the close watch of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. :)
I am truly sorry to hear all that you have endured and suffered at the hands of those whom you trusted....
my church underwent some changes a number of years ago which caused me some concern in wondering
what those changes might alter, but there was no need for concern on my part because, gosh, really, my
congregants and elders and pastors are sincerely loving caring people. Part of my concern was going from
non-denom to Mennonite but, like I said... no complaints there. Have you tried a Mennonite church?
It is not one I would have sought out, but I doubt I could find one better this side of eternity.
 

timemeddler

Active member
Jul 13, 2023
460
204
43
#40
A few people have mentioned that on this thread. I have been to many churches in my area, trying to find the right one. I get a chilly reception at each one, maybe because I show up without a well-manicured wife, a nice car, a couple of kids, and a huge check in hand.

When my wife left me six years ago for a "better Christian man" --with more money, of course-- I lost my wife, my son, my business, and my house. They set out to destroy me at every turn.

I would love to move somewhere else for a fresh start, but my son lives close by with his mom and "Mister Wonderful."

Magenta, the fact that you are reading this means that you have shown more Christian love and concern in two minutes than any pastor has for more than six years. I pray that one day, I will find a church full of Magentas who truly care for one another.

Until then, I will, without forsaking the assembly, muddle through on my own under the close watch of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. :)
how awful