This topic may not be a fun one, but I should want to return to church, but my heart isn’t there. I find the church now resembles politics and a hierarchy. Church used to fill a void, but now I’m sour. I have faith. I don’t know if Christ resides in the church. If you go, please help dispel what I now think.
It's not always easy to find the right church, but it's worth the search. The messages and studies draw me closer to God. Spending time with other believers who challenge me in discussions, hold me accountable, pray for me and love me is such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find a place you love and loves you back.
Paul tells us that all who are able are called to worship in fellowship with other people, so that is a motivation for you. When I looked for a church 12 years ago I compiled a list of nearby churches and attended about 6 or 7. If you do that you may find the right match for you. Another good feature now is that most churches post their Sunday services online, on YouTube etc. so you can visit that way too. I hope you find a church where you will love and be loved.
ReplyDeleteThe fellowship and prayer support of those who attend church where I am is vital to me, especially when I went through a very difficult time when DH died. Not all churches are as you describe them, (although I have experienced them) and I agree with those who say to 'visit' first, even if online, to get a feel for a congregation before you commit.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
I was raised in the Catholic church (Irish Catholic, here), went to 8 years of catechism ('Sunday school') and received all of my sacraments, including being married in the church. But when the priest scandals broke, combined with the experience of being treated cruelly by the Nuns as a child, I had enough. There was such hypocrisy. Although, I still love the teachings and the beauty of the church, I've not had positive experiences inside the institution of religion, but I have nurtured my own deep spirituality and faith on my own. I feel happy for those that have found a community in faith, though, and I wish I had been able to find the same.
ReplyDeleteI gave up on church years ago. It's become a social club, no matter the denomination. If you're lucky enough to fit in, you can become a part of the group. If you don't fit in, you're pretty much ignored. I stuck with it out of loyalty for a long time, but if finally occurred to me that it isn't leading where I want to go.
ReplyDeleteI've long abandoned organized religion. I practice faith on my own.
ReplyDeleteI do youtube church now...
ReplyDeleteI don't like the direction the political church is heading these days, but I do miss corporate worship.
ReplyDeleteI don't go to church, for me God isn't there.
ReplyDeleteI go to the Catholic Church, and I always feel Jesus is present there, and especially when we receive Holy Communion. I haven't gone recently because of the dreadful virus, and tried to stay away from crowds, but I watch it on-line every week. I also say The Rosary, which brings peace each and every time. I feel very close to Mary when I do.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Not all churches are as you say Regine. I believe the Lord wants us to be in fellowship with other believers. There are definitely terrible churches out there but please don't abandon the faith or church altogether. I don't know if you are looking for a specific denomination. If you lived here in Arizona, you would enjoy our church. I pray the Lord will direct you to the right church. I also want to remind you there is no "perfect" church. Church is made up of flawed humans. If we were perfect we wouldn't need Jesus.
ReplyDeleteIt seems so many things are politicized now. I am sorry something that brought you joy no longer does.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
I'm so sorry to hear this Regine, but I get it! We are enjoying our new church, where the preacher just preaches the word, no politics (so far). We are hoping to make friends in the church, but regardless, right now we are learning from the preaching, and that is how it should be.
ReplyDelete..I would rather walk in nature, it's spiritual for me.
ReplyDeleteOur relationship should be a one-to-one with God. But sometimes, a good church with a good priest or vicar or community can help. Search around you and you may find a church where you'll feel welcome. Pray about it. I am praying for you. Search also for Alpha Courses run in many churches.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I am not sure if my oppinion has any significance.
ReplyDeleteBut from my perspective, a personal one, of course, a drop of Divinity is inside all of us. We are created like this. So, I listen my heart always in what I do! And my biggest joy is when I create something and share with others. (https://universeofmyheart.blogspot.com/ - my handmade blog).
A few days ago, I bought a book. I realy do not know why, I had a thought to tell you about it:
Dr. Frank J. Kinslow - The secret of instant healing
All the best Regine. 😘❤️
'Church' is another social network ~ which is fine ~ but find 'God/Christ other religions as well are in a building ~ the Spirit is without you and all around you every moment ~ I find that Taoism speaks to me and addressed any concern I had historically about belonging to a church ~ just my own thoughts ~ hope you find the 'way' that works for you ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
There are great churches out there. Sometimes it takes a while to find one. I love my church and couldn't imagine not going there. When you find the right one you will know right away.
ReplyDelete☘️🌼🌿🤍🕊️🌿🌿
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I no longer go to Church for all those same reasons and I feel more blessed by faith than ever before. It's your faith, find it your way.
ReplyDeleteWhile I watch online rather than attend, I do agree with your assessment in most cases. Not the reason I watch at home, but I do see it.
ReplyDeleteI really think it depends on the church. Some are better than others.
ReplyDeleteXOOX
Jodie
All have sinned and fall short, and that includes people that go to church, but I do know that my church family has gotten me through times that have been very hard, and they keep me directed toward God and that is what I need in my life, I think we all do, do I think there are clicks, or politics, yes, I don't agree with what everyone else thinks in my group of close friends, but we still love and respect each other, I do avoid things that I know will get people worked up, and if it doesn't say it in the bible, you can't really argue, it's a fine line I believe but on the whole I believe that a church family is very important. Pray that God leads you to the one that he wants you to go to.
ReplyDeleteI am with Victor S E Moubarak.
ReplyDeleteFind a church that you will love.
Hugs and blessings, R.
I do not go to church. I feel that I do not need to be in a building to have a relationship with God. As you said, too many politics nowadays muddy the waters there. Many who preach the good word but don't live by it once they walk out of the church doors. I feel more spiritual in my own 4 walls than I do in church.
ReplyDeleteI don't go to church anymore, but I still have faith and believe in the power of God. I just practice religion quietly at home without any outside influences.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always easy to find a Church that you feel comfortable with, but do not give up, keep searching and I hope that you are able to find one soon.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Dearest One,
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say... I do understand what you feel...
I go to the church quite seldom. My family and I practice religion at home, preserving Faith and beliving in our Lord, of course.
Sending blessings
XO Daniela of ~ My little old world ~
Follow your heart!
ReplyDeleteI practice faith by myself or through YouTube...
ReplyDeleteI can't dispel it because I feel the same way. I was raised Southern Baptist and although I don't agree with their very strict conservative beliefs when I was a child I always felt warm and welcomed by my church family. When I got older I knew I wanted my daughter to experience that same feeling only in a more inclusive type of church family so I joined my sister's church and for a while it was wonderful but when my sister moved away all of a sudden no one would talk to me and I felt like I had no friends there. Over the years I've tried other churches but none of them felt like home. Now I am not a church goer and I agree I find the politics in churches very disturbing to me and I find them very cliquish too. I don't need a building to pray or a Pastor to be forgiven for my sins.
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