April 22, 2008
Hello?
For the last 10 years my church has gone through, and continues to go through, difficulties. Just recently two churches that I’m aware of have spun off from, for lack of a better term, the mother church. No doubt mother is out of sorts with those leaving the nest, but it appears these fledglings are successfully taking flight. I’ve always maintained I’d not leave my church (of 45 years) unless God called me to do so. Holding me accountable, Leslie asked, “So tell me, if you’re thinking about going to this other church, has God told you that’s what you’re supposed to do?” Well, audibly…no. I really hadn’t expected to get ‘the call’ to leave. Wait a minute, is that the phone I hear?
--Gail
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Hi Gail,
I admire you for staying with the church and trying to save it from itself.
But a church is the people who gather to worship God, not the building. It seems to me as though God has been fenced off, so as not to cause problems with the vision of the church leaders.
I myself, am ready to get back into a church where God is the Head, not the Minister and his star struck followers.
I applaud your first step away from a church which seems to be strolling down a dangerous path. I hope you soon hear God telling you it's ok to give up on that church and move on to green pastures, where the living water can flow freely.
I thoroughly enjoyed worshiping with a small group of people who are seeking what has been lost over the last several years at the former church.
Thank you for keeping us informed, and giving us something new to ponder every day.
Debbie
Gail said, "No doubt mother is out of sorts with those leaving the nest"
Maybe. And then again, maybe she's not.
Don
Debbie,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Although our church dysfunction started raising its ugly head over 10 years ago, many in the congregation are just now asking ‘what’s going on’. To the credit of those raising red flags, they have not sought to cause division…contrary to what the leadership implies.
Going to another church is refreshing, however I feel like I’m abandoning some of the older folks who have been unaware of the problems. And yet it is not for me to give them an explanation unless they ask.
You commented about seeking ‘what’ has been lost. I agree, but we may also find ourselves seeking those people who’ve been lost out the back door.
Gail
Don,
You have a point there.
Gail
Don,
You have a point there.
Gail
Gail;
-----Ministry is varied because needs are various, and the places where ministry is needed are many because the Lord’s people are in many places. If you feel there is a need at that church for you, then it is probably because you see it. You probably see it because it is there. And the spiritual sacrifice of Romans 12:1-2 that you make proves the will of God for you. For the spiritual war is between using others to serve yourself, or using yourself to serve others (don’t worry folks, God is an other, He is served in that concept.) In as much as you are willing to remain in that mud hole of a church for the benefit of the others there who are truly His, you are a great warrior, you are a great sacrifice. I envy your position on the front line. I would be right there beside you in those trenches if my line of service were not beside my wonderful bride and our family. She is not a front line trench type warrior, so I went with her to a place where she is more comfortable, which is my spiritual sacrifice. And those others who have left have also gone to where God will make good use of them. He is a great field general.
God bless every heartbeat of your effort,
And every word of your communication,
Steve Corey
Post a Comment