Filed under: ministryupdate
When it was found out that I was leaving the church, many tried to convince me that it was not a wise decision. I realize I need a home church, that I need connection with others, but it can’t really be this boring. What happened to “God wants to lead you on an adventure.” I’m beginning to think that maybe a structured church is not the way to go, but we are , quite literally, the church.
For example, if I know someone in need and God doesn’t need my money, should it go to the person in need, or to a building that is not essential to the glory of God? I understand the need for fellowship, but who actually speaks to people at church, except when they’re there. I went to The Refuse last night, and I love John and Cara, but could I not get the same thing from my Bible at home? Actually, I probably couldn’t, so I’ll digress, for now.
I guess the real question, since Castle West, is “Where should I, if I should, give my money?” I know everyone says tithing is outdated, but I believe it’s an act of faith. On the other side of the coin, I believe that should be between you and God. I hate limbo, but I keep praying about it. I keep praying for a miraculous encounter with God to take place, where He tells me what to do. I know I could get out of debt much faster without tithing, but I can’t live a life of indifference to others’ needs. With churches today, do they recieve money from the government? How do they run successfully when nobody attends? If you’re reading this and have any insight, feel free to comment. Please be patient with a reply, though. This isn’t a spark for debate, but a true question as to what I should financially contribute and to whom.
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Sorry to hear that you are leaving your church. I do know how you feel. Our church is growing and changing in ways that are difficult to pinpoint. It just doesn’t seem to have that ‘family feel’ to it anymore.
Comment by capitalggeek January 28, 2007 @ 5:20 amI know it is the church that God wanted us to attend when we started going there, and he hasn’t told me otherwise, so I’ll just continue until I get CLEAR direction. If you are sure that God wants you somewhere else, he will let you know where you should be going. Until then, I’d continue where you know he put you. There are enough examples in the Bible of God giving instruction and the people getting tired and wandering. If there aren’t doctrinal problems or openly tolerated sin, you’d better be SURE that God wants you to leave.
Hopefully he has a small-but-growing church in a shopping center or school for you.
Unfortunately, there are both doctrinal problems and openly tolerated sin, which is why I left. I attended Refuse of the World once, but was unable to last week. They have fellowship over dinner, and I think that may have been what I missed. We actually have a visiting time as part of the service.
Comment by Angela January 29, 2007 @ 2:28 am