Priorites of the church

[roman8]

Im getting alittle upset with the church I attend , more than a little upset. I dont know whats going on, The word of God seems to be a secondary issue there now. For the past 4 weeks its been nothing but entertainment , special music guests, and the sermon has been reduced to a quick little talk that seems to be given with no passion. they even had a guest from the local hospital come and give a 20 minute speech on raising money for the hospital. Next week another musical guest to entertain us.

Also their priorites seem all out of wack , they dont have a good sunday school program , but they just spent 73 thousand on paving the parking lot and landscaping and 40 thousand on a new digitl sign for outside.
I was talking with some others and was told you have to take the good with the bad , and maybe so , but its seems more like a social club , I see very little difference between this church and the world . Am I just being to critical?

I would apprecitate a little advice , if Im wrong on this please tell me so.

[InTheWind]

My thought would be too move on if you don`t feel good for a period of time, i say period of time because ya don`t want to make a rash decision and feel bad latter.
Church and the people that attend them seem to be about all show in a lot of cases, they seem more concerned about impressing each other instead of God. :(

[CoreIssue]

Sounds like Seeker Sensitive is taking over, or has taken over.

That means get the membership up by only doing feel good things. Forget serious Bible, that might offend someone.

[kay-gee]

My fellowship is kinda rigid and fundamentalistic. Has its draw backs too. Hard to get people interested in it because it has no entertainment value at all. Mostly sermons, Bible studying and congregational signing. Quite boring to an outsider who doesnt understand the tenets of our faith. Because of that, growth is small. There is something to be said though, about the intimacy of a small group meeting together. It's really like a family, and I believe a family is what we've been called to be. Son's and daughters of God!

all the best....

[CoreIssue]

My fellowship is kinda rigid and fundamentalistic. Has its draw backs too. Hard to get people interested in it because it has no entertainment value at all. Mostly sermons, Bible studying and congregational signing. Quite boring to an outsider who doesnt understand the tenets of our faith. Because of that, growth is small. There is something to be said though, about the intimacy of a small group meeting together. It's really like a family, and I believe a family is what we've been called to be. Son's and daughters of God!

all the best....
There is nothing wrong with fun.

I have been to more than one church and group, in the past, where serious study and worship was followed by fun activities.

It isn't an either or proposition.

But, unfortunately, most do not have any interest in more than feeling like they have fulfilled their spiritual obligations by attending a happy happy church.

[Jessie]

nope your not wrong...

[kay-gee]

Qestion for roman8. Does this church of which you speak participate in "The Lords Supper"?
Different names can be given to this rite, but it is essentially This:

Breaking of the unleavened bread, a symbol of Christ's broken body. Drinking of the fruit of the vine, a symbol of His shed blood.

I have some to add, depending on your answer.

All the best...

[roman8]

We have a new senior Pastor, about 8 months now . Things didnt change to much at first , but now everything is changing . Like Core said nothing wrong with fun , but it seems to be taking over. This past Sunday I did not hear the name Jesus spoken once. I am developing a bitterness towards this church and it shouldnt be this way . Maybe Im just looking for things to be critical about?
Its not so much the money being spent on parking and signs but the way it was done . The decision to spend this money was done with out the congregation knowing . this church was built debt free, by the congregation. Then money was borrowed to do these other projects that really are not a priority. I am sad that most of the people there dont really seem to care. they seem to be content to listen to music sing a bit and eat cookies.

Kay-gee yes we do particapate in the Lords Supper, the first Sunday of every month, but not this Sunday past, not enough time , with the special guest. :grr:

[kay-gee]

Dear roman8. The first century church considered the "breaking of bread" the central purpose of meeting together. (Acts 20:7) (1st Corinth 11:23-26). This rite was instituted directly by Jesus. To alter that in any way IMO, is to dis-regard Christ and the memory of Him. If any fellowship of believers thinks that a guest speaker or singer etc... is important enough to usurp this event, Then roman8, I have some dire advice for you! Run as fast as you can and don't look back. There are congregations of the true NT church in your area. I am sure of that. Seek them out!
all the best..........

[dust]

Pray and pray some more. God will lead you.

[a.baker]

Roman8 are you still attending that Church? Have they changed at all? If not it will be interesting with summer ending around the corner and fall coming in soon how they will go about their programs that will soon be starting up. With the Church I attend I so much want to talk after the sermon to others about the bible and no one seems to be interested. I have been going there for about 2mths. and only about 10 people of the 130 or so had introduced themselves to me or showed any interest in my new face. With fall approaching I am hoping that there will be a small group study or something because I want and crave that so bad. People in fellowship seem to be more interested in talking about what they did for the weekend or their vacations rather than about the sermon, bible, or God. It seems as soon as they leave the sanctuary their thoughts and hearts are left as well. I am searching so bad to find people to have bible time with and it is a search that I am still seeking. I agree that small group and Christian family is best. The fall events starting soon will tell me if this is the right Church or not. I like what the pastors says in sermon but after sermon he seems more worried about socializing than talking with the people about God any further. But of course I seem to be one of the only that want further talk and learning about God. Maybe its because I am so new to this and didn't grow up around it so I have much to learn. Or maybe it's the Holy Spirit living inside of me that makes this craving, this addiction take over. At any rate people at my Church seem to be in a hurry to get out and on with their weekends. I am always one of the last until they start looking at me to lock the doors so they can leave. Service starts at 9:30 and ends at about 11:00. Everyone seems to be gone at noon except me and my one friend. I don't think the doors of a Church should ever close on a Sunday. I also think that its the pastors job to stay at the Church on Sundays. Thats the pastors biggest work day. Thats partly what I feel God has called him to do. What if the pastor misses out on someone coming to the Church seeking for help because everyones gone and the doors locked? Sad really. Selfish too.:(

[roman8]

Hi A. Baker, I attened services there this past Sunday . The Sunday before we attened a Baptist church around the corner. The minister also ministers to 2 other United churches , wasnt to keen on that . There just doesnt seem to be an ideal church .

We made the decision to stay where we are at for the time being . We are a part of a small group that meets on Tuesdays 4 couples, 2 of the couples no longer attend any church but have church at home with there familes on Sundays. I look forward to Tuesday evenings , there is a real genuine caring and concern for one another . We dont always agree an things but I always leave thinking and ready to investigate the topics discussed further. I really think that gathering together in a small group is important . I hope you find a group of people that you can feel comfortable with and get what you need .:nod:

[a.baker]

Roman8 I am so happy that you have been able to find a small group. I hope I can find one not too long from now as well. It is so hard to find a Church. So I as well have settled on the one I am attending even though it seems awfully lonely there. Yes having a pastor that has to spread his time and energy to 3 different Churches doesn't seem too great. Especially if someone needs something special from him that takes extra time. I assume he probably doesn't have the extra time which is sad because sometimes urgent situations can arise where a pastor is needed. I am so happy to at least to be able to come here and have discussions with brothers and sisters in Christ. I will take anything I can get. Its so important to me to have something. I have so much to learn and growing to do that I just can't do without. A Church family is desperately needed. We just can't go at it alone. :hug:

[a.baker]

One more thing what is a United Church?

[kay-gee]

United Church is a denomination that is wide spread up here in Canada. It gets it name from the early 20th century union of presbyterian and methodist congregations. They are notoriously liberal, being among the first to embrace homosexual, and women clergy, etc...They were a popular church for many years on account of their non confrontational doctrines and sheer availability. (most towns have one). Hope that helps.

all the best...

[kay-gee]

A.baker. Have you made your desire known to any body. Don't just assume that every one knows what you're about and they are igmoring you. Same for the preacher. You appear to be fairly young in the faith. People as they mature in the faith mellow out in a sense. They don't have those intense cravings as you speak of. It dosen't mean they are any less godly or committed. The measure of faith is how they live their lives. I've been in congregations that just vanished at 12:00 and I've been in ones where you couldn't get away for the fellowship of the members. Congregations are different, even within the same fellowship. Urban or rural dosen't seem to matter either in my experience.
Remember, you are as much a part of the body as it is a part of you. Dig in and get involved. Don't always think of it as what they can do for you. That's the key. I have belonged to the same fellowship for decades. I will never leave it all the days I live. It is like a marriage. You are Christs bride. At some point a commitment has to be made.
all the best...

[CoreIssue]

United Church is a denomination that is wide spread up here in Canada. It gets it name from the early 20th century union of presbyterian and methodist congregations. They are notoriously liberal, being among the first to embrace homosexual, and women clergy, etc...They were a popular church for many years on account of their non confrontational doctrines and sheer availability. (most towns have one). Hope that helps.

all the best...
A sign of the times.

Not a denomination any sincere Christian should attend.

[John Beckett]

`

Amen, Core. I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, which was started
by Romans about her Church, but on a quick side note regarding the
United church, I agree. It is definitely not for anyone who is seeking
the Truth.

I have actually considered attending this organization a couple of times,
and quickly thought better of it. I mean, just picturing myself sitting in
that building, surrounded by people who have no concrete foundation
for their beliefs and faith. It sent chills down my spine.

All set. Thanks, anyway :ick:

[CoreIssue]

Agree, John.

Romans8. Small groups are normally better.

That is how the Church began and there is a lot of merit in it.

[John Beckett]

`

Yes, one of my favorite things about this one Church i attended
in Rhode Island was the Bible Talk we would do every Thursday
evening. There would be about 10 of us, and we'd meet at one
of the Congregationalists' houses/apartments for some refreshments,
fellowship, Bible talk while sitting in a circle, and then more fellowship
before heading home.

It was small, convenient, cozy, casual, and very nice. I loved it,
and miss it, even today. And that was 10 years ago.

[a.baker]

This might sound silly but if I can't find a small group to attend than how do I go about getting one started? One to where people will actually have bible time not just sitting around and hanging out. (like the people at my current Church seem to do). Any suggestions?

[John Beckett]

`

:scratch: Hmmmm ... Good Kvestion. Yah??

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. :scratch:

For the longest time, I too wanted to see about that. The only
thing I can suggest would be to actually ask around and see if
someone in a Church will tell you that they do that sometimes,
as my Church did back in '97. It was the Church of Christ, and
the reason I left it was because of their infernal belief that if we
are not submerged in water during Baptism, we are hell-bound.

However, I SINCERELY miss that Thursday night Bible talk!

Don't despair! :):

[kay-gee]

If you want that then simply, instigate it. Begin inviting folks over, telling them your intentions. Many would like the same things. People don't always make then desires known. A big reason why nothing gets done!

all the best...

[CoreIssue]

If you want that then simply, instigate it. Begin inviting folks over, telling them your intentions. Many would like the same things. People don't always make then desires known. A big reason why nothing gets done!

all the best...
Agree.

That and seeing the church as a sanctuary, not a fortress to conquer the world from, spiritually speaking.