I would value some advice please

[Fragrant Grace]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

I would really welcome some advice/thoughts on an issue that I have been struggling with.

I have two wonderful little girls aged 7 and 6. My one longing is that they are both saved and go on for the Lord.

I am in fellowship in a Brethren Assembly. It is a very small, quiet gathering of about 18-20 people - mainly elderly folks. The Sunday morning worship around the Lord's table consists of the brothers praying and about 2 unaccompanied hymns.The worship isn't very joyful. There is a small Sunday School later on a Sunday geared towards teenage children.

As my girls have grown bigger they are finding themselves increasingly bored and uninspired.

I have approached the elders to express my worries. I asked if the girls could have a small table at the back of the hall to sit and draw or read scriptural materials during the Sunday morning meeting. This was refused.

I also asked about holding an event such as a childrens party tea with a childrens Gospel message to try to attract more youngsters to come to Sunday School. This was also refused.

Recently on a couple of occasions I have taken my daughters to another church - a Christian Fellowship. My daughters loved the meetings which were joyful and orientated to both adults and children.
Each week now my girls ask "mummy can we go to the new church" I dont know what to do, I feel pulled in two directions.

I am keeping the matter in pray but feel so confused. It would sadden the brethren immensely if I left. But I feel my attempts at asking for change have hit a brick wall and I have been told no changes will happen.

I wonder if anyone reading this has gone through anything similar or left a church before. I have only ever been in the brethren so I am also nervous about change.

I know that the Lord is in control and that He will guide me. Having prayed I just felt it right to submit this post.

Thank you very much for taking time to read this.

Julia

 

[ladylovesJesus]

I think it is important that your children and you are fed properly each week. If they are not going to change they are stuck in a rut. We are all going through changes as God changes us from glory to glory.

I have moved around different places due to not being happy where I was and found what I was looking for in another place. Be led where the Holy Spirit leads you.

I know if childen are not enjoying where they go they will not want to even go as they will start saying that it is boring.

The new one you found sure does sound more suitable for you all and you will adapt to the change.

Seems like the original one is set in its ways too much.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matt.6.33

God bless

LLJ :rainbow: :rose:

 

[ephesians4_23]

I can appreciate the difficulty you are going through. I haven't gone through exactly what you are right now, but I work at a church.
I see some people who tell me that they are seeking a church for the reasons you are. I have a hard time going anywhere if I know it's going to be boring and I have to sit still and be quiet, and I'm an adult!
So many children in our church practically drag their parents to church. They want to be here. It's fun, they're a part of a group of their peers, there's music and crafts, snacks and even a couple of Playstations to play afterwards.
That stuff is great, but they definitely learn about Jesus here. They learn how to pray, how much God loves them, and in the past year we have had quite a few baptisms and statements of faith by children 12 and younger.
Your children are obviously interested in God NOW. There's no guarantee that they will be later in life if it continues as it is now. To me, that's too big of a risk to take with their eternal future.
I applaud you for attempting to make small changes in the church you currently worship in. They aren't open to it, and you have to respect that. That doesn't mean you have to stay there and let your girls suffer for it.
If you choose to leave, it may help to make a clean break of it. With a congregation that small, everyone will notice that you are not coming anymore. Maybe talk to the pastor/reverend during the week and let him/her know that you will be attending a new church and the reasons why. You don't have to criticize them, be gentle but firm. As a shepherd of his flock, your pastor should understand that you have to also shepherd your little flock (your children).

 

[stephen]

Recently on a couple of occasions I have taken my daughters to another church - a Christian Fellowship. My daughters loved the meetings which were joyful and orientated to both adults and children.
Each week now my girls ask "mummy can we go to the new church"

Children are not fully submissive for many years. While ever they desire to go to church, or Christian fellowship, that is the time which we utilise to the extreme, that they hopefully they might engage with friends, thus extending their desire to attend.

Putting your children first in this matter is paramount. Without doubt the older people will understand I am sure

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Dear LLJ, Ephesians4_23 and Stephen

Thank you so much for your responses.

I think that it is now obvious why I felt so powerfully guided to submit this thread. I needed to actually hear (or should I say see typed) what the Lord has been telling me for some time now.

I feel I have resisted change due to nervousness regarding change and fear of abandoning the dwindling numbers of the brethren assembly. But the Lord's gentle voice has been continually stirring my heart with this matter for quite some time now and I have avoided taking action.

I will now prayfully seek a move of church to ensure my girls continued spiritual interest which of course is paramount and I should never withold them from a spiritually nurturing environment.

Suffer the little children to come unto Me Luke 18:16

With many thanks and Christian love

Julia

 

[Trishann]

How are you doing and with the children? Hope you do find a place where they can learn at their (age level) and be more excited about church. Julia I know it is hard but you won't be happy either knowing your children is bored and not learning like they should be learning.

Sending hugs, Trish

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Trishann.

God bless you sister and thank you for your message

I have now made a decision that I will take my girls to a different church where they are spiritually nurtured and welcomed. I have to face facts and realise there is nothing inspirational for them where I currently attend and no changes are going to be made.

I am a little nervous about change but I believe it is the Lord's will and I will wait on Him for guidance.

With Christian love

Julia

 

[WithUsAlways]

My prayers are with you sisiter.
I pray and ask that the Lord Guide you on this.
God Bless

 

[rizen1]

I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue guiding you, that your family will grow spiritually in Truth.

Be blessed.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Hello everyone

Thank you for prayers and advice.

I went to a new church today. The teaching seemed strong and the room felt full of love for Jesus. My daughters smiled and joined in the songs and seemed really interested. I felt spiritually refreshed.

So thank you all for your encouragement and wise words which have helped me in making this decision.

God Bless You all.

Your sister in our wonderful Saviour

Julia