Stuck in a lousy church

[Predestined Arminianist]

Yeah, I'm stuck in a lousy church. You can't ask questions. Worship is dead. If the preacher has anything interesting to say, it's just his opinion; if he actually sticks to the Word, it's the same stuff I've been hearing for the last 50 years. (Another sermon about David and Goliath? Really?) And they're more interested in remodeling the sanctuary than serving the homeless or giving to missions. Dead in every way. But I'm stuck because my ministry is with international missions, and you have to be a member of the denomination in order to be on the denominational missionary committee. It's really discouraging. I tried to find some decent mid-week Bible studies or worship services but I haven't had any luck.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Sounds like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

While you are there as a member, can you show fruit of God's Spirit to others and serve Him in kindness and love?

Too often we can be too busy looking at pastors, etc and forget about looking unto ourselves. (Not suggesting this is the case for you - that is something you need to work out)

The international mission group? Are they approachable?


Bless you ....><>

 

[Hekuran]

If that's truly representative of your feelings about you congregation, you should either change your attitude or leave.

How would you expect the Holy Spirit to move in power if you're bored and critical yawning your way through the sermon?

Maybe the congregation would be better off without you there too.

If you had to leave the missions ministry board, I'm sure God would be able to find a replacement for you.

But it might be better for you to change your attitude. Of course we get Sermon content that we've heard before - but we still need to be reminded of the simplest gospel truths. Look out for what is beautiful and true and honouring to God in the church and when you find it, give him praise

 

[Curtis]

Reminds me of a Church in the book of Revelations where they thought they where alive but Jesus tells them they are dead. Then Jesus tells them there are a few in this church who will walk with me in white……


Rev 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

 

[B-A-C]

You can either leave, or be the change you want to see.

I would confront the pastor first, and tell him exactly what you said here.
If that doesn't work, I would talk to the church elders/board/council, what it's called in your church. .. I would tell them the same things you posted here.
It may be there are ministries going on you don't know about, maybe they will have answers. But if not, ask them if you can start some of these things.

... if none of that works, maybe it's time to find a new place.

 

[brighthouse98]

Brother Predestined, you could also look at your situation as a challenge! Jesus was stuck with 12 sorry Dum fisherman! lol I hear you about your problem for I was in your problem at one time as well! I prayed to the Lord as you are doing saying LORD!!! THIS SUCKS!!! Inside Holy Spirit said and what are you prepared to do about it?? Cry and complain? OR if needs must become a Moses! SHOW them a better way! When the people in acts looked and listened to a man named Simon who was practicing Magic did Philip get upset with Simon??

NOPE He rather preached the real truth as you need to do! (Acts 8:9-13) Truth sets people free! When the Lord showed me this, I followed in this. 3 months later the Church came around to the real truth not Church doctrine truth! NOW!! AS brother B-A-C- stated and I fully agree talk with your Pastor nice but firm!

ASK him as I did mine if I could start a Bible study at home and invite all who wish to attend, I never talked against the Pastor or the Church! Rather show the people understanding and love and Jesus will win their hearts over to the truth! I told the people what the Lord was showing me about my self as well as my words and how important they truly are to self as well as to others! (James 3:1-18) was our first study, there is a lot to think about to all in these verses!

People want to be able to identify with someone like themselves, and you could become a very fine instrument to our Jesus if you will lead them and show them the truth in God's Word. This is a suggestion brother, do as you will but I can tell you from my own knowledge that this worked very well for me.

 

[Rockerduck]

Low energy people are like that in Churches. The church isn't dead, you're expecting energetic preaching. God has me going to a church right now. He has given me an energetic Spirit. I pump people up and motivate my Sunday school class. It's a wonderful experience when the Holy Spirit moves, and I see people happy.

 

[Twistie]

Yeah, I'm stuck in a lousy church. You can't ask questions. Worship is dead. If the preacher has anything interesting to say, it's just his opinion; if he actually sticks to the Word, it's the same stuff I've been hearing for the last 50 years. (Another sermon about David and Goliath? Really?) And they're more interested in remodeling the sanctuary than serving the homeless or giving to missions. Dead in every way. But I'm stuck because my ministry is with international missions, and you have to be a member of the denomination in order to be on the denominational missionary committee. It's really discouraging. I tried to find some decent mid-week Bible studies or worship services but I haven't had any luck.

We are told you will know my children by the love they have for one another if there's no love it's just a dead building people going to hang to meet up with their clicks.. j.s.