Did disappointment over a small church gone big ever happen to you? You have attended the small church when they were still in humble beginnings looking to know and accept Jesus in your lives, when the church you've come to love became big , you felt lost, disappointed and questioned yourselves if this is really the Church you want to be a part of, the church you want your family to be a member of.
I admire Churches that do not ask where you came from. What was your previous religious background and beliefs? I have great respect for churches that welcome people of all walks of life. I also appreciate churches who cater to families, especially with babies, with kids ( that we all know won't sit still even for 5 minutes). They have a nursery , where you can drop your little bundle of joy while you attend the service and childcare, where young minds can also be ministered to and taught the word of God. This is great for parents. Every day you serve your family and that one day ..Sunday, a day to worship our God.. you get to feed your soul solemnly.
Let's face it, babies, toddlers they are never quiet. As a parent, we've all been there when we are too sensitive enough to remove your child because they are just simply noisy. We know when to remove or kids when they start to disturb. But what happens when there are certain circumstances or days that you just have to be with your child inside the sanctuary. The most terrible thing that you can ask a mom or a dad during a service is to step out of the church because ushers believe ( on their standards of disturbance) that your child is disturbing the peace and sanctity of the fellowship. What happens when the church comes up with superficial rules and ways? Do you stay with them or look for a church that embodies what your souls, mind, and heart needs?
A church..any church is run by a large number of people. People are bound to make mistakes. No matter how many new rules they come up with or well decorated a church can be. The truth is JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. Know that He loves children and this is what matters when we know the greatness of His love for us.
" But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. " -- Luke 18:16
If you decided to take a little hiatus from the church because you need to pray for the Lord's guidance on how you can handle the situation best..that is just okay!
As parents, we do what we have to do for our family, if it involves raising them as God as the center of your family..of course, you have all the right to re-evaluate your choice of fellowship. Pursue His Words in any way that you can. Don't stop. Pray.
" Pray without ceasing , In everything give thanks " -- 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18
Know that in every church , you will still find that one person..that one bad egg. Perfection ( of this world) is far from reality. We all go to church to hear the Word of God , and don't let this one bad egg hinder you.
And when you decide to try out another church , go and do not be guilty. Seek Him , ..seek His Words.
" I love those who love me may those who seek me find me." -- Proverbs 8:17 ( NIV)
" But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. " -- Deuteronomy 4:29 ( KJV )
Do not bash the previous Church that you use to attend. We are human beings and we get mad, this is hard specially when we got hurt , embarrassed and agitated. Instead just pray for guidance . We have to vent , I get it. But let's not talk bad about any religions as well. RELIGION WILL NOT TAKE YOU TO HEAVEN , BUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD WILL ..
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I agree with you Khit. I have been disappointed too and I have
ReplyDeleteseen little ones treated badly at church. What can I say?
Humans... I am too... Thank God for His grace and mercies.
Blessings :-)
Hi Kath , It does happen sadly. Thank you for visiting! have a blessed week ahead my friend!
ReplyDeleteYou can get lost in a big church whether you were there when it was small or came once it was big. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Khit. You have a really nice blog.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important part of this whole process is prayer and grace. So often, when hurt or offended, we slide away rather than Biblically working through the issues we have with our church community. There are definitely times when we are best served in another church home, but often, we are looking for a perfect that just doesn't exist. That's where the prayer and grace need to come in. Thanks for posting so lovingly on this topic!
ReplyDeleteOne way to engage in a large church is to find a place to serve. We all benefit from worship time and teaching--and we grow in community/relationship by participating in the work of the church.
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