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| Is the Church Responsible for Motivating Us in our Faith? |
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I have a friend who told me that she goes to church on Sunday morning and when she leaves, she doesn’t feel any better than when she went. She said that she used to be re-charged after church services, but now she feels unfulfilled and tired. I can understand what she is feeling because I have felt it before. The church I used to attend became more and more a place I felt I had to go, not someplace that I wanted to be. It became a routine, and there was no meaning in it at all. Is this the church’s fault? The preacher’s fault? Or is it possibly our fault?
We eventually left that church, and found another one, and this church that we now attend, has lit the fire that is inside of me, and given me a passion for God and for the church that I haven’t felt before. Is it the Church that did this? The preacher? Or me?
This friend of mine has been experiencing health problems, and she is physically tired a lot. Could it be that she is so wiped out physically at the end of a normal work week, that she has no energy left to invest in church or God? Is our spiritual well being totally dependent on our physical well being?
No doubt the church has a lot to do with our spiritual well being. Think of the church as a football team…the pastor is the coach…the members are the players. The coach’s responsibility is to motivate his players, and to teach them the rules of the game. But we as members of the church, or the team members, need to learn the plays, and need to take steps to keep ourselves motivated for the times that the coach is not there, the times between practices and the actual game. If we suffer an injury, we need to heal before we try to play again. Attempting to play with an injury is only going to hurt us further, or perhaps take us out of the game altogether.
My advice to my friend was two fold. First, I thought she might consider looking for another church. Now, I don’t want to sound like I encourage “church hopping”, which I don’t. But sometimes a church goes through some changes that are not necessarily compatible with what we believe. It is possible that finding a better “fit” would be a good choice, but it is not always the answer. For me it was, for someone else, it might not be.
Second, since her health is not doing well, I thought perhaps she should take some time off…not go to church, not get involved in the activities, just to give herself time to heal physically, while at the same time, trying to repair the relationship with the Lord, that seems to have taken a direct hit.
I don’t believe we need to attend church in order to have an intimate relationship with God, but I do think that it is vitally important to have the church as a support system. To develop friendships with other Christians is as important as having a good coach and a team full of talented individuals. It is in teamwork that we get things done…whether it be an event within the church, leading others to Christ, giving support to people who need help, and giving each other the support we need. If we try to do it all ourselves, we will fail.
I don’t know what my friend will do, but I am praying that she will find her way back to a loving and fulfilling relationship with God.
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Lourdes |
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September 23, 2007 at 7:20pm |
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Deb,
I would ask your friend the following question: How did God feel that Sunday?
Regardless of our feelings, how did God feel with our worship? Did we make God dance? Did He enjoy our "hallelujahs" and "Praise the Lords"? We all come to church with needs and waiting for the Holy Spirit to fill our heart, but... should that be the main and only reason? Being blessed by God on Sundays and/or any other day you congregation meets, is an act of God's mercy, because He loves us so much. If we go to a worship service with the main and only purpose to worship God, and to make God smile... then, as a result, we'll be abundantly blessed. We would not be able to wait for the next worship service.
I guess what I am trying to say is that your friend should really think and pray before making a decision of leaving her church. She needs to examine herself, talk to her pastor, and ask for the support of the church during this time in her life. Is this church true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are the pastor and the congregation aware of her physical and emotional condition? Have she gave them the opportunity to reach out to her? It is only in fellowship that we find the answer of many of our hurts.
My heart goes out to her. I hope she finds the source of her “re-charge” in God and in her church.
Lourdes |
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All over the world, the local churches have become self-cetered and not Christ-minded. The pastors want to be ministered to but do not minister to the saints there. There is no body ministry in a local church. The elders there are only there just to minister to the pastor. They dance to the tune of the pastor. There is no true fellowship there. In mega-churches, thousands come and go after attending the worship services.
Many house churches are now making a debut all over the world. In these house churches also, the pastors take over the pulpits. The levitical priesthood of the Old Testament is still entrenched in almost all the churches. We cannot build on the foundation of the Old Testament. The New Testament churches are body ministries. Every believer is a minister of God there. There is no priesthood there. Let us pull down the present church structures and then build.
Job Anbalagan |
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Dear Jack,
Greetings in Jesus' Name. Thank you for your prompt response. The remnant or the little flock has to assemble together for fellowship. We need fellowship with one another. We should not forsake the assembling as cautioned by Paul. The local church is imperfect. But still we need fellowship with the saints there. "In whom ye also are builded together for an inhabitation of od through the Spirit" (Eph.2:22). "We may be able to comperehend with all saints what is the breadth and length, and depth, and height...." (Eph.3:18). Under the New Covenant, we have to grow in fellowship with other saints. I cannot be a loner. |
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R |
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September 24, 2007 at 7:09am |
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Hey Deb, Jack & Job,
Deb, I'm sending you a private message.
Lourdes, it is toward God that we should have our focus. I agree with you. Afterall, do we sing it like this, "I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it, and it's all about me, it's all about me... Jesus?"
Jack & Job, it looks like to me that you are doing what the other is talking about. It looks like to me that you are in more agreement with each other than you might realize.
My assessment of it... but what for? It's 5am. Hello? R... |
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Misse |
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September 24, 2007 at 8:45am |
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Deb,
Thank you for that post. I have asked those questions myself. I am in the same position too. All I know is to me and this is my opinion, if no one is getting saved or no alter call gets made then thats when you question......Am I at the right place? I and my family are home churching. We love the Lord and even getting to know him more. Our faith has been lifted up so much. We went through the season of which our bodies felt terrible at church. Sickness would come in and it was challenging every Sunday to go to church. I would always go in just like I came, miserable. My husband and I would fight and argue every Sunday before church. I ask God what is going on here Lord? This didn't make any sense that the only time we couldn't get along is on Sunday and our whole day was ruined. I do think the right church is it. I never gotten fed. Now God has set us apart of the church and having home church has been AWESOME! We still talk to the church and all but are beliefs is we want to see salvation, I never seen that at this church, I was there for 9 years and no alter call was ever made. It was a shame that I wasted my life. My marriage was even on the rocks. Now God has truly blessed us that my marriage couldn't be better, our family has become closer and now our faith has hit the sky. Our son was diagnosed with autism in 2000 and we have seen so much improvement with him in the time we've stepped out of this church. I still love them all, I just needed something else that Jesus would want me to have. So Just as long your friend has that relationship with the Lord and saviour then she is on the right track. I will pray for her. We are still the body of christ even if we don't go to church. God BLess you and your friend. |
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I'd agree with the point that we probably grow the most in intimacy with the Lord, but how do we know how much we've grown if we remain in isolation? It seems to me that living in community with other believers puts that growth to the test, and illuminates areas of weakness or struggle in us. Anyone can be a perfect saint in a vacuum!!
The NT church started out in homes, but it didn't end there. The epistles and the book of Revelation show sizeable churches formed. The answer to the Church's problems is not to dismantle organized churches. The root of the problems in organized churches doesn't go away just because we assemble in smaller numbers, or refrain altogether from assembling. The root is man's tendency to cling to self interest. Heck, that tendency threatens small/cell groups exactly as it threatens entire local churches!!
What good does it do to criticize "the Church", when the problem is mankind's? None, in my opinion. Deb, I realize that I probably didn't address your blog, I apologize. It was a good read, and maybe if I have time I can comment further. God bless!!! ~mike
ps... In China the house church is the basic gathering unit of Christians. And I've just read that there is tremendous fragmentation and lack of unity there, because of a myriad of differing beliefs on things such as baptism, tongues, worship style, money, etc..... House churches are not the answer to the problem of sin within the Church. |
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Our first priority is to walk closely with our Lord through our personal fellowship with Him by prayers and by meditating on the Word of God. Our second priority is to have fellowship with some saints locally for breaking the bread and for sharing our experiences. Then our third priority is to witness by way of evangelism. I pray that the sister whom Deb has referred to may find true fellowship first with our Lord, and then with some saints in her locality. I request you all to click the following link which contains my meditation on the Song of Solomon which I did over a period of 15 years during my close walk with the Lord.
http://song.solomon.googlepages.com (The Voice of My Beloved)
I heard His voice through my personal fellowship with Him only and not through my fellowship with the other saints in the churches.
Job Anbalagan |
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Deb |
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September 24, 2007 at 2:27pm |
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Thanks to all of you for your comments. I will address each one, but wanted to say something to all first.
While I believe that worshipping our Lord, is a personal thing, I still think we need to be around other Christians, and most often we find that within an organized church. One reason I feel this way is that we need to keep encouraging each other in our walk with Christ. For another, we have support for the bad times in life, when we go through trouble and need a helping hand, either financially, spiritually, or emotionally. The church as a body provides that, or it should. Also, being in a church of like minded believers, we learn from each other, teach each other, and new Christians, and we can only do that by being around other Christians. We can also hold one another accountable in our daily lives. I am very much a private type of person. But being an active participant in my church is very important to me. I can still have my solitude, and do commune every day with God, alone. But I am also very encouraged by being with other people in my church. Whether it be in a small group bible study or a large Sunday morning congregation, I receive much encouragement by being with others.
While there are those that cannot go to church, perhaps because of physical limitations, and I don't believe you have to go to church to be a Christian, I think it is vitally important to be able to attend church and be with other believers if you can find a church that you enjoy.
That said, I will now comment on each individual...
Jack, even Jesus went off alone to be with His Father. I certainly do not discourage spending time alone with God. Actually I believe it is necessary to have a good realtionship with Him. But Jesus was amid the crowds of people too, to minister to them. For me personally, I enjoy the church, and consider myself to be blessed because of the church that I attend. When I go to church, my worship is personal, I don't pay any attention to the others around me except whoever is leading the group. But for the times that we have social gatherings, i.e. bible study, Sunday School, etc., those times are extremely encouraging to me. I would suggest that you try church again. Not every church is good for each person...it takes several tries to find one that feels like "home". But if you find one that you can call home, you will be even more blessed for it. |
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Deb |
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September 24, 2007 at 2:43pm |
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Lourdes, your comments are very thought provoking. I will ask them to my friend, and that may get her thinking about things. To my knowledge, she has not reached out to anyone in the church. (We do not attend the same church). Our main goal in attending church should be to praise God, and in turn we will be blessed. If our heart is not there to praise Him, then why is it there? For our own benefit? Maybe her reasons for being in church on Sunday mornings are more for herself than for God. Only she has that answer, but I hadn't thought of it in that way. Thanks for making me think.
Job, I agree that a lot of churches are self centered and not Christ minded. Those churches will eventually fail, because Jesus needs to be at the center of it all. I feel fortunate to belong to a church that I think models that behavior. It isn't perfect, and I won't say that there are not disagreements or problems, but it is the best I have found, and it is a blessing to me. I am a loner, but I also need to be around others who believe like I do, to soak up their encouragement. Like you said, we need to have our solitary time with God, but we also need people. I appreciate your thoughts...and I am going to go read the link that you gave.
R., I will respond to your message in like manner...why are you up at 5am?
Misse, I am sorry that you had such a bad experience in the church. That is not how I feel a "true" church should minister to its people. I am glad that you have found peace in home churching, but do you ever have any groups that you get together with? Do you try to lead others to and teach them about Christ? Do you have a support system for when you go through the tough times? Just because the church you attended didn't give that to you, doesn't mean none will. A lot of people get tired and give up when they can't find a good church. I was fortunate to have found the one we attend rather quickly after we started looking. It has truly been a blessing in my life, that would not have happened had I given up on church altogether.
Mike, I would agree with you. The problems in an organized church can still surface in a small group. It is because of man's self-centered nature...not because the church is a bad place on the whole.
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Deb |
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September 24, 2007 at 2:54pm |
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| Jack, I am glad that you have found something that gives you peace and a wonderful relationship with the Lord. That is the most important thing. I guess we all have different tastes and different ideas of how we feel we should worship our Lord. Doesn't make you wrong or right, or me either. As long as we are worshipping God in a way that will bring us closer to Him, and help us grow in our faith, then that is what truly matters. |
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Deb,
Great post. Thanks for sharing. I agree with Mike above that we can grow a lot in our intimacy, but where does the rubber meet the road? In the gathering together of the saints. I won't debate the issue about organized religion. I don't think that was what you intended this to be about.
All of us depend on outside influences to motivate us. We also depend on us motivating ourselves. I would agree with you that your friend is probably burned out which doesn't really have anything to do with the church. (Will she leave her family if she gets burned out with them?) Rather, I beleive there are times when we receive and there are times when we give. Contrary to popular belief when we are burned out is when we need to offer a sacrifice of praise...when we don't really want to. Do it in the church or do it in your living room. Just do it. By making an offering, our spirit becomes refreshed, and we start the day anew. |
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Deb |
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September 25, 2007 at 1:42pm |
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Jack, you must have had a really horrible experience with organized church. And I can certainly agree that many churches do not preach the God of Love...but a God that is a "terrorist", as you put it. The church I attend is NOT that way. If it were ever to be that way, I would continue to look for another church that believed that God is a loving God. A friend, not our enemy. Unfortunately, you have come to the conclusion that all churches teach that God is not loving, but that is so wrong!!! My God, the one that I worship and my church worships, is a loving God who loves everyone!!! No matter their sins, no matter their beliefs. It saddens Him to see the world as it is today. You have every right to be crying over those churches, But don't lump them all into one category. There are some really GOOD and wonderful and God loving churches out there...and I am blessed to be a part of one of them. I wouldn't change that for the world. And I don't feel that I have been brain washed or led astray, or that I am being taught that God is someone we should be afraid of. He is someone that we should be in awe of, but not afraid. I don't know why I feel I have to defend my stand on organized church, but I do. By saying that organized churches are painting God as evil, you are saying that ALL churches are that way. The enemy wants to break apart the church of God, wants to make division in all of us "Christians", and one way he will do it is to split them apart. Not all churches are bad. I'm sorry that you feel that they are.
DC, I do think that my friend is burned out with life, but no, I don't think she would leave her family, and I don't think she will leave the church. You are right that the time we need to offer up praise is when we feel least like doing it. I am praying for her, and will encourage her in whatever way I can, but ultimately she is going to have to dig deep to figure out what she needs to do to light the fire within again. |
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Deb |
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September 25, 2007 at 2:51pm |
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| I have found a blog that is a good read that goes along with my blog...this is the link...Losing Heart |
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I'll be praying for your friend. It sounds like your friend is at the very least under stress; she might possibly have clinical depression. You know her best. If she hasn't been evaluated, prayerfully consider suggesting that to her.
When we are under stress, that old "fight or flight" instinct kicks in. If she feels too weak to fight, the next best thing is to run away. It is how we are wired.
I does not sound like the church is behaving in a way that would go against what Scripture requires. If it is, that needs to be pointed out to the leadership. It sounds more like your friend is discouraged and wants to find something to make her feel better. Going to another church might help in the short term, but once the new wears off, it is likely she will find herself once again where she is right now. Our faith is not a feeling. Sometimes our walk with God is exciting, but sometimes it is hum-drum. Remember, our hearts are deceitful. A better standard for evaluating her church is scripture, not her feelings. If they are functioning within scriptural standards, then her issue is not with the church. It is a struggle within herself. I've been there and it is a tough place to be, but if she can face her struggles head-on and resist the desire to ignore them or run away from them, she will benefit greatly.
If underlying psychological causes are eliminated, your friend might be better off staying put and finding a Christian mentor. She needs help abiding in her faith, no matter what her feeling. Finding someone who is a bit further along in their Christian walk who can encourage her might help a lot. But first, talk to her about being evaluated. I'm serious. There is no reason to live in that kind of pit.
In the meantime, I find listening to CD's of dynamic Christian speakers helps get me through those down times. Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer are two of my favorites. Check out their websites. If you can afford it, order her a CD or two. Bless you for caring so much for your friend! |
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Deb |
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September 25, 2007 at 3:42pm |
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| Soozanne, thank you for your suggestions. I will pass them on to my friend. I would agree that depression is quite possibly a factor, plus her health is not what it should be. She has been under a lot of stress, and I know that is adding to her problems. I love Beth Moore, and I think that is an excellent idea...she loves to read, so I could send her a book...thanks again. |
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Deb |
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September 26, 2007 at 12:49pm |
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Lisa, great comments! I would agree that many churches today do not "feed" their flock. And that is very sad to me. I am very fortunate and extremely BLESSED to be part of a church that does feed its flock, where we reach out in God's love to help others. It makes me so sad that I have met so many on here that have been turned off by church in the traditional sense. And yes, I think we do need fellowship, and small groups are a great way to do that. I am part of a couple of different small groups at my church.
And depression certainly does color your view of everything. I have been there, and it can do a number on everything in your life, even the things you find joy in. Thanks for your comments!! |
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