Comments for Churchless

Comment on A typical week “outside the box” of organized religion by Reziah

Reziah — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:20:15 +0000

My husband and I left “the life of a church attendee” many years ago. I have long grown tired of other Christians asking me “Where do you go to church?” And also of hearing them say “The bible says forsake not the assembling of yourselves together” and grouping that with – “you know, you really need to find a good church” – or “you need a pastor to hold you accountable and to help you grow”.

I always ask others to show me the scripture verse that says “Thou shouldest meet every Sunday in a church building and attendest a Wednesday night bible study.”

I explain the them that I get the fellowship the bible talks about when I have lunch with other believers and we talk about the bible and what God has been doing in our lives, or talking about the things of God in person or over the phone with others. I gently explain that I am not against much needed fellowship, that I DO enjoy hearing other’s opinions of what a scripture means to them and how the LORD has used others to speak into my life during a simple conversation – but what I do not agree with is one person standing in front of a whole congregation and telling that congregation what “Thus saith the Lord”.

Jesus is my only Pastor. He is my Shepherd and I am his sheep and another I WILL NOT FOLLOW. Since leaving the local ‘institution’ I have been able to focus on His will for my life, receiving His Correction, humbling myself in repentance and quiet contemplation and refection of His Word and Mighty Works and hearing His voice. I see it this way: If you can’t hear God’s voice for yourself, and you don’t know what His Word says because you have been too lazy to read it, what in the world are you going to do when the One World Government makes it illegal to meet with others and you are prohibited from even possessing a bible?

Comment on Don’t we need pastors to equip the saints? by Gordon

Gordon — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:52:58 +0000

Professional pastors. Sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Comment on Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You! by Ty

Ty — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:45:08 +0000

You can choose to or not to go to church. The one thing God gave us is choice. And yes, we are the church. But remember “we” are not “I” am. Together we make up the body of Christ and His church. You can’t do it alone. That’s why there are other people around you. Yes, there are many churches that are boring and not doing the right thing. Don’t go to that church. Find a church that is rooted in the Word and appeals to you. If I want to lose weight, yes, I can do it at home all by myself. But if I’m serious, I’ll go to a good gym with people and trainers who can help me get the results I want. A good church brings people to your life that can help you grow stronger spiritually. PLUS, there are gifts within you that should be shared with others. There is something that you can share with someone that can change their life for the better. Why stay at home keeping it to yourself?

Don’t let the mistakes of a few churches ruin you from going. Also, sometimes people stop going to church because of an instance or perceived instance with an individual. Talk to the person and have open dialogue. Sometimes you can resolve the situation without resorting to the extreme of banning church all together. I dislike some lawyers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t uphold the law. I dislike some doctors, but that doesn’t mean that medicine can’t help me. Don’t let the actions of people prevent you from church or the services it can provide you. And if push comes to shove, start a church. Meet with friends and grow together. We can do far more together and we can sitting alone at home. I wish you a very blessed Easter and pray that you find a church that will change your mind. Much love from Montgomery.

Comment on Don’t we need pastors to equip the saints? by Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:04:21 +0000

So, I’m curious… What are professional pastors to do???

Ok, I’ll will play devil’s advocate! What about all the references in the Bible about shepherds and a “workman is worthy of his hire”?

Comment on Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You! by wenie

wenie — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:11:13 +0000

It’s like some say on here and more. Theres plenty of places online that expose the wrongs about church. I like that tract somewhere online that speaks of the true temple and explains the true church is not a place we go but helping the poor. The rich and popular real estate individual cons are the problem. Realtors continue to support local church funds. Lots of nepotism runs in the south. Southern churches are condemning individuals for wearing or speaking their minds about Jesus in our bodies. Maybe someday somebody will speak for those of us that are tired of the wealthy church members and pastors controlling politics all over the south!

Comment on They don’t go to church because… by Kevin Fusher

Kevin Fusher — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:59:33 +0000

My wife and I left a Church 18 months ago, we walk, Kayak, do the garden and meet regularly with six or so friends. The experience is one of adventure and discovery. Our walk with Jesus is stronger and more focused. I am working with the Lord to be salt and light in my business (Hairdressing)I find people want to hear about Jesus and some are willing to be prayed for, I am looking to be a link in the chain, a conduit for the Holy Spirit. Some of my Christian customers are supportive of my adventure some really think we will go into heresy! Some friends at our former Church are hurt and do not understand our reasons for leaving, and, for now to try to continue to explain, is not helpful to them. For myself dropping the baggage of being a former house group leader and an ‘alpha male’ along with three other men of the same ilk has been very interesting! I am begining to think that for men the emerging Church or whatever label you put on it is one of God’s ways of creating loving servants and dealing with people like me, who have mainly had functional relationships based on the Structure and mission of whatever denomination we have left. My Wife finds the more fluid, deconstructed way of doing things easier than me, which leads me to think that Women’s viewpoints and perspectives are a vital component in this new move of God.

Comment on Do I Have to Go to Church? by John

John — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:25:34 +0000

A response to Sterling. I’m in a similar situation, so I sympathise totally: quitting the established church not because I’ve lost my faith but because my faith has outgrown an inadequate church. Yes, I too feel guilt. I ask myself if I’m just being a “spiritual tourist”, looking for the right emotional experience; or whether I’m just letting my natural dislike of authority get the better of me. However, I have come to trust my instincts about church life and have resigned myself to going it alone. It has been a great release – not into egotistical “just you and me, Jesus” christianity but a deepening of faith. The meaningless rituals of church have been cleared away and I read the bible more regularly and with fresh understanding. I don’t rule out rejoining a church in the future – I still have great respect for some of them (the Orthodox church, for example) but I’m using this time as a chance to deepen my faith and really LIVE the life Jesus ordained for us rather than just doing my Sunday God shift, talking and arguing about and showboating. Anyway, I’m not sure if all the above makes sense to you, but please believe me, my thoughts are with you in your situation!

Comment on Do I Have to Go to Church? by John

John — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:14:05 +0000

Great reply, Frank. Couldn’t have put it better myself. I sit in a church full of rituals and people social networking and feel nothing. I sit and read the morning service and Book of Common prayer to myself, read the bible, pray in my downstairs toilet and most of all, try and live (however failingly) the life Jesus set down for us and feel that I’m close to God. If that means I’m going to hell, then so be it!

Comment on “Jesus is my boyfriend” music by Today’s Music Ain’t Got The Same Soul » First Thoughts | A First Things Blog

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:13:53 +0000

[...] our metrosexual worship leaders, two-guitars-and-a-drum praise bands, and “Jesus is my boyfriend” songs, I assumed we evangelicals had a monopoly on messing up church music. But at the always intriguing [...]

Comment on They don’t go to church because… by Stacy

Stacy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:08:34 +0000

I think the best function of the church is to expose young people to Christ. The Jr. High and High School programs are the most vital. After that, it just seems to be a bunch of gossiping ninnies. =)