I've just had my feelings hurt.
::sigh::
There seems to be an issue with Christians who don't attend church.
For the second time, I have been excluded from participating in a ministry/bible study because I do not sit every Sunday in a chair within a building.
The first instance involved participation on an organization's board, an organization that ministers to ladies in the community. While they were eager for me to be involved at first, once I advised that I wasn't attending any particular church at this time, I never heard a word from them again.
Now it seems that I am not welcome to participate in a bible study, even though I have expressed interest in participating. No explanation of why I am not welcome, just a post on a social networking site that talks about the study starting in two days and an exclamation of being excited to see the ladies. Apparently, I am not one of those ladies.
These two instances, along with other conversations, give me the impression that "other" Christians believe that if you don't fellowship within the four walls of a building every Sunday, you cannot fellowship elsewhere or any other day of the week.
I had a conversation a couple of months ago with a friend regarding church attendance and how God commands it in the bible. The gist of what I understood this person to believe (and it's not just this friend, it's many other Christians) is that not attending church every Sunday constitutes sin and disobedience. Thank to Almighty God and Jesus Christ for dieing for my sins.
Many Christian's use the following verse to support this belief:
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb. 10.25)
I actually agree with this verse. However, within the context of the time it was written and the manner in which they assembled, I'm not so sure it resembles the way we "gather" today. Wasn't the point of assembling together, or even fellowshipping for that matter, the edification of the body? If you are not being edified, should you just continue sitting in that pew anyways?
I find churches now-a-days very clicky, just like in high school. So, if I can gather with brothers & sisters outside of the those four walls, be edified and grow in my faith, enjoy sweet fellowship, and most importantly pursue my calling as God has called me, why would I continue within those four walls?
There is more to being a Christian than sitting within a building, feeling uncomfortable.
And besides, my church attendance is between me and God. I wonder if it has occurred to anyone that I am actually being obedient to God; perhaps He has called me out of the organized masses so that I can concentrate on Him and Him alone.
If the church makes me, a fellow Christian, feel this way, is it any wonder that non-Christians prefer to stay that way?
Although I agree with the verse that we should not forsake the assembly, let me assure you that God still loves you whether or not you ever attend another 'building based' church service. There is much benefit to gathering together with other believers and being involved in corporate worship and fellowship, but God's love is NOT based upon our performance.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered having your own bible study? I am sure there are many women in the same situation who would love to share the Word and fellowship with you.
More thoughts on the subject...
ReplyDeleteI don't advocate not going to church but there may be times when we don't have a place to go. Personally, I will not sit under wrong teaching or unbelief. I would also say that once we come to a place in our walk where it DOES matter where we plant our seat, it takes time to find the place where we belong. While we seek the wisdom of God in such matters we can still study, worship, and fellowship with the Lord at home.
Funny, my husband suggested that I start a bible study for women who are in the same situation as me. Any one local who is interested?
ReplyDeleteSee, God even uses husbands to speak to us!
ReplyDeleteTess
Agreed on all points, Sue! As you know, I'm in the same boat, as is at least one mutual friend (you remember JtM). Life Outside the Camp (Hebrews 13:13) isn't easy, but I'd be disobeying God to do otherwise right now. Know that you're not alone and you're right where God wants you, no matter what other people think -- we must obey God rather than man.
ReplyDeleter.a.