May. 18, 2006 - So much on my mind
There has been so much on my mind lately. I have had sick children but joined a small KJV only little webring and some interesting topics come up.
This is what was asked :
"I'm just curious, how long have you women been going to your church that you go to now? I've been at mine since Nov. 1995. What makes you leave a church? Jay and I have been burdened about this for a year now. There are just so many issues involved and pray about it. We just haven't felt lead to stay or leave. Part of it is a loyalty issue and that's the #2 issue why we haven't left yet. Like I said, I'm just curious. I'm not trying to justify any of my reasons for wanting to stay or leave. ""
This was my reply :
How long have you been going to your church? Since January 2006, for just about the entire month of December we were very ill.
- Not getting fed by the Pastor.
- Lack of trust the Pastor or Deacons. Mind you, this isn't one happening, he is a man of flesh like you are.
- Money not going to the appropriate place. Any volunteer donation to a specific place, item or ministry is being given to the church, not to the Pastor, or the treasurer. To God. If you give your tithe, they use it where they deem necessary, if you give money for a specific thing, perhaps the bus ministry it should be used for that. Not for the lighting, but for the bus inspection, repairing a riped seat, special bus tracts.
- The general church having a 'judgemental spirit'. Being put in a box that you basically aren't allowed to get out of. This allows for no freedom of the Holy Spirit to work in you, for if He does, you are incapable of acting on it at church due to the questioning of your motives. People take many liberties in asking inapropriate questions. Ask me what I got from my bible reading today, not "Where is your husband?" My spiritual walk doesn't depend on my husband going to church or not. However, if your husband doesn't come with you to church, this leaves you very vulnerable to judgement and gossip and even slander. Please be in constant prayer.
- Your beliefs change from theirs. Not just beliefs, but convictions. (The difference is a belief is something you would do, a conviction is something you would actually die for, is wearing skirts a belief or a conviction?) For example, this is not to cause issues, but we believe in having our children in church with us, should we keep our children out of Sunday School or the Wednesday evening program. And can we do it without causing any distention in the church. In our case, we knew by some other couples that wanted to do what we did and it wasn't allowed by the Pastor. We knew there was no way we could practice what we believed without being in conflict with the practices / tradition of the church we were attending.
- Is your church one that will support you or control you. Encourage you or belittle you? Control is not the Holy Spirit.
I know its long, but there are definately reasons to leave your church. If you can't have trust you become critical and then bitterness and judgement come it.
We have a couple of failed homeschoolers at our site. I am one of them. I did a terrible job the first time I homeschooled and my husband said put them back in school, that I am only teaching them how to be angry. He was so right. Even today we are struggling with anger issues with our oldest 2. My youngest was 2 at the time, perhaps a little younger? and he didn't have any ill effects, that i can currently tell.
My thoughs reciently have been on headcoverings. Do I wear one or don't I? What is my belief? I have to do a little research, but I won't be wearing one any time soon. My husband would allow me if I so chose, but if I made that decision I would rob him of his spiritual leadership. It isn't my decision to make and until he makes a decision I will remain as I am. I would not want to overstep my bounds and role as a wife and helpmeet to him. If I did wear it, I would be making him answer for his wife. Why she chose to wear one. If it's an act of submission then why take a role of leadership in making that decision, thus taking away the 'submission' to my husband. Does that make sence to you all?
I know, it's been a long time since I wrote. I have no excuses. Perhaps someone would be willing to give me more information on why you should leave a church. Is loyalty a reason to stay if you have no faith? If you have no growth? If you are stuck in spiritual sinking sand? I am Loyal to my husband and to my family and to God. Is there loyalty to a Pastor spoken of in the bible? Just some thoughts I have.. Good night everyone... I'm off to get some bible reading in . I wasn 't feeling good this morning and my migrain has become just a bad headache now..
Nighty night all...
