The Mother Lode - They're called "pews" because they stink!

Jul. 2, 2008

They're called "pews" because they stink!

Benny Hinn's been calling me again. Rather....his automated phone service beckoning us to come attend a Circus Meets Religion meeting. They're certainly persistent, I'll give them that.

We've been out of the organized church scene for several years now and the longer I'm out the more happy and free I feel. Yes....I've become the apostate I was worried about several years ago.

At first it was bewildering. All of my self-worth as a Christian was measured by my church involvement: cleaning the building, leading worship, children's ministry, blah, blah, blah. God smiled on me when I read my Bible, and frowned when I didn't.

And we did a LOT of questioning. What's the matter with us? Why can't we just get with the program? Lord--is this YOU leading?!

Looking back now I see we were asking the right questions...but we were asking the wrong person.

The marketing of God, the commercialization of the Gospel...running "church" today has become big business. And the governing structure that we refer to as " church leadership" resembles a corporation more than it does what Jesus modeled.

What grieves me more than anything though is the increasing irrelevance of "church." We've become more concerned about politics and silly programs designed to compel "Them" to come visit and "get plugged in." Much of it is well-intended, I am confident of that.

But sadly, so many believers think fellowship means filling into a building on Sunday morning, listening to uplifting music (while staring at the back of someone's head) and an inspiring message...is church.
Or worse yet....they get so blasted busy, like we did once upon a time, doing God's bidding (READ: PROGRAMS)....that we forget about RELATIONSHIP with him....and with our NEIGHBORS.

Yeah...who ever coined the name "pew" got it right.

We will now return to our regularly scheduled witty entries....

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Comments

Jul. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by sugartreecreek <%CommentAuthorIP% >

Amen! Hit the nail on the head! Love the title too :)

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Jul. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous <%CommentAuthorIP% >

Ah Theresa,
You're speaking my language girl!!!!! LOL. But seriously, you are. We're in a similar position to you guys, and have been for several years. Yep, it's also tiring and disappointing that once people find out that we don't attend an organised church we seem to suddenly slip down that spiritual ladder. Oh dear, The Church should be about more than that...that's what Christ wants- much more than programs and getting people 'rooted in' all in the name of church growth.

Well, enough ranting from me...just wanted to also say *hi*.

Susan <><
www.kerugma.net/blog

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Jul. 6, 2008 - Great Post

Posted by Anonymous <%CommentAuthorIP% >

Religion is way off base today. It probablly always has been. Like you I've searched through a lot of religion and found it does not fulfill.

Amazingly, a few months ago, the Salvation Army asked my wife and I to start a non-traditional fellowship in inner city Nashville. Our goal is to build a body of believers who love and support one another across racial and ecconomic lines. We don't even take an offering, but have a box in the back of the room. Rather than having sermons, each week we have a different person share how God has worked in his or her life. We also have a different worship leader each week. God has also brought many kids to us from the neighborhood and we feed and minister to them.

We would love you to visit us. We are at 225 Berry Street, corner of Berry and Meridian, Map Quest will give you directions. We meet on Sunday at 10:45. We also have a Christian recovery group (Celebrate Recovery) on Thursday at 6:30. All God's best to you.

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Jul. 10, 2008 - disappointed

Posted by pat <%CommentAuthorIP% >

Sorry, T, but as much as I love you, this time, I disagree. Yes, churches have problems, but churches have always had problems, just read Paul's letters. That's because God made us with free will, and that free will carries right into the church organization. For your sweet family, avoiding the traditional fellowship may be the right thing right now, but that is because you have the intense desire and need to find the fellowship of Christians in the community while not in an organized church, and you still read, pray, and serve without the support of an organized church to stimulate and encourage you.

I need more than that. I NEED the organized church, even though at times, I know that Satan has infiltrated our ranks within that precious fellowship. After all, who does the Satan need more than those who call themselves committed Christians? When we need money, we to to a bank, so when God's adversary needs to find Christians, he logically goes to churches to create havoc and discontent. Churches will have ups and downs, but I have found far more ups than downs because I look for the positive. I find great joy and comfort in the singing of hymns, the pews, the stained glass windows, etc. etc. I need to demonstrate my faith not only by the acts that I do for others, but also by my standing within a church--even if that means working in the kitchen or doing a children's chat.

I am upset that you would generalize your "pewy" feelings to support only the negative side of organized religion. Perk up, friend. Let's be thankful for those within the church who are using this forum to grow in God's word and support His ways--just as you are doing in your own little 5 person church.

Have a wonderful day.

Pat

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