I’ll try to keep this short.
I have been saved and serving in the church for 16 years. Left my home town to persue ministry, got a degree in pastoral studies, went to work as a youth minister, completed the course of studies through a particular denom for ordination, moved again to plant a church, was denied ordination unless I changed a particular view, lied to; maybe not intentionally by a close friend and pastor and finally more or less blamed for the end result.
I have always concidered myself a person who “hangs in there” and have always tried to direct change in the church if it were neccesary for the growth of the body. So I am not easily detered. But after all this I finally decided to leave the institutional church. I must admit that I am angry at much of what has taken place, (not with God), just angry and tired of being treated with disregard by followers of Christ. I get more respect and love from my non-believing friends than I do from the church. My wife left the church almost a year ago only to be told that she has a “heart issue” with God. This is just another pat answer that the church gives people who are struggling. I left several month ago. Not one person has called us, invited us to any funtions or tried to encourage us to come back. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but we feel as though we have been written off by the church. I still have a couple of friends from that congregation, but not many.
So I’m not sure what to do. I know a few things…God has not written us off. He still has a plan for us. He love me whether or not I’m a part of the IC. I will be getting involved with a small group of people who want to study the Bible soon. I think I’ll just do that for a while and be content with it.
I really believe that God is teaching me some important things through my experiences so that’s why I entitled this “Still Learning.”
Thanks for listening. Don’t stop loving.
Ed.
Email this LFL Content to a Friend
Ed,
The first thing that came to mind after reading your letter is “He is not alone.”
The bad news is you are not alone. This type of story seems all to common for a group of people who are supposed to be known for their love for one another.
The good news is you are not alone. I really believe God is up to something and the Spirit is moving among this mess and will create something beautiful.
You’re a wise man, Ed. I think you’ll find that group study time fulfilling. I’ve done something similar on and off for the past six months, and it’s been a real blessing. Also, I think a small group studying, sharing, fellowshipping, is a Biblical model of church.
There is actually a book about starting churches in this way, but I can’t remember what it’s called. The idea is that you work with an existent community (like a circle of friends) rather than trying to falsely create one. Not that you need to feel responsible to start a church! That’s up to you and God.
God bless whatever you do, though.
~Alisa
It’s amazing what God is doing in the hearts of his people. Babylon is alive and well in the insitutional churches. I’m not railing against them, for even Babylon hath been a golden cup in the lord’s hands. But, it is so awesome to se how many people are being led of the spirit and not of man. surely we are getting close to the time when we will see the Sons of God be made manifest.