As many of you know, there was a large upheaval at our current church. Our pastor was literally lynched by some elder members of our church. There was no meeting, no one in the church body was consulted, it was all done behind closed doors. My husband and I have had a really difficult time dealing with what has happened. Also, there really isn't a strong youth ministry. There is no youth group for our high school children at all and Eli is usually the only child in nursery.
Today we decided to visit a new church. We were literally amazed. The main focus of the church is on the youth. There are groups and activities for every age. When we sat down to listen to the youth pastor who was speaking today, I literally cried during the sermon because I could relate it to God's goodness as a Father in my own life. It was wonderful.
But now I feel bad, like I'm cheating on my old church.
31 comments:
Do what's best for you and your family...
You will know what that is in your heart..
Have a GREAT Day..
Kim
You have to go where your needs are met...and you can help meet others.
The church is the body of Christ, not one group of believers in one building. I'm going to cintinue to go to my church on Sunday nights but attend another church with the kids on Sunday mornings. The new church has so much more for my kids, and it's so imortant to me my kids get fed!
You have to go where your family's spiritual needs are met, and where you feel peace. God is in both places, so He'll meet you there!
I agree with all of the other comments...you have to go where your family's needs are met. Maybe everything that's happened has happened to steer you in a new direction...
WOW!!!!!!!
We went to a new church today too! Our youth ministry is also waning and decisions were made recently to limit it even more.
I love my church family and have strong friendships there, my husband and I both serve in many ways, yet we both felt that our son's faith is really in jeporday there.
Chris and I headed to a new church just around the corner... and we LOVED it.. and yes I do feel like I'm cheating too.
Chris did not want to make the change, his heart sad for his friends, when I picked him up from the youth room at the new church today, he said, "We are so switching Mom! I loved it!"
That nailed it in... I think we will at least go back next week!
You have to meet yours and your family spiritual needs. If this church does that, then go with a clear conscious.
Keep smilin!
Being one who has changed churches in the past I can understand your feling.
It did not take me long to feel that the change was a very good thing and I was not missing my old church.
I've become much more involved in the church I now attend,I've grown in ways I would never have imagined, and built some wonderful relationships with others.
I remember my pastor saying to me.I had to first heal over the hurt I had from my old church before he would alow me to become a member.
Words will never be ablre to tell of the great outpouring of support I recieved from my present church when I was so in need.
Follow your heart and do what God leads you to.He knows what you need now.Good Luck.
Ditto x 7. "The Church" is the family of believers, and is found where ever believers are. It isn't a specific building or congregation.
You may miss the friends you made in the congregation, but it sounds like there were some human politics going on that were, in effect, poisioning the congregation and threatening the spiritual health of that portion of "The Church".
Follow God's leading and you'll be at peace with your decision. You can still maintain your friendships with the old congregation, and make more at the new.
Okay, Ditto x 8. Mr Brian snuck a comment in while I was writing mine.
I hope this is the church for your family! Best wishes!
Michelle
Look at it as though God
has opened a new door for
you and your family. "It is up to you to enter"
It is interesting...
Not a long time ago our priest (who is young and dynamic) told us during the homily he wasn't happy that people told him they stopped coming to church while he was gone because they were bored with the priest who replaced him. He said Faith is not about the priest or the parish's community but about Christ and how we live in him.
It's was and still is challenging for me because I cannot see myself going to Church if I cannot receive and give what I need at the time being. Sometime I am more contemplative and can be "satisfied" only with prayers and readings and sometimes I need action, social justice and social events.
It is a tough call but I would think that on the long run, if you don't go where you can meet the needs of your family Faith, the loss will be bigger. So listen to your heart.
I agree with what's been said here!!
Moving churches is a big decision and shouldn't be taken lightly. However, even though it's hard, huge blessings can come from the move. Maybe the events that took place are leading your family towards making the switch. It is possible that there are blessings (through new friendships, a new person preaching, etc.) that God has in store for you and your family that you cannot even fathom. Trust God. He has your best interest at heart. He knows what your family needs in a church. Even more than that, He knows the ways which your family can serve and reach out to your new family of believers.
About the feeling like you're cheating on your old church - just remember it's all about Him!!! Going to church isn't about us ...
I'll be praying for your family as you seek Him on where y'all should go to church.
Do not feel bad. Your main priority are the children that God has blessed you with. We would not be attending our chuch if they offered nothing for our kids. Bryce just started going to the jr. high group and thinks it's the best thing in the world. It is so important for them to have friends who are facing the same things they are.
oh don't feel you are cheating. IF you had an uneasy feeling in your heart especially that was most likely Him telling you He had better plans for you and your family. He often speaks in quiet whispers.
Sounds wonderful I am glad you ahd a good service/
When we moved to this area, we visited 6 churches before we settled where we are now.
Our church has alot of activities and lessons for the kids.
My oldest is in a Confirmation class with 100 kids.
Tonight they have their fall kick-off with a concert. He is there as I write.
You are not cheating them, they cheated the Congregation when they didn't consult and didn't do what was best for the Church family! What I find hard is when you leave a Church, do you tell them why? After all maybe they could then improve?
I am so glad you found a good Church! Hopefully you'll be able to go back!
You have to go where you feel lead. I know we chose a church b/c they have a strong children's program..it is so good for the little ones to get what they need.
You need to go where you can grow. Sounds like you may have found your home. Yeah for you!
I can understand how you feel, I like the church that I go too but it isn't strong on the youth side either. I am looking to change but feeling guilty about looking elsewhere.
I know god will let me know I have made the right decision.
Follow your heart.You have to do what is best for your family....you always do.
I agree with everything that everyone has already said. Go with your heart.
You have to go where your family's needs are met. Don't feel guilty about doing what is right for you and your family!
I don't think you are cheating. You have to go where you find God and obviously, it's not at your old church. Perhaps he was also unhappy with the upheaval? Go where you feel lead. (and where your children can grow)
you are not cheating, you are meeting the spiritual needs of you and your family, that is what is important, and God understands that...
Sound like you found the right place, I'm very happy for you. As far as feeling like you are cheating on the other church I certainly wouldn't worry about that, they can still be in realtionship with you....your not cheating on God and that's all that counts. I'm sure if you prayerfully considered where to go God will open doors to you and I totally believe that it is vital for your youth to be plugged in where they can grow.
Blessings
I am a church secretary for a youth pastor and am heavily involved with church, and while I understand the feeling of cheating on your old church, bottom line is you have to go where you and your family are being fed and if that is not happening in your old church, then maybe God is directing you to a new place. Best wishes on your journey. Follow God's heart, He will not lead you astray!!!
follow your heart...
Give it some time, you'll figure out what's best. At least you have another option or something else to consider.
Finding a wonderful youth program was key for us too. God meets you where you are---always.
Post a Comment