The Church (In General) & Aspies

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You know slowmutant I left the church but you have shown so much compassion and support that I think I may convert back. Keep that light shining.

That comment was not directed at you.

Pastor Nate,

Since you are in training, I would like to tell you what I think all churches in this day need.

One, I'm so sick of hearing church members and clergy speak for God. He speaks for Himself. The church isn't there to Speak for God but to help guide people to God. I just see too many people getting lost in their ego to take that guidance too far and literally try to speak for God.

Two, (goes with one, but a more specific example as there are many) judging people does not minister the Word of God. Too many churches seem to have messed that one up. In my mind, that's using the Lord's name in vain when you just plop your butt right on His throne and start doing His job for Him like pointing fingers and determining people's future in heaven or hell. I'm not saying you do that, but too many churches do. If I can get one young to understand that, maybe at least one person will spiritually benefit from it when they go to your church and feel comfortable enough to stick around until they discover God for themselves and decide to work on their morality. Since you do seem to look up to Jesus, from what I've read on His example, He seems just as concerned (if not more concerned) about the stray sheep as the flock, which more churches focus on the ones in the flock but preach about reaching those strays while they just scare them off as their teeth can often be just as vicious as a wolf's.

Three, I think it's important for church members (and this seems never taught) to understand people are on different spiritual maturity levels. You wouldn't expect a 6 year old to clean up his room and go to bed at the same time everynight on his own, but church mentality seems to expect that spiritually from people. Your college age students are going to be incredibly curious and doubtful spiritually while some guy sitting on his death bed is going to be a little more accepting of faith based concepts. I see too many churches lose their college age members by expecting them to have the mentality of a 50 year old, and what's worse, that age often has a hard time separating the concept of church from God, so when a church wrongs them, God had wronged them. I also think youth groups become more of a babysitter strategy like, let's have a social picnic for the kids type thing. An effective youth minister would understand the psychology of the age group they are dealing with and try to reach that group on their level, even if that means you have to change your approach to things.


Thank you. I just felt compelled to say that because those are the three main reasons I personally avoid church. Of course, now I have to find one because of kids.

I know, it just seems that some people try really hard to turn every topic into a debate. The last couple posts on this topic that struck me particularly like that were yours.

That is what I was referring to.

I don't know, I think I just need to stick to the other forums. I love to read other peoples feelings on religion but not arguments or attacks so much.

I realize my post was rather personal. I did exactly what I was trying to criticize. I apologize.

Tantybi:

WOW!! ! I am incredibly impressed with your heartfelt genuineness and candidness. Thank you (first of all) for writing to me! Secondly, THANK YOU for your wise counsel. I'm going to be printing this one off and sharing your thoughts with all of the Pastoral staff at Jesus People Family Worship Center (which just so happens to be me "home" church,) as well as with the leadership of our Center for Youth & Leadership at North Central University (where I am presently a Bible college student & Pastor-in-Training.)

When I start up a brand new church plant, you're the kind of person that I most DEFINITELY want and NEED on my staff! When it comes time for that, don't be at all surprised if I look you up. Until then, have a really BLESSED 2009.

Yours In The Great Commission,

PastorNate

I left my grandma's church cos the people there were not to fond in the way I dressed nor what I questioned in each testament. I don't really think what I asked in that church was offensive in any way since everyone else there asked and put their thoughts into the bible. I think they were real bothered about my issues of Mary literally being a virgin and why Moses did what he thought he had to do to his son in the old testament.

One guy lectured me after church about why witchcraft and sorcery was satanic in the bible all evening without me asking.....

I think God speaks for Himself, and you don't have to tell me what He thinks because I'm sure you have no idea what He thinks. If it was too long for your attention span, then don't read it. Besides, it wasn't directed to you.

God has never spoken for Himself, or at least not in a way that ordinary folks can hear. It has always been self proclaimed priests and prophets that have spoken for God. Anyone can speak TO God. It is the people who claim that God spoke to them that we have to be careful of.

ruveyn

It sounds like you didn't really want to be a part of that church to begin with.

Agreed.