Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord (Post 1171518)

There is no way I could ever go back to the very church where all this abuse took place - that would be like a dog going back to his vomit. But I can live above what took place there - and is still taking place - by praying for them. It is possible. Yet, living in the same town or area as these people was rough. We did leave the area. That in itself has also helped with my healing.

Since then, my husband and I have went to different apostolic groups and non-apostolic groups... and we have found that every.single.church in EVERY denomination has corruption at every level because we are dealing with people. People who sin. People who love human worship. It is just a fact of life. It can't be helped.

My family and I, through this long journey, have realized that we do need the body of Christ though. We cannot be the eye or the ear or the nose or the arm alone. We must be a part of a living Christ-centered body.

For our family, we have found it, not in the typical church building wtih a name over the door, but in being a part of a home group. We do attend a local church also, but we are not "members" ... but we go occasionally to visit and fellowship other people. We also have a home group that we attend, and we have bible studies and prayer time with our children on a regular basis. Because of these two things, the home group, and our own personal home bible studies with our family, that is truly where we have grown more fully into a relationship with Christ.

Each one must find his own place, but nevertheless, being part of the "body" of Christ, is a necessity. We need our brothers and our sisters to lift us up, encourage us, and to grow together into the fullness of Christ. Whether that body of Christ in your area is a home group, or a place where people meet that has a name over the door, all of us need to find Spirit filled, personal holiness minded (I didn't say standards...) people who want to live their lives with their focus centered on Christ. Wherever that is.

If there is not one in your area, give it to the Lord. He is able to lead and guide you exactly where you need to be.

So... one thing I have found to be true, spirit filled believers need each other, but we need a personal relationship with Christ even more. If you make that a priority in your life, the Spirit will guide you into a church, and a place where you need to be.

Originally Posted by Pressing-On (Post 1171206)

I'm never going to get over this one! :sad

Originally Posted by Cindy (Post 1171321)

I realize everyone grieves at their own pace. But, we are also to be accountable to ourselves. I am very patient with many on this forum. I myself have been injured and chose to forgive. And mine was in a public manner.

We take responsibility for our actions and reactions. I realize we are all human, but God is our resource for life.

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 1171563)

I think the major difference between dealing with problems in the church, and dealing with them in the world is that we are taught, either subliminally, or blatantly, to not engage in conflict in the church. Don't confront the situation, ignore it, pray about it, whatever, and it will go away. But it doesn't. The hurt festers, the wound gets infected, and it's just never a good idea to ignore problems, conflicts, hurts, etc.

In my job now, I still have disputes with people, but we immediately go into my office and have them out. We may yell, scream, pound our fists, but when we leave, the issue is resolved.

When I pastored, I dealt with people who were openly rebellious. I had to put up with that. It caused great stress on me. In my current role, if I have issues like that, I can deal with them openly and quickly, and if the person refuses to line up to the job expectations that they agreed to, I help them with other career opportunities.

When I have a disagreement with my boss, I can now go into his office, state my case, we discuss it, and I live with the final decision.

In my HUMBLE opinion, what creates more hurts and deep wounds in a church is the inability, or unwillingness to confront issues head on and work them out. If we could all do that, I think the church would be a much happier place.

But, again, just my two cents.........

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 1171555)

Sorry, PO.....but, it's time you knew the truth! :heeheehee

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 1171563)

I think the major difference between dealing with problems in the church, and dealing with them in the world is that we are taught, either subliminally, or blatantly, to not engage in conflict in the church. Don't confront the situation, ignore it, pray about it, whatever, and it will go away. But it doesn't. The hurt festers, the wound gets infected, and it's just never a good idea to ignore problems, conflicts, hurts, etc.

In my job now, I still have disputes with people, but we immediately go into my office and have them out. We may yell, scream, pound our fists, but when we leave, the issue is resolved.

When I pastored, I dealt with people who were openly rebellious. I had to put up with that. It caused great stress on me. In my current role, if I have issues like that, I can deal with them openly and quickly, and if the person refuses to line up to the job expectations that they agreed to, I help them with other career opportunities.

When I have a disagreement with my boss, I can now go into his office, state my case, we discuss it, and I live with the final decision.

In my HUMBLE opinion, what creates more hurts and deep wounds in a church is the inability, or unwillingness to confront issues head on and work them out. If we could all do that, I think the church would be a much happier place.

But, again, just my two cents.........

Originally Posted by Pressing-On (Post 1171570)

I don't believe you! If that is true, who has been eating the milk and cookies then?!! :foottap

Originally Posted by Pressing-On (Post 1171571)

I agree with this. :thumbsup

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps (Post 1171572)

Your Daddy!!!!