Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

There are several issues making this difficult for me to just join:

(1) Healing Offerings- "You can't buy God's miracles, but just like the blind man had to go and wash a the Pool of Siloam, you're gonna have to do something too..... God will honor your obedience and sacrifice.... That little bit of money will mean nothing to you if you ever get sick and need the Lord to heal you...."

The above statements were made just today in service, justifying the "Healing Offering", separate from the regular tithes/offering.

(2) Healing Scriptures quoted between every song (MANDATED)- It's his church, as in he's the Pastor. So if this is what he wants, so be it, right? So why do I have a problem with this? Am I just being too critical?

(3) Respect- Sometimes, because of our past, I have to check my nasty attitude at the door before going into my Dad's church. When he prayed for me at the altar today, I found myself having to fight to concentrate on my prayer-- instead of the thoughts that flooded my mind like "man, this guy is a joke" and thoughts similar to this.

I do not disrespect my Dad-- at all. In fact, I left home to ensure that I wouldn't. But even now at 31, I still have to fight the thoughts that would cause me to have a "superior" attitude towards him. I know that attitude should not be there and I rebuke it when it comes.

I love my Dad and need my Dad. But because of our horrible history, I still get these bad thoughts from time to time. Does it mean that I haven't forgiven him yet?


Should I join his church again?

He sure could use the members too-- about 25 of us on a good day.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

1399,

It sounds to me like it would be better for both your spiritual life and your family life if you attended church elsewhere and just enjoyed your dad being your dad and not your spiritual shepherd.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

I agree for what it's worth.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

Only knowing what you've told us in your post, I'd agree with CC1 and Tstew. Given the feelings and hindrances you have with attending church with your Dad, it seems like you'd be happier and more effectively involved with another body of believers. You feeling comfortable being plugged into ministry and being effective in God's will is what's most important 1399.

I agree with your misgivings on the "healing offerings". I could go several different directions with that type of thing, but the most important thing is giving isn't a prerequisite for obtaining healing according to scriptures. Obedience was many times, but to my recollection none of those cases involved monetary obedience. That's completely shakey ground to me.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

I agree with CC1.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

Im in agreement!

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

I don't really think it has anything to do with your Dad's church and has everything to do with your Dad. The question is not whether you should attend your Dad's church...the question is, "How can your relationship be restored with your Dad?"

Take care of the most important thing and the church decision will just follow. You can ALWAYS attend his church or another, but you will only have ONE Dad and one shot at the relationship with him. It is worth whatever it takes to have a good relationship with your Dad. If he spurns your attempts, try again and again. If it won't work, then at least you tried. But the church thing is the minor issue, IMO.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

I agree with MOW.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

Yes I think what MOW said was wise, and I pray that you can be reconciled to your dad.

Re: Should I "rejoin" my Dad's Church?
 

1399, no disrespect to your dad, but this is the part that jumps out at me:
Healing offerings?

Did Jesus ever request healing offerings?
Did Paul or the other Apostles request healing offerings?

If they didnt, why should we?
I dont have anyone voluntarily bringing a special offering to the Lord when they're in need. The scriptures dont require it, but if someone feels like giving it...fine.
But I do have an issue with churches requiring it before they will pray for your healing, or to give you "a special word" from the Lord.