Quote:
Originally Posted by CC1
"All the time"?????? I challenge you to find where I have said anything in a long time. I continually restrain myself and just pray for you guys. It honestly breaks my heart for you guys to abandon church life because of your bad exrperience.
The Bible clearly talks about the value of assembling together and of pastors, teachers, etc. You are missing out on some things God put in place to help you get over the hurt you experienced.
I don't say any of this with anything but love and hope for you and your husband. I know you guys have a lot to offer the Kingdom of God.
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I can honestly say that I do not need a pastor, or a church of any sort... there is nothing that either a pastor or church can provide for me that I cannot find for myself. When I listen to phone calls of people that for some reason have to talk to my dad (a pastor) almost daily, or even several times a day, it intrigues me more than anything else. I just can't imagine how their lives must be if they feel they cannot make any decision, or go through any sort of emotions without calling the pastor or pastor's wife to discuss them. At 39 years old and about to turn 40, I can't think of a single thing that has happened in my life that a church or pastor would have been able to help me with, and I am being completely honest. I will say that other churches and pastors frequently help my mom and dad since they choose to live "on faith" and regularly find that the ends don't meet when you live on faith, but they don't see it that way. They live life in such a way that even if they can't pay their rent, or their utilities, as long as they had a can of beans for supper, then God provided (even if it took someone who DIDN'T live on faith to provide the can of beans...)
At the same time, I do try to nurture my relationships with my friends and certain family members that have a life outside of church. I believe that being around other people that care is rewarding to all parties involved in the relationship, but there are many places you can find that outside of church. I see no reason to subject myself to church, a pastor, or even religion of any sort. I don't need anything that they are selling... and feel free to call me selfish, but I DO practice giving to charity and volunteering my time as well, and I also don't live in the gutter (like is predicted of anyone who "backslides").