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Re: We are officially a family without a church
Perhaps the problem is that most (I cannot say all) OP churches offer you an either/or decision when it comes to church. YOu can either come to church and assimilate entirely into what that churches Pastor views as appropriate levels of discipline and spirituality OR you can leave and go elsewhere. Heck, it is said from pulpits all over "you will never ascend higher spirituallythan the man of God". So like Esaias has said, you really are stuck if you think some spiritual matters are more important than your Pastor does.
Example: our church is a truly great church. It is mature. Stable. No craziness. Pretty conservative, but Pastor doesn't harp on standards every week (only once a year typically). However, for all our strengths...the gifts are a VERY rare thing. We had tongues and interpretation a few weeks back and it was the first time in many years it had happened. Now, our Pastor recognizes this and some have spoken to him about it. He doesn't see any problem with it being as scarce as it is. IN fact, he has said that if people are wanting more "wildfire" (his words) then they would be happier going somewhere else.
Now, what does that say to those who truly unger for more God and more fluency in the gifts as promised in Corinthians? It says you are out of luck. You might as well find another church b/c this guy isn't going to allow or encourage further delving into the gifts at this church. As I said, you are given an either/or decision.
People want more than the "traditional" church offers in many cases. They don't want to stay home and eat cheetos in a lazy boy. They just want something more than the performance and small taste of Jesus being offered in most church services.
Me? I'd just like to hear teaching and preaching about Jesus and the doctrines of the Bible without stupid stuff about tithes and men not wearing shorts.
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Hybrid Mode
