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Finding a Place to Call Home

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've posted but anyway, to the point. Because of ongoing acts of backbiting, inappropriate deeds, attire, personal and the list goes on I have found it difficult to continue attending a church that I have called home for years. I am constantly reminded in my spirit about Hebrews 10:25 but where do I go? I feel like the black sheep wandering in the pasture.

Searching for another place to worship feels like the drudgery of looking for another job. I'm at the point of asking God " Is it absolutely neccessary that I attend somewhere?" I study and pray at home quite peacefully.

I also pulled away from my former church because I did not want to seem contrary to what the Pastor was relaying to the people. I've thought, sure I could easily go through the motions of attending just to say I went to a building, but I'm not seeing God being real pleased with that approach either.

So much has changed in the church and become acceptable, and you dare not say a word. I do discuss the scriptures with fellow coworkers quite often when at work but that becomes kind of special at times as well.

Have I mastered all the scriptures? NO, but the struggle is hard enough. Why do I have to continue the struggle on the INSIDE of the church doors? I was always lead to believe that the church was THEE place of REFUGE. As I've said before, I'm not a member of the smile and nod club and don't plan on joining.

Feedback please.

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Permalink Reply by Gary Schultz on February 13, 2011 at 4:19pm

My wife and I are in a struggle as well.

We belong to a church that doesn't really follow all Biblical teachings. They do well 99% of the time but fall short is some very important areas. Most of the people are wonderful. However we have reciently been attending a non-denominational. We are very happy with the new church, but are finding it hard to leave old friends. I am sure God will point us in the right direction.

I believe it is hard to live a Christian life without the support of other believers. When we struggel it is nice to have a family of Christians, ie Church, to lean on.

I am sure if you let the Holy Spirit guide you, you will find a home.

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on February 13, 2011 at 7:13pm

Hope,

To save yourself some time and disappointment I would encourage you to take the time to call churches in your area. Talk to the pastor, if you can get a hold of him, and explain your concerns and tell him what you are looking for. Be straightforward explaining that if he thinks you would not be well received or better off elsewhere let you know. He may also be able to recommend a church based on the criteria you give him. As a church pastor I would appreciate that kind of call. I will tell you that you would be welcomed in the church I pastor (we are to far away), thus there are churches that would lovingly receive you. The journey to finding a home church is worth completing.

Lord Bless,
LT

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Permalink Reply by Hope on February 13, 2011 at 8:57pm

I appreciate all the responses of encouragment. Thanks to the web, I have actually been able to check out some of the churches in my area and see what they're about. I have asked myself just what am I looking for. I'm not so much worried about the denomination title the congregation wants to list under as much as I'm concerned about their closeness to following the word of God. Just as a child doesn't like all the rules their parents lay down, I'm not always happy about everything that God requires of us either. However, I've decided to do this thing (Serving God) and I'm not going to waste time farting around with half stepping, going to a feel good church.

I can take some comfort in the fact that we have been at least provided with a manual of instructions (The Bible) to refer to while on this journey of righteousness. I've been searching intermittenly and I imagine something will turn up eventually. I guess I'm just getting weary in the well doing of looking for a place to call home.

Finding a Place to Call Home

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