Input please

[Guest Rickster315]

I attend a community church in my area. I have for quite some time. For the most part I

[ayin jade]

When he is getting the communion ready during a service, he bows to it and says "My Lord and my God."

That concerns me a lot.

Pray about this, and see what the Lord wants you to do. I know that no church is perfect, but there are minor errors, and there are big glaring ones. This one has some troubling parts to it. Have you talked to your pastor about his beliefs? If you talk to him about the parts that disturb you, and he has not changed, and you have brought others to talk to him, as presribed in the bible for dealing with issues, and he has still not changed.....then it is time to decide if you wish to be in that church or not. Im inclined to cut and run myself, but that is just my natural tendencies.

[Constant]

I am not sure how to help you since I come from a Catholic/Orthodox background myself. All I can say is that if you are troubled by this, maybe you should look for a new church. One that doesn't trouble you. One that makes you 100% comfortable. Good luck!

[ted]

One that you are totally comfortable with 100% of the time probably wouldn't be very good for you either.

First off, as we grow as Christians, we start to recognize different things. The more we know God's Word, the more we can recognize errors of false doctrine. Have no worries about not being able to recognize trouble at first.

The Pastor should be confronted by other church officers in these matters. The goal here is to have him understand where he is in error, and to restore him to a point where he is able to lead the congregation in trust.

The worst thing you can do is try to stir up strife among the other members against him. God will lead you in these matters, but your church should have competent officers such as Deacons or Elders that should confront him.

May the Lord Bless you and keep you in strength during this time.

t.

[Guest Rickster315]

Have you talked to your pastor about his beliefs?

The Pastor should be confronted by other church officers in these matters.

I have spoken to him about it and he says that he has scripture to back it up. As do I for my belief. Church officers have told me that as long as he doesn't teach this belief from the pulpit, we cannot control what he believes.

Now, I know that I cannot control what he believes nor do I want to. I just need to go to a church where I can support and respect the pastor. I do not at this church.

I don't want to stir up strife. I just need this settled in my mind and spirit.

[Ovedya]

Have you talked to your pastor about his beliefs?

The Pastor should be confronted by other church officers in these matters.

I have spoken to him about it and he says that he has scripture to back it up. As do I for my belief. Church officers have told me that as long as he doesn't teach this belief from the pulpit, we cannot control what he believes.

Now, I know that I cannot control what he believes nor do I want to. I just need to go to a church where I can support and respect the pastor. I do not at this church.

I don't want to stir up strife. I just need this settled in my mind and spirit.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Please forgive me if this bothers you, Rick. But....THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!

What your "pastor" believes is absolute nonsense! And to have a bunch of "church oficers" tell you that this garbage is okay, "So long as he doesn't preach it from the pulpit" is and absolute compromise with heretical beliefs. Frankly I cannot see why other members of your church do not rise up and give this guy the boot.

Tell you what I would do if I was there. I would walk right up to that "tabernacle" and knock on it saying, "Hello? Jesus? You in there?" That'd probably make the old pastor pass out in shock.

Seriously, brother, this kind of "religious superstitious" nonsense has no place among genuine believers. Run, don't walk, away from this organization.

[Keith]

Rickster,

I have to agree with Ovedya on this one. Honestly, you don't have time for this nonsense. To stay just because you have friends there is not a good reason. If they are friends, they will remain friends if you find another church home. I know it's easier said than done (leaving). Don't become complacent as it seems others have become in your church. It sounds like you have done everything you can to address the matter.

As far as finding a church that you are 100% comfortable in, I would have to agree with Ted. If you are 100% comfortable, you aren't being challenged - or confronted - in your faith. It's more wise to ask God to help you find the church that HE wants you to attend.

For me, personally, it's important to belong to a church where the pastor guides and instructs the flock and doesn't rule and reign over them. I've been there and it wasn't good... Intimidation is not a spiritual fruit.

[Avodah]

One that you are totally comfortable with 100% of the time probably wouldn't be very good for you either

My old pastor used to say, "I'm here to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable"

If you are 100% comfortable, you aren't being challenged - or confronted - in your faith.

I agree.

Will be praying that the Lord give you wisdom in this situation.

[ayin jade]

I just need to go to a church where I can support and respect the pastor.  I do not at this church.

I don't want to stir up strife.  I just need this settled in my mind and spirit.

And I think you have just answered your own question. You cant be at a church where you do not respect the pastor. You dont respect this pastor. And from what I read, it also sounds like you dont respect the elders and deacons for finding the pastor's beliefs ok. Time to find a new church.

[nebula]

I can appreciate your misgivings about leaving your church home and your friends. I've been there.

Eventually, the things that bugged me bugged me more and more and more and more . . . until finally I went nearly insane and ran screaming.

OK, not exactly so dramatic, but I felt like I could have!

My perspective, seek the LORD. Ask the LORD for wisdom, direction, and peace.

What your pastor is doing is called idolotry.

Chances are if he doesn't repent, your spirit will become more and more unsettled, and you will pack you bags from the church in anger and hurt and frustration.

This would be why I would say it is better to leave now.

But seriously ask the LORD for peace in what He would have you do, no matter how hard or how much it may hurt.

There is the odd chance the LORD might have you stick around to influence change or something, but considering your pastor is supposed to be your shepherd, that's not a goo shepherding situation to be under.

Seek the LORD.