Talking about going to church ....

[larryt]

Well, I am presently separated, going to be divorced. Their father never went to church and was always criticizing the Christians, calling them hypocrites. So I can see here a bad influence.

My older son is just focused on himself, his independence, his freedom and is very introvert. He does not open to anybody, male or female. When he comes to church he just stays on his sit, head down, long face, and does not move for the entire service.

My other son complains that it is boring. He definitely refuses to go with the youth groups, and prefers to come and sit with me. He stands up during worshipping time but does not sing. He claims that whatever the pastor is preaching, that he knew it already. It seems that for him church is just yet another adult telling him what to do, giving him additional sets of rules and regulations.

I talked to them, but it seems many times like if I'm talking to a wall. They are always right, the adults are always wrong.

Also, I am praying for them. It is obvious that they need a change of heart and only God can do that.

Thanks all for your advice.

Hi Abi

Sorry to hear about the separation/divorce. That is the biggy. Did you become a christian after you were married? If your husband says that christians are hypocrites how did he come to that conclusion? I hope not from you. I am not trying to be critical but you have laid out some tough questions. We all have to face the harsh realities of our own actions, even though we are christians.

Your sons need to be believers before they will enjoy church. If they have heard the gospel(not the receive Jesus and He will change your life gospel, but the repent of your sins and believe the gospel.) they will be accountable. If you would like a good explanation of the real gospel check out Ray Comfort's SITE. My stepson is 17 and was baptized when he was young because of his mother's insistence on becoming a christian. When he got into his teens he has gone toward the world. He has said that he is not a christian and doesn't want to be for the past 4-5 yrs. His mother and I have been praying for him fervently and believe that God will really convert him when the time is right. We have seen some real changes in the past few months and are hoping that he will hear the voice of the Lord. Keep praying for them. Forcing them into the minstry won't work. As long as they WILL go to church with you keep them going. No one can be forced to become a christian. The Father needs to call them.

1Sa 3:4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.

LT

[Abigailwc]

Well, I am presently separated, going to be divorced. Their father never went to church and was always criticizing the Christians, calling them hypocrites. So I can see here a bad influence.

My older son is just focused on himself, his independence, his freedom and is very introvert. He does not open to anybody, male or female. When he comes to church he just stays on his sit, head down, long face, and does not move for the entire service.

My other son complains that it is boring. He definitely refuses to go with the youth groups, and prefers to come and sit with me. He stands up during worshipping time but does not sing. He claims that whatever the pastor is preaching, that he knew it already. It seems that for him church is just yet another adult telling him what to do, giving him additional sets of rules and regulations.

I talked to them, but it seems many times like if I'm talking to a wall. They are always right, the adults are always wrong.

Also, I am praying for them. It is obvious that they need a change of heart and only God can do that.

Thanks all for your advice.

Hi Abi

Sorry to hear about the separation/divorce. That is the biggy. Did you become a christian after you were married? If your husband says that christians are hypocrites how did he come to that conclusion? I hope not from you. I am not trying to be critical but you have laid out some tough questions. We all have to face the harsh realities of our own actions, even though we are christians.

Your sons need to be believers before they will enjoy church. If they have heard the gospel(not the receive Jesus and He will change your life gospel, but the repent of your sins and believe the gospel.) they will be accountable. If you would like a good explanation of the real gospel check out Ray Comfort's SITE. My stepson is 17 and was baptized when he was young because of his mother's insistence on becoming a christian. When he got into his teens he has gone toward the world. He has said that he is not a christian and doesn't want to be for the past 4-5 yrs. His mother and I have been praying for him fervently and believe that God will really convert him when the time is right. We have seen some real changes in the past few months and are hoping that he will hear the voice of the Lord. Keep praying for them. Forcing them into the minstry won't work. As long as they WILL go to church with you keep them going. No one can be forced to become a christian. The Father needs to call them.

1Sa 3:4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.

LT

Yes, I became a christian after I got married.

I agree with you that no one can force anybody to become a christian. It is God who changes hearts. I do think though that taking my sons with me to church exposes them to His Word and that it is a plus. However, my two older sons are starting to hate going to church and, seeing their feelings, I wonder if I should still force them to come or let them stay home.

[Irish_Graham]

I've read the posts regarding the need to go to church. I love to go to church. I love the worshipping time (my favorite), I love to fellowship with others, I am always eager to go. I even participate in home groups.

However, my teenage boys do not want to go. I tried to put them in the youth ministry and when that did not work, I allowed them to sit with me during the service, but to no avail. They seem to hate going to church. They would sit with me and watch their watch every minute. At worshipping time, they reluctantly stand up like everybody else, but they do not sing. The whole church time seems to be rather painful for them.

According to you, should I keep forcing them to come with me to church or should I let them stay at home instead?

You cant force them to like Church, and if you do force them, they may end up rebelling even more.

I used to be like them, saw Church as nothing more than a needless early morning and a waste of time, but that was before I was saved.

Id say pray for them that the Lord may touch them and come into their lives, then just wait and hope.

[Iryssa]

"A choice made freely is stronger than one compelled."