Issues about my church

[Shy Christian]

I can't recall hearing something definite that I "knew" it was God.

[shepherdsgrace]

For someone like you just starting out to learn how to pray Leonard's advice is really sound. Use helps that will keep your mind on the subject and pray in the Name of Jesus believing that God is listening and answering. The Psalms are certainly helpful in prayer and meditation and of course working through the Lord's prayer was recommended by Jesus himself.

[Guest richied]

God has spoken to me by putting thoughts in my head, but they were thoughts I never would've thought myself and I just KNEW it was God. Other times, it's visions, I can see things in my mind.

me too

[Nevella123]

I just recently truly asked God into my heart and can feel his presence. Even though I have never heard a "voice", I do just get these gut feelings that I know God wants me to do something. Like when I started up a Saturday children's club at my church 2 yrs ago. I just got this feeling in my heart, after doing VBS, that it would be a great outreach ministry (and to this day it's very successful).

I am just now learning how to ask God for wisdom in my decisions and to talk to him daily. At first I was waiting for a visible sign or auditory voice, but now I know it's a feeling I get in my heart and just how I don't have doubts anymore.

Also, as for your minister, I agree with what many said. You should not be made to feel like you HAVE to attend these meetings. Does the minister try to make you feel bad for not doing more? What does he say to the group? I agree that you could do things "behind the scenes", like fold bulletins or even arrange the flowers each week, etc. I personally am very involved "in front of the scenes" at my church (teaching Sunday school, being a reader, server, worship team, VBS director, pageant director, etc, etc), but I do it because I am comfortable doing so and feel called to do so. I do not think less of those who simply come each week and may not get as involved. If you are praying for your church, and also tithing (if that's possible for you), then you are helping And attending regularly (which you do) is a wonderful thing as well. You should not be made to feel like you are not doing enough. That's my opinion.

[Shy Christian]

Occasionally he has whole sermons about getting involved or has an editorial written in the bulletin. I give money, pray, and donate a lot of items like coats and food when they have collections for the needy. He is setting up these vision meetings with various dates and times so that there's a time convenient to everyone. There might only be a half dozen people at any one meeting so it's not likely I can get "lost" in the group. I'll really feel on the spot if he goes down the line and says, "Shy Christian, how can you get more involved?"

Edited August 5, 2006 by Shy Christian

[Floatingaxe]

Shy....

My advice to you is: Get out of the boat! Being a pew-warmer is definitely not a good thing.

[Shy Christian]

I don't want to commit to anything else. I work during the day, need to do housework, shop, etc., and spend time with my son.

[Floatingaxe]

We all have these same pulls on our time. God wants all of us! He deserves it. Excuses don't cut it when we are standing before Him.

[darkest_red]

Occasionally he has whole sermons about getting involved or has an editorial written in the bulletin. I give money, pray, and donate a lot of items like coats and food when they have collections for the needy. He is setting up these vision meetings with various dates and times so that there's a time convenient to everyone. There might only be a half dozen people at any one meeting so it's not likely I can get "lost" in the group. I'll really feel on the spot if he goes down the line and says, "Shy Christian, how can you get more involved?"

If he does ask you, maybe you could take up some of the suggestions other people have provided. If you are shy, say that you will be perfectly willing to help "behind the scenes", folding bulletins and flower arranging etc have been mentioned.

He shouldn't force you into doing anything you don't want to do.

[Shy Christian]

Occasionally he has whole sermons about getting involved or has an editorial written in the bulletin. I give money, pray, and donate a lot of items like coats and food when they have collections for the needy. He is setting up these vision meetings with various dates and times so that there's a time convenient to everyone. There might only be a half dozen people at any one meeting so it's not likely I can get "lost" in the group. I'll really feel on the spot if he goes down the line and says, "Shy Christian, how can you get more involved?"

If he does ask you, maybe you could take up some of the suggestions other people have provided. If you are shy, say that you will be perfectly willing to help "behind the scenes", folding bulletins and flower arranging etc have been mentioned.

He shouldn't force you into doing anything you don't want to do.

Sorry, that won't work. It's a small church and we don't even have weekly flowers. He doesn't need me to fold bulletins. They have a secretary for that.