"We're a Black Church"

[kittylover0991]

Hey Everyone,

Well, as very few of you know, I'm moving to a new state in a few months with my parents and with that, i have to find a new church. So, I was calling around to different churches to find out where they stand doctrinally, now mind you, i have a list of about 50 churches and most of them don't answer the phone, and those that do keep telling me "It's how you feel". I'm simply looking for a good independent, fundamental, Baptist Church in the general area so I was calling around.

Priase the Lord, I can say that I think I know where the Lord is leading me and it was a church that I knew about long before I started calling around, but there was a church that I called, and the man that answered said that the "reverend" wans't there. That's fine, but being new at this, I asked if he had a few minute for some questions or something like that, or maybe I just paused not being sure what to say, but the man said "We're a Black Church". I mean, he was pretty stern, pretty serious about it and i really coudln't believe what I was hearing. I had merely introduced myself, said that my family and I were moving up to the area and I was "looking for a good independent fundamental baptist church".

I'm serious, this guy was treating me like I was going to come and blow the church up or come in with guns or something! He kept saying that he wanted to know who I was! I asked, "So the pastor is not available" and he said "Well I want to know you *are* first" and so I stated my name AGAIN, then added what state I was coming from, and again said that my family was moving up to such and such an area, and that I was looking for good independent fundamental baptist church.

I tell you, the guy thought about the town that I mentioned and said "C___?? That's a bit of ways isn't it? You don't really want to be driving that great of a distance, do you??"

O_O

The guy eventually gave me the reverend's number, which was a female so I woudln't be calling back anymore anyway, but I decided to leave a message on the reverend's phone to not seem rude and yeah, she hasn't called me back.

Here's the thing... I DON"T CARE what race you are! When someone is looking for a church, I don't care WHAT race you are, or what problems you've had in the past with people calling, finding out what kind of church it was, and then saying never mind. When I'm looking for a church, I'm looking for a place to hear God's Word preached, a place for worship, a place to serve the Lord. I just don't care what race you are and let it be MY business how far I want to drive to go to a church. Yes, I'm venting a little still about this, but my main concern is how much people have called this church, or visited this church, only to be turned off from the gospel (if they even preach it there) because when you call to find out out about the church they say "Well, this a BLACK church".

Last I checked, Jesus died for the WORLD. He didn't die just for the whites, he didn't die just for the blacks, he didn't die just for the Jews, or any other race/religion out there (there are many). Christ died for ALL and I still can't believe how someone had actually given me such an answer when I was simply looking for a good bible church. Mind you, the church I've been visiting (and now looking for a new for when I actually move up) had a problem with the "white superiority" complex, and you konw? That's just as bad.

I just don't understand why race has to be such a big issue in church's today! I live in an area where segregation ended about 20 years ago (dealing with a particular area maybe five minutes from my house)so I'm used to some strong racial tension, but for goodness sakes, leave it out of the church wall's. I don't think Christ would have said "Oh, you're black. I won't forgive you" or "Oh, you're white. I won't forgive you". I'm just deeply disheartened by what I heard just a few days ago from a place that has the name "Church" written on it's door.

How many have been turned away from the Lord Jesus Christ because of this church? How many people have been turned away from Christ becuase of other churches doing the same? How dare someone put the color of someone's skin as a priority over the eternal placement of his or her soul.

[Ddavid from NC]

Judgment will come to that church.

[David of Derby]

Surely, Kittylover, you're not suggesting that this man you talked to was a racist, are you? That's completely impossible...

Incidentally, why wouldn't you call back because the priest was female?

[Scarletprayers]

Unfortunately kitty, welcome to the real world! Its a shame, but its out there! And DofD, some of us believe that women aren't allowed to be preachers/pastors/priest.

[Treasure]

Unfortunately sis, this is all too common within the church. It shouldn't be like that but as humans, we all get stuck in our comfort zone and don't want anyone coming in and rocking the boat. The church has become so complacent and stuck in tradition that for someone to call and ask about doctrine.....who would dare. My guess is that many within this congregation has been in the church for so long that they couldn't tell you what they believe or why.

I do have a question to you is, why are you limiting your search to a Baptist church and then even more to a fundamental, independent?

[MorningGlory]

Maybe the man did think you were scouting his church for targeting; it isn't unheard of, you know. But I had a different experience when I was invited to a Baptist church in Montgomery, Texas. (Very small but booming town north of Houston.) All of the congregation was black but they were very polite and friendly (and the older ladies all wore pretty hats like my Grandma did) and what a service! I swear the preacher raised the roof a good two inches! I took note also that everyone was dressed in their best; no t-shirts or short skirts. Every single man I saw was wearing a suit and every woman a nice dress. Not like my church where casual is the norm. I am so glad I went because I enjoyed the experience and it made me even more convinced that God is NO color; we are all created in His image so, apparently, He is whiteblackredbrownyellow and loves all of His children the same. I'm sure you would be welcome to attend the church you called once they realized you weren't up to no good.

[MorningGlory]

Judgment will come to that church.

Should they be judged because they are cautious? Black churches have been burned over and over again. In fact, churches that are predominantly white have been burned over the past few years also. And, now that I think about it, the terms 'black church' or 'white church' or 'hispanic' church (yes, there are some!) are just plain stupid!

[Ddavid from NC]

Judgment will come to that church.

Should they be judged because they are cautious? Black churches have been burned over and over again. In fact, churches that are predominantly white have been burned over the past few years also. And, now that I think about it, the terms 'black church' or 'white church' or 'hispanic' church (yes, there are some!) are just plain stupid!

My comment is based on if in fact the church has not been misjudged by the OP. Any church that will not open its doors to who God sends will suffer his chastisement, if that is the belief of the congregation or leadership or both. By judgment I don't mean it will burn down, more so, that God will remove his hand or least remove the annointing.

[Trusting Jesus]

Here's a suggestion for you so that you don't have to call all of the churches and can weed some out. Most have websites nowadays. Read their statement of faith and see what ministries they are involved in. Then go from there. You are very smart to be checking this out now.

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Nathele

[Guest]

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you

Matthew 5:44

Ever Think Maybe God Was Protecting His Daughter

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men

1 Thessalonians 5:15

Or Giving Her Another Chance To Show Love

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you

Ephesians 4:32

Or To Stand With The Brethren

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

1 Peter 5:8

Or To Remind Us, "You Just Never Know"

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares

Hebrews 13:2

Can't Quite Follow This Brotherhood Talk

See Jesus And Believe

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:14-16

Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27

Love, Your Brother Joe