Why is it so hard?

[Guest]

I have been involved in a church for the past few months. It's not a big church, but it is usually filled with many people. Yet, when I sought to become a member, I found that their beliefs are very lax according to His Word. They allow certain things to go on that are spoken against in the Bible. Until I found out what they foundations were, I felt at home ... now I must admit, I'm bummed. There are a lot of other churches around, but all that I have visited seemed dead ...

OneLight

You are not alone. Sad that a good church is so hard to find any more.

I've been praying and looking for a new church for several months now, and its frustrating. Several have been dead, one was so far out in left field the game was over 2 hours ago, and some others that sound good are too far away for me to get to. No car is a definite handicap. I've called a couple of places -- only to be told that I'd have to find my own way there! How does this show the love of Jesus, I wonder?

All in all, I'm still looking. Jesus didn't quit on me, so I'm not going to quit on Him.

[Yeshua01]

Ugh...this thread is so ME!

Went from church to church to church....etc etc etc and each time when we just get settled in (or think that we do) then something comes up and we realise uh oh, that's NOT in the Word of God, or that's NOT true!

I don't know where the Lord is leading us but what I do know is that He is in control and I trust Him with all my life! I know somewhere out there is the "right" church for us and the Lord will settle us down where He wants us to be. Amen!

My heart also just breaks for the many churches around us and they are either empty churches or they teach false doctrine, and it's sooooo very sad.

There is just so much gratitude in my heart that my husband is saved and in the meantime we as family can grow closer to the Lord and be there for each other - so many women (and men) have to face these things alone without their partners.

Esther

Many churches of today do not speak about the riches of the Word they preach on riches of the pocket and of the world. Be it far from us that we may hurt someone's feelings let's keep the pulpit people friendly so they keep coming back and filling the finacial needs of the church. But, this is not the church of the Bible. If the leaders have fallen then where does this leave the flock?

[Guest Biblicist]

I have been involved in a church for the past few months. It's not a big church, but it is usually filled with many people. Yet, when I sought to become a member, I found that their beliefs are very lax according to His Word. They allow certain things to go on that are spoken against in the Bible. Until I found out what they foundations were, I felt at home ... now I must admit, I'm bummed. There are a lot of other churches around, but all that I have visited seemed dead ...

OneLight

My family went through an unchurched time as well, so I understand your heartache. It is a dark time in life when there is no church to attend that supports and preaches God's word.

My church belongs to F.I.R.E which is Fellowship of Independant Reformed Evangelicals, it holds strongly to God's Word and the teachings found there. I am sure you could find a church in your area, or at least a pastor who belongs. We have a family that is moving from Ohio, and our church, to New Mexico [i think] and they were able to find two FIRE churches in their area. Praise the LORD.

Don't give up, God has a church for you and He wants you in a church. Maybe he has you in these churches because he wants you to make a change....Pray for guidance and follow His leading.

[Marnie]

Notwithstanding what some of the geniuses have posted, if you want to be an obedient believer, you need to find a good, Bible-based church. That can't be that hard, although if you are looking for the "perfect" church, you'll be disappointed. Pray, seek the LORD, not a church, and in your simple faith and obedience, you will find one.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps. 37:4 NIV)

[Joelle]

If you feel you need to find a church where you can worship and serve Him, I think you should keep praying and searching for it. I see that other people have gone through the same process too, the endless going from church to church. My husband and I have done it too for two and a half years, and we felt very discouraged at times, especially me because I was pregnant and had to have my baby without having a family in Christ around me. But I can tell you it was worth all the waiting and the searching! I too will be praying for you Onelight.

[OneLight]

Also realize that you could be a catalyst of change for a congregation. Everytime God adds somebody to the local Body of believer He is making a statement, because you bring a talent and a sphere of influence that they need.

Do you think this is possible if you choose not to be a member of the church?

[Ddavid from NC]

Also realize that you could be a catalyst of change for a congregation. Everytime God adds somebody to the local Body of believer He is making a statement, because you bring a talent and a sphere of influence that they need.

Do you think this is possible if you choose not to be a member of the church?

To a certain degree yes, but to a greater degree as a member and contributor to that local Body. By contributor I'm not just talking finances but energy and emotional involvement. Additional note, seek God's direction not your own evaluation of compatability. Remember Jesus chose the disciples and they would have never chosen each other, cohesiveness was something that happened after Pentecost.

[OneLight]

Also realize that you could be a catalyst of change for a congregation. Everytime God adds somebody to the local Body of believer He is making a statement, because you bring a talent and a sphere of influence that they need.

Do you think this is possible if you choose not to be a member of the church?

To a certain degree yes, but to a greater degree as a member and contributor to that local Body. By contributor I'm not just talking finances but energy and emotional involvement. Additional note, seek God's direction not your own evaluation of compatability. Remember Jesus chose the disciples and they would have never chosen each other, cohesiveness was something that happened after Pentecost.

There was a call to take over the community dinners they have for those in need. The couple that had been in charge was going on a mission to Africa for the next two years. Nobody in the church would step forward, except my son and I. Neither of us are members of the church, but had been attending for a couple of months. After three months, and having trouble with getting in and locking up, it was mentioned that we be given a key. We were told that in order to get a key, we had to become a member. In order to be a member, you have to take a class designed to instruct new members on what the church believes in. At the end of the class, we were given another set of papers describing how the Pastor, Elders and Deacons are chosen. Here is where I had the most trouble. Not to start a huge debate, I will only say that it was not biblical. So it was Gods word that I make my decision on, which is clearly stated in 1 Timothy and Titus.

Hope you have a clearer understanding.

[MorningGlory]

I have been involved in a church for the past few months. It's not a big church, but it is usually filled with many people. Yet, when I sought to become a member, I found that their beliefs are very lax according to His Word. They allow certain things to go on that are spoken against in the Bible. Until I found out what they foundations were, I felt at home ... now I must admit, I'm bummed. There are a lot of other churches around, but all that I have visited seemed dead ...

OneLight

Before you join, or even attend a new church, you can check out their beliefs and their mission online. That is if they have a website; most of them do now. Here's a link to my church, just for illustration, and you will see they spell out what they believe and what they teach. It's a Bible teaching church and the only extracurricular they do is the church rodeo. I hope you find just what you're looking for, OneLight. Please give the internet search a try. It will save you a lot of grief.

http://www.lonestarcowboychurch.org/

[OneLight]

Before you join, or even attend a new church, you can check out their beliefs and their mission online. That is if they have a website; most of them do now. Here's a link to my church, just for illustration, and you will see they spell out what they believe and what they teach. It's a Bible teaching church and the only extracurricular they do is the church rodeo. I hope you find just what you're looking for, OneLight. Please give the internet search a try. It will save you a lot of grief.

http://www.lonestarcowboychurch.org/

Thanks for the link. The church I was talking about has one also, but the way they put it together, caused me to believe differently then what I found out. It all has to do with their leadership and who is allowed to preach, be an elder or deacon. I personally feel that the word of God lays it out how He wants it, but some churches, this one included, does it their own way.

I'm not quiting the search. I am just following the leading of His Spirit.

Your Brother In Christ,

OneLight