Thoughts from a Random Mind

Am I a Church Drop-Out?

 

            I heard a good podcast from Praying Medic on Telegram about being a church drop-out. It was his feeling and the feeling of his wife Denise that those who have known the Lord for a long time, whom they referred to as “veteran believers”, have been neglected by the church at large. Not all churches have done this, but they seem to think far too many have. The churches mission, aside from saving the lost, is to educate new believers. At least this is the way it seems. 

                  I can’t say that I disagree with them. There are spiritual gifts that a person feels he or she has and when they enter the church arena, they are told a variety of things. They aren’t ready yet is one thing they are told. I guess the bottom line is that while a church needs structure and order, in some cases, there is too much control at the top. The Pastor decides who does what, perhaps intercepting the Holy Spirit’s role in a person’s life. It is the Pastor’s responsibility for sure, but many don’t seem particularly open to letting those with gifts exercise them. Yes, they will make mistakes, but church shouldn’t be a place where absolute perfection resides.

                  Mature Christians can feed themselves, but they must make sure they do daily if they decide to forego attending church. It’s not a matter of no longer following God, but rather that the person feels they are no longer receiving anything from their church. Doing your own bible study with the tools they have accumulated thru the years obviously is a huge help. You have to be careful though not to become spiritually lazy. You can slide into bad habits rather easily so be very mindful of your walk and continually assess it to keep from slipping off to the side of your path.

                  I believe we don’t always go to church for ourselves, but rather for others, that we might bless them in some way. While I still believe that I grow tired of being on the sideline watching instead of participating. This isn’t meant as a complaint, but rather an observation based on another person’s podcast. Nothing more, nothing less.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries