The church I was involved with was shut down and had its property transferred to another group by the district leadership. I am sure it was all very legal. Those i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed a long time ago. I was pastoring when the process was begun. I protested, but noone would listen. Legal does not mean moral. My church home was history.
Since our plan is to leave California in the next few years and it takes time to develop the trust that leads to involvement, I have been settling for attending and receiving instead of joining and giving.
This has made my Sunday’s much more relaxing. Instead of last minute revisions and preparations I can quietly worship and study in preparation for corporate worship. I don’t set an alarm any more on Sunday. If I oversleep or get too intense in my study and arrive late at the church, it is no big deal. If I don’t make it at all, it is no big deal. It gets harder and harder for me to get moving. And I need to be there. It is this slide that I think Hebrews was talking about.
(Hebrews 10:25 KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.It is easy to do. Once you get out of the habit of being responsible it is very hard to get back into harness.
If you are unhappy with what is happening at your church, speak up if you have a credible voice. It is hard to get involved somewhere else. Whatever you do don’t back off from your commitments.
homo unius libri
I realize that saying so makes me sound terribly self-righteous but having attended many churches and been a member in two, I have yet to find one that makes me want to attend regularly.
ReplyDeleteI have had similar experiences. I wonder if it is the same problem I think I would have if I ever were put in a situation where I was dating again. When I look around I don't find much that would be of interest.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.