Church

[UAHparrothead]

I realize the inherent dangers of starting a thread like this, but as a future (perhaps in the near future, keep your phins crossed) pastor I am curious about everyone’s opinion on church, not as one denomination over another but as an institution in general. I ask this because I want to understand people’s preconceptions and opinions about church and by doing so become a better and more adapted pastor.

I also realize perhaps the inappropriateness of this request and that you might feel it is none of my beeswax and that is fine too. If you do feel like sharing feel free to respond here or send me a PM and it will remain completely confidential.

Also, please understand that I am not trying to proselytize or convert anyone and all answers and opinions will be respected, at least by me and I would ask that everyone else follows suit. This is for my own benefit as I begin my called vocation and I feel that everyone’s opinion will help me in my ministry.

[phjrsaunt]

It's totally your beeswax, if users choose to make it so, so don't sweat it.

As an institution, I think organized religion is very important. It helps to bring a sense of stability to people. I think it's critical to have "a" God, whatver your name for Him is. I learned a lot of giving to others, both in concept and in practice, because of Sunday school. Trying to be a bit general here-I learned a lot of what I BELIEVE in (right/wrong) from my ministers.

Very well presented question...

[Elrod]

... please understand that I am not trying to proselytize or convert anyone and all answers and opinions will be respected, at least by me...

That's one of the things that I like about you.

[ragtopW]

OK.. As you know I was raised Mormon..

I once counted the time I spent in church as a Teen
and was really shocked at the number..

Church is a great thing.. but in moderation
I remember my Dad missing Ball games, Plays and Wrestling Matches

so He could be with other peoples kids as a church leader/scoutmaster

I remember Mom making Cookies for This or that Meeting
WE got the burned or Broken ones.



I guess I would say teach and lead without Immersing

[OceanCityGirl]

I attend a church and have raised all my kids in a church. It's non-denomiational and doesn't emphasize rules. It's more about your personal relationship with God. If you have that he'll help you with the right and wrong's in your life. Not that our church would turn a blind eye to obvious flaunting of the big ten.
I think it's important. Those people are my family. They're there for me at times when I need it, as I am for them. They took my kids under their wings.
But my church is an unusual church. It's in a beach town. The pastor is a surfer who wears shorts and hawaiian shirts to service. Kids come in barefooted or in flip-flops and nobody cares. We have baptisms 3x a year in the ocean. We give big support to local groups esp. Watermen for Christ a big surf group that has contests and surf movie nights. The attitude they have completely is the reason my two 18yo sons who are not saints get their butts to church on their own and do things like work in nursery and mentor younger kids.

[ToplessRideFL]

I am sending you a PM

[Piratical]

This may be straying off your topic because I am not sure church and "religion" are always directly connected, but after reading your post the prominent thought that comes to my mind at this moment is there is a HELL of a lot of people dying over religion lately.

The religious fanatics (aka terrorists) need to take some god damn valium quickly or IMHO we are all going to be in WW III. There is no damn rush to get to heaven so quickly. Or hell for that matter.

And please note I am not inferring anyone on this board is a fanatic. I am talking about the idiots I read about in the news.

[UAHparrothead]

This may be straying off your topic because I am not sure church and "religion" are always directly connected, but after reading your post the prominent thought that comes to my mind at this moment is there is a HELL of a lot of people dying over religion lately.

The religious fanatics (aka terrorists) need to take some god damn valium quickly or IMHO we are all going to be in WW III. There is no damn rush to get to heaven so quickly. Or hell for that matter.

And please note I am not inferring anyone on this board is a fanatic. I am talking about the idiots I read about in the news.

Althought I understand you're position and do concur with some of what you say, my main focus in this undertaking is your view on the Christian Church or any other "institution of worship" specifically.

[East Texas Parrothead]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

[UAHparrothead]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

That is something that I hear a lot of (specifically from my mother) and it is sad because the word Gospel translates into "Good News" not "comdemnation from God"

[East Texas Parrothead]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

That is something that I hear a lot of (specifically from my mother) and it is sad because the word Gospel translates into "Good News" not "comdemnation from God"

Well, I sure wish we heard more GOOD NEWS!

I think there's enough bad news out there. Church is where we're supposed to feel safe, loved and hopeful. At least that's how I felt growing up.

~Sigh~ Not now.

[ph4ever]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

That's about the way it is with me - only different denominations. I've attended many trying to find one that did fit too.

IMHO the spirituality of people is changing and a lot of the churches we grew up with just don't fit all of our belief system. If you hear negativity and hate from a pulpit how does that actually fit in with God's words of love is one of the issues I have.

[ragtopW]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

I go to Christmas eve services at my Local Methodist church
My Little sister wanted to see what Christmas eve services
were all about.. (7 years later) and I do have to
say the message is always light and to the point
I was surprised that after we introduced ourselves to the
Pastor that the next year He remembered we were Bro and sis..



I was thinking of Brad this year during services..

[UAHparrothead]

I'm a lapsed Methodist. Mr. Mojito is a severed Church of Christ. He won't go back (except when he's visiting his mother).

I don't attend worship service anymore because I don't hear positive messages from the pulpit. So, I worship at the altar of Mother Nature and the Island Goddess.

If I could find a church with a positive attitude, I'd go, but right now, I can't find a church that speaks to my heart and spiritual needs.

That is something that I hear a lot of (specifically from my mother) and it is sad because the word Gospel translates into "Good News" not "comdemnation from God"

Well, I sure wish we heard more GOOD NEWS!

I think there's enough bad news out there. Church is where we're supposed to feel safe, loved and hopeful. At least that's how I felt growing up.

~Sigh~ Not now.

Well I plan and pray that God's ministry through me will be Good News

[ragtopW]

Just no Bad Hair and dimples..... OK???

[Dally]

I was just having a similiar conversation the other night with a fellow BN'er......

I've never really been a part of an "organized" religion. I believe in God, and I pray, but I've never really believed it was something that HAD to be done in a Church.

I think one of the reasons I believe that is because I am confused about certain things concerning God and the Bible. I've always been scared or embarrassed to talk about these things. If I were to find a Church and pastor I was comfortable with, I think my opinions would change.

I'm not sure if what I just said made any sense.....it did while I was typing it.

[UAHparrothead]

Just no Bad Hair and dimples..... OK???

Well I already have bad hair, but NO DIMPLES

[SMLCHNG]

I wasn't raised in any church or with any specific religion. My parents left it up to us to decide what was best of us, on our own. I appreciate that a lot now.

I did a lot of 'soul searching' from my teen years to just a few years ago. I never really did find a church that fit for me. It either felt phony, boring, too much pressure to give money, or I'm just a horrible person for never being baptised.

I have my own feelings and thoughts regarding this subject, and I usually keep it to myself.


Brad? You're an awesome man, and you'll make a fine preacher. I just know it.

[pbans]

I attended a Lutheran church during my childhood and early adulthood....I always appreciated having a strong faith, especially living in Utah and NOT being a member of the predominant religion.....

I've had a couple of experiences in the last few years that have soured me a bit....church politics and pastors whose reach went out to those who could "do" the most for the church instead of those who "needed" the most from the church.

Brad, you will succeed......you exude kindness, compassion and a true faith....I'm tearing up a bit writing this....wishing I could find a church with someone like you at the pulpit.

[Tiki Bar]

I was the youngest of 6, baptized Catholic. However, by the time my next youngest brother and I came along, the family didn't make time for church services anymore. Other than weddings and funerals, I've maybe been to church 10 times in my life at the most, and have never read a Bible.

My husband was essentially the same, except Lutheran.

We've never taken our kids to church.

I do believe in God, and pray often, and think I should probably look into going to church, but I haven't. Maybe I'm afraid of the unknown...