what do you think ............?

Question

I once joined a certain church (no names). It was the first time I'd been involved with any church.
I happened to mention to one of these people that I did not wish to become a fanatic, I was a little nieve then. This person by the way lived only a few houses from me and worked at the same place I did.
The following Sunday the serman was " I'm a fan of Jesus ". Now, it doesn't take much to put two and two together. I thought at the time " It's just a coincidence " but as the sermon went on I begen to feel embrassed and more than a little paranoid.
I found out later that this person I had spoken to about being a fanatic, had been assigned to ' Keep an eye on me '. This person knew I was going through a tough time. My partener was in Hospital, this person knew this, they had taken me to the Hospital a number of times, I also had a young child to take care of, so I was pretty stressed and to add to it I had these people making me feel paranoid.
opinions please?

where I come from, mad can also mean angry.

but in my case it doesn't :-)

Answer 1

All and I mean ALL christian churches are now Evangelist and act exactly in the way you describe. It is the saddest thing about this new upsurge in christianity.
I am a christian but visit no church for the reasons you describe. They don't even consider me christian.
Sad to say, my advice is avoid all churches. The good thing is that someone's relationship with God is always and only a personal one. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I think I understand what is bothering you and, believe me , I would be bothered also. From what you are writing I guess you confided in someone you thought was a friend trying to help. Now you must feel betrayed, as it turns out the attention you thought genuine was an "assignment". No, you are not paranoid and in this situation being mad is a normal reaction of a normal human being.
The problem with some churches is that they seem to become so organised and efficient, they develop something as a "corporate culture" :) - too much ambition and everything regulated. Then those striving for the "top of righteousness" do seem fanatic and, frankly - they are.
For me a truly Christian behaviour would be for someone to simply listen to you even if you share bad things, without judging you, and help you with the child. This is the example Jesus set.
Finding true friends is always a challenge, but its still worth trying. Sharing a church does not automatically do it.
So, I wish you don't let this experience disappoint you. There are people who won't betray you and you really don't need a church to be a Christian. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

I would be a little fraked out too and might consider moving to a church where I felt more comfortable. I can understand what you mean about not being a fanatic it is possible to be Christian and not force it down other peoples throats, its good to get a balance. If someone was assigned to keep an eye on you they should at least let you know as this should be a person you can turn to for help, advice and discussion.

Was this a more modern church? You maybe happier with a more traditional Chuch of England sort of place.

Answer 4

Most churches plan the sermons weeks, even months, in advance, so it's unlikely that this was deliberate. When this person was to "keep an eye on you" it was probably meant in a caring way, and out of genuine concern for yourself - to make sure that you were alright, especially as you were going through a difficult time, not necessarily to "keep an eye on you" in a malicious make- sure- he's- not- up- to- no-good way.

It also seems unlikely a church would organise a public sermon for the entire church to target one individual, as it would be a waste of everyone else's time.

But that doesn't mean that there isn't necessarily nothing to be concerned about. They are human beings. Talk to them, and see what they say. But don't say, "I think you're stalking me/trying to make me join some bizarro cult", but just say that you have a few issues you'd like to talk about, such as that you feel unnecessarily singled-out. If you still feel uneasy, find another church.

Answer 5

It could have been divine intervention. Maybe God thought thats what you needed to hear right then, and had a little hand in it. I don't know if that is what happened, but I have often felt that a sermon has been directed exactly at me, though I know the person delivering it wouldn't have a clue of that fact!
I can see how you might have felt uncomfortable that they were 'keeping an eye on you' but I suspect it was more looking out for you than to keep you in check, I expect they were just making sure you were okay.

Answer 6

Dear Mad John, you're letting your paranoia get the better of you - it's time to chill - relax - make sure all the doors are locked and realize that the only person you have to please between you and Jesus is Jesus - he will not make you paranoid, he will not condemn you, he will guide and strengthen you. But you have to tell him that you are feeling these things so that he can help you - telling all of us on Yahoo Answers is only going to add to your paranoia, because eventually you will think that we are keeping an eye on you - I mean just look at some of the avatars on here - and it's time for you to meet with Jesus and truly settle the paranoia issue. You can do this and you can stay free from this madness.

Answer 7

I think I would pray about this and ask the Lord to lead me in the right path. I would definately visit other churches and find one where I could feel at home and comfortable in. It sounds like you are uncertain about this particular church and the people in it. Baptist do not send other out to "watch over" or "keep an eye" on new members.
Good luck and God bless you and lead you in the right direction.

Answer 8

I can't see a problem with anything you say.

The church reached out and tried to show you that they care, it is a shame that you are so unused to such behaviour that you are suspicious as to their motives.

Most decent organisations try to encourage new members, often by allocating them a mentor, and this includes many that have nothing to do with religion.

Simply explain that you feel a bit overwhelmed and ask them to ease off a little.

A gentle word of advice on messages/questions - use the spell checker, it makes a difference

Answer 9

It has no sense to go around the fire.

If there is something wrong you believe you have done please just recognize that and move on. That is the past. Try to not loose much of the present.
Only you can forgive yourself, others can not. And yes, there are times and circumstances that are very odd and where you can only make a choice between two or more bad things (one worse than other).

Answer 10

I think you should change churches John.Find one where you feel comfortable and yourself.I think fanaticism is a big problem in most religions, hence the terrible wars we seem to be witnessing.It brings out the worst/best in people.But forceful doctrine is not healthy,be yourself,keep your individualism always.
Good luck