I need to find a new path spiritually.?

Question

I have been going to a church for 2 years 8 months. But I have not been going to the church. I have been serving for 2 years 8 months out in the children’s church program. The kids that help us are not getting anything out of it. I feel like I’m babysitting. I don’t know if the ones who we are doing this for are getting anything out of it as I never see them. We do the same old songs over and over again. We teach the same bible stories and memory verses over and over again.

I had gone to this church from December 6, 1998 to 2003 and then stopped going for about 6 months. The reason was I was running the projector that displayed the words to the music that we sang on Sunday morning and “all” special events. When I was asked to do it I understood that there would be three of us doing it and we would trade off. Well that three became me and only me. I asked over and over again if there was going to be any one else. The preacher said that he was working on it. That was in October of 2002. I left in the last Sunday in June of 2003. And it was not until December of 2004. When I did come back, it never was for my self or God. It was for the husband and wife team that run the children’s church program. I love them like parents. (Mine are all dead.)

Here it is August 24, 2006, and every sense January of this year it’s been a full on struggle to get up every Sunday morning and go and help. From a spiritual level I am about as far off the path as I (personally) can get. I had talked with a friend who is the son-and-law of the man who runs children’s church at the church where I go. He and I talked many times about how I was not happy and how empty I felt inside and he said that I should tell him how I was feeling. I had “said” it but not to the point to where he could understand it (he heard but was not listing). I thought my hit and miss on Sunday mornings would be a clue as to my desire not to be there.

Well this last Sunday I missed church again. Only this time when I called him later that day he said that he had talked with his son-and-law and that he told him that I wanted out.
He asked me if it was true. I was not going to lie and say I did not say such a thing.
Well he freaked out. Said that I was doing this for my self and not willing to wait for God to send me someone to replace me. And that I should not come over to his house or have anything to do with him. God! I was not ready to have this conversation, not this way, not over the phone. I could not tell him why I need to leave. I could not put into words how I felt in side. He said that he and his wife where going to have to close down the children’s church. That he simply could not do it alone. His son-in-law said that they had done it with out me for 27 years before I came and that they would do it after I was gone.
(Why did he have to open his big mouth on this Sunday?)

So is it right to stay somewhere, where your spiritually dead inside?
Or should you go else where and hopefully find that spark that brings you back to life?
God loves a joyful giver, and I had not been joyful for most of this year.

So what should I do?

Answer 1

No, you shouldn't stay somewhere where you feel spiritually dead. I find it hard to believe their reaction - firstly because this side of your life is a private and important side of your life and you shouldn't be forced or made to feel guilty. The man who runs the church shouldn't wait for God to find a replacement - advertise! Secondly, you are an individual and this isn't working for you - there's no argument about this and if it doesn't suit others, tough. It's your life, you shouldn't be held to ransom, you've had enough hardship in your life already and you need to find your own path, one that makes you happy. God gave you free will.
You sound like you have plenty of sensitivity. God can be found everywhere, so spread your wings, don't be afraid and go and find what you seek. It sounds like you need to start with a place that is more open-minded and tolerant. I'm English and this is not how people would react in England.

Answer 2

Be thankful that you are free of this. I believe it to be a blessing although I am sad that it has obviously hurt you to have them feel that you are selfish when you have tried so hard to put self aside in order to help them. Now--start searching!! There is only a very narrow road which leads to everlasting life and the Bible says that few are the ones finding it. Because you have been aware of your spiritual need, it is very possible that you could be one of those few. Also, you have shown that you have a good heart and God is looking for those who do and he will lead you if you will allow it. Have your own study of the Bible. Read at least a little every day and pray that God will direct you to the truth. The Bible is God's letter to you and every part of it can teach you what kind of person he is and how much he truly loves you. Don't settle for any less than a religion that teaches what the Bible really teaches. I believe you will do well. May God bless all your efforts.

Answer 3

You shouldn't let someone guilt you onto a spiritual path. Nor should someone guilt or threaten you into staying on a path you are uncomfortable on.

Read. Start reading on all sorts of religions/paths. Meditate. Become more comfortable with yourself and your world. Learn as much as you can about as much as possible, you'll find thoughts and beliefs that mesh with your own and make you happy. Inner bliss and peace will follow.

Should you stay in a religion if your unhappy, doubtful and weary of it? Should you be in a religion that others have to guilt you into staying? Doesn't seem spiritually enlightening. If you are on the best path for you, all the info on all the religions in the world won't change that.

Question your beliefs often no matter where you are on a spiritual path. It'll keep you in check and you'll know your progressing into a good place, the best place for you.

Answer 4

it is sad that you are feeling used I must admite I was feeling taken for granted in my church and had it out with the pastor I do not think he listened so I told him again and then said I was not doing any more for the church. I know thius was wrong of me and am sure it was partly due to Pmt. others in the church heard me and understood this week I am helping with a holiday club so much for not doing any thing but I had priviusly agreed.
you need to find a church were you feel happy and you are learnng my courent church has few members and I am one the first church I was a member of but y main contrabution is singning and that I love when I complained the second time the head deacon said they did aprisiat all I do but that was the first time I felt I'd had thanks the pastor is a very good preacher and his son who is disabled played the organ. but we go to church for growth if you never hear the preaching it is not on

Answer 5

you want to serve god by serving the church and by doing this you want happiness and satisfaction.Obviously you are not able to get this with your current assignment.So there is nothing wrong in changing to some other place and serve some other poeple who are also in the same need.You can even change your way of offering services.Any voluntary service serving the needy in any form is equal to serving the god.For this it is not mandatory that you have to work in church only.I think you can take up any social voluntary service to your satisfaction.

Answer 6

Let it close down, I think you should see a positive change in the community. Any change is a good change from here. If you want to go from christianity to spirituality, then I'd recommend buddism. Its a nice, (relatively)secular form of spirituality. I'm not an expert, but I think disappointment is pretty much impossible.

Answer 7

Just pray to your Creator like this:

Say: Dear Creator, I need your help. I'm feeling low in my spiritual life. Please awaken me and let me feel spiritually alive. Dear Creator, help me to know you. Amen.

Answer 8

your priest or preacher will not tell you this but alot of the Clergy is leaving Christianity and going to islam

here below is a website of a priest who became muslim

Answer 9

well my opinion is do what you feel is right if you don't want to be there get out now spiritual you should be enjoying it and you aren't Hun get what feels right to you

Answer 10

they were incredibly rude to you and should have appreciated you more.
Go church shopping-a different one each week for a while and ask God to guide your footsteps to where He wants you to be.