An opinion sought please about a bible study group I attend?

Question

I attend a weekly local neighbourhood fellowship in a neighbour's house (there are about 6-8 who attend). I am the youngest attendee and have a very youthful outlook on life. The problem is, the whole time I am there is spent talking about everyone's illnesses and this brings me down and I find it depressing being there. Yes, the conversation does get around to the bible, etc, but still most of it is about sickness/death and illness. I feel guilty if I don't go, yet when I'm there I come back depressed. I'm not a doctor and feel I shouldn't have to put up with this kind of talk, but being a christian, I feel I have to sympathise and empathise. I too have my fair share of problems, but wouldn't think to burden anyone. It's like being in an old people's home! The 'leader' of the group phones me to tell me who's got something wrong with them and who is the latest person to have died that she knows. I was wondering if anyone might give their opinion.

Answer 1

You should find a group that preaches life and health, not sickness and death. They are killing you, literally. Depression is a serious thing.

Be nice about how you tell them you do not wish to participate in their group any longer however.

Answer 2

You can either leave the group and attend a different one with younger members or you can try taking some control of the current group.

If you leave, there's nothing wrong with that. The group is not providing what you need. You shouldn't feel guilty because all the other people have something in common which you can't share.

If you decide not to leave try arranging for a different person to lead the group each week. So compile a list of Bible or Christian topics and let each person pick which one they want to discuss. You go first. For example you could kick the session off by reading a section of the Bible, this could be followed by a prompted discussion of its implications for your lives and then you could have a short quiz on the topics discussed followed by a prayer.

This should liven things up a bit and keep people on topic.

Answer 3

IT is not nice that they burden you so greatly. We are to attend to each others needs and requirements not leave young and new in the faith uncatered for and drained.

You must be incredibly polite my friend, stay strong in the Lord, take the innitiative it will work wonders for your spiritual maturity.
Why don't you ask to meet the leader of the group with one or two other members and share your heart.

Emphasise your needs, the bible says to attend to each other, and for the sick, hold hands in prayer, annointing with oil.

Worship should be about praise amd glory to God, as did paul when he was in prison, he did not nurture his depression and stay moody. Lift up your hearts all ye saints as the bible says, it sounds like the periods of mourning should not be private or arranged with those in need and agreement, But also be able to accept death and passing. Ask for less time dwelling on individual negative, or maybe if the leader and two others were sole listeners then when you all meet, he can give much shorter breifings and introductions then your service is full of praise and worship to God, as it should be. But don't neglect your old and infirmed, if they stop this long drawn out, painful mopeing, and change format where the leaders take it all on and bring the people together for lots of praying for the sick and needy, which will then include you and praise singing and delivering in honour respect and thanks to God, that will be better.
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Answer 4

the holy spirit will speak into peoples life that which God is trying to work if they are seeking him. The jews lost hebrew and studied the greek translations The greeks were not familiar with the Jewish law and it had not much context for them.... God has had a hand in many of the translations. I study with a concordance handy and often that makes some understanding easier and points to other passages where the same words are used. I went through Bible college and some of the students were so green, just saved but so full of the Spirit they had insights AW tozer would be proud of. The guys who are in the word are doing fine ; Greek or not but most do not study period. Many who study Greek can get puffed up with knowledge and miss the simple message the God has given. Sure the amazing deep technical language stuff is cool but you not lacking without it. We are an English speaking people and seeing the one language you do understand is probably best for most people; but it does not invalidate the things you see by studying Greek.

Answer 5

You could just quit going as it is depressing to you. That is not what Bible Study is all about. It is ok to fellowship afterwards, but you are together for one thing, they should not push their life on you.

Maybe you could suggest they do their discussions afterwards because it takes precious time from the study. If they start the chatter then just get up and leave. After all, this is how gossip starts....

OR show up LATE...lol....then you can miss out on the chatter.

If you decide to quit, then be honest and tell them if they ask, that you were there to study and learn about the Bible and you feel you are unable to be of use, you feel like it is gossiping, OR you have other things to do that night. THEN look for another group.

Be sweet and carry a big stick...........lol

Answer 6

I would seek out a more youthful study group. Most larger towns have events, dinners, games that you can go to with church people more your age. Do you also attend church? That's a great way to get to know what's going on for young adults. If the group leader wants to know why you stop attending be honest. I go to a Sunday School where that happens with 1 or 2 monopolizing the conversation about health. The rest of us try to gently get back to the subject matter. I can see how this would be difficult for you. I commend you for your devotion to Bible study.

Answer 7

Worship should be about praise amd glory to God, as did paul when he was in prison, he did not nurture his depression and stay moody. Lift up your hearts all ye saints as the bible says, it sounds like the periods of mourning should not be private or arranged with those in need and agreement, But also be able to accept death and passing. Ask for less time dwelling on individual negative, or maybe if the leader and two others were sole listeners then when you all meet, he can give much shorter breifings and introductions then your service is full of praise and worship to God, as it should be. But don't neglect your old and infirmed, if they stop this long drawn out, painful mopeing, and change format where the leaders take it all on and bring the people together for lots of praying for the sick and needy, which will then include you and praise singing and delivering in honour respect and thanks to God, that will be better.

Answer 8

Did I tell you I am Bi-polar as a result of war time trauma. The dreams are terrible and the VA gives disgraceful health care, my God the long lines to get your temp taken and they still use rectal thermometers. Standing in line hurts my knee. Just wanted to make you feel at home. Doesn't it make you want to get all grown up, so you to can suffer. Sounds like a depressing group, did you ever think to ask the leader type this question. I doubt they even realize they are dragging each other down right along with you. Stand up and holler where's the joy people, does God love you or what and if He does why do you suppose you all feel so bad, let us pray dear God in heaven please heal these people in mind and body b4 they take me down with them and while I have your attention could you get those political officials to give veterans a little higher quality healthcare.

Answer 9

Firstly, I dont think its healthy to be feeling guilty for NOT attending a meeting.If the group has been running for a long time, they are obviously in that kind of pattern, ie, discussing the same problems.I am like yourself, I wouldn't wish to burden anyone else with my problems, and don't understand others that do. If you want to continue attending the meeting, why dont you throw in some new ideas to them, ie, positive things to do, (a weekly donation from everyone there to buy a bunch of flowers to take to somone who is in need of a little love).I myself struggle with religion, and feel the need to say that you can still follow your beliefs without going to this meeting.If anyone there thinks bad of you for not attending, then they, in my eyes, are the ones that have the problem...they are not here to judge! HE will do that!

Answer 10

I think you should take a bit of initiative and try to steer the conversations to something more than illness. Maybe so many people in your group are talking about illness and death is because it genuinely affects them they are lonely and use the group to express themselves. So, make this into an oppurtunity to talk about community and brotherhood. Remember, look upon the problem as an oppurtunity to show your talent and bring forth your creativity. Maybe you will be the leader of the group.

Answer 11

Their probably telling all of this so they can be put on the pray list and she calls and tells you about other people that are sick and that have died so that you can pray for them and their families. Don't feel bad they are just trying to include you in the Bible study group. My church on Wednesday night asks people if they have anybody they would like to put on the pray list, before the service starts. From now on if you know of any one that is sick or whatever talk about them while everybody else is telling their problems.