I go to a very small church. very low attendance.
I miss a Sunday and he calls me up and asks me if I am sick.
I don't lie or want to be rude. I know he don't call the other few members. How can i phrase the truth that won't hurt him? or should i just tell the truth and shame the devil. Sometimes I just can't get out of bed becasue I stayed up all night goofing off
2007-02-01 00:47:05 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm a Christian, too, and I don't go to church. I know you are supposed to "remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" but that doesn't mean you have to actually go attend an organized church. Stay home and read your Bible. Or maybe have a small Bible study with your family over lunch or something. Remember the Bible quote, "where there are two or three of you..." or something like that. It means that you can gather anywhere, anytime. You don't have to go any specific building or listen to any one specific person speak about your religion. It doesn't matter who you talk to about it. The most Christian woman I know never goes to church. I onced asked her how many times she's read the Bible. She said she quit counting at 7. Basically, she doesn't go to church because she is somewhat crippled due to extreme physical abuse as a child inflicted by her mother. She's had to have many surgeries and walks with those canes that have cuffs on them that hook on to your arms. She uses a shopping cart to get around her house if she needs to carry anything, even very small items. Anyway, she stays home and reads the Bible or books about Christianity or listens to church radio programs. Relax. It's nice of your minister to call you if he is concerned. He probably just sincerely thinks something is wrong if you are there every Sunday and then all of a sudden your not. Think of it this way. Ministers are human, too. They are no better than anyone else. To be really honest, there are probably some Sundays that he wishes he could stay home in bed or watch TV in his sweats, too. This does not make you a bad Christian.
2007-02-01 01:53:43 · answer #1 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps your church is not the best fit for you. You don't mention your age, but I gathered from your question that you might be single. There are many large churches available that have small groups for singles or other interest groups. Having a group of people you can meet at church, and maybe coffee afterwords, might motivate you to attend more regularly. If you don't like the idea of leaving your current church, talk to your minister about perhaps, forming some small groups for motivation at your church. Regardless of whether or not he does this, your minister needs to know that there is a lack of motivation on your part to attend weekly. If you are feeling this way, there is a good change that other members of the congregation feel this way too. Your minister may need to make some changes to increase attendance.
2007-02-01 01:58:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just tell him. It's possible you're not getting any spiritual growth from visitng each week, so you're not motivated to go. Are the services boring? Maybe you need a church with more enthusiasm, pizzazz, or just a different venue that offers services at a different time of day.
Or maybe, right now in your life, you're taking a step back to take a step forward later. Recharging your spiritual batteries so to speak. It's cool. Just be open about it. If he's offended, or gets preachy (no pun intended) then you have an opportunity to say, "This conversation is just showing me that my feelings about not attending church might be right."
I've given up church altogether. I do a religious book club instead. I find I get much more out of the conversations than I ever did sitting in church. Best of luck to you!
2007-02-01 00:58:16 · answer #3 · answered by Happenstance 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is his job. I know he would have to call every members because it is a small church. He will need everyone to be there as he could. Just tell him the truth. Don't try to find you the other church because of it. They all are going to be the same everywhere you go. It's better if he care for you than he don't. My pastor hardly call me when I am not there. The matter fact no one ever call here when I skipped the church. They might call me to pray for someone or needed something. It's not matter to me. I don't look at people or pastor. I look at God, and Jesus in my heart. I called them most of the time. You are lucky to find the church that the pastor care enough to call you. Be blessed and stay blessed.
2007-02-01 00:56:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The *minister* is NOT God, so don't worry about it. IF he is trying to get you to go to church by guilt or reprimands I would not go there either. How do you know he does not call other members? Maybe he IS concerned about you. You have admitted that you stay up late goofing off, and want to stay in bed. That is not a reason to miss church as you should put at least as much effort in worshiping God as you do goofing off as you put it. Hope this helps.
2007-02-01 00:54:16 · answer #5 · answered by Ex Head 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just come right out and say that you simply don't feel like going. I did this very same thing and he finally quit calling me. (super small church and attendance here too)
Honesty is always best ! If you are harshly judged due to being honest then limit time spent with those idiots doing the judging.
Live life knowing you did the right thing !
: )
Happy Thursday !
2007-02-01 01:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by Kitty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well the truth shall set you free, although that excuse might get you , you should be here then to repent your sins.
Really it is NONE of his business why you don't go to church or how often you attend. Maybe he needs to think about how relevant his sermons are that people are staying away.
2007-02-01 00:52:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You really shouldn't have to offer an excuse. Just say something like, "no, I wasn't ill, but thank you for thinking of me and showing your concern." Hopefully he won't pressure you for an excuse after that, but if he does, well then, the truth is always the best policy.
2007-02-01 00:53:40 · answer #8 · answered by sparkie 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Calling to ask if you are sick was the easy way out for your minister.........when all he really wanted to ask was..." Why weren't you at church today ? " Just tell him the truth....
It's your business and you don't have to explain to him why
nor let him make you feel guilty.
2007-02-01 02:06:40 · answer #9 · answered by Blondie B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Skipping church once in a while is normal (if not desirable), so you shouldn't have to explain. If he keeps pushing, and you're not comfortable in this situation, find another church.
2007-02-01 00:54:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋