Christians only?

Question

I have always been extremely active in my church, but the last few years I haven't had any more desire to do so. I'm getting judged & criticised a lot more and I honestly am starting to feel alienated from the people there. It's kind of like, if you can't do everything we ask, we don't really need you. Have you been through a time when you were completely burned out and you long for the place you used to be with your Lord?

To: Ga
I'm sorry I limited people by saying, Christians only. It was wrong. I would love to hear from anyone.

Thank you all for the encouragement. There is no way I could pic a best answer on this one!

Answer 1

That has happened with us before.... we realized that we had 'outgrown' what our church taught... it taught more doctrine and felt it could judge some yet allow others to continue in sin.... it wasnt 'being like the bible calls us to be'.... so our children, yes, our kids said 'it is time to go to a different church'... so we sought out a true bible teaching church where people are loving but true to what the bible teaches.... helping us thru difficult times.... encouraging us... and sometimes, letting us know when we needed to buck up and get back to Jesus more. Thankfully, there ARE churches where this is true.... and I hope you can find one near you where you can be fed by the Word once again! praying for God to reveal where He wants you thru this!

Answer 2

Even Jesus got tired. If it wasn't for the knowledge he had only a short time left with people, no doubt at some point he would have opted for some extra sleep. Could that be it?

If not and the criticism is real, someone is in need of spiritual overhaul. Paul wrote to the Ephesians in chapters 4 & 5 about just this kind of thing. He told them to put on the "new personality" of God and said exactly what that was. True Christians must do this and demonstrate they have by their lives. If that is not happening, maybe you are with the wrong people.

1 John 5: 1-3 shows how we know we are with "the children of God" and God's "commandments are not burdensome".

Judging only by your question, this would be my two answers.

Answer 3

We all go through dry spells. I don't know your church or how long you have been going there. But, a church is full of people and they are all human, not perfect in any way. I recently found a church that I am involved in and I love it dearly. The pastor told me to make sure I did not over commit myself, it is easy to get burned out when you do that. Keep God at the center of all you do. It may simply be a time where you need more of God and less of the activities. Work on you, your spiritual life and let the Lord renew your spirit and strength. :)

Answer 4

Yes, I think every Christian has gone through that,. I myself was in a small church back in 1970 to 1974, I started seeing the scriptures clearly & the pastor did not see anything, Finally I left & I was told by this pastor, if I leave, I will be back out in sin & the world within one year. I started going to another Chruch in Aug. 1974 & been there ever since, And Guess what I am still living for the Lord. What God has put inside of me, nothing can shake me away from it, I wonder what that pastor thinks now, his one year is up 33 times.

Answer 5

Oh Yeah.
But my longing for the time when I felt so close and in tune with the Holy Spirit, was a time when I had to search my own heart and find out why I was so sold out for Him with a burning passion, to where I could barely pick up the bible.
So I journeyed back and found what I was doing at that time etc that was different to that, then Now.
Then I began to seek Him with a fresh, new passion.

And with the Church, put them in the hands of God as He is the judge and it sounds like they are in it for "works", not Grace and Love....
It is awful being rejected by the body of Christ! I have felt it time and time again.
After one Church service, one evening, people were asked to stay for coffee.
Well I did, but I had coffee by myself, as I didn't know anyone there and they all stood round in their 'clicky' little groups and I went away sad.
It's years later and though I am known in town now, I still only have a few friends and feel judged, as I am by some people, and this is not assuming.
Small town talk and people have been told about my past that was like scarlett, but now is white as snow. Praise God!
So I am waiting on the Spirit of the Lord to lead me to a Spiritual 'Home', where I believe He will, soon.
Keep your chin up darl and press into God and tell Him all about it! He Loves us both so much!*

Answer 6

Sometimes people give to others and forget about their own needs. "The joy of your salvation" is Jesus. When things start building up and then get to the point where there is no Joy it's time to refocus on the Joy of your salvation. Take a little time and "be still and know the Lord for he is God" When we let our selves get so busy that the Lord has a place in the back of the car, it's time to stop the car and invite Jesus to take control back. Sometimes the best way to do that is to just stop and focus on Jesus in your life. Find peace at Jesus feet. Spiritually refresh and know the "Joy of your salvation" and as Paul said "Strive toward the mark of the higher calling which is in Christ Jesus."

Answer 7

I am an associate pastor. I started our as a Sunday shcool teacher and small group leader. I currently coordinate small groups for our congregation, lead my own group and teach bible studies on the weekends. At times the responsibilities seem to pile up and I want to run and hide. LOL. I wouldn't be able to hide for long because serving the Lord through service to the church is very rewarding and a central part of my life.

While I find it rewarding to serve in different ways in Church, I do go through times of burn-out periodically. Once in a while I need to take some time off to recharge. Recognize that it is normal to go up and down. It is like the seasons of the year.

"Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

The spring and summer are beautiful times of energy and producing fruit, autumn is a time of harvest and winter is a time dormancy and reflection. Winter is needed to reflect and recharge your spirit in preparation for the new spring.

When you are feeling burned out you may need to take a retreat. Even if you can't go away on a retreat, you can take some time off from volunteering to reflect and pray.

(Luke 10:38-42) Martha devoted herself to Jesus through service, where Mary developed a deeper relationship of love through direct attendance.

If service is no longer rewarding, don't blame the church or complain, but take some personal time to rekindle your love of the Lord through prayer and study. The season of joyful service will return.

One of the issues we pastors have to deal with is to not burn out our best people. It is so easy to say, "Martha always does such a great job, let's give that responsibility to her". That may be good for the church, but not the best thing for Martha at that time. Sometimes Martha needs to join her sister Mary at the feet of the Lord and just soak up His love and care.

Help your pastor develop others in the church by suggesting an alternative person for some of these duties. Maybe a brother (Andrew) is a faithful and true Christian who has been hearing the whisper of the Lord calling him to serve. He just doesn't know how to get started. When they ask you to take on another project, you could say, "I think I have enough on my plate now. How about Andrew for that responsibility?"

Now Andrew will experience the blessing that comes from service.

In all of these things, take it to the Lord in prayer. His voice is truly sweet to your ears.

Answer 8

A lot of people become burned out with ministry. And when you serve in the church and become a leader, you are judged - people look at your every move and criticize if you don't do it the way they think it should be done.

Here are some suggestions:
1) Try to focus on God. Remember that when you serve, you are serving God and God alone. Even when criticisms come, you can have peace knowing that God knows where your heart is. Perhaps praying before doing your ministries would be helpful to set your heart and mind on things above.

2) Serve in ministry outside of the church. My wife and I recently began serving God through doing Big Brothers Big Sisters. We felt called to do something for the inner-city community, while drawing back some on church ministry.

3) Speak to others about your problems. Obviously, I'm not saying that you should gossip or criticize...but go to a trusted church friend (perhaps a pastor or pastor's wife) and tell them your situation. Perhaps they can offer advice or help out.

4) Find your strength in God. Remember, Christ suffered on earth and knows our sufferings. Through our weakness we are strong. God tests us, puts us through trials and is pleased when we are faithful through storms. God will be with you.

God bless!

Answer 9

Take Heart: Some Church People will criticised you,
There is a Time God has for His People to rest;
Do what is in Your Heart:The Prophet Elijah would be a good example,He had confronted the 850 Baal prophets
on Mount Carmel, Then runs from a Women,to the Desert,Rest up God has a Job for You.

Answer 10

I started becoming active in church when I was 13 and still attten that church. At one point I was active in my church I worked in the childrens church but stopped because I didn't have the passion to do it anymore. Then about two years later I got involved in the church again by working with the multimedia ministry I then stopped because I was goinh through some personal problems. I want to join multimedia again. I want to serve God like I used to do.

Answer 11

Cathy,
There are many great answers here. You certainly have a job to sort thru all of them. I read, study, and obey our FATHER's WORD each and every day and I pray as often as I can. I ask HIM to forgive the sins that I may have inadvertently committed and to assist those who are needing HIM. HE is an awesome GOD who should always be in our heart and mind. The Church members are men and women as ourselves who all fall short of the glory of GOD. Attempt to overlook those things. If necessary you might want to visit another nearby church who is following the scriptures and possibly change membership if necessary. My wife and I have been with the same Church for over twenty years and we have been very happy. There are activities that I enjoy and there are activities that I do not participate in. Everything that we do is for the LORD and Furthering HIS WORK in this world. Have a wonderful week. If I may assist you in any way just write me a note and I will respond ASAP.
Thanks,
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