I have been a part of a Christian church for over 6 years now... I was converted in one area and raised spiritually in another area (diff. states, same type of church). Alot of bad stuff happended when I was in the first church (the one I was converted in). Because our churches our very close nationally, I feel pressured to go to the church I was first converted in whenever I am in the area... the longer I wait to contact them the more anxiety I get... we are pressured in my church to "not miss meeting with the fellowship" and to only go to our type of church. The anxiety has deepened me into a serious depression... has anyone had a similar experience with their church?
2007-06-13 11:49:42 · 16 answers · asked by assezaime 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Going to church should not bring anxiety. If you are anxious, it becomes more difficult to meet God there. You can only really meet Him when you are at peace.
Please find out where the next nearest congregation is when you go back to the old area. Even if you have to drive several miles to get there, it will be worth it.
In fact, I invite you there, personally. That should give you a simple explanation for why you are not at the local service.
2007-06-13 12:33:34 · answer #1 · answered by John K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians have a relationship with God. Period. Your relationship is with your Lord, not your Church, and if your particular Church makes you nervous then try another one. If this "church" you are going to is part of Christ's True Church, then they know that the relationship with Jesus is all that counts, and they should be okay with seeing you go. If not, then they are acting in either a bizarre or cultish manner, and it is definitely best for you to leave.
I personally have never had an experience like this with any Church i have gone to, but i have read things and talked to some people that say God picks which Church we fit best in, and this makes me think that perhaps the reason you are getting so nervous might be that this church isn't the Church God wants you to be in.
If you look for a new Church, try and find one that allows for other denominations and sects (though not ones outside Christianity) being paths to Heaven. Also, pick a small Church. Big Churches let people get lost in them, so easily, so smaller Churches (which are the ones i like) are more like a community. Know that it is best to have a community, people you can talk to and get to know, but that more importantly is your relationship with God. Find a place that will nurture that, not your anxiety.
God bless you, please calm down and have some peace. May you find where you were meant to be.
2007-06-13 11:59:56 · answer #2 · answered by Oogglebooggle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did at one particular church, not necessarily because it was something wrong with it, I just didn't click with most of the other. I attended at a different church (same denomination) and it was great. I had a friend once who said people are like shampoos, not all work with everybody (not a brilliant simile, but it gets the message across) But if you mean like not really believing what others believe, than yeah. I grew up in a Catholic home, I believed in God and stuff but not felt close to God in the Church. I was really involved with Church, but found that I can a relationship with God through reading the Bible and hanging with Christian at college classes and Christian fellowship. It was there that I became born again. I think you gotta believe 100% in the beliefs of a church that and click with the rest (or most) of the congregation in order to feel that you belong there.
2016-04-01 06:12:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I found a church where everyone is real - they doesn't pretend to be someone there aren't. We actually tell each other our struggles.
What you are explaining is bondage; in the Bible it says that it was surprising how quick some Christian put themselves in bondage again.
I've had anxiety with other churches from a judgmental spirit that's why I am where I am I wouldn't stay in that kind of church.
I didn't go to church for awhile because I wasn't going to go just to say I went if I wasn't getting anything out of it. I love to go now. So keep looking.
Diane
2007-06-13 12:49:01 · answer #4 · answered by Diane L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel pressured to go to the church I was first converted in whenever I am in the area
What is the source of this pressure you're feeling?
Internal (guilt) or external (church members) ?
If it's internal you have my permission to dismiss it. :>
If it's the members coaxing you to return they are probably acting on Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
They are merely welcoming you back. This should not cause any anxiety on your part.
2007-06-13 12:30:03 · answer #5 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I go to a very large church and people don't mind other people's business. I join in the bible studies I choose and don't go to the ones I don't go to...no pressure at all. They are great bible teaching churches, full of devoted people who really love Jesus and the word of God. Nondenominational. You might want to check to see if there is a Calvary Chapel in your neck of the woods. Not pushing anything on you; just a suggestion.
2007-06-13 12:08:27 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find a Bible believing church of your own choice. If you are filled with anxiety it is not of God. God instructs us that we are not to be anxious about anything but to look to Him and trust. He can direct you to a good Bible believing church where Christ is loved and exalted.
You are not required to attend any church you don't want to.
Search out and attend a church where Jesus is the center of everything, and you will grow immensely.
I am not a member of any denomination, but for starters you might want to check out an Assemblies of God church.
EDIT: It is always irritating when some short-sighted person or an unbeliever or some denominational person who is stuck
in their own rut gives a thumbs down on an honest effort to help someone.
2007-06-13 12:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the church that Iam in the process of initiation , I have never felt such peace and joy as I do in this church.. I suffered anxiety and depression in all of the other churches I have been to in my life. The Lord led me to a church which does not do that. They preach the fullness of Christ. There is nothing but joy and peace with in my church, we are one big happy family. My church, The Holy Roman Catholic Church.
2007-06-13 11:59:02 · answer #8 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. I can't say as I've ever experienced that kind of anxiety. You don't sound sure of the church your attending or are a member of. Could it be that the exclusivity bothers you? May I ask you what kind of church your attending?
2007-06-13 11:56:17 · answer #9 · answered by Tzadiq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes I can say I have and I went looking for another church to, I don't like to be pressured into going all the time. maybe it is time for you to find another churches as well. You shouldn't be feeling that way and no church should be pressuring you either..Peace and Joy
2007-06-13 12:28:15 · answer #10 · answered by pops 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋