for an ex christian who is confronted with fundamentalists trying to convert them? I went to church camp and as I was leaving, the minister's wife said,"come to my church with your husband. I want to get to know you."
I was supporting my husband and now this is getting more complicated. I won't listen to her. She probably didn't mean it. I just thought that there might be a way to not be a snob and still get my point across that I don't want to be converted.
People don't go to church just to get to know their pastor do they?
2007-09-05 09:43:41 · 15 answers · asked by ? 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i understand where you are coming from. the truth is, they want you back in the church...they feel its their calling. so... knowing that, you either have to expect that they will " be praying for you" and making efforts to " convict" you . if you don't want that, find other friends, or at the very least meet with them on YOUR terms. maybe at YOUR home. me myself...i would stay clear unless the occasion was strictly as a supporting role to my husband.
all the best.
2007-09-05 11:37:54 · answer #1 · answered by dali333 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It appears evident that your Husband is active in the
church and you are not.That raises the question, "Why not?" Were you already an ex-Christian when you married yoru Husband? If so and you knew he was trying to live for God you married under false pretense and should be ashamed. If not then I would suggest that you meet with the Pasotr and his wife, let them know where you stand. It could be the Lord is calling you to return to the Church. Also yes some do go to meet and get to know the Pastor, I know many people I have met that were that way, but beware they all became active in the Church and have gotten on fire for the Lord Jesus.
2007-09-05 16:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by cowboy_christian_fellowship 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A lot of people attend church to impress other people. They want to make a good impression on the pastor so that he will recognize them as "good".
The reason a Christian is to attend church is to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords. To fellowship with other believers is a side benefit. Ever heard the adage, "there is strength in numbers?" Well....when we hang around like believers who are stronger in faith than we are, we draw strength from them. Secondly, we go to church to hear God's Word proclaimed. Scripture teaches us that "Faith comes by hearing and hearing byt he Word of God."
I know a lot of folk won't go to church because they are hypocrites attending there. I need to tell you that you have your eyes on the wrong thing. They hypocrite is closer to God than you are because he/she is in between you and the Lord.
You may not want to be converted, but I can guarantee you this, if you will read the Bible and find out about the love that God has for you (For God so loved the world that He gave....) you will want to get to know this very God.
You didn't just meet your husband and decide to marry him. You spent time with him learning his likes and dislikes. You wanted to be in his presence. It's the same with God. He wants us to learn of Him and wants us to be in His presence.
That is what being a Christian is. It is not just to say "I go to such and such church." Being Christian means "I am living as Christ would live.
2007-09-12 14:41:43 · answer #3 · answered by markstephens1999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't go to church anymore as none of them uphold my spiritual beliefs. I would hope that I would tell anyone who thinks they are being kind and helpful the truth. I think I would be gentle, loving, thankful for their concern about me, and tell them as briefly as possible without being abrupt, the truth. If they push, do the "broken record" thing. Just in case you don't know what it is, here is a simple explaination. You simply repeat your answer without any negativity towards them. They'll get the message, and hopefully with out any bad feelings towards you.
may Peace be with you
2007-09-13 07:53:44 · answer #4 · answered by Linda B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's actually VERY common to only go to church for socialization. I doubt half the congregation will get anything out of the service. I admit I myself don't always get something out of the service. Going to church won't convert you, but the building of relationships with Christians might. Don't be afraid to talk to people just because they're Christian. We don't all pounce on the unbelievers, but yes, our ultimate goal is to lead you to Christ. So whether it's a hidden motive or very up-front, she might just want to get to know you. I don't know the people, so it's also very possible they just want you to go to church and not get to know you. What can it hurt though?
Overall, just be polite about it and say straight up if you'd like to get to know them or not, but if you DO want to get to know them as just friends, tell them that you would like them not to preach to you or bring up deep spiritual conversations. If they're wise, they'll accomodate your request. I personally have never intentionally shoved religion down someone's throat, and I try to only bring it up if they ask questions.
That's not to say I'm a timid Christian. I just know that a relationship with God is personal, and if I'm going to lead someone to Christ, I'm going to need to develop a personal relationship with the lost person. Just give her a chance, and it should be clear after a meeting or two if she wants a friendship or another tally mark on her soul-winning chart.
2007-09-05 16:57:50 · answer #5 · answered by Christian #3412 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they should only go to worship God and be feed with the goodness of God. I think some who misunderstand actually chase people away from coming to Church.
2007-09-05 18:44:47 · answer #6 · answered by puddog57 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Err...did you lose your faith after you were married? I mean this is usually something that you work out ahead of time. If you are going to be around church people they are going to try to convert you. The only thing you can do is stay away without offending anyone.
If your husband really respects you, he won't put you in that position.
2007-09-05 16:53:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Do your own thing. People always talk a good game about discrimination yet when it comes to good old religion its different story. Please! HE doesn't give a frig about what religion you are. I wasn't aware that God was a Catholic or Protestant or anything else. We are ALL HIS CHILDREN. To the people with all the answers to you-GROW UP!! Oh and by the way people if God tells you what religion HE is let us all know will ya?
2007-09-13 01:28:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I guess it just depends.
My family is very close with pastor.
It's a small congregation though and when
he's hanging around he talks to us but it's up to you.
I would say just keep going with your husband and see
what happens, smile and be shy if you must.
2007-09-05 16:51:34 · answer #9 · answered by sassinya 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most people have problem to accept christian doctrine and she want to avoid debating about it.
-if you accept offer to visit her home, then it might lead to small heated debate, if she cannot accept the point then leave the place politely, but you need preparation before visiting.
-refuse the offer by ignore it, or phone directly and state ur point
that's all i can think of. :D
2007-09-05 17:04:49 · answer #10 · answered by mas2all 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋