Many times, I will attend a church. As I get to know the congregation, I keep seeing something that is not "Christian". Some people are new to the church. After attending a few times, they are immediately accepted into the fold, making a lot of friends. While others have been attending for years, and are still outsiders. The scriptures say to be impartial and to love everyone in the body of Christ. I do not see that happening at all. Should I talk to the pastor? Or, keep trying other churches? Please help.
2007-10-10 04:00:11 · 14 answers · asked by LAgirl 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To: behonest, These "outsiders" have involved in several ministries for years and attend all events that is invited by the church. People do not pal around with them and invite them to hang out with them elsewhere. Other people just walk into the church and automatically get accepted on the basis of their model looks, size 3 pants, athletics and other physical beauty attributes. These are not "Christian values". I question the types of people who run the fellowship activities of the church.
2007-10-10 06:43:02 · update #1
I think a lot of church going people are "clicky".. they act like they are in school... they accept certain people,and not others. A lot depends on social status...in my opinion, if the person/s doesn't fit into the economic norm of a particular church, they are left out.
2007-10-10 04:17:23 · answer #1 · answered by gemma 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Much as I would like to tell you something different, being honest, I am like that. I am by nature very shy. I realize I am among true friends but, I just can not glad hand everybody. I will do anything for someone without being asked but just can't jump up to be the center of attention. There are more people like me.
I will tell you something personal. Being ill, there is now a telephone conference call so I can hear the meetings. What is especially great for me is hearing the talking and laughter before and after the meetings. I have missed it so much. If, however, everyone was like me, things would mostly be quiet. That would be a sad commentary.
2007-10-10 05:11:24 · answer #2 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are people who attend churches w/o the need for the social part of it. Maybe it is their choice. The only thing you can control or do anything about is how you react to the other people.
EDIT: My guess is that if "these people" you speak of are being left out against their wishes then they are the ones needing to speak to someone or find another church. Some people choose to not be real sociable in a church or harder to approach than others. You may also want to look at your own insecurities and how you feel around the people in the church. If you are not feeling accepted or included maybe you should step forward or speak to the pastor about getting involved in things. If you feel the congregation is truly just "stuck up" then I would certainly find another church.
There is no perfect church because there are no perfect people. I have attended churches that I did not become involved in, but that was my own choice. I have finally found a church that is like home to me and I felt welcomed and accepted as soon as I walked through the doors and I am not drop dead gorgeous nor rich. I hope something works out for you soon. : )
2007-10-10 04:03:58 · answer #3 · answered by sparkles9 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I am one of the people who have been going(to the same church) for some time and do not have a lot of friends I am one of the people you would call an "outsider".... It is up to me to get to know more people. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" Proverbs 18:24 I am not all way the best at showing my self friendly!
You should pray to God about what church he would have you go to. You will find this in all most ever church you go to. No church is what is should be! However it may do you some good to talk to the pastor about this as they should be like you and not like to see this in there church.
2007-10-10 04:17:50 · answer #4 · answered by MadDog 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you go to church for the people or for communion with God? If the latter, then there is no need for the church; this communion may be carried out anywhere you are. If the former, then know the basic truth that church is for socializing and is often a symbol of social status, thus becoming but another expression of political presence. Some people don't play the social game and are thus not included in the reindeer games. Personally I don't like to mix spirituality and politics.
2007-10-10 04:12:08 · answer #5 · answered by Black Dog 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Personally, if you see things that really bother you I think it's probably best to sit down with a pastor and share your concerns to see if there is any way that they can be resolved. In my experience, there is no such thing as a perfect church -- no matter where you go there will be something 'unChristian' about the congregation. That's what happens when a bunch of imperfect people get together : )
2007-10-10 04:11:08 · answer #6 · answered by James H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If those people have been attending for years, then they are as active as they want to be in the church. When you say "accepted into the fold" are you referring to immediately becoming actively involved? We have several members in our church that have been members for years but only attend the morning worship. They do not attend or participate in anything but that. Then we have members who join us and immediately become active in the church ministries. If you want to know how the "outsiders" feel, why don't you approach them and ask them if they are happy with their participation and inclusion in church activities and if they aren't then see what you can do to help.
2007-10-10 04:10:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Bible Said that the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is not a person it is the Power of God{Genisis 1:2} In this scriptuer it lestse you see that God used his holy Spirit to create Earth, So it is not A Person it is an Object of God. So isujest you becarfule becase that is probebly a demon you are seeeing.
2016-05-20 23:14:54 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humans are creatures of habit, and they always like to form intimate groups. If you haven't been accepted into a group, maybe you should be friendly and not judge others in the church. There is no perfect church.
2007-10-10 04:44:59 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't change people to be as you wish them to be,only yourself,For myself,I tried the same thing,going from church to church,it did not work for me.
2007-10-10 05:08:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋