How would other Christians approach this matter?

Question

I asked my grandmother (Christian belonging to a Church of Christ) to attend the Christmas cantata at my general Baptist church where I will be singing a solo and as part of the choir. I also asked her to watch my children perform in the children's program and to witness their baptism. She said she could not attend at all if it was during her church's regular service and that she would have to ask permission to go if it was at a time her church was not in service. Ask permission? Why would the Church of Christ require its members to ask permission to attend the baptism of grandchildren? Is there something I am missing, I actually began to worry about her when she said this. I am hoping someone can explain about this. I don't know much about the doctrine of this denomination.

I am from the south, she is from Michigan. lol I live up here so I can help take care of her and my grandfather. lol Its so funny that you thought she would be southern and I am actually the one who is southern. Enought of that though, I am worried she is not thinking for herself.

The church is listed as Church of Christ, not Latter Day Saints. From what she has said they are not Mormon. I know they do not believe in celebrating most holidays, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and they do not allow instruments to be played in church. She joined them a few years ago when the pastor at her previous church told her to divorce my grandfather and go back to her ex-husband who she divorced in 1953. She nearly divorced my grandfather!! But he told her she could not continue to live in the house if they divorced lol, it was one of the few times he put his foot down. She said she has to ask the pastor if it is ok to attend the baptism. She won't come to the musicals because the hours are the same as her regular service.

Answer 1

If I were you I'd investigate the legitimacy of her church, because "to ask permission" is a "red flag" for "cult church" where the members are "controlled" for their money, property and financial support, including their life insurance and net worth inheritance. Find out all the details first, to see if there is any questionable behavior, and if so then call a meeting with your integral family members to discuss the best way to proceed with this issue, including approaching a professional group versed in cult deprogramming and rescuing.

Steve Hassan's cult rescue group may be a good start: http://www.freedomofmind.com/

Blessings.

Answer 2

Christians should obey God, not the church. I live in a big city called Shenzhen with a population of 8 million people, but there is only one Christian church which is quite crowded on Sundays. The first time and last time I went there was 3 yrs ago. I listen to Christian radio stations almost every Sunday night. I really don't believe you need to go to a church to be a good Christian. As of the Church of Christ you mentioned, I sounded like a cult.

Answer 3

If it is the International church of Christ, then it is considered a cult. Any "Christian" church that would have problems with you visiting another church or going to the concert at another church is not something that Jesus would be pleased with. I left a church a few years ago that got a new pastor., This pastor turned his back on the other truly Christian churches in the area. WRONG-

Answer 4

Later Day Saints, also known as Mormons, their churches known as The Church of Christ, was founded by Joseph Smith in the 1800's. When fellow Christian biblical theologians questioned Smith's aberrant teachings and his own "revelations" which proved not to be Biblically founded nor viable, Joseph Smith wrote his own Bible, which all Mormons/LDS accept as the NEW true word, guidance, and teaching of Almighty God. LDS have their own set of beliefs, rules, and rituals which have no basis in Almighty God or Jesus Christ, but everything to do with the glory and edification of Joseph Smith. It is a cult.

Answer 5

I identify as Catholic, but I have NEVER heard of having to "ask permission" to attend a service of another denomination. I used to attend Lutheran services, and was even in some Lutheran ceremonies because my best friend is Lutheran. I even had my children attend a Baptist Bible Camp over the summer with my Lutheran friend's children.

Answer 6

It depends on which "Church of Christ" denomination she belongs to. If she is Churches of Christ/Disciples of Christ or mainline Church of Christ, then she is simply confused, and her Church is likely to explain that to her when she asks. If she is International Churches of Christ, then she is a member of a cult, and she will most definitely have to ask for permission (and may very well be denied).

Answer 7

I trust your Grandmother is otherwise able to take care of her business and make decisions for herself............

Think calmly, but review how long has your Grandmother attended this church? Has there a recent change in pastors or other authority members? Have you yourself visited, seen anything that makes you uncomfortable?


Remind your Grandmother of the previous invitation. Be prepared to investigate based upon her answers. Who must she ask and why etc....as others have told you, this sounds foregein to many of us.

It may be a good idea for you to visit her church, unannounced, to either give you peace of mind, or to convince you to take a more drastic action.

Hopefully, it will all turn out to be a simple matter of momentary confusion for your Grandmother.......we all have them! Or perhaps she simply meant she had an obligation within her church, and would need to ask someone to relieve her.

I will remember you and your Grandmother in my prayers. Please keep us posted!

Answer 8

Yep, that's about it. My sister-in-law and her family wouldn't even come see their own mother baptized. They decided to visit a Church of Christ out of town that day and couldn't make it, but we all knew that was an excuse. I don't know about asking permission, but if their church is in service, most won't dare go anywhere else.

Answer 9

It doesn't sound right to me at all... I can't imagine that she actually has to ask permission from a Church of Christ church...that's very strange.

Why don't you call her church and ask them their policy on that -- maybe she has just misunderstood something the pastor said.

Answer 10

there is little harm in getting advice or council on any matter.or to be committed to YOUR OWN CHURCH.legalism is what I would be concerned about.controlling Church's are brainwashing people to accept their every whim.I sense this in the way you presented this word.that this church of Christ is in control,not Jesus.Jesus would ask her what would you like to do and walk with her even if the person chooses wrong.he would also use the error or right choice as a lesson.