i haven't gone to church in over 3 years, for personal reasons. Let's just say, my mate cheated on me for 6 months with a church girl. After that, I lost all respect for Christians, and haven't wanted to be around them. But I want to try again.. at a new church.
But I don't like that, as a member, you are expected to support the church with your "prayers, presence, gifts, and service". I am okay with all of those except the gifts. Do they like, bill you for church? Or ostracize you if you don't give? I can barley make ends meet as it is, I wouldn't be able to uphold that leg of the table of membership. Should I not join?
And also, is it OK to take communion before I am an official member? I was baptized and confrimed as the same religion as this church.
2007-12-23 04:16:59 · 26 answers · asked by Me 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course you and go to church again. My parents are Methodist. I feel the Methodist church is very welcoming and nonjudgmental. You would be free to take communion there. As for the tithing..if you are asked, tell them exactly what you wrote. "You would love to but you are barely making ends meet." You could also say if your situation changes in the future, you will be glad to help out.
Best of luck to you.
Wishing you a joyful and blessed holiday season.
2007-12-23 04:24:50 · answer #1 · answered by KyLoveChick 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Before taking communion, you should have a chat with the pastor. You can find an office phone number for him (or her) and discuss the matter with him personally. (Different churches have different policies on this).
If the church EXPECTS you to give certain amounts of money, then keep looking for another church. Yes, most churches require you to give, but they require you to give what you can. Maybe a dollar a week or just helping out volunteering and such. Maybe you could ask the pastor when you meet to discuss the communion thing with him. Say something like, "I was told that I should support the church with prayers, presence, gifts and service. Could you explain what this means in this church?" or something like that.
It's always ok to go back no matter how long you were gone and for whatever reasons you left. Finding a church is like shopping for a good pair of jeans. If one church doesn't fit, keep trying them on until you find the one that's just right for you. (Even check out other denominations if you can't find the right one where you're at now.)
2007-12-23 04:30:44 · answer #2 · answered by princess_dnb 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
this is a sad situation but remember forgivness is always there. The churches i have attended they did not bill you but charity should be available. Do you have to give no but its a good thing if you do. The money you put in usually gos to church outings or bills the church may have to keep it up and running. From my personal experiences in general its better to become an official member then do your communion. You sound like a strong person sounds like your on way to Salvation. Good for you. Attend as many churches until you find the right one. There's plenty out there.
2007-12-23 05:04:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you are more then welcome to come back to church. However, being a part of the body includes all those things you don't like. We do serve. We do offer tithes and offerings to support the church as a whole (not just the building you attend), we do mission work. We minister to the sick and the poor. If you have been baptized, there is no reason to be a "member" of a particular congregation to partake in communion...although some "churches" frown on it. The purpose of the communion is to remember what Christ did for us...giving His life for ours.
2007-12-23 04:26:06 · answer #4 · answered by RT 66 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gifts they mean...like charity. My church has different charities it supports every year. If you can't afford it or what not then you cant do it. You should still go to church. It is ok for you to take communion. Communion isn't about church. It is about the body of Christ. The wine is the blood and the bread is the body. Has nothing to do with the church. A church is free. A quarter each time won't kill you and it is better than nothing. Stop treating it as a business and think of it as a place you can go to relax and enjoy yourself for free. You are there for Christ and God..not for anyone else.
2007-12-23 04:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are not totally welcomed with open arms, it is not the right church!
Gifts can mean spiritual gifts, not just monetary. I would never let that stop you from going and being part of the community. Giving the gift of friendship and fellowship is very generous. Praying for the church and people in it is a gift.
If they insist that you tithe money, then you can discuss it with the pastor or find a church that will welcome you anyway.
As for communion, a protestant should be able to take communion in most protestant churches, but I am not an expert here. I also do not know about Catholic churches policies. I bet the pastor would be happy to discuss this with you.
Good luck, and may God richly bless you.
2007-12-23 04:22:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Hey I just saw your question, it's 1.54 a.m. gonna sleep already but what the hey just bring one question to bed with me. Anyway you in Singapore? Come join me. West Coast. Beside Ginza. 189 from Clementi MRT stn. towards east -> that means take the bus towards Pasir Ris direction. Or 282 from the interchange. We have services at 8.30 or 10.45. In fact there are a number of churches I've been to which are great. Any, almost any church is good for you. There's no one who's going to judge you. What bad remarks are they going to say. Memories I can understand. But there are things you need to start anew, like finding a new place to worship God in. Personally I've always felt as if I should be going elsewhere. I have options of going to another churche. But my heart is always with my original church. What happened with you? My brother also changed churches because of unfriendliness within his youth group. I guess finding a group you are comfortable with is important. Don't worry, take heart, the Lord will guide you to one.
2016-04-10 21:55:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its the same religion as you were confirmed you're a member, youre worshiping the same god not joining a gym.
Biblically youre supposed to tithe 10% of your earnings to the church, however thats not actually expected. They generally ask for you to give what you can. Remember the story of Jesus comparing the donations of the rich man and the poor woman?
Also keep in mind that the cheating is a personal failing on the part of the cheaters and not necessarily a Christian thing. Christianity is generally big on the one partner for life idea.
2007-12-23 04:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by sius 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OF COURSE YOU CAN COME BACK TO CHURCH!!...if u were confirmed then you should have learned that going to church is a part of being a christian...i understand that u lost respect for all christians but most of the christians aren't as bad as u think...u just need to get to noe them a little better...just keep praying that u'll meet the right guy and god will answer your prayers...ur not billing the church its more like a donation ur giving to jesus just like the three wise men did...if you were baptized and confirmed then im pretty sure that makes u a member...i suggest u take ur communion so that all ur sins can be forgiven ...i also suggest u going to confession...ive been in confession tons of timez and this is what happens...
The priest may prompt you to begin. You respond: "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been (mentioned the time lapse since your last confession here) and these are my sins."
Start listing all your mortal sins first and the number of times you have committed these sins.
Then proceed to mention some of your venial sins. When you are finished, you should say "For these and all the sins of my past life, especially for my sins of (what ever you truely feel bad about..i suggest not going to church for 3 years) I am truly sorry."
The priest may give you some advice, and then will assign your penance and ask you to say an "Act of Contrition". You then wait for his absolution.
After the absolution, thank the priest and go do your penance; preferably before the Blessed Sacrament...i noe it might be hard to go and talk to the priest but trust me u will feel like a bunch of weight fell off ur shoulders...GOOD LUCK and God bless
2007-12-23 04:41:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, you can go back again. Yes, you can take communion. No, you will not be ostracized if you are not in a position to make a financial contribution. (I am a full-time student and I just give a couple of dollars when I can.) Yes, you will meet some church-goers who don't live up to their calling in their behaviour. They need your prayers. All the best on your path. Cheers.
2007-12-23 06:56:36 · answer #10 · answered by raxtonite 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋