I call myself a Christian, but it's been a few years since I last went to Church. I still belong to the Church, but I feel like it would be weird if I just all the sudden showed up after all this time. What should I do?
2007-12-30 14:29:16 · 25 answers · asked by oriolesfan2323 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well if you feel a pulling to go back then -GO!!
"Obedience is better than sacrifice."
2007-12-30 14:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by Bobbie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You would get a more honest opinion by talking to your pastor than some of the people on this forum. Why not ask him or her when the services are held, etc., and say you hadn't been there for a while and let it go at that. If you had a certain situation arise that made you decide to leave, you don't have to bring it up. As a new pastor, I wouldn't raise the question, but would simply say I was glad to see you. You don't have to disclose anything more than you want to.
But with the New Year coming, what better way to start the new year off right than by attending services? I hope and pray all goes well for you!
2007-12-30 22:36:09 · answer #2 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't forsake your gathering together with the Saints, expecially when you see the Day of Christ nearing.
It seems that the devil is keeping you out of Church with this thought, That it would be weird to just suddenly show up. Really? This is just one of the devils tactics. I figure we are a strange people in Christ anyway. So? I may have not sent a letter to someone for years, then will send them one because God put it on my heart to do so. I used to think it would be weird to write that letter or make that call when I hadn't talked to that person for years. So? Today, I just say, "Surprise! Bet you didn't expect me to call you again." Because sometimes I end up calling this person up more than once. And maybe end up talking with this person for quite some time.
As far as listening to the Word of God preached. Faith comes by hearing & hearing a Word about Christ / God. This isn't just one meal. This is hearing & hearing.
If you miss Church, you can catch my Churche services live on line, http://www.riveroflifefellowship.org .
Praying for you to trust & obey God & not let the devil intimidate you. For God has not given us a spirit of intimidation, but a Spirit of authority, love & of sound mind.
†Prayer Warrior in Christ†
2008-01-01 15:52:30 · answer #3 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on why you stopped going! You should go to church somewhere, because the Bible says " do not forsake the gathering together of yourselves", and it also says "woe to the man that falls alone", we are to bear one anothers burdens and pray for each other! How can the brethren pray specifically for you if you don`t share with them? If you were hurt by someone in the church, you are to go to that person and be reconciled to them! That does not mean you have to always agree, but work out the issue,IN LOVE, and not take up an of fence!
If you left because of unbiblical things going on in the church, then find a good Bible based church and start fresh!
If you decide to go back to your home church, trust me, they will be thrilled to see you come back!
2007-12-30 22:42:17 · answer #4 · answered by bill k 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should return to the church if you truly have the desire to.
If this is something that you really feel you want to do, then do it no matter what looks you get from people or how awkward it may be at first.
However, do not try to impose religion on yourself just so you can keep calling yourself a Christian.
You can be someone who has faith without following a specific religious group.
No matter what you decide to do, stay true to your beliefs.
Best of luck.
: )
2007-12-30 22:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by hopefully helpful 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do you need some man telling you what God is? Why would you feel that man knows something you do not or is able to talk to God more than you are?
Open the Bible, clear your mind, and talk to God then LISTEN !!!! Does He want you to change something? Do something? Think differently? Be more forgiving? etc, Just listen.
You don't need another flawed, sinner to tell you what to do.
Most of those people up on the church stage are just trying to get attention, or power, or adulation or money. They get some kind of rush out of being the VOICE OF GOD They may or may not know more about the Bible than you, but you can look up your answers in your own Bible.
Every one of those people in church are hypocrites in their hearts, they are just really secretive about it. Or they are forgiven, which means they are just ordinary sinners like you and I. They aren't privy to some great secrets that you aren't getting.
I understand your post church guilt. It is part of the scare tactics they use to keep people in the pews and giving up their money. I grew up in the church. I taught in church. and did the whole churchy thing for 40 years before I had enough of the bull, and started thinking for myself. Now I couldn't be happier.
If you want a wonderful Sunday experience, go to a homeless shelter or a hospital and volunteer. After all that IS what Jesus would do. God Bless you.
2007-12-30 22:54:56 · answer #6 · answered by andria k 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I know that it can be hard to go back to church if you have been away for a while but it is definately worth it - if you are still in contact with any members then you could call them and have them come and collect you or meet you at the doors.
2007-12-30 22:44:23 · answer #7 · answered by Smudge 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As Christians, we need to be with each other so we can grow and worship and help each other and deepen our relationships with God. You could call your pastor and tell him that you're coming if that makes you more comfortable. And if your old church doesn't feel right, you could look for a new church.
2007-12-30 23:30:45 · answer #8 · answered by The Hungry One 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't consider it weird, but then I'm not a Christian. If you feel you want to go, choose a Sunday and do it. If you like the reaction you get, decide on that basis whether or not it's worthwhile to go back again. Basically, I don't see why you shouldn't experiment and see how you feel.
2007-12-30 22:34:06 · answer #9 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should do whatever you feel you need to do. If you feel like you can't go back, then don't. If you believe in a loving and accepting God, he will understand and will not condemn you over something so minor as not attending church. If you do feel you need to go back, then go. Do whatever you feel in your heart is right for you. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide.
2007-12-30 22:38:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can approach other churchgoers and ask them to accompany your to services. That would give you some "protection" in case you are nervous about just showing up. The rest of the Church should be delighted to have you back!
2007-12-30 22:36:35 · answer #11 · answered by Jeanster 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋