Today, I would like to ask a few questions. What is church for you? Is it a safe haven? a place of refuge? or a place where you were battered, bruised, or hurt?
Church has been a safe place for me. I love to gather with other believers and worship God. There have been earlier years when I simply sat in a pew and left. But in the past 15 years, I got involved in small group Bible studies and it made such a difference. I got to know others and care about them.
As I've been going through a difficult season in my life, my church friends have been right there beside me. They pray for me and reach out to me in so many ways for which I'm so grateful.
Church for me is a WONDERFUL place to be where my brothers and sisters in Him gather and worship and praise Him together. Caring people who love and support and encourage one another. Where I go to get my spirit feed in order to grow in Him. There have been churches over the years where I have walked in the door and immediately sensed the Holy Spirit dwelling there and a comfort and peace washes over me that is hard to describe. How my heart aches for those who have been battered and hurt at church. How incredibly sad. Interesting question....Have a wonderful day. HUGS, Debbie
I think it would have depended on when you would have asked me.
In my childhood and in my teenage years, it was a place that battered me and a place that didn't have room for me. I still suffer from some of the hurts that happened there.
At college, I didn't go to church for a long time. When I did, it was kind of friendly and the message was beautiful, but I was just there for a short time and didn't learn anyone's name.
Now, it is a place of refuge and one of the only places in Manhattan that I feel myself.
Thank you for asking :) Lots of love to you and your family!
Church was a place to gather with, give to and uplift each other since childhood. Since the church i attended from my teen years was "sold" I have not re-settled into another. I tried to settle into two churches since 2004 and each church was riddled with criminal/moral conflict in leadership. Unfortunately, many of the churches in my town are seeing the same issues in leadership. However, I keep praying and believing and enduring in my faith in God.
Definitely a safe place, a refuge, someplace where you can feel the love of those around but mostly God's Love. And yes, you feel God's love everywhere, but there is something special about being in His house! I have been hurt before, but we live in the world and we can expect that. We attend a very small country church on the edge of the city and we love it! until next time... nel
My precious Andrea ~ Church is a place where I feel He truly is embracing me within His house. It brings emotions forth that I do not let surface during the week.
Christmas hugs of love & wishes to you & Doug, sweetie ~ TTFN ~ Marydon
We are blessed beyond belief by our church. THank you JESUS!
Wanna do something zany and eternal this Christmas? Then, you are nvited you to a water buffalo party! No formal attire required, just stop by and splash along with us.
Being my hubby is a pastor, I would say most have been a place of fellowship...a place I felt safe and happy. Of course there are always times where our humaness comes through and hurts come out too....but overall for as long as I can remember it has been my second home. I think that has made it harder to not be well enough to attend anymore. Good memories though!
I grew up going to church with my parents. They were very involved in the church. I never really knew about having a personal relationship with God. Then when I was in my 40's I got to know God one on one and love my relationship with Him. I started going to to wonderful church, it was a great experience for me. I do not have a home church now, I am still searching.
Very interesting question today! After reading all the prior comments I have to say that each one expressed my thoughts about church thoroughly. Yes, I have been wounded, disappointed, and felt the sting of not feeling like I fit in on one time or another BUT like Wanda, I've learned (and still learning) to separate the failings and imperfections of people from the very essence and beauty of gathering together corporately to worship our Savior!
It is in the corporate expression of praise that my heart is encouraged and strengthened! And He loves when His kids "lay it all down" and gather together before His throne.....It's all about Him!
He is Faithful!
Luv and Sweet Christmas Blessings! Jackie
PS.....Whoo! Hoo! I'm having a Christmas Giveaway this week!
Hi Andrea, Church feels safe and loving to me especially the Little 250 year old white Lutheran Church near my home. I love it there. I always just need to find a balance as a person who was raised Catholic and who loves the Lord but not always what goes on in the Catholic church. However I was blessed to always have wonderful Priests that practiced what they preached. and truly cared..and that is a true blessing. Happy Holidays xx Bunny
Yes, there can be hurt there, but much more love than hurt. Besides, I don't have to answer for those that hurt me. I only have to answer for what I do and the Bible tells me to assemble with those that love Him!
All of the above at various times...right now more of the latter but we need to remember that what we call the church is a human organization and humans manage to mess up all they attempt to organize. The Church as the body of Christ..,that is a different story.
Andrea: Church has been my refuge, my safe place and a long time ago, a place where PEOPLE hurt me. People are human. If someone says anything remotely hurtful now, I know I need to pray for them. Jesus tells us to "Pray for them who despitefully use"us. I try to do that.
I am new to reading your blog but have to say that I'm really impressed!
I think church should be a place of deep community. Unfortunately that isn't always the case and just because church is comprised of christians it is still a group of people, and people are full of wounds so they tend to bring such things with them when interacting with others and in turn, oftentimes wound others in the process.
Hopefully, the forgiveness that God rains down on us, which is full of mercy and grace, will inspire some of us who have been wounded by others to react, not with bitterness, but with compassion and empathy...knowing that through the eyes of all those whose spirits have been regenerated with the whisper of God's Spirit, that in those eyes is Jesus.
Howdy Andrea Blessings of love ,healing and peace to you and yours! Thank you for asking this great question. What is Church For you ? Coming from a non Christian home I honestly did not know what a Church was. Later as an adult saved and hungry for God I was more confused by those who called themselves Christians yet their Church building was not an open door for those who were not the right kind of people ? It was quite clear to this gal that Church was God and where ever God was you would find a Church in one form or another. Open spaces under blue skies ,a quaint wood building with hand painted murals as well as beautiful stained glass images. A small store front leased for services. Someones living room doors thrown open wide in love. I was one that had been battered,bruised,and taken advantage of by the so called Church unitl I learned to recognize the Love of God . Sad to say there are still places where God is not alive and well simply social clubs for gathering ,but He wants to be alive and well everywhere He desires no one to be lost. What an awesome God and how wonderful His Church is that lives in our hearts as well as the places we gather to share and grow in His great love . Thank you Andrea :) God bless you Until next time Happy Trails
It's been far too long since I've visited your blog. I'm up at 2:30 a.m. when I have to be at work at 8 in the morning. I found this post and I ... needed it! My family hasn't been to church in 4 weeks. For us, this is a LONG time. Our church recently changed pastors (the previous pastor having been there for years ... married my husband and me, watched my children born and grow ...). In addition, our church has added a HUGE children's wing and ... I don't feel 'right' there. But ... God is there. He always has been, always will be. :) I love our new pastor, he is very gifted ... just ... not the man I have listened to for 22 years. So, I am struggling with change, acceptance ... But, I'll get there and when I do, HE will be waiting ... :)
So glad you asked!
ReplyDeleteChurch has been a safe place for me. I love to gather with other believers and worship God. There have been earlier years when I simply sat in a pew and left. But in the past 15 years, I got involved in small group Bible studies and it made such a difference. I got to know others and care about them.
As I've been going through a difficult season in my life, my church friends have been right there beside me. They pray for me and reach out to me in so many ways for which I'm so grateful.
All of those above! Carla
ReplyDeleteMy answer would be simply...Yes.
ReplyDeleteSafe, Refuge, Battering and hurtful... But my God is there, and it full of Him. But that's what church is for... :)
Church for me is a WONDERFUL place to be where my brothers and sisters in Him gather and worship and praise Him together. Caring people who love and support and encourage one another. Where I go to get my spirit feed in order to grow in Him. There have been churches over the years where I have walked in the door and immediately sensed the Holy Spirit dwelling there and a comfort and peace washes over me that is hard to describe. How my heart aches for those who have been battered and hurt at church. How incredibly sad. Interesting question....Have a wonderful day. HUGS, Debbie
ReplyDeleteI think it would have depended on when you would have asked me.
ReplyDeleteIn my childhood and in my teenage years, it was a place that battered me and a place that didn't have room for me. I still suffer from some of the hurts that happened there.
At college, I didn't go to church for a long time. When I did, it was kind of friendly and the message was beautiful, but I was just there for a short time and didn't learn anyone's name.
Now, it is a place of refuge and one of the only places in Manhattan that I feel myself.
Thank you for asking :) Lots of love to you and your family!
I was both wounded by churches and finally found one that had healing in their hands.
ReplyDeleteA safe place.... a place to feel welcomed and loved!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteChurch was a place to gather with, give to and uplift each other since childhood. Since the church i attended from my teen years was "sold" I have not re-settled into another. I tried to settle into two churches since 2004 and each church was riddled with criminal/moral conflict in leadership. Unfortunately, many of the churches in my town are seeing the same issues in leadership. However, I keep praying and believing and enduring in my faith in God.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a safe place, a refuge, someplace where you can feel the love of those around but mostly God's Love. And yes, you feel God's love everywhere, but there is something special about being in His house!
ReplyDeleteI have been hurt before, but we live in the world and we can expect that.
We attend a very small country church on the edge of the city and we love it!
until next time... nel
My precious Andrea ~ Church is a place where I feel He truly is embracing me within His house. It brings emotions forth that I do not let surface during the week.
ReplyDeleteChristmas hugs of love & wishes to you & Doug, sweetie ~
TTFN ~ Marydon
Church is a safe place - a refuge from the storm, a place to fall at His feet and a place to worship my King. I LOVE CHURCH!
ReplyDeleteWe are blessed beyond belief by our church. THank you JESUS!
ReplyDeleteWanna do something zany and eternal this Christmas? Then, you are nvited you to a water buffalo party! No formal attire required, just stop by and splash along with us.
http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/2010/12/all-i-want-for.html
Be blessed bunches,
Sarah
Being my hubby is a pastor, I would say most have been a place of fellowship...a place I felt safe and happy. Of course there are always times where our humaness comes through and hurts come out too....but overall for as long as I can remember it has been my second home. I think that has made it harder to not be well enough to attend anymore. Good memories though!
ReplyDeleteThankfully for me it is a place to increase in knowledge of Him! :O)
ReplyDeleteDuring the years church has been all of those things to me. Now however, I've learned to separate the failings of people from the essence of church.
ReplyDeleteI grew up going to church with my parents. They were very involved in the church. I never really knew about having a personal relationship with God. Then when I was in my 40's I got to know God one on one and love my relationship with Him. I started going to to wonderful church, it was a great experience for me. I do not have a home church now, I am still searching.
ReplyDeleteHey Andrea!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting question today! After reading all the prior comments I have to say that each one expressed my thoughts about church thoroughly. Yes, I have been wounded, disappointed, and felt the sting of not feeling like I fit in on one time or another BUT like Wanda, I've learned (and still learning) to separate the failings and imperfections of people from the very essence and beauty of gathering together corporately to worship our Savior!
It is in the corporate expression of praise that my heart is encouraged and strengthened! And He loves when His kids "lay it all down" and gather together before His throne.....It's all about Him!
He is Faithful!
Luv and Sweet Christmas Blessings!
Jackie
PS.....Whoo! Hoo! I'm having a Christmas Giveaway this week!
Hi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteChurch feels safe and loving to me especially the Little 250 year old white Lutheran Church near my home. I love it there. I always just need to find a balance as a person who was raised Catholic and who loves the Lord but not always what goes on in the Catholic church. However I was blessed to always have wonderful Priests that practiced what they preached. and truly cared..and that is a true blessing.
Happy Holidays
xx
Bunny
My church is my home.
ReplyDeleteLove Di ♥
Yes, there can be hurt there, but much more love than hurt. Besides, I don't have to answer for those that hurt me. I only have to answer for what I do and the Bible tells me to assemble with those that love Him!
ReplyDeleteAll of the above at various times...right now more of the latter but we need to remember that what we call the church is a human organization and humans manage to mess up all they attempt to organize.
ReplyDeleteThe Church as the body of Christ..,that is a different story.
Andrea:
ReplyDeleteChurch has been my refuge, my safe place and a long time ago, a place where PEOPLE hurt me.
People are human. If someone says anything remotely hurtful now, I know I need to pray for them.
Jesus tells us to "Pray for them who despitefully use"us. I try to do that.
I am new to reading your blog but have to say that I'm really impressed!
ReplyDeleteI think church should be a place of deep community. Unfortunately that isn't always the case and just because church is comprised of christians it is still a group of people, and people are full of wounds so they tend to bring such things with them when interacting with others and in turn, oftentimes wound others in the process.
Hopefully, the forgiveness that God rains down on us, which is full of mercy and grace, will inspire some of us who have been wounded by others to react, not with bitterness, but with compassion and empathy...knowing that through the eyes of all those whose spirits have been regenerated with the whisper of God's Spirit, that in those eyes is Jesus.
~many blessings
Jessica
www.ascendingthehills.blogspot.com
Howdy Andrea
ReplyDeleteBlessings of love ,healing and peace to you and yours!
Thank you for asking this great question.
What is Church For you ?
Coming from a non Christian home I honestly did not know what a Church was.
Later as an adult saved and hungry for God I was more confused by those who called themselves Christians yet their Church building was not an open door for those who were not the right kind of people ?
It was quite clear to this gal that Church was God and where ever God was you would find a Church in one form or another.
Open spaces under blue skies ,a quaint wood building with hand painted murals as well as beautiful stained glass images.
A small store front leased for services.
Someones living room doors thrown open wide in love.
I was one that had been battered,bruised,and taken advantage of by the so called Church unitl I learned to recognize the Love of God .
Sad to say there are still places where God is not alive and well simply social clubs for gathering ,but He wants to be alive and well everywhere He desires no one to be lost.
What an awesome God and how wonderful His Church is that lives in our hearts as well as the places we gather to share and grow in His great love .
Thank you Andrea :)
God bless you
Until next time
Happy Trails
It's been far too long since I've visited your blog. I'm up at 2:30 a.m. when I have to be at work at 8 in the morning. I found this post and I ... needed it! My family hasn't been to church in 4 weeks. For us, this is a LONG time. Our church recently changed pastors (the previous pastor having been there for years ... married my husband and me, watched my children born and grow ...). In addition, our church has added a HUGE children's wing and ... I don't feel 'right' there. But ... God is there. He always has been, always will be. :) I love our new pastor, he is very gifted ... just ... not the man I have listened to for 22 years. So, I am struggling with change, acceptance ... But, I'll get there and when I do, HE will be waiting ... :)
ReplyDelete