A sadly not so unique situation
As I mentioned in my last post. I have recently reconnected with an old friend from seminary. It's been fun catching up and reading her blog and emails about life as a rural church pastor. There was recent discussion about reaching young adults. I know many of you fall into that category. Many of you know that while we want something- we don't always know what that something is.
Someone commented on her post and posted a link to this web site
http://www.dearchurch.com/
Let me tell you- this girl is honest and what makes me sad is that I can so relate. What makes me even more sad is that it's not uncommon that people feel this way about the church. I was just saying to friend if it weren't for my deep faith and previous ah ha's about how God can work through random situations... I would not be a Christian after my last job. Yep, I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. Yea, my parents tell me that people ask about me. But once I stopped working there no co workers contacted me, yes they heard about me through others, but when you kick someone who is sick and hurting to the curb-- you DON'T leave them to flounder. So I walk away thinking that pretty much I was just a staff member, not a friend, not even a congregation member... But a body... That's it. Yes, I still hold bitterness. Yes, I would NEVER EVER recommend someone go there. Yes, I will still share my faith. I will still live for Christ. I will still pray for the kids I worked with and those I wasn't able to reach. Cause that's what God has put on my heart. Do I know that God wants me to forgive the leaders of the church I come from-- certainly. But right now I can't. Right now it's still to fresh.
It was a growing experience. Yes, I think my life would be different in good ways and bad if I hadn't been there. . . And I know that one day I will forgive them. But right now I ache for that place. I ache for the lack of care. The hypocrisy. The apathy. I ache that those who walk through those doors to meet Christ for the first time will be disillusioned as to what He's all about.
It's about a lifestyle. It's about a beleive that doesn't disapear when times get tough. It's about a faith that holds to hope in a dark world. I didn't intend for this email to be a rant-- but apparently that's on my heart. Check out the website. I find it interesting and insightful.
ck
Someone commented on her post and posted a link to this web site
http://www.dearchurch.com/
Let me tell you- this girl is honest and what makes me sad is that I can so relate. What makes me even more sad is that it's not uncommon that people feel this way about the church. I was just saying to friend if it weren't for my deep faith and previous ah ha's about how God can work through random situations... I would not be a Christian after my last job. Yep, I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. Yea, my parents tell me that people ask about me. But once I stopped working there no co workers contacted me, yes they heard about me through others, but when you kick someone who is sick and hurting to the curb-- you DON'T leave them to flounder. So I walk away thinking that pretty much I was just a staff member, not a friend, not even a congregation member... But a body... That's it. Yes, I still hold bitterness. Yes, I would NEVER EVER recommend someone go there. Yes, I will still share my faith. I will still live for Christ. I will still pray for the kids I worked with and those I wasn't able to reach. Cause that's what God has put on my heart. Do I know that God wants me to forgive the leaders of the church I come from-- certainly. But right now I can't. Right now it's still to fresh.
It was a growing experience. Yes, I think my life would be different in good ways and bad if I hadn't been there. . . And I know that one day I will forgive them. But right now I ache for that place. I ache for the lack of care. The hypocrisy. The apathy. I ache that those who walk through those doors to meet Christ for the first time will be disillusioned as to what He's all about.
It's about a lifestyle. It's about a beleive that doesn't disapear when times get tough. It's about a faith that holds to hope in a dark world. I didn't intend for this email to be a rant-- but apparently that's on my heart. Check out the website. I find it interesting and insightful.
ck
6 Comments:
C-
Your post made me sad. You were way more than a staff person or a member of the congregation to me. My family always asks about you and deeply cares for you. I'm sorry if they haven't made that more evident. You made a lot of difference there, even though you don't know it. I hope you can forgive those who hurt you. I love you.
CK - Your honesty is refreshing and kick ass. Seriously. I'm so thankful that you are in a new place and I'm so sad for all the pain you walked through at both of your church positions. What makes me angrier than anything at the church is the arrogance that nothing is to be questioned. That they've got it figured out and that everyone else just needs to hop on board. Grr.
In other news...Turn on you phone! And clear out your voicemailbox! Thank you ;)
Churches have a way of doing the hypocritical thing don't they. Pretty much the same thing happened to me, down and out and they all turned their backs on me. Now I keep my faith between me and God without the go between.
hey sweet! How are ya??? I tagged you :)
if you get this, Bets at SJ is looking for you.
Christy, sending you lots of hugs. I can totally relate to what your saying. I now only attend church when I visit my family but have been thinking about finding a new one to try. On another note, I need to talk to you. Check your emails, please. :)
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