Question about Home Church!!!

DawnTillery · #1 6th November 2005, 10:49 PM

I have a friend and her husband and their 5 children have church in their own way at home. I worry about them (not their salvation) but because they are so isolated. They have been hurt and they do try other churches now and then, but its like they just dont like "Church" anymore. They say Christians are mean..
Not all but some. Any advice on how to get them back into the swing of things? The reason im so concerned is their children are homeschooled also so they arent getting any interaction...

Maybe im worried too much

Thank you!

Johnnz · #2 7th November 2005, 03:46 AM

I belong to a home church but we take steps to "keep in touch". I read widely. We sometimes attend other churches when there is a special speaker. We use video's DVD's and tapes of recognised teachers and ministry, we invite people to speak to us. We may attend a conference or special set of lectures. These are part of our programme, mixed in with our normal teaching and sharing. In fact, our teaching is probably more varied than is the case with many churches.

I would be concerned with one family becoming isolated though. Although there are several people there i sonly on efamily - that's too introverted for my liking.

John
NZ

New_Wineskin · #3 7th November 2005, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by DawnTillery

I have a friend and her husband and their 5 children have church in their own way at home. I worry about them (not their salvation) but because they are so isolated. They have been hurt and they do try other churches now and then, but its like they just dont like "Church" anymore. They say Christians are mean..
Not all but some. Any advice on how to get them back into the swing of things? The reason im so concerned is their children are homeschooled also so they arent getting any interaction...

Maybe im worried too much

Thank you!

Could you explain *specifically* why you think that it would be good for them to get back into the "swing" of things ?

Their children are getting *no* interaction ? Or , only in your oponion they are not getting *enough* ? Why would "church" be better ? What "interaction" do you see in most christian groups ? *I* see practically none since most do not allow much interaction during their meetings . In fact , when I suggest more interaction during meetings , people usually tell me that would make the meetings too long or it would cause disorder .

Have you attempted to change the "churches" in your area so that they would be better suited for this family ? Why attempt to get the family changed instead of the groups ? ( Those are legitimate questions )

lismore · #4 7th November 2005, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by DawnTillery

I have a friend and her husband and their 5 children have church in their own way at home. I worry about them (not their salvation) but because they are so isolated. They have been hurt and they do try other churches now and then, but its like they just dont like "Church" anymore. They say Christians are mean..
Not all but some. Any advice on how to get them back into the swing of things? The reason im so concerned is their children are homeschooled also so they arent getting any interaction...

Maybe im worried too much

Thank you!

Hi there

Do not worry, God will neither leave nor forsake his children.

If you mean by the 'swing of things' an institutional religous type church please do not go there.

Church buildings and tithing to a vicar are not listed in scripture. That does not necessarily mean you cannot do them, but it would be definitely wrong to try and manipulate people who do feel,this is wrong.

The bible does clearly say those who follow Christ will be thrown out of the synagogue- the religous setting. Maybe they have placed allegiance to Christ higher than allegiance to man? You cannot serve both God and man. if you could serve God in a building he would not have made you the temple of the Holy Spirit.

lismore · #5 7th November 2005, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Johnnz

I belong to a home church but we take steps to "keep in touch". I read widely. We sometimes attend other churches when there is a special speaker. NZ

Hi

I also visit places with a special speaker and mix at special meetings etc.

But I never felt so out of touch as when I was at 5 churchy meetings a week.

Bevlina · #6 7th November 2005, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by DawnTillery

I have a friend and her husband and their 5 children have church in their own way at home. I worry about them (not their salvation) but because they are so isolated. They have been hurt and they do try other churches now and then, but its like they just dont like "Church" anymore. They say Christians are mean..
Not all but some. Any advice on how to get them back into the swing of things? The reason im so concerned is their children are homeschooled also so they arent getting any interaction...

Maybe im worried too much

Thank you!

If they have been hurt by church going people, I don't blame them for staying away! Those people could do more harm to them than good. As your friends are, they are perfectly fine. Do you think Jesus would ever abandon them?
No, He Heals the broken hearted. Obviously they are afraid of being hurt again. I'd leave them be if I were you.
A Church doesn't have to have a steeple. It doesn't have to have the money plate going around. All it needs is Jesus as the central focus.
My children were also home schooled and they had a wonderful time. When it came time for them to interact and go to school, they blended in well with wonderful manners and high results.
Yes, I do believe you may be a little concerned for nothing. Just leave it in Jesus Hands. He leads and His people obey.

DawnTillery · #7 7th November 2005, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by New_Wineskin

Could you explain *specifically* why you think that it would be good for them to get back into the "swing" of things ?

Their children are getting *no* interaction ? Or , only in your oponion they are not getting *enough* ? Why would "church" be better ? What "interaction" do you see in most christian groups ? *I* see practically none since most do not allow much interaction during their meetings . In fact , when I suggest more interaction during meetings , people usually tell me that would make the meetings too long or it would cause disorder .

Have you attempted to change the "churches" in your area so that they would be better suited for this family ? Why attempt to get the family changed instead of the groups ? ( Those are legitimate questions )

Well, i guess when i mean the swing of things, its mostly for their children, they arent around other kids.. When they were attending church, the children did get to fellowship in sunday school and childrens church with other children. Honestly, it doesnt have to be church, but SOMETHING..
I keep mentioning special events at other churches etc when I hear them.
As far as the churches in our area, I dont really see any problem with them.
The ones ive attended are all pretty friendly, have programs, we have a lot of fellowship during our church service, our sunday school is open forum we have time between that and church to visit with people and we have time after.

They are real picky about their church -- I guess we all are, maybe im being to critical, thats kind of what I am asking should I just leave it alone, but it presses on my heart so much. I have told my friend she may never find the type of church she is looking for, and she said that may very well be, but since she doesnt enroll her children in programs outside of the home, they dont attend public or private school.. I just think the kids need something.

DawnTillery · #8 7th November 2005, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Bevlina

If they have been hurt by church going people, I don't blame them for staying away! Those people could do more harm to them than good. As your friends are, they are perfectly fine. Do you think Jesus would ever abandon them?
No, He Heals the broken hearted. Obviously they are afraid of being hurt again. I'd leave them be if I were you.
A Church doesn't have to have a steeple. It doesn't have to have the money plate going around. All it needs is Jesus as the central focus.
My children were also home schooled and they had a wonderful time. When it came time for them to interact and go to school, they blended in well with wonderful manners and high results.
Yes, I do believe you may be a little concerned for nothing. Just leave it in Jesus Hands. He leads and His people obey.

Thank you, thats perfect advice.
I will keep praying..

FLANDIDLYANDERS · #9 8th November 2005, 02:34 AM

*church* and *fellowship* can and do exist outside of Christianity,even for Christians!

I am not advocating Religion or even other faiths (necisarily) but I am concenred that *church* is so preoccupied with itself and its fellowshipping and worshipping that we allforgot to follow Jesus into the world.

We are asked to be in the World, the World is just as in need of *fellowship* and *worship* asweare, and just as able to contribute to our lives as we are to them... but this canonly be done thru relationship. For some of us, this we call *church*.

I am afather of 4 and we *church* it with anyone close to hand!

New_Wineskin · #10 8th November 2005, 06:11 AM

Originally Posted by DawnTillery

Well, i guess when i mean the swing of things, its mostly for their children, they arent around other kids.. When they were attending church, the children did get to fellowship in sunday school and childrens church with other children. Honestly, it doesnt have to be church, but SOMETHING..
I keep mentioning special events at other churches etc when I hear them.
As far as the churches in our area, I dont really see any problem with them.
The ones ive attended are all pretty friendly, have programs, we have a lot of fellowship during our church service, our sunday school is open forum we have time between that and church to visit with people and we have time after.

They are real picky about their church -- I guess we all are, maybe im being to critical, thats kind of what I am asking should I just leave it alone, but it presses on my heart so much. I have told my friend she may never find the type of church she is looking for, and she said that may very well be, but since she doesnt enroll her children in programs outside of the home, they dont attend public or private school.. I just think the kids need something.

Ok . Thanks .

I would rather that they have their children spend time with children in the secular setting such as community sports . There would be more of a sense of reality than at these groups or "churches" . Or , perhaps , they could go to these "Sunday school" things and leave after those meetings if they are the real fellowship .