I am 16 and I haven't been to church on a regular basis since I was, about 12. I have been contemplating this for awhile and realize, I need God in my life, someone to lead me and make me feel whole. I always felt protected and safe in Church, and stopped going through my "religious rebellion" stage. I've settled down now, and need God. I brought this up to my mother's delight and we're going back to our old Church on Friday nights and a church my sister used to go to and I went a few times and loved it, so we will go there on Sundays. They're an Assembly of God but still Christian so there's no problem with that.
My question is, how can I show my face in church again after not going for so long? The reason we won't be going to church on Sundays at our old Church is because a lot of the people there are not very accepting. Some are hypocritical Christians, talking about people behind their backs. I am not saying it is right for me to judge them, but it is fact. Also, out pastor has shown some not so Christian characteristics in the past, talking about a few members behind their backs, especially my father. There are some amazing people there but we feel the Friday crowd is more or kind of group. Anyways, has anyone strayed away for long, and how did they get back in the groove and follow their old religion? Where did they find the inspiration?
Are you Saved?
As far as going back to church, Don't worry about what other people think. You are there to worship God. There are hypocrites in all churches. Try to cling to the true Christians. I just heard a preacher talking about this and he said the reason those people are in there is to show the authenticity of the true believer. So it should be easy to recognize the Christians from the rest.
Your Pastor should be a Man of God. He should not judge you but welcome you with Grace. As is illustrate in the Bible. Have you ever read about the prodigal son? Here is some scripture that will help you.
Luke Chapter 15
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
11And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:
23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry:
24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29And he answering said to [his] father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
King James 1611 AV
