Some of you may not see this as a struggle but I've got two churches in mind to join.
I really dont know where to start... I love both pastors. They are very much what I'm looking for in a pastor. (thats too long a list to mention) The problems lie in almost everything else.
Church one
-They are Afro-centric; Im not. I could get over it but I value diversity and difference.
-They are somewhat snooty. A large majority of the congregation is wealthy and they seem to have a stick somewhere (hi moderators!).
-There is a generation missing: 20-30's. I love the insight of the older folks and the mentoring to the younger folks but I felt like the only 20-something there.
-There is work to be done and other stuff that no one has taken the initiative to do. However, they are rather content to stay in their little box.
-The pastor has a few people to work with him. I understand what he's trying to do and would love to pour myself into the church but...
-The mens fellowship is stale and irrelevant. Shallow conversations about nothing.
Church two
-Even more snooty than the other church. They have much larger sticks there. They looked at me like I was on fire when I wore jeans to service.
-The church is out in the suburbs - almost 40 miles out.
-The 20-30 age group is a little more noticable but most are married and starting families (kinda jealous). They are kinda reluctant to invest time in outreach and other things siting marital or family obligations.
-Im not sure there is a mens fellowship.
Positive things about each church overlap - there is work to be done, the new music department directors are serious about worship, ministry and music, the pastors are willing and want to do new things, there is room for improvement, both pastors have a handful of people willing and able to work on various things.
Not that I see myself as some outstanding person but I'm up in the air about which church I should join. Please share your thoughts.
I really dont know where to start... I love both pastors. They are very much what I'm looking for in a pastor. (thats too long a list to mention) The problems lie in almost everything else.
Church one
-They are Afro-centric; Im not. I could get over it but I value diversity and difference.
-They are somewhat snooty. A large majority of the congregation is wealthy and they seem to have a stick somewhere (hi moderators!).
-There is a generation missing: 20-30's. I love the insight of the older folks and the mentoring to the younger folks but I felt like the only 20-something there.
-There is work to be done and other stuff that no one has taken the initiative to do. However, they are rather content to stay in their little box.
-The pastor has a few people to work with him. I understand what he's trying to do and would love to pour myself into the church but...
-The mens fellowship is stale and irrelevant. Shallow conversations about nothing.
Church two
-Even more snooty than the other church. They have much larger sticks there. They looked at me like I was on fire when I wore jeans to service.
-The church is out in the suburbs - almost 40 miles out.
-The 20-30 age group is a little more noticable but most are married and starting families (kinda jealous). They are kinda reluctant to invest time in outreach and other things siting marital or family obligations.
-Im not sure there is a mens fellowship.
Positive things about each church overlap - there is work to be done, the new music department directors are serious about worship, ministry and music, the pastors are willing and want to do new things, there is room for improvement, both pastors have a handful of people willing and able to work on various things.
Not that I see myself as some outstanding person but I'm up in the air about which church I should join. Please share your thoughts.
You'll figure it out.
