Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
Personally I think it's better to fellowship in person with a small group. When you're as old as the OP and myself, it's too easy to be a total hermit.I second this, though I do prefer to go to church in person. Online is a stop-gap solution that can work well for some folks.
I do agree with you on that, so that is one of the reasons I joined a young adults group at my church in spring 2024. We have small gatherings every two weeks on Monday at a local bar. As a side note, I rarely drink alcohol (< 1 small glass every few months to a half year), but the cranberry juice there is good, and they do make 0% alcohol tropical drinks.Personally I think it's better to fellowship in person with a small group. When you're as old as the OP and myself, it's too easy to be a total hermit.
That's it. I'm moving to Wisconsin.I do agree with you on that, so that is one of the reasons I joined a young adults group at my church in spring 2024. We have small gatherings every two weeks on Monday at a local bar. As a side note, I rarely drink alcohol (< 1 small glass every few months to a half year), but the cranberry juice there is good, and they do make 0% alcohol tropical drinks.
Come join the party, man.That's it. I'm moving to Wisconsin.
I personally think that's a great idea and it's worked well for me. I've been attending online services regularly for a couple of years now. One thing I keep hearing from all these pastors is "you need to go to church in person". It just makes me feel useless when I hear thisI don't know if this could help, but maybe just for now in the short term, there are online Church services. Not saying its a long term solution, but just something you can do in the meantime.
I hope you find a church that works for you Steven! It's just sad when churches shun those who are not exactly like they are. Always stay strong. At the end of the day, we only need the approval of Jesus, not man.I'm a schizophrenic Christian, I can relate. My last church didn't work out. Ended up being too much drama with other members outside of the church.
I was even invited to another after I left but held out. Hopefully I can find the right one as well.
I dont know how though, idk if it's the schizophrenia or something else but everyone I know thinks I'm a Satanist or sociopath.
Struggle is real, fortunately it doesn't matter what.others think, it's a personal relationship between us and God. His will be done, not ours.
I am newer than you but thanks for bringing this to our attention. It is certainly not something we should ever make light of! I know that in Church settings, first impressions are key and someone who is on the "Spectrum" would certainly be prone to miscues and misunderstandings that are not easily overcome. I am guessing it is much easier to articulate your thoughts in writing than in a "live" situation where you cannot go back and "edit" your words?Hi everyone! I'm an autistic Christian who has been rejected at every church (except one) that I've ever walked into. I'm hoping to find others who have had difficulties with churches not being very accomodating to those with autism. The bible says that we all need fellowship wity each other as well as with God. I'm hoping I can find that here.
Thank you for your reply! Yes, I typically do better with writing than speaking. I do wish to return to in-person church as Hebrews 10:25 tells us we should, but it's just been one failure after another on my part. I'm generally very quiet and reserved, not disruptive at all. I can easily sit through an entire service without getting fidgity. I guess people figure because I'm quiet, I must be standoffish or a jerk. Whatever the reason, it doesn't take them long to shun me. At this point, I must say I'm pretty discouraged.I am newer than you but thanks for bringing this to our attention. It is certainly not something we should ever make light of! I know that in Church settings, first impressions are key and someone who is on the "Spectrum" would certainly be prone to miscues and misunderstandings that are not easily overcome. I am guessing it is much easier to articulate your thoughts in writing than in a "live" situation where you cannot go back and "edit" your words?
I have been told that I may be on the "spectrum" as well but maybe that is because I sometimes open up my mouth without thinking and say the first thing that is on my mind (lack of a social "filter")? I wonder if one could collect disability if they are actually diagnosed with Asperger's?
I do hope this forum gets you some good fellowship and interaction and I will keep an eye out for you. I would admonish you though, that there is no substitute for being part of a genuine congregation where people know you and you are known. Seems to me that you are already aware of this and desire such. If you find a good Church (one that is spiritually healthy and doctrinally sound), you may want to schedule an appointment with a member of the pastoral staff and discuss the "disability" that you have so they can be aware of this upfront. If they are understanding and sympathetic, I am certain they will help you to assimilate into the congregation as you become more comfortable and others get to know you. Also, I am guessing you likely have some sort of autistic "Super Power?" It would be cool to see what that is and perhaps God may have some sort of special "spiritual gift" related to this for you to use for his glory?
Going to any new Church can be off-putting and it is often difficult to break the ice and to find acceptance among those who are in the "core" of the church and this is true even for "normal" people!Thank you for your reply! Yes, I typically do better with writing than speaking. I do wish to return to in-person church as Hebrews 10:25 tells us we should, but it's just been one failure after another on my part. I'm generally very quiet and reserved, not disruptive at all. I can easily sit through an entire service without getting fidgity. I guess people figure because I'm quiet, I must be standoffish or a jerk. Whatever the reason, it doesn't take them long to shun me. At this point, I must say I'm pretty discouraged.
Well that's good to know. I suppose it's useless to continue walking into churches where I have 2 strikes against me. If the Lord doesn't honor my attendence at online services, then I don't know what much I can do about itMen who are "unattached" are often looked at with suspicion so I guess this is another strike against you!
Well, I really did not mean to bum you out about it but it is one more reason why you need to take the initiative to approach the pastoral staff. Unfortunately, it is part of man's natural sinful nature to be prejudiced and think the worst of someone! It is also a cold, hard fact that church congregations are a magnet for sexual perverts and other predators so we really cannot blame people for having their guard up! The best way to visit a new Church is probably as an invited guest of one of the members!Well that's good to know. I suppose it's useless to continue walking into churches where I have 2 strikes against me. If the Lord doesn't honor my attendence at online services, then I don't know what much I can do about it
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?