Does going to an institutionalized chirch actually hinder our relationship with Christ?

ByTheSpirit said:

What I mean is, we go to this gathering that is Pastor-centric and run completely on the dictations of a Pastor (who may or may not believe in the Holy Spirit's leading). We are spoon fed sermons and teachings that may sound good and appeal to our senses, but thats not discipleship. Such places, a normal parishioner would be lucky to get 10 seconds of the pastors pastors time. Sure, there will be others who can "be in training" or pastors of something or another, made up positions that bring manmade structure into Gods body. So people can fall into this trap of I dont need to read or pray because Im going to get a sermon on Sunday and Ill have prayer time in church, or even worse "unless Im in church I cant pray". These are all things Ive heard before no joke.

So thus my question, do institutionalized churches actually hinder our walk with Christ? Because no real discipleship can happen and people look to the pastor for leadership and guidance instead of the Holy Spirit.

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ByTheSpirit said:

What I mean is, we go to this gathering that is Pastor-centric and run completely on the dictations of a Pastor (who may or may not believe in the Holy Spirit's leading). We are spoon fed sermons and teachings that may sound good and appeal to our senses, but thats not discipleship. Such places, a normal parishioner would be lucky to get 10 seconds of the pastors pastors time. Sure, there will be others who can "be in training" or pastors of something or another, made up positions that bring manmade structure into Gods body. So people can fall into this trap of I dont need to read or pray because Im going to get a sermon on Sunday and Ill have prayer time in church, or even worse "unless Im in church I cant pray". These are all things Ive heard before no joke.

So thus my question, do institutionalized churches actually hinder our walk with Christ? Because no real discipleship can happen and people look to the pastor for leadership and guidance instead of the Holy Spirit.

Click to expand...

ByTheSpirit said:

What I mean is, we go to this gathering that is Pastor-centric and run completely on the dictations of a Pastor (who may or may not believe in the Holy Spirit's leading). We are spoon fed sermons and teachings that may sound good and appeal to our senses, but thats not discipleship. Such places, a normal parishioner would be lucky to get 10 seconds of the pastors pastors time. Sure, there will be others who can "be in training" or pastors of something or another, made up positions that bring manmade structure into Gods body. So people can fall into this trap of I dont need to read or pray because Im going to get a sermon on Sunday and Ill have prayer time in church, or even worse "unless Im in church I cant pray". These are all things Ive heard before no joke.

So thus my question, do institutionalized churches actually hinder our walk with Christ? Because no real discipleship can happen and people look to the pastor for leadership and guidance instead of the Holy Spirit.

Click to expand...

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Sunshinee777 said:

For me it felt like wrong going into church which doesn't feel good to me. If I feel in church like being in a funeral, it's not for me. I want church to be completely biblical and also warm and happy place. I don't care if I'm asking too much, but I rather not go at all. I can serve Jesus in so many ways and worship and praise the Lord anywhere. But that's just me.

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OldWiseGuy said:

A good church/pastor edifies and protects the flock. He doesn't sacrifice them on the altar of the problems of the secular world.

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