Feeling confused need help..

[Calvary_Corps]

Compound problems will number them.

1. I have been a member of my church for 24 yrs there are only 2 other people in the church who have been there longer. Yet I do not feel at home the only youth in the church is my 3 sons. We have started a youth group but have no support from the other members of the church. It is as if the members do not care if the church grows or continues to dwindle away to nothing. Should I find a new church?

2. I was a member of a local ministry for a few years but was never made to feel as though I fit in. Most of the people in this ministry come from high paying jobs and fancy housing communities while my wife and I struggle to get by month to month and live in Government housing. There was a recent discussion on the website about starving Yogi who has been in the news. I simply said that if the story was true that it shows the limitless power of God. I was put down for this comment by several members and this was not the first such incident so I posted that I was leaving the ministry then my Faith and Salvation were questioned by several members. Is it wrong to believe that no matter the Religion that God can work in a persons life to show them the error of their ways? Another such incident involved the rational response squad and their blasphemy challenge ( not fimiliar search youtube) I posted my disgust about such a thing and the response it was getting by young people being decieved by this group. The post was deleted and I was informed that the website was no place for things like that to be discussed. I might be wrong but isn't the purpose of a Christian ministry to combat things like that? Anyway for that I was called an extremist so I started my own ministry site where things like that could be discussed but I have had a hard time getting it off the ground.

3. I was diagnosed over a year ago with recurrent major depressive disorder with sever psychosis and generalized anxiety disorder. On a daily basis I deal with hallucinations, voices, paranoia, and depression.

I just truly feel like an outsider everywhere now. I have lost several friends because of these three things and just cannot find a place I feel like I fit in anymore. I am at the end of my rope and not sure how long I can continue to hang on. Please help!!

 

[CuddlyBear]

I wonder if there are any support groups, Christian or otherwise, that are for people with the types of difficulties you experience? Maybe you would feel a sense of acceptance and belonging in such a group?

As far as #1. It could be time to find a church that caters to youth or maybe your children can get involved in the youth group of another church while you continue to attend the church you are at?

 

[savedbygracebre]

I want to move this back to the top so more can help. what I would suggest is to definitely look for another church. Any church that questions your salvation is is never a good sign. I see also that you label yourself various ways(depressive, etc.)-remember that God DOES NOT see you those ways or labels you those ways. To God you are one of His beloved children. God sees you as a perfect creation. Now, I'm not saying that you might not have medical issues, I just don't want you to focus more on those than what God says about you. Open up your bible, turn to Romans and read chapter 8. See what God says and how He feels-don't just take it from me-read it for yourself! I do pray things get better for you and hopefully more people will respond. You have come to the right place, however, because their are some very good Christians on these forums that post excellent advice.

 

[Calvary_Corps]

Cuddly- As far as support groups I do not know of any. I know God has made me this way for a reason I just wished that reason was clear and that the effects were more bearable.

Saved- No in point 2 where I mentioned my faith being questioned was not by my church but by the local ministry I was a part of. They have a website that is why the name was omitted and will stay that way. I wish no ill will twords them or their ministry however I do hope that Christ opens their eyes to their in my opinion improper practices.

 

[Calvary_Corps]

Sorry to double post but I feel to really resolve my issues I need to add this. I have always felt like I was outside looking in. I have felt this way in all aspects of my life except my immediate family. I have always tried to find out where I fit in this world and have yet to find my place I am afraid.

 

[TheDag]

Cuddly- As far as support groups I do not know of any. I know God has made me this way for a reason I just wished that reason was clear and that the effects were more bearable.

God does not always tell us the reasons for something. Maybe later you will find out and maybe you never will. I think however the reasons will become obvious later. It could be that God is wanting you to trust in his promise that he works for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28).
Also this may sound silly to ask but have you praised God during this difficult time? One time I was grieving and the last thing I felt like doing was praising God. However I forced myself to however and as a result the healing process begun. There is power in praise.


As for the other issues in point 3 I strongly suggest you seek counselling and find support groups. I work with people who have the same issues. While we support them and help them they do need counselling as well.
Perhaps if you go to Ask a Chaplain - Christian Forums they may be able to tell you where to find support groups and other assistance. Also your doctor should be able to assist with that although they may not be able to suggest a christian one which is not essential but is helpful for understanding faith side of you.

my thoughts and prayers are with you

 

[bliz]

1. treat your medical problems. You didn't mention any care or help... Are you getting medication? Are you in talk therapy?

2. Find a new church, one where more values are shared

 

[citizenthom]

You're 24 years old and not a church leader. You have no place to start a youth group at your church, nor do you have any place to "go rogue" and start your own "ministries" every time you disagree with someone. That does nothing but harm the church body and yourself.

Get involved with a healthier church, start attending adult classes and functions, and seek out discipleship.

 

[bliz]

You're 24 years old ...

Ahem, no, he's been a member of the church for 24 years. Big difference.

 

[TheDag]

You're 24 years old and not a church leader. You have no place to start a youth group at your church, nor do you have any place to "go rogue" and start your own "ministries" every time you disagree with someone. That does nothing but harm the church body and yourself.

Get involved with a healthier church, start attending adult classes and functions, and seek out discipleship.

As was said in the OP and as they repeated. The ministry IS NOT part of his church.


look up a camp site called Warrambui on the NSW (Australia) Lutheran church website. You will see how successful it has become and what a great role it plays in ministry and also training in church leadership. That was started because the youth decided the church leadership was wrong in saying it would not work or be profitable. So they started the camp centre. The youth had to hand it over to the church because it was too much for them to handle (as in very succesful). Leadership is not always automatically right and it is not always wrong to start your own ministry. I could happily give more examples of mission work started by young people because they saw a need and it has been blesed by God. Young people are not the church of tomorrow they are part of the church today.

 

[citizenthom]

Ahem, no, he's been a member of the church for 24 years. Big difference.

I apologize. Just pretend I didn't make that mistake.

 

[MyRightEye]

1. treat your medical problems. You didn't mention any care or help... Are you getting medication? Are you in talk therapy?

2. Find a new church, one where more values are shared

Good stuff. 24 years is a long time to be with one church. As a father, you know your duty to provide for the spiritual welfare of your children is greater than your duty to that specific congregation. Find some place that is going to feed and nurture your children spiritually. It is important.

 

[iamjcs]

Compound problems will number them.

1. I have been a member of my church for 24 yrs there are only 2 other people in the church who have been there longer. Yet I do not feel at home the only youth in the church is my 3 sons. We have started a youth group but have no support from the other members of the church. It is as if the members do not care if the church grows or continues to dwindle away to nothing. Should I find a new church?

Before moving to new church, I would try recommending your current church try having a VBS this year. This could help draw others to God & possibly more youth to your church.

2. I was a member of a local ministry for a few years but was never made to feel as though I fit in. Most of the people in this ministry come from high paying jobs and fancy housing communities while my wife and I struggle to get by month to month and live in Government housing. There was a recent discussion on the website about starving Yogi who has been in the news. I simply said that if the story was true that it shows the limitless power of God. I was put down for this comment by several members and this was not the first such incident so I posted that I was leaving the ministry then my Faith and Salvation were questioned by several members. Is it wrong to believe that no matter the Religion that God can work in a persons life to show them the error of their ways? Another such incident involved the rational response squad and their blasphemy challenge ( not fimiliar search youtube) I posted my disgust about such a thing and the response it was getting by young people being decieved by this group. The post was deleted and I was informed that the website was no place for things like that to be discussed. I might be wrong but isn't the purpose of a Christian ministry to combat things like that? Anyway for that I was called an extremist so I started my own ministry site where things like that could be discussed but I have had a hard time getting it off the ground.

I pray God gives you the divine help & wisdom you need.

3. I was diagnosed over a year ago with recurrent major depressive disorder with sever psychosis and generalized anxiety disorder. On a daily basis I deal with hallucinations, voices, paranoia, and depression.

I just truly feel like an outsider everywhere now. I have lost several friends because of these three things and just cannot find a place I feel like I fit in anymore. I am at the end of my rope and not sure how long I can continue to hang on. Please help!!

I am & will be praying for you.
Remember, God has the spot in the body of believers that ONLY you can fill, hang on to Him & He WILL reveal it to you.
When you hit rock bottom or are stuck between a rock & a hard place, the Rock of your Salvation is there.
The world rejected Jesus too.

YouTube - Whitney Houston - I Go To The Rock

 

[Calvary_Corps]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I need to clarify a little bit. Yes I have been a member of that church for 24yrs not 24yrs old. Also I am the head of the ministry and outreach committee, on the board of trustee's, and the pastor parish committee. My church is small and mostly older people. When we suggest VBS or something like that we are told there is no money for it. We are barely paying the bills as is, also most of the older people of the church have just become content. They no longer fight for Christ they just take what they get.

Yes I do get medication for my problems but they said I have had the symptoms so long they will probably never go away completely.

 

[bliz]

Churches are formed, and churches die. It doesn't have to be that way, but not every church is going to go on forever. (I have a friend whose part-time ministry is as fill-in pastor to dying churches.) But just because your church is going to die, doesn't mean that your ministry has to. Pack up your tent and look for a new place to pitch it. It doesn't sound like God is calling you or has gifted you to stay tuned through the burial - get on about he business of Kingdom building.

 

[Calvary_Corps]

Thanks for all your prayers and information I truly appreciate it. Last night I rededicated my life to Christ. I asked him to take me to the cross with him that I could be born again with a renewed purpose and kingdom driven lifestyle. I feel like a different person today I feel that God has washed off all my concerns and has given me another chance in my Christian life. Now I just need to find a church that satisfies the needs of my family. My wife and I really need a good Sunday School and bible study and my kids need youth programs.

 

[chawlatthai]

Compound problems will number them.

1. I have been a member of my church for 24 yrs there are only 2 other people in the church who have been there longer. Yet I do not feel at home the only youth in the church is my 3 sons. We have started a youth group but have no support from the other members of the church. It is as if the members do not care if the church grows or continues to dwindle away to nothing. Should I find a new church?


2. I was a member of a local ministry for a few years but was never made to feel as though I fit in. Most of the people in this ministry come from high paying jobs and fancy housing communities while my wife and I struggle to get by month to month and live in Government housing. There was a recent discussion on the website about starving Yogi who has been in the news. I simply said that if the story was true that it shows the limitless power of God. I was put down for this comment by several members and this was not the first such incident so I posted that I was leaving the ministry then my Faith and Salvation were questioned by several members. Is it wrong to believe that no matter the Religion that God can work in a persons life to show them the error of their ways? Another such incident involved the rational response squad and their blasphemy challenge ( not fimiliar search youtube) I posted my disgust about such a thing and the response it was getting by young people being decieved by this group. The post was deleted and I was informed that the website was no place for things like that to be discussed. I might be wrong but isn't the purpose of a Christian ministry to combat things like that? Anyway for that I was called an extremist so I started my own ministry site where things like that could be discussed but I have had a hard time getting it off the ground.

3. I was diagnosed over a year ago with recurrent major depressive disorder with sever psychosis and generalized anxiety disorder. On a daily basis I deal with hallucinations, voices, paranoia, and depression.

I just truly feel like an outsider everywhere now. I have lost several friends because of these three things and just cannot find a place I feel like I fit in anymore. I am at the end of my rope and not sure how long I can continue to hang on. Please help!!

This happens often with people who are givers. It sounds like you are completely burned out and spiritually and emotionally depleted. Maybe you should look for a new church, but instead of jumping into a ministry, take the time sit down and be ministered too. Sounds like you need some serious refueling. As far as people questioning your faith and salvation is concerned, you don't owe anybody one single thing!

Unless these people have a heaven or hell to put you in, or at least paying your bills, who are they anyway? And I'll answer that for you, no one special just another human being. Who needs to concern themselves with the fact that they are going to give an account to God for their lives just like everyone else. So they need to worry about their Faith and Salvation. Pray, if need be seek help, and for now until further notice (and you'll know in your heart when you are ready again), have tunnel visionthat only includes God, yourself, your wife and your kids. Keep your chin up and stay encouraged.

 

[Calvary_Corps]

Thank you that really helps.