I need an opinion

AggieCatholic · Dec 4, 2002

Howdy everyone. I've been reading the boards for quite sometime but this is my first post. I realize it might be out of place but you'll see why I'm posting here. My question has to do with denominations BUT the issue is depression. For years on end I've been struggling with the disease, and it's mostly been under control, praise the Lord. But recently I've had a serious flare-up. I just recently moved to start graduate school and haven't found a new church home yet so I've been "church hopping" for a while now. But I also need to speak with a spiritual, Godly person about what's going on in my life. Anyway. I attend a large-group Bible study in my town and the man who leads it is simply amazing. I emailed him about what I've been going through and he asked me to call him and set up an appointment to come in and meet with him at his church--he's a pastor at a Baptist church. Well, as you can guess by my screen-name, I'm VERY Catholic. I work very hard at crossing denominational differences and I enjoy fellowship with all Christians but as far as Sundays go, I wouldn't consider not attending Mass. I'm worried that he's going to ask me about what denomination I am (he doesn't know)...I don't want to lie because that'd go against everything I believe but at the same time I'm eager to get some spiritual counseling from him...do you guys think there's a chance he'll send me away because I'm Catholic???
God Bless and GIG 'EM AGGIES!!!
AggieCatholic

KC Catholic · Dec 4, 2002

Hello AggieCatholic!

First...I invite you to visit us in the 'One Bread, One Body' forum anytime. It's home to a lot of great Catholics...

Secondly...being that you are church-hopping..is there not a Catholic parish in your area? Have you tried scheduling time with a priest or someone from a Catholic Church wher you live?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with visiting with the Baptist pastor and if he is a true Christian he should accept you whether he knows you're Catholic or not. We are Christians, too.

Anyway...sounds like you have a lot on your mind and I will pray for you. Please come see us in OBOB or PM/email me anytime.

Hang in there and God Bless!

seebs · Dec 4, 2002

If he sends you away for being Catholic, I think that suggests that he's not your best bet for Godly advice. I would be a bit worried about a pastor or priest who sent someone away for being of *any* religious background. You're human, right? That should be good enough for any Christian. (This is my personal opinion, and need not reflect anyone else's.)

ChristDied4U! · Dec 4, 2002

Wouldn't that be kinda hard for you though you think? Being a Catholic and attending a Baptist church too? I just think that would be really difficult...just form my oppinion for me...maybe not for you though. I don't think he will turn you away though just for being Catholic...definitely no need to lie to him about it though. From my family's experience I can tell you that when growing up my mom and her family were all Catholic...but now she is a very die-hard Christian...and we attend a Baptist church. Personally I think once you start attending the Baptist church that you will find out just what I'm talking about.

HesMyAll · Dec 5, 2002

A blood washed born again Christian is not going to worry about what denomination you are.  I won't deny that many people are so caught up in the denominational mire that they place great emphasis on being a certain denomination.  However, you have already attended a Bible study which this man taught and you feel he can help you.

I would say to go ahead and schedule an appointment with him, most pastors do not schedule counseling appointments on Sundays and if he suggests it you can ask to see him on a different day.  If God has put this man in your path to help you, I'm sure it will all work out without any confrontation about the fact that you are Catholic.

Mr.Cheese · Dec 5, 2002

It should be no problem at all. So I agree with Seebs. It is probably good to exercise some discretion in this area since you're female and he's male.
One thing I can say about Baptists is they are really busy, especially pastors. Actually meeting with one is proof that miracles are alive and well.
For a Female catholic on this board we have VOW. She rocks.
A baptist pastor should be educated enough to understand what depression is.

VOW · Dec 5, 2002

To Aggie:

Be up front and tell him you are Catholic. But you should also be aware that the Baptist Church has a very active evangelization effort geared toward Catholics. Many Baptists believe that Catholics are not "saved," and they feel obligated to instruct you in the errors of your church. Sad, but true.

Look for a Catholic parish in your area. Many college campuses have their own Catholic parish, and direct their ministry towards the students, and their special needs. You can even call the diocese, ask about the local churches, and also inquire about counseling. A last bit of advice: make an appointment with the Student Health Service on campus, to talk to someone about your depression. Depression has a PHYSICAL cause, and the right medication can make an incredible difference in your life.

Come on over to Reilly's Pub in the One Bread, One Body board. We'll fix you up with refreshment and fellowship with the best!

Peace be with you,
~VOW

GraftMeIn · Dec 5, 2002

I doubt he would turn you away because you are Catholic. It all boils down to one thing realy. We all serve the same God, And believe in the same Jesus.

So I would have to suggest not writing Him off because he is a Baptist, just as you wouldn't want Him to write you off for being Catholic.

Anthony · Dec 5, 2002

Your in a Bible Study? your not signing up to run a marathon. Tell him that you are Catholic and that you enjoy his Bible Study for the knowledge of the Bible it brings. Tell him and take a load off your chest, and smile again.

ZiSunka · Dec 5, 2002

My sister has a saying, "Accept help from wherever you can get it."

She means, every church is in the business of helping people, and if one has something that might help you, go for it. If you are hungry and the methodist church has a food pantry, go there. If you need counselling and the Baptist church has it, go there.

I have been part of a Bible study at a catholic church for a long time now, and really, catholics worry too much that protestants will try to convert them. I get more pressure from the catholics to convert than the catholics in my church get to convert to protestant. My fiance is catholic, and the folks at my church have never said a word to him about changing faiths. He's welcome at communion and to fully participate in the life of the church. But practically every time I go to the catholic Bible study, someone warns me that I'm on the road to hell for not being catholic.

Relax and go for the counselling. If it seems like he is pressuring you to do anything you don't want to do, you don't have to go back. But the offer of free counselling is not to be scorned. If you have to pay a counsellor, it will cost in the range of $100 an hour.

AggieCatholic · Dec 5, 2002

Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who's replied to my post...I really do appreciate all the feedback I've gotten. Let me try to clear up a few things:

-my depression is under medical control. I've been working with an amazing doctor for about 4 years now and been on meds (diff ones at times) the whole time. That part of it is well. But my soul still aches and it aches deeply. And I know it's something that no medication can take away. That's why I'm looking at other options.
-the Bible study I attend is a LARGE gathering (read: 2000 young adults). It is a non-denominational praise/worship time with a teaching that follows. The man who leads the teaching is a Baptist pastor and he's very open to people emailing him. So I did because of the struggles I'm going through and I wanted an opinion. He's the one who offered the meeting. I of course, as lambslove pointed out, accepted it because he's a Christian man I respect probably more than any other human right now and he's offering to meet with me and discuss some things. I'm sure that he'll then point me in some sort of direction from there. That's what I'm eager for. We have an appointment set up for next week.
-To the concern that I'm female, he's male: thought about that as well. That's why I'm hoping he'll point me in the right direction after this initial meeting.
-to the great Catholics who've suggested I contact a priest...I don't want to get into it right now but it's not something that I think would help me with this issue. I am, however, actively seeking a church and a community of Catholics where I feel like I can belong.

Please say a couple extra prayers for me if you guys would. I appreciate all the input!!
May God Bless all of you!!!
Gig 'em!

Anthony · Dec 6, 2002

But my soul still aches and it aches deeply
He's the one who offered the meeting.

What is it you are looking for? What is the goal of your meeting with the Pastor? Also in that Bible Study of 2,000 people, have you connected with any fellow Christian Women? Out of 2,000 people I bet there are some really great, strong Women, who may have a similar background to yours.

As iron sharpens iron
so one person sharpens another

aaron · Dec 7, 2002

I agree with everyone that has posted above me. If you turns you away than he wouldn't be the best help that you can get. If he truly loves God he will except you for who you are. He may try to get you to go to his church however.
Aaron

AggieCatholic · Dec 9, 2002

Just an update...I had my meeting today and it couldn't have gone better! He provided me with SO MUCH encouragment and just gave me some practicals to apply to my life as well....surprisingly, denomination never came up, it wouldn't have been relevant to bring it up, so I didn't, he didn't and that was that. It was a well worth visit and I feel wonderful about it. Thanks for all who replied!!
God Bless and Gig 'em!

HesMyAll · Dec 9, 2002

Originally posted by AggieCatholic
Just an update...I had my meeting today and it couldn't have gone better! He provided me with SO MUCH encouragment and just gave me some practicals to apply to my life as well....surprisingly, denomination never came up, it wouldn't have been relevant to bring it up, so I didn't, he didn't and that was that. It was a well worth visit and I feel wonderful about it. Thanks for all who replied!!
God Bless and Gig 'em!

I'm so glad it all worked out.  I knew it would!  Glad that he was able to help you.

DaveKerwin · Dec 11, 2002

In the future, do not meet one on one with him. I suggest finding a women's ministry that has small groups. Who cares about denomination, I don't. There may be some theological debates if you bring up your doctrinal beliefs.

Regardless, good job on seeking out a local church and getting connected. God Bless You.

Auntie · Dec 11, 2002

Originally posted by lambslove
My sister has a saying, "Accept help from wherever you can get it."

She means, every church is in the business of helping people, and if one has something that might help you, go for it. If you are hungry and the methodist church has a food pantry, go there. If you need counselling and the Baptist church has it, go there.

Great advice, lambslove. Your sister is very wise!

AggieCatholic · Dec 11, 2002

DaveKerwin,
while i would normally agree with you, this time i may have to disagree. This man is a SENIOR PASTOR at a church, for crying out loud! It's his job to look after the flock!!! He's not dumb and neither am I. This is not like I'm going to a man to become my accountability partner or Bible study leader. It was simply a meeting to discuss depression and how it fits into God's picture for my life and to get a word of encouragement. Please be reasonable, here. If it makes you feel any better, the door to his office was wide open the whole time I was there and people walking by the whole time. I've done PLENTY of youth work and I know exactly what the pittfalls and potential problems are. Thanks for the concern though and be certain that I AM looking for a WOMEN'S group to join because I know that my long-term support is going to come from that.

Gig 'em and GOD BLESS!!!
AggieCatholic

DaveKerwin · Dec 11, 2002

Originally posted by AggieCatholic
DaveKerwin,
while i would normally agree with you, this time i may have to disagree. This man is a SENIOR PASTOR at a church, for crying out loud! It's his job to look after the flock!!! He's not dumb and neither am I. This is not like I'm going to a man to become my accountability partner or Bible study leader. It was simply a meeting to discuss depression and how it fits into God's picture for my life and to get a word of encouragement. Please be reasonable, here. If it makes you feel any better, the door to his office was wide open the whole time I was there and people walking by the whole time. I've done PLENTY of youth work and I know exactly what the pittfalls and potential problems are. Thanks for the concern though and be certain that I AM looking for a WOMEN'S group to join because I know that my long-term support is going to come from that.

Gig 'em and GOD BLESS!!!
AggieCatholic

Aggie, I don't know you, so what I said was reasonable. Now that you have clarified your awareness of the situation and possible pitfalls, I feel more comfortable knowing that. Trust that I was looking out for you. I have seen senior pastors turn sour before, its not impossible just because he is the head of the flock.

Sounds like you are in a good spot in life, outside of the depression. But like I said before, I think its great you are seeking out a group and the right local church.

In terms of the depression, its almost different for every person. God takes care of the birds of the air, how much more will he take care of you !

GreenEyedLady · Dec 23, 2002

I am glad it worked or you Aggie.
Just as Vow pointed out, SOME baptist belive that all Catholics are not saved, (I have yet to meet one) I attend a baptist church and my pastor has pointed out several times that its not the church that saves you, its Jesus. There are many unsaved people in many denominations. ]
Maybe all you need is YOU near Jesus, cuz HE is always near YOU! Jesus sure has helped me.
GEL

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