Is your Church Accepting to all?

[Flynmonkie]

Hi All!
Sorry I had some things come up so I could not get right back to the thread!

Actually, I do not know the specifics other than what I had told you. I am not sure the church she attends but I believe it is a "Christian" church. Or Christian is in the "name".

I guess I really wanted to discuss the different perceptions of allowing members into the church, and also our feelings of why we would not want to accept. I thought it would be a good fellowship thread.

For me, even though my first reaction was surprize, after thinking it over - we all I think have concerns for allowing others in our fellowship and praise with God. That is why I said, deep down it was scary to me too. But I do believe God will protect us in situations like this.

One of my friends was voted out of communion in his church because he had not been in attendance for a while..it caused him to question his faith. He is a single dad that works side jobs on the weekends to pay bills, medical (overwhelming) for his son. Yet, no one from the church has ever offered help or assistance, but they sent a letter stating that he could not be in attendance for communion (voted out). It really frusterated me! Thank goodness we fellowship alot, so although the church was a different denomination than I believe, we have a strong friendship - he is looking for another church! (praise God!)

Pastor George! So great to see you!

You know that is my first thought when I hear these horror stories about these churches that do this. I almost told my neighbor the same thing! Get out and get out quick! But when I sit back and think it through, I wonder how staying in a church and speaking up would not help to teach and help God to change hearts? We have no clue how God is working through us! I mean it is a different story if you are attending a non-biblical - non- christian church....etc...

But for her the pastor was clearly for the attendance of this man. He was speaking of all the things she felt. I think it is a salvageable situation!

I have written about this once before. Although I am not a huge follower of Billy Graham, I had read an article from him once. A Question and Answer article. A man had sent in a story about Hypocrites in Church, and why should he attend - Mr Graham went on to say that Who knows how the Good Lord wants to work through you to these people. When these things happen -This is all the more reason to stay and tell others about Gods plan. It is just something I have always remembered. Especially, because I could have been that man, writing about the same hypocrites.

There are things that have to be considered in something as severe as molestation charges. But what about the adulterer, the stripper the prostitute. Or the one whom simply does not know how to dress...talk walk etc....

What about our feelings - personally, I just give it all to God whenever I am confused or scared about a situation. But I think it is normal to feel this way too. But many are afraid to the point that it might rub off on the church, or the members etc..It seems to be the common reaction I find out and about!

As far as the legal/insurance/technical ramifications - how would anyone know whom is attendance or a member and why would that raise liability rates? That is a strange one to me, and I wonder - sounds like a suit waiting to happen against the insurance companies - Freedom of religion yet it isn't faith private? Not for profit...Do you have to disclose the detailed lifes of members?? As you would on the statitical information of whom is driving your vehicle? That is really interesting! I would think the liability insurance would be standard and the membership to the church by other members is purely optional. IOW if they do not like it they could leave. I would devise quite an argument for those whom wished to sue a church because of something another member did! That is interesting! But a realm I am not sure of!

 

[A. believer]

Oh yes I agree with this! I am aware of the legal aspects - you are right. I am just thinking of the shameful feelings we had etc personally..the spiritual side of it. Should we have felt wrong. I guess this is probably something left to the leaders of the church. I know this is a broad subject, but I know many people whom experience this in one way or the other.

I can't imagine why you'd feel ashamed of wanting to keep him away from situations where he might be tempted to sin and to cause great harm to others. That's just basic wisdom. Even presuming he's genuinely repentant (and he probably is, although one cannot see his heart), that doesn't mean the temptation isn't still there and that he may not succumb to it. How foolish it would be to risk it. It would be like giving a drug addict free access to a pharmacy.

 

[Flynmonkie]

I can't imagine why you'd feel ashamed of wanting to keep him away from situations where he might be tempted to sin and to cause great harm to others. That's just basic wisdom. Even presuming he's genuinely repentant (and he probably is, although one cannot see his heart), that doesn't mean the temptation isn't still there and that he may not succumb to it. How foolish it would be to risk it. It would be like giving a drug addict free access to a pharmacy.

You are so right, I don't think it was really that the embarassment came from making this provision (keeping an eye on him), but the fear that deep down questioning and not being encouraging to his growth. (setting up for failure) And distinguishing the two. Also, confusing hard feelings with not holding a grudge. I think it is because of a lack of experience in these matters mostly. And most of all the struggle of knowing that we are holding on to our response for a momment instead of giving it to God. But nevertheless, it is a real feeling most find they have and you are so right! Great points!

 

[etbucurtis]

Hello.

I am new to this web site, but I do have something to say. I honestly believe the greatest problem that faces the church today is the fact that it is so inward focused and judgmental that it brings the church to its knees at the times we need to reach out to those the most.

My church has several homoesexual members because we are showing them the love God has shown us. They are allowed to be in the room with other members of the same sex.

Also, I know this may be a heated argument, but, what about those husbands and wives the commit adultery by lusting after another person of the opposite sex? Jesus says they have committed adultery, but those men and women are allowed in the church w/o question and they are allowed to be around people of the opposite sex.

I do think it is wise to do it the way with the Pastor speaking to him about not being in leadership with Children because I am sure it would stir such controversy in the church that it would split it. But I argue that we should pray for this individual and that God would not place him in a leadership position knowing his inability to control himself if he has that problem.

We should trust God's direction and not what makes sense to us sometimes.

 

[A. believer]

Hello.

I am new to this web site, but I do have something to say. I honestly believe the greatest problem that faces the church today is the fact that it is so inward focused and judgmental that it brings the church to its knees at the times we need to reach out to those the most.

My church has several homoesexual members because we are showing them the love God has shown us. They are allowed to be in the room with other members of the same sex.

Also, I know this may be a heated argument, but, what about those husbands and wives the commit adultery by lusting after another person of the opposite sex? Jesus says they have committed adultery, but those men and women are allowed in the church w/o question and they are allowed to be around people of the opposite sex.

I do think it is wise to do it the way with the Pastor speaking to him about not being in leadership with Children because I am sure it would stir such controversy in the church that it would split it. But I argue that we should pray for this individual and that God would not place him in a leadership position knowing his inability to control himself if he has that problem.

We should trust God's direction and not what makes sense to us sometimes.

Your comparison to people who have committed sins of homosexuality or adultery aren't relevant. Presuming your not referring to pedophile homosexuals, then neither of those sinful inclinations are a direct threat to people who are powerless to protect themselves.