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Issues with fellow Christian...advice?

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CLS4Christ

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Hello everyone
We have a lady in our church who seems to be a very nice lady. She has many in our church believing that she is an upstanding, Christian member of our church. I'm not saying she doesn't believe what she's saying....let me give you an example of this woman:

She believes TV's are the Devils playground and has no problem telling the kids in the church this.

She believes certain games were created by athiests and therefore should not be played by Christians.

She feels that any secular music should not be listened to by Christians or played by Christian musicians.

A flier to go out in our directory was offensive to her and she demanded it be removed. She got her way. Quite a few of us are betting that she'll get her way in July when the patriotic/non-Christian music we usually play is discussed in choir.

Everything is black or white to her, the average Christian family with three children, a dog and a television are horrible in her eyes...even if they're very loving, caring, Christian people! And she doesn't hesitate to tell the *children* this!

These are just a few examples of how this woman is...let me tell you just a little more: These two joined church after visiting only twice, her husband was asked to be on the board only one month after they became members (how this could happen, I have no idea...I know our church is currently re-writing bylaws, but I don't believe this was the reason)

This couple have their hands in everything...which in and of itself doesn't seem bad, and can even make this couple appear to be more wonderful to the congregation..however, I, and quite a few others it turns out, have different thoughts.

Anyone care to give me your thoughts on this, just based on what I told you? (remember, what i have told you is only the tip of the iceberg) How do I handle this person? They're beginning to have an influence on the children in the church, and there are quite a few members who just don't see it yet, so this couple is still welcome and allowed to run the church, basically.

Thanks for any advice.

PS
I do feel I must say, in their defense, they were known by a few people in the church prior to joining, and some of their family members are also known by some in the church. Their family is known to be very kind, caring and considerate Christian people.
 

Brokyn888

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This lady is Over Cautious she is brainwashed and thinks everything is wrong,,99% of things in this world are evil,,everone sins,,sin is evil,,everone has a dark side whether you think its true or not,,she blames people for tv,,she criticises people that leads to hate,,God is love,I just cant stand people like that,,tell her to stop driving her car because it might of been made by Atheists,,People who are like that are usually even worse than people who do drugs and still believe in God ,Jesus same thing pretty Much...Love is what commadments are based on
 
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Nadiine

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Well, it sounds like a problem for sure. I can only go by what you've shared here, I don't know her & all the circumstances, so my advice is obviously going to be geared to what I read from you.

But - I agree with her on 1 thing, some of the computer games ARE demonic & Christians shouldn't be playing certain ones. - if I hadn't of gotten into serious spiritual trouble while playing them myself, I might never have believed they could be dangerous to Christians.
I'll give her that one! :thumbsup: (but chances are, she'd boycott even the GOOD ones lol) ;)

Aside from that, I agree, asking a couple to be on the board after 1 month is WAY wrong!. I can't believe a church would even do that. :eek:

One thing I'd start doing immediately is serious prayer. Even fasting if you have to. Pray in groups privately together.
If these people are given power & are affecting the kids in the church, you need something drastic.
Prayer. Ask His will.

I'm all for people like her that are serious about following the Lord & not accepting alot of the worlds entertainment & evils. That's fine.
But she does sound overboard to me -even as a strong conservative.

If she and this new couple really are dangerous for your church, I'd get in serious prayer.
Also, it wouldn't hurt to get a few of you to go to one of the more receptive elders of the church to voice your concerns as to what's going on.

Letting someone in authority know is important & it's best to have a witness w/ you.
That's my 2 cents
 
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Premed4Christ

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Well, I have to agree that it doesn't sound healthy. In defense of the internet, if she has a screening service the dangers can be limited. But the same can be said of television, so that would certainly appear to be a little backwards thinking at the least, if not hypocrisy. I am sure she has good intentions, but that sort of legalism does not come from the Lord. Paul said, 'All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.' The focus here is not so much on what we CAN'T do, as it is the things we SHOULD do. If we fill our lives with the things of the Lord, there is no room for the things of the world. But true Christianity is not a list of don'ts. If there is a serious problem with her, I think the best thing to do is to approach an elder about it, and then the pastor if that doesn't work.
 
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mohawk

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If I find something offensive on TV, I turn the channel. Sometimes I find the news offensive, but I also want to be informed. Christians shouldn't lock themselves away from the world...just use good judgement. I know in her heart she probably believes she is doing God's work, but are we called to judge? Isn't that God's job?
 
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staveoffzombies

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But - I agree with her on 1 thing, some of the computer games ARE demonic & Christians shouldn't be playing certain ones. - if I hadn't of gotten into serious spiritual trouble while playing them myself, I might never have believed they could be dangerous to Christians.
I'll give her that one! :thumbsup: (but chances are, she'd boycott even the GOOD ones lol) ;)

Could you elaborate on what game caused this perceived spiritual trouble?
 
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Zeena

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If I find something offensive on TV, I turn the channel. Sometimes I find the news offensive, but I also want to be informed. Christians shouldn't lock themselves away from the world...just use good judgement. I know in her heart she probably believes she is doing God's work, but are we called to judge? Isn't that God's job?
Is God Living His Life in and through her?

Romans 14:4
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

1 Corinthians 6:4
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
 
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Nadiine

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Could you elaborate on what game caused this perceived spiritual trouble?
If I went into this line of discussion, it would go off in a whole other topic & open up a pandora's box. I've already been on threads about this subject & it got REAL nasty, REAL fast.
People are extremely defensive of their games... (to the point where imo it's not even natural --- if it's "just a game"! & I know this becuz I defended them the same way to Christians who warned me about them. I thought they were crazy holyrollers. lol).

All I'll say is, I was playing mostly the RPG's with alot of sorcery & demons... some had alchemy, voodoo & seances in them that you do had to do to get to another level/or get a clue... that kinda stuff.

All I'll say is, it didn't take long before all hell broke loose - and a close friend of mine right now is suffering in her household becuz her husband is playing one of these same games. It definitely happens & alot of people know this.

But I don't want this to go off topic in respect to the OP who's seeking advice to a serious situation. :angel: :wave:
 
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Premed4Christ

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If I went into this line of discussion, it would go off in a whole other topic & open up a pandora's box. I've already been on threads about this subject & it got REAL nasty, REAL fast.
People are extremely defensive of their games... (to the point where imo it's not even natural --- if it's "just a game"! & I know this becuz I defended them the same way to Christians who warned me about them. I thought they were crazy holyrollers. lol).

All I'll say is, I was playing mostly the RPG's with alot of sorcery & demons... some had alchemy, voodoo & seances in them that you do had to do to get to another level/or get a clue... that kinda stuff.

All I'll say is, it didn't take long before all hell broke loose - and a close friend of mine right now is suffering in her household becuz her husband is playing one of these same games. It definitely happens & alot of people know this.

But I don't want this to go off topic in respect to the OP who's seeking advice to a serious situation. :angel: :wave:
Not to mention that you have to be careful of the addictive nature of anything like this, television included.
 
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I have a similar person at the church I attended, the woman is the Sunday school teacher and awana leader and head of about every activity the church does, she tells my children that Santa is evil, The Easter bunny, Pokemon, Harry Potter, and the Goosebump books are all banned to view or discuss, Halloween is the devils holiday and simply because Bush "claims" he is a Christian he is such a wonderful man and is to be admired praised and respected?
Any opinion other than hers is wrong and dismissed without any consideration.
I don't know what to suggest you do....I just try to accept her as she is....her hearts in the right place and my kids know that the only one they need to listen to and please is God....so they just kinnda shrug off some of the things she comes out with.
Good luck with it and keep in mind that we all have annoying little things about us....we are after all only human?
 
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Nadiine

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Not to mention that you have to be careful of the addictive nature of anything like this, television included.
Addicting... that's an understatement. LOL They sure are!
When I first started playing them, I couldn't quit. I'd FLY to do my errands & FLY back home & get back to it.
I was obsessed as it gets!

Then again, the stuff I do on the computer is addicting too - nothing's easy when you love something - self control. huh?

peace!
 
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spiersdodgerblue

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Hello everyone
We have a lady in our church who seems to be a very nice lady. She has many in our church believing that she is an upstanding, Christian member of our church. I'm not saying she doesn't believe what she's saying....let me give you an example of this woman:

She believes TV's are the Devils playground and has no problem telling the kids in the church this.

She believes certain games were created by athiests and therefore should not be played by Christians.

She feels that any secular music should not be listened to by Christians or played by Christian musicians.

A flier to go out in our directory was offensive to her and she demanded it be removed. She got her way. Quite a few of us are betting that she'll get her way in July when the patriotic/non-Christian music we usually play is discussed in choir.

Everything is black or white to her, the average Christian family with three children, a dog and a television are horrible in her eyes...even if they're very loving, caring, Christian people! And she doesn't hesitate to tell the *children* this!

These are just a few examples of how this woman is...let me tell you just a little more: These two joined church after visiting only twice, her husband was asked to be on the board only one month after they became members (how this could happen, I have no idea...I know our church is currently re-writing bylaws, but I don't believe this was the reason)

This couple have their hands in everything...which in and of itself doesn't seem bad, and can even make this couple appear to be more wonderful to the congregation..however, I, and quite a few others it turns out, have different thoughts.

Anyone care to give me your thoughts on this, just based on what I told you? (remember, what i have told you is only the tip of the iceberg) How do I handle this person? They're beginning to have an influence on the children in the church, and there are quite a few members who just don't see it yet, so this couple is still welcome and allowed to run the church, basically.

Thanks for any advice.

PS
I do feel I must say, in their defense, they were known by a few people in the church prior to joining, and some of their family members are also known by some in the church. Their family is known to be very kind, caring and considerate Christian people.

Sense they are already in leadership and seem to be pushing their weight and opinions on others so freely, and I don't know your church family of course, but do you think it might be that they are big tithers.:scratch: It's sad to think about but sometimes this is the case.
 
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mysterychristian

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Hello everyone
We have a lady in our church who seems to be a very nice lady. She has many in our church believing that she is an upstanding, Christian member of our church. I'm not saying she doesn't believe what she's saying....let me give you an example of this woman:

She believes TV's are the Devils playground and has no problem telling the kids in the church this.

She believes certain games were created by athiests and therefore should not be played by Christians.

She feels that any secular music should not be listened to by Christians or played by Christian musicians.

A flier to go out in our directory was offensive to her and she demanded it be removed. She got her way. Quite a few of us are betting that she'll get her way in July when the patriotic/non-Christian music we usually play is discussed in choir.

Everything is black or white to her, the average Christian family with three children, a dog and a television are horrible in her eyes...even if they're very loving, caring, Christian people! And she doesn't hesitate to tell the *children* this!

These are just a few examples of how this woman is...let me tell you just a little more: These two joined church after visiting only twice, her husband was asked to be on the board only one month after they became members (how this could happen, I have no idea...I know our church is currently re-writing bylaws, but I don't believe this was the reason)

This couple have their hands in everything...which in and of itself doesn't seem bad, and can even make this couple appear to be more wonderful to the congregation..however, I, and quite a few others it turns out, have different thoughts.

Anyone care to give me your thoughts on this, just based on what I told you? (remember, what i have told you is only the tip of the iceberg) How do I handle this person? They're beginning to have an influence on the children in the church, and there are quite a few members who just don't see it yet, so this couple is still welcome and allowed to run the church, basically.

Thanks for any advice.

PS
I do feel I must say, in their defense, they were known by a few people in the church prior to joining, and some of their family members are also known by some in the church. Their family is known to be very kind, caring and considerate Christian people.
it sounds like the dreaded "church lady syndrome", more dreaded than even big foot or the abominible snowman.

every church has one of these kind, some more dreadful than others.

They are so right that they are wrong and not very wise and loving in the way in which they handle the information they carry. Jesus Christ might have well said to them exactly what they needed to hear. read how he aprroached and handled people. just because you are a christian "supposeddly", doesn't mean you'll be loving or right in what you do or say.

I'd personally tell her what I thought, the only issue you have is someone playing favorites and because she's so tied in you may get a good tongue lashing for it, or worse. Be prepared....
 
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JohnPeter

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Understanding is the best protocol.

Sometimes, when we treat all things on a level playing field, and regard all people as similar, we misrepresent people and the situations they partake in.

This lady sounds hypervigilant when it comes to judging evil from good. There will be reasons for this behavior that has caught your attention. It may not be because she's some sort of weirdo. she might be simply a "damaged-goods Christian." she may be truly saved, but she also might have a root of shame or guilt in her heart over the matters that she obviously is overly discriminative of.

We can pray for such people.

It sounds like the behavior of this lady is causing you some kind of discomfort. Just keep your wits about you. Stay God-centered and keep your heart open to the possiblity she may be "damaged goods." (sorry for the use of this worldly-ism). If you know differently from what she is preaching, then good for you. I know it can be distressing when people are putting out extreme teachings and opinions. But wise ears will not listen. You're probably not alone in how you feel. Others may also feel about this lady's behavior as you do.

Pray about it; pray for patience, and stay focused above and beyond any distractions. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith.
 
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Cris413

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I might have a couple of suggestions that may be helpful to you.

First before you do anything, sincerely pray about the situation. Pray for God's guidance in the way you should interact with this woman. Pray for this woman for God's guidance in her life and in the body of your church.

You should also consider whether or not you feel that she has sinned against you or your family personally. If you feel she has sinned against you...the Word is pretty specific in how to handle these situations in Matthew 18 starting in verse 15.

If you feel she has not sinned against you directly, you may still want to speak with her in love regarding your concerns about how her opinions effect the body of believers at your church. Find out what is in her heart regarding the way she feels about these things. Perhaps ask her to show you the Scripture that spoke to her heart. Who knows you may even end up praying together about it.

It's hard to tell from typed statements the real heart in what someone writes. You can't hear the tone of voice or see the person face but the feeling that I got reading your post was that you feel a bit angry regarding this womans activity in the church. I can not stress strongly enough for you to find peace about this through prayer and scripture before you approach this woman about anything. It's so important for you to present your concerns in love and with the right heart.

Speaking to other people about your concerns and not directly to her can really fan the flame of discord in the church and could be construded pretty much as gossip. And gossip never solved anything.

I've kinda found that when I have situations that make me concerned or angry or unhappy....it's real good opportunity to talk to God about it. He knows EVERYTHING and has it under control. I just have to trust in Him.

I'll keep you in prayer as well.
 
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vswift

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The Word says that if your having a problem with someone in the church, to first approach them with the issue. Then if you can not resolve your issue, to take it to the elders of the church, where they will make a decision. There are people that believe that tv is satans playground, ive heard that before. Its about good judgement, and what you allow yourself to watch.
 
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Cris413

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Just a quick note regarding tv, games the internet and such...We all need to be good stewards of our time. Our enemy seeks to distract us. Anything to keep us from the Word and fellowship. The world is pretty much in charge of most of the media and making a decision to limit the irrelevant and icky stuff our hearts and minds are exposed to by the various media forms is a good decision I'm thinking.
 
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