Hi there
I've attended church for 2 months, and could use some advice on my forward walk with Jesus. One reason is that I'm very shy. The first time I was going to church it became too much so I went home instead. Now I'm at the point where I can go in and feel comfortable to just be there. But I rarely speak to anyone. When it's over, I pick my stuff and go as the first guy. I'm afraid of having any conversations. There was a girl the second time, who introduced herself and welcomed me when the service was over, but it was short because I was just too Overwhelmed and she ended with a "good Sunday". Looking back, I'm thankful for these opportunities and hope there will be new ones, as I try to be more attentive and open. But there haven't so far, so it is quite lonely to attend church.
Obviously I have to step out of my own comfortzone, and this is where I could really use some advice from you guys. What do you do in situations with new people in church or in general? I've been thinking about picking up a cup of coffee after church, but something is holding me back. Pride? Confusion? Not having thought of all the good reasons to do so?
I'm shy and insecure in general, so I need tips on how to behave normal in these situations. I'm uncertain what is socially accepted and expected. That holds me back the most I think. But even if I knew it was accepted to strike up conversations in a church, what do you even talk about? I don't know why I feel so vulnerable about it.
I just know that I want to learn as I've come to realize the importance of fellowship. I want to worship as a people. I want to learn how to love, God and human, it's hard if not impossible on my own.
I'm also not very disciplined in my thoughts. I'm a 30 year old guy. Four months ago my relationship of 2 years ended, a very hurtful but neccesary experience I feel to wake me up. I've hurt a girl I love by not telling her that I wanted to fight for us. And so our parts ended. She missed that I didn't want to pray together, or that I would be going to church with her more often. I held my faith to myself, as I don't feel comfortable showing my faith publicly. I regret that I didn't know any better, but I want to take this opportunity to grow. I still struggle with past sins. I get impulses towards attractive women in this church. My mind is not fully submitted to God it feels. It feels like, I'm not fully aware what the Christian life even means. I want to know Jesus, to follow Him, to be apart of his church, to learn and grow. But I have so many stumbling blocks. What fills the mind of you guys? What set you free? What does it feel like going to church? How do you look at the other people? Maybe the answer to these, if I could come to understand and believe in them myself, could help me approach people.
This is a long post, so thanks to anyone who took time to read. I understand everything can't be answered. But if someone has any advice to someone new at church who feels a bit overwhelmed, and don't exactly know where to start or progress towards, it's more than welcome.
Sincerely, Mathias
I've attended church for 2 months, and could use some advice on my forward walk with Jesus. One reason is that I'm very shy. The first time I was going to church it became too much so I went home instead. Now I'm at the point where I can go in and feel comfortable to just be there. But I rarely speak to anyone. When it's over, I pick my stuff and go as the first guy. I'm afraid of having any conversations. There was a girl the second time, who introduced herself and welcomed me when the service was over, but it was short because I was just too Overwhelmed and she ended with a "good Sunday". Looking back, I'm thankful for these opportunities and hope there will be new ones, as I try to be more attentive and open. But there haven't so far, so it is quite lonely to attend church.
Obviously I have to step out of my own comfortzone, and this is where I could really use some advice from you guys. What do you do in situations with new people in church or in general? I've been thinking about picking up a cup of coffee after church, but something is holding me back. Pride? Confusion? Not having thought of all the good reasons to do so?
I'm shy and insecure in general, so I need tips on how to behave normal in these situations. I'm uncertain what is socially accepted and expected. That holds me back the most I think. But even if I knew it was accepted to strike up conversations in a church, what do you even talk about? I don't know why I feel so vulnerable about it.
I just know that I want to learn as I've come to realize the importance of fellowship. I want to worship as a people. I want to learn how to love, God and human, it's hard if not impossible on my own.
I'm also not very disciplined in my thoughts. I'm a 30 year old guy. Four months ago my relationship of 2 years ended, a very hurtful but neccesary experience I feel to wake me up. I've hurt a girl I love by not telling her that I wanted to fight for us. And so our parts ended. She missed that I didn't want to pray together, or that I would be going to church with her more often. I held my faith to myself, as I don't feel comfortable showing my faith publicly. I regret that I didn't know any better, but I want to take this opportunity to grow. I still struggle with past sins. I get impulses towards attractive women in this church. My mind is not fully submitted to God it feels. It feels like, I'm not fully aware what the Christian life even means. I want to know Jesus, to follow Him, to be apart of his church, to learn and grow. But I have so many stumbling blocks. What fills the mind of you guys? What set you free? What does it feel like going to church? How do you look at the other people? Maybe the answer to these, if I could come to understand and believe in them myself, could help me approach people.
This is a long post, so thanks to anyone who took time to read. I understand everything can't be answered. But if someone has any advice to someone new at church who feels a bit overwhelmed, and don't exactly know where to start or progress towards, it's more than welcome.
Sincerely, Mathias