Disillusioned with Church

[Jacqui-anne]

Hi there
I have been disillusioned with the Church for a couple of years, I became a Christian 4 1/2 years ago, and was so excited and full of faith! But I am now feeling that I dread going to church, and apart for 2 people I'm very much lonely at church. I'm about 3/4 through the Shack, it has raised so many questions that I have not had time to think of individually yet.  I am thinking maybe I have fallen out of love with church but still in love with God.  Maybe God is still there for me?  Its all so confusing. 

[arus]

Hello dear, and welcome here.  Trust me, you are not alone.  I do not go to church either, as I do not like what is said there.  If I could, may I suggest another book for you to read?  It's called "So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore", by Wayne Jacobsen - I'm sure it will help you as it helped me.

[Tim-O-thy]

YES...you NEED to read that book. The church is the body of Christ....you're talking about a religious organization. I love "the church" but dont go to a building to do it. "the church" is all around us...not just something we do one day a week.

Welcome to the forum!!!

[Joe]

As long as you can talk with God then you have nothing to worry about... church is just a little something extra... but certainly not what counts the most... it's the love we give... the love we share... that's what it's all about...

[palapala]

I was just about to suggest you read, "so you don't want to go to church anymore", I see that I am not the first to do that, lol. I was the same way, I have been to a few churches and thought I would never try again. After reading the book I felt less alone about my problem. I am going to a church now, though I have only been three times, I do like it. I pray that my daughter goes again, she has only been once and liked it but did not go this week with us. She is 18 and saw to many bad things is the last few that we went to. I want her to read the book also so that she can see maybe why she feels this way. You have to realize that everyone there is still just human.
I am praying for you, just remember that your relationship is with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit not with the building

[Jacqui-anne]

Hi there again

Thanks for your support everybody, I will get a copy of the book you recommended as soon as I can.   

[arus]

Glad to hear that     Let us know what you think if you do read it, ok?

[prodigal]

     Hi Jacqui-anne.  Welcome.

     Peace.

[Sioux Maiden]

Welcome and so happy to see you found us.Of course you know you were brought here by Papa.
My beliefs are very spirtual and I belong to no faith but for the 1st time in my life I humbley say I am part of the largest church on earth (PEOPLE & SHACK)As was mention I don't need a building to be with my God. I don't nor will I ever refer to myself as a christan.To me it is an evil word.
I walk one in one with my great spirit and my church is  loveing beautiful brother and sisters.Some you have met. Share and remember you are free to praise and share as you wish and it all is FREE>
                                     Unconditional friend Morning Mist

[liberty1973]

These are great books and do help ease some of our misgivings.  I'm a pastor's wife.  Believe me being part of a church isn't easy.  But remember the purpose in all things is to glorify God.  Churches are made up of broken people many feeling as disillusioned as you and with far more years under their belt as Christians.  Be a light to them and help them remember the church is also a relationship a huge theme of The Shack.  A relationship that Christ is at the center of and completely in love with.

[palapala]

exactly Liberty. I tried to get the last church to read "The Shack" and they said it would be to complicated for them. I just wanted a study group to read it. I never wanted to go to church again until I read "So You Don't Want to go to church anymore", it did open my eyes about church and made me more fogiving and saw my own faults.

[arus]

Very well said Liberty!!

[Tim-O-thy]

Agree'd well said Liberty.

[Jacqui-anne]

Hello there everyone,

Liberty1973 - Yes I see your point, I may be disillusioned with the church at present, but by growing in my relationship with God and sharing that within the church may be a way of shining the light upon them.  A good thought for the future. 

Meantime the Shack (I am now onto page 205), reading the responses on this subject and on some of the other forums on this website it has and is giving me lots more hope than I had even last week.  It has strengthened
my faith in the Father (Papa) and I just want more and more.  I now realise that going to church is not the main focus, although obviously it would be nice for it to be a more pleasant experience, maybe if I don't worry so much about it all and focus on Papa,  the other stuff will come together eventually.  I went wood walking the other day and just looked up at the trees and sun rays coming through and marvelling at the natural beauty, that's true worship and thanksgiving! 

[arus]

Now you're talking!!!!!  Papa is all around in nature - to me, more so than  in church, lol!!  Good to see you back!