First, let me say that in no way did I intend to offend or insult anyone. There are genuine, dedicated, Christian people in each and every church in our denomination. And while I understand that each church is autonomous, they do still have an affiliation with the overall denomination, and I can’t be a part of that denomination any longer.

You and I have known each other for years, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that we don’t agree on all of the doctrines of the denomination. So, In the end, yes, there are theologies being taught that I don’t agree with or want my children taught.

This oversimplifies my concerns, but two of my biggest problems with the denomination are the group’s attitudes about women in ministry and the way their missionaries have been treated in recent years.

Now, again, I am not in any way saying that the denomination is bad or evil or not Christian or anything of the sort. I’m not saying that churches in the denomination are theologically wrong. What I’m saying is that at this point in my life, it isn’t the denomination for me. And I believe that we have to move where God takes us.

HH and I took an almost two year church sabbatical. It wasn’t really planned, but we moved from the suburbs to the city and knew we didn’t want to keep attending the church we were at. HH and I were raised in different denominations, both of which are fairly similar in doctrine. We knew we’d be happy raising a family in either, so we started trying both. Of course, we took our time and enjoyed MANY leisurely Sundays. It was a good break. And I really don’t think it was a break from God, but from the structure and the politics.

Don’t worry, you’ll get there!

I routinely suggest to Mike that we should attend the church near our house because they have a Saturday evening service… we could go to worship AND get to sleep in on Sundays. But in all seriousness, I do think the break has been good for us in some ways. And you’re right. It wasn’t a break from God but from organized religion. I feel like we’re ready to get back to it now, though.

Church hurts can be the toughest. When the expectation that those who profess Christ will behave in a Christ-like manner isn’t met, it is so disappointing!

I am certain i have disappointed those around me when I have not acted Christ like! Luke 7:23 says, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

All that to say, I am glad to hear that you are working through these issues. It is so hard to work through our doubts and dissillusions, but the the consequence of not working through the hard parts in life is being enslaved by them.

I was just reading Phil 1:27-29 this morning. And in light of your story, it helps me to remember that:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

I pray that God will lead you to a healthy church (and even those have rough spots since we are all just people!) that you and your family can feel like part of a family again!

Thank you for your honesty. God can handle our doubt, He can handle out hurts, He can take our questions! Seek Him still…

Kellie

For us, it was never a matter of our church being a source of our uncertainty or pain. It was bigger than one church, and that is why we will most likely not return to that denomination. For us, right now, we feel like it doesn’t matter which denomination in which we worship, as long as we are surrounded by believers.

Thanks. I think we are all finally ready to share ourselves in a new church. When we first got here, we were so guarded due to what we had experienced, but I see in all of us an openness that wasn’t there before. I’m actually pretty excited about the opportunities ahead of us… those wonderful surprises you talk about.

Eliza and I are on our way out this morning, but I’ll come back and answer your questions tonight. One quick word, though… we have family and friends who still attend churches in that denomination and I don’t have a problem with that. Spirituality is such a person thing, and I’m not saying no one should attend those churches. They meet needs. They just don’t meet our needs at the moment. I’ll respond about the other things tonight.