Comments on: Gathering: But Not For the Better!

By: Gordon Halford

Gordon Halford — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:34:00 +0000

In reply to Kenneth E Dawson. That's great Ken, I love it !! :)

By: Kenneth E Dawson

Kenneth E Dawson — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 14:04:59 +0000

The truth of the matter,after 43 years of being a Christian,and attending in many different gatherings,you set out to go to the group with the problems you have in your life.When you get back to your house,you still have the same problems and no one in the group you went to knows about your problems.
It reminds me of the title of a book I read
You mean I gave up my sleep for this?

By: ollie

ollie — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:38:57 +0000

In our assemblies I can not remember when we acknowledged that the Lord was among us and with us in our gathering. Perhaps we have in a paraphrased wording and I missed it, but it seems that the glory that is God’s may have been missing in mentioning such. To have the Lord among us at our gatherings seems something to stand up and shout about in joy and rejoicing, raise holy hands to God.
Of course, the comeback to this among many of us is, it is not mentioned in the new testament that first century Christians, the church, did such, so it would be seen as sin and unscriptural. Pray hard!

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:43:14 +0000

Any suggestions on what to do to fill in the time for fellowship with your family? Being out of the church system and programs feel now what to do? How to have family church and get the children active some how. Still feel the pull to go back just for the kids and wife.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:04:28 +0000

Thank you Chip for these articles and all of you who commented on them. Being set further free from the mental torment that comes at people who are so called, “unfaithful” or “uncommitted” is no fun, but something I know God is faithful to walk with us through it all. What good gifts He gives us! He IS the gift!!!

By: Wynn

Wynn — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:30:10 +0000

The saddest part is that unbelievers and children seem to be the only ones that notice that Jesus has “left the building”. Then there are those of us who knew something was wrong but thought we would be dishonoring God by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. People are so disheartened after training up a child “in the way they should go” and then the kids want nothing to do with organized religion. Parents think their children are rejecting Jesus when in actuality they were never introduced to Jesus but given 18 years of organized religion posing as Christianity.

Most don’t even seem to realize that gathering together in Jesus name has nothing to do with 2 or 3 professing Christians getting together in the same room. If Jesus’ and His agenda are not given the preeminence it can’t be His name we are gathering in. Unfortunately I’ve found that it’s usually the pastor’s “vision” that everybody is gathering together for. The people are usually always pointed to the “house vision” and rarely is anyone pointed to Jesus unless it’s to whip the service into a frenzy.

Thank you Brother Chip for being willing to say what many are not willing to say about the state of “the Church”.

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:43:13 +0000

Melissa & Karen…I too am in the same situation but believe that God honors our submission to our husbands. My husband filled out a long questionnaire that was designed to pinpoint your spiritual gifts, along with the majority of our church. Upon completion of that along with attending four classes on membership & responsibilities, he signed his commitment agreement & was presented a certificate of membership. It is stated on there that he has made a commitment to protect the unity, share the responsibility, serve the ministry and support the testimony of this church for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He hung it on the wall above his computer desk where he also repairs computers as a side job. I tried a few times to fill out that thick questionnaire but finally tossed it out. I attended three out of the four classes on membership but never bothered to do a makeup of the one I missed. My husband was voted in by the board to become a deacon/board member and I am surprised that they haven’t pressured him about my becoming a member. It may be that because I am involved in a women’s prison ministry (not through my church) and also help out a blind woman since her husband’s death over four yrs ago that they see me in ministry. In my recent birthday card, our head Pastor wrote in my card about that, so I guess I am off the hook? I will be praying for Melissa & Karen and ask that you pray for me as well. I am so thankful for this ministry, it has helped & blessed me more than I can say. God bless, Mary Ann

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:47:19 +0000

Chip,

Thanks for getting to the heart of the matter.

It is important for us to share our stories because it’s all God’s story don’t you think?

I served a congregation for ten years. There was numerical growth, many successes and it often felt like an atmosphere of grace.

For the first time in ten years I received a ministry evaluation. All high marks. Then nine months after the evaluation, with no explanation other than, “You are a square peg in a round hole.” I was asked to resign. We live in a very small town (2500 people) so it was extremely difficult to navigate this experience. However, we refused to fight back, become vindictive or lash out.

Several months after the resignation we learned that influential leaders in the church thought me “too spiritual.” Not sure what that means.

The time in the desert for my wife and I has been extremely painful. It has been over a year now and we are healing–our good days out weigh the bad days. The LORD has ministered to us during this time. It has been through music (often “secular”), your writing, His Word, and friends who have been through similar experiences.

I read the postings of people who prayed about coming out of the institution, struggled with it and finally made the break. I admire their courage and conviction. If I had not been asked to resign I would have never quit. However I can now honestly say that I am grateful to be out.

One passage that brought me comfort was Jesus’ own words, “They will put you out of the synagogue” (John 16:2a).

It is wonderful to be out of the frying pan of man-centered ministry and into the flame of the presence of YHWH.

May we continue to be “reduced to Christ.”

Peace.

Michael

By: judy ausink

judy ausink — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:25:47 +0000

Thank you, Chip. Your articles continue to bless me and my husband. I can’t say this has been an easy journey, but as each day passes we see more and more what the Lord’s purpose is in all of this.

Thank you,Chip, for another great article that offers encouragement and blessings. Please continue to do what the Lord is leading you to do. May YOU be encouraged and blessed to know how many of us that you have helped. Prayers for you and your family.

By: Lizette

Lizette — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:31:37 +0000

Love the article. I am one with you brother. The Lord is building His House. We just need to be willing to see and follow.