Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Out-Of-Church Christians

Was reading this great ebook online written by Andrew Strom. No, it's not an article of condemnation that accuses Christians of backsliding, etc... no no, nothing like that.. but more of children of God leaving Churches which are now under deep religious bondage, oppression and spiritual abuse. Somehow along the way as the Church is bursting at its seams with people, with superbly planned social activities, men-driven agenda.... Spirit-sensitive people are starting to feel the absence of God.

Here for the article: Out-Of-Church Christians by Andrew Strom

"It's amazing how much they can do without God.."

Right when I was reading Chapter 9, came to this lady's email to Mr. Strom:

I myself feel that I have been in a place of spiritual limbo for the past 4 or 5 years. The church I attend has some awesome services, programs are bursting out of the walls, etc, but it mostly just leaves me feeling unimpressed and listless in my heart. Because....
Because, maybe, I look at others, perhaps, and don't keep my eyes focused on Jesus (????)
Because I look at others, and after a great service, they are right back to doing all they were doing that wasn't quite perfect before the Lord. What good is a tremendous "touch" (goose bumps) from the Lord, if there is no lasting change when the goose bumps disappear??
I'm reluctant to witness to others in case they want to come to church with me. I feel that for the most part, bringing them to church, would/will only lead them into bondage to a church, and not into relationship with the Lord... I don't want someone to just "come to church" with me, I want them to "come to Jesus!"


I just realised that it's true. Most of the time it's not about pestering non-believers to come to church and for this and that. I think it's more about leading Christ-like lives, and just being a servant to people. We're witnesses to Jesus through proclaimation and action!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I understand the frustration with many churches where it seems it's all about the church rather than Christ. I have that feeling at my church sometimes. I try to keep that feeling in check by remembering I have to stay involved in church by remembering the the Bible talks about staying involved with my fellow Christians. It seems like it would be good to avoid churches without abandoning church attendence. I'm not certain how to do that.