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Post by minnesotajamie on Jun 13, 2013 9:07:18 GMT -5
Hi, it has been a long time since I have been here. I am really struggling with self acceptance-I think. I feel rather marginalized at my church. I volunteer when I can and I am pretty open to whatever job my church wants to give me, but I feel like I want to be used for the talents I have and I keep getting shut down. I am on my third church in 15 years and I feel the same. To be clear-I didn't leave the other two churches for this reason, and I am still in contact with people from those churches and ther eis no drama or malice. I am just looking back through the lens of time and feeling like I don't seem to make much impact in the faith communities I have been in. In my life besides church, I attract atheists and seekers and I don't mind really and I invite them to church, talk about God etc. I'm just not sure why I keep running into this situation, it has to be me, how should I be praying about this? What is my part in fixing it? Thanks in advance.
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Sister Michelle
Administrator
I must keep my eyes on Jesus my Saviour
Posts: 1,065
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Post by Sister Michelle on Jun 13, 2013 11:35:17 GMT -5
I am pondering on a response to this
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tbhas6
Senior Member
Posts: 1,146
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Post by tbhas6 on Jun 13, 2013 11:52:32 GMT -5
Adding you to my prayer list. Praying the Lord brings you wisdom and solutions. tb
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mzpatti
Member
I am blessed!
Posts: 8
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Post by mzpatti on Jun 13, 2013 18:26:32 GMT -5
Jamie, how long have you been with your current church? You say that you're being shut down and not allowed to use your talents within the church as you'd like so what is it that you'd like to do and who is holding you back? Is it enough of a barrier that you feel compelled to look for a different church? Sometimes God is doing us a great service by not giving us what we want right when we want it, sweet girl. Perhaps He is telling you something here. Rather than be discouraged by this arrangement, pray that God will direct you to a "better atmosphere for giving" aka, another fellowship in your area. Take it from me, from my life as an Air Force wife for 26 years, roaming all over the world, I learned to roll with God's "punches" and wait to hear what He wanted from me. It's hard to be patient sometimes. We can be willful children and I'm pretty sure that God gets tickled by our thoughts and actions when we get "notions and ideas" into our heads.
Here's my thought about your predicament. Wait. Be still and Know He is God. Put this all out of your mind and don't stress. Ask God what He wants you to do (and here's the kicker) and then listen. Listen with your heart. Listen with your soul. Pray. Instead of having random thoughts intrude on your mind, pray. Little prayers and fleeting prayers and long, sincere prayers and every kind of prayer you can think of in between.Then wait and listen. He'll come to you in His time to lead you in the right direction, I promise. =)
Patti ♥
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jen
Charitable Lady
Posts: 229
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Post by jen on Jun 13, 2013 20:27:33 GMT -5
Hi Jamie, It sounds as if you're struggling with the same thing I did before I came to the church I presently attend. It's a very long story how the Lord brought me to this place, but I did leave churches twice, not so much because I was shut down, but because in the first church there were many people who could minister in the way I'm gifted, and I really felt I wasn't needed even though I really liked the church in all other ways. In the second church I left, I was able to minister to an extent, (and at times felt burnt out because I was the only one doing that particular work) but as time went on, the pastor allowed things in that ministry which I couldn't support in good conscience. When I voiced my concerns his response was not to explain why he felt his stand was right and biblical, but to explain that as the pastor he had the authority to make that decision. Because of his response, my husband made the decision for us to change churches. The only other sound work in the area was the church I'd attended about ten years ago, where I hadn't been needed. So back we went! Because some people had gotten married and moved away, gone to college, etc. I was actually needed, and at that point it was pretty much a perfect fit; we've been happy to serve here for the last six years. Being able to exercise your gift in your local church really makes all the difference in the world, but I have to admit the years in less-than-ideal circumstances did prepare me for the place the Lord intended me to go. Also, my closest girl friend who has always been a special blessing to me is someone I met in a church that wasn't a perfect fit, so that was something the Lord used to bring her into my life. It had nothing to do with areas where either of us were "gifted" but had everything to do with the fact that the Lord knew we needed each other, I guess! What areas of ministry, specifically, are you gifted in? Whatever it is, I'm sure that somewhere there's a church that is lacking in what you have, and He will bring you to the right place at the right time. It's so hard waiting, though. I remember that. Very frustrating!
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Post by hishomemaker on Jul 20, 2013 16:10:15 GMT -5
In some ways, I can understand how you feel. I'm in a bit of a flux with church right now too. The church I've been attending for the past 4 years is a good church...a solid church. But it has recently gone through an upheaval that left most of the congregation hurting and truthfully, it's not over yet. But besides all that, as good as the people are there...I just don't "fit" with them. I love them but I'm not comfortable with them. I guess I'm just an odd duck, lol, but it's hard when you long for fellowship but just can't find anyone like-minded or with similar lifestyles, even in your church. I recently started attending some services at a home church. So perhaps over time it will be a better match.
Anyway, I didn't mean to veer your post off in another direction. But I do know what it's like to be in church feel like it's not the right fit.
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