I've gone to two different churches and had the exact same experience in both. The leadership of both decided they needed to add on to the church, even when the congregation itself was hesitant. The leadership said they were just going to "look into the possibility," which got people on-board. Most people are willing to study an idea. However, "look into the possibility" morphed into code for "once we get this started, we're not going to stop."
Both churches then committed to the additions. Both churches ended up with in-fighting when the congregations weren't fully committed to both the need and the cost. Both churches ended up crashing and burning.
It's easy to generate grandiose plans when you're spending other people's money. It's not so easy to realize these plans. Two good churches were ruined by the hubris of their leaders.
To be honest, it soured my opinion of organized religion. Church was far superior when people met in each other's homes to worship as equals. This is how it was in the early days of the Christian Church and the way it should have stayed.
Early Rome ruined everything by erecting a "wall" and dividing the church into priests and laity. The priests put on a show and the congregation became just a passive audience that merely witnesses the show, but doesn't really participate in it, except when it's time to pass the offering plate. It continues in this fashion to this very day with just about every Christian Church, regardless of denomination.
We are all diminished when we are no longer equal participants in the worship of God, IMHO.
Don't give up your search, the true church is out there waiting for you to find it.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."
This advice will not only help you to find the truth, but will help you to recognize those who are false. I pray that God will help you to find what you are looking for.
There's more community here than I've found elsewhere. Fairly new to my area and all the organized religion churches are requiring vaxx. In 6 months--2years they can clean up their own mess. Sad but, oh well?
I supported leadership in my local church and denomination for 37years thinking they were led by the Holy Spirit. They did not stand against false prophets and protect the sheep, couldn’t recognize the wolves in sheep’s clothing but treated me as the enemy. I met 3 times with pastor, showed him research on these false prophets, Scriptures, and his conclusion was I was a heresy hunter. My eyes were finally opened. I submitted to men I thought were led by the Lord, but found out I was following men led by their own ambitions.
I repented and continue to do so. I did not test everything as Scripture admonished me to, I Thess. 5:21. My litmus test is now Scripture alone, by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.
Christians have to find out the glue that holds them together. They think it is Christ alone, but if they can no longer worship together, or fellowship or have their ministry will their life fall apart? Better to find that out on this side of heaven even if it turns your world upside down for a while, Christ and His Word will right the ship.
I've gone to two different churches and had the exact same experience in both. The leadership of both decided they needed to add on to the church, even when the congregation itself was hesitant. The leadership said they were just going to "look into the possibility," which got people on-board. Most people are willing to study an idea. However, "look into the possibility" morphed into code for "once we get this started, we're not going to stop."
Both churches then committed to the additions. Both churches ended up with in-fighting when the congregations weren't fully committed to both the need and the cost. Both churches ended up crashing and burning.
It's easy to generate grandiose plans when you're spending other people's money. It's not so easy to realize these plans. Two good churches were ruined by the hubris of their leaders.
To be honest, it soured my opinion of organized religion. Church was far superior when people met in each other's homes to worship as equals. This is how it was in the early days of the Christian Church and the way it should have stayed.
Early Rome ruined everything by erecting a "wall" and dividing the church into priests and laity. The priests put on a show and the congregation became just a passive audience that merely witnesses the show, but doesn't really participate in it, except when it's time to pass the offering plate. It continues in this fashion to this very day with just about every Christian Church, regardless of denomination.
We are all diminished when we are no longer equal participants in the worship of God, IMHO.
Don't give up your search, the true church is out there waiting for you to find it.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."
This advice will not only help you to find the truth, but will help you to recognize those who are false. I pray that God will help you to find what you are looking for.
"Don't give up your search, the true church is out there waiting for you to find it."
At this particular point in time, I think I've found it.
It's right here, fren.
There's more community here than I've found elsewhere. Fairly new to my area and all the organized religion churches are requiring vaxx. In 6 months--2years they can clean up their own mess. Sad but, oh well?
Hint: it will NOT be a 501 c3
I supported leadership in my local church and denomination for 37years thinking they were led by the Holy Spirit. They did not stand against false prophets and protect the sheep, couldn’t recognize the wolves in sheep’s clothing but treated me as the enemy. I met 3 times with pastor, showed him research on these false prophets, Scriptures, and his conclusion was I was a heresy hunter. My eyes were finally opened. I submitted to men I thought were led by the Lord, but found out I was following men led by their own ambitions.
I repented and continue to do so. I did not test everything as Scripture admonished me to, I Thess. 5:21. My litmus test is now Scripture alone, by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.
Christians have to find out the glue that holds them together. They think it is Christ alone, but if they can no longer worship together, or fellowship or have their ministry will their life fall apart? Better to find that out on this side of heaven even if it turns your world upside down for a while, Christ and His Word will right the ship.