Faith Based Support Groups - If You Could Change Church.....

IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING IN YOUR CHURCH, OR CHURCH IN GENERAL, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Most of the posters that come here know that I have been attending my church, a Missouri Synod Lutheran church, for over 25 years.

I love it there! This too is no surprise ;)

I haven't always been super happy with EVERYTHING going on but for the most part I wouldn't trade it for the world.

If I had the power...and to be honest at my church, we, the congregation, does have the power to change things....

And I have changed things!!!

But the purpose of this thread is to throw ideas around...

I would change (among other things).....

I would add more PRAISE music to our service...

What would you change about your church or church in general?

I like the idea of more praise music as well. After all, remember ,I am one of the Frozen Chosen AKA as Presbyterian .

Ha!!!!

BARGOO I think you should visit my sister and brother in laws in Camirillo....they have a praise band! My brother in law plays the piano for it...I have been to their services a couple of times...loved it!

The guilt some members feel.I have many friends who were raised catholic and still struggle over using birth control and pre-marital "relations"......Ahhhhhhh....So sad to me:(

Ditto on the praise music; I love music in general, but I love the old hymns so I guess I am old-fashioned a bit -- I just find them so comforting. Speaking of comfort -- more comfortable seats (I do like the old pews though).

Ummm .... less judgementalness about people's flaws (ie weight, social status, sins, etc); more love and grace and acceptance would help this, and would in turn help to get rid of that guilt that Harrismm was talking about ...

First of all better music. We have some singers that definitely shouldn't be leading us. And better (and shorter) sermons. I go between two churches (Catholic). One is just down the street, has good musicians and inspiring, motivating sermons. However, my old church, which has lousy music and a priest who drones on & on about topics I don't feel are relevant(and I don't like his voice), is more like home to me. I know more of the people there and have been a member for over 25 years. My husband prefers the old church and I usually want to go to the new one. We kind of rotate back and forth. :dizzy:

More emphasis on personal spiritual growth & process, and less emphasis on defining everything.

BARGOO ~ I forgot to mention that my sister and brother in laws are Presbyterian!

HARRISMM ~Send them to my church...we have many recovering Catholics there...my wife included!

ROSEBUD ~I love the old hymns too! I also like new Christian music...balance!

ANNE ~ Now THAT sounds like balance! It must be difficult for you to go back and forth. Prayers for you.

JULIE ~ I understand the first part of your quote...what exactly do you mean about "defining everything?"

I should EZ.My friends are all in their 30s, never married, most are physicians...and still feel the guilt instilled as a child...I tease them and tell them that if they had not sinned, they could all be in a reality show "The 30 year old virgins" and be famous:)

EZMONEY, I just mean that I don't need someone to tell me what is right or wrong, or what is truth. God can tell me that. I need support in studying, in discussion, in following a practice, in community. I don't need doctrine. As you can tell ;), I'm not a great fit for most Christian churches, and I don't have all the beliefs most Christian churches have. Which if fine with me. It's just not usually fine with them ;).

HARRISMM ~I would encourage you to tell them, if they are interested, in looking into Lutheran Church Missouri Synod...we are about as close to the Catholics as you can get. All of the ex-catholics that come to our church seem to stay. I asked a friend of mine once why he left the Catholic church...he said...his whole entire life he felt like he was climbing a ladder to God...when he got close the church just shoved him back down.

Now....I want all to know I am not a Catholic basher!!! I have several friends that are and love it...but I am married to one that grew up in the Catholic Church and has many siblings and friends that have stories that...well...Martin Luther came to reform.

JULIE ~ OK, I understand but at my church we want to know and told from the pulpit what the truth is. We also have a Pastor that tells us to search the Bible ourselves to make sure we are hearing the truth from his pulpit.

You say God can tell you that...I agree but how does God tell you? He tells me through His Word which I believe to be the Bible.

And I do enjoy our discussions!

Peace! ~ Gary

In light of some recent events, I want to preface by saying I am not offended! Just discussing!

JULIE ~ OK, I understand but at my church we want to know and told from the pulpit what the truth is. We also have a Pastor that tells us to search the Bible ourselves to make sure we are hearing the truth from his pulpit.

That's a difference between us :). I don't want to be told from the pulpit what the truth is.

You say God can tell you that...I agree but how does God tell you?

"The still, small voice." Honestly, it speaks pretty loud and clear.

He tells me through His Word which I believe to be the Bible.

People come up with some very different "truth" out of the Bible.

In light of some recent events, I want to preface by saying I am not offended! Just discussing!

I am aware of that :)



That's a difference between us :). I don't want to be told from the pulpit what the truth is.

Then that would explain why church is not for you.



"The still, small voice." Honestly, it speaks pretty loud and clear.

What is He saying? ;)



People come up with some very different "truth" out of the Bible.

That is not true my friend....there are many ideas that people come up with, with their interpretations of the Bible...but there is only ONE TRUTH :)

Have a great week ~ Gary

That is not true my friend....there are many ideas that people come up with, with their interpretations of the Bible...but there is only ONE TRUTH :)

Have a great week ~ Gary

Huh? I didn't say there is more than one truth. I said people come up with some very different "truth" out of the Bible. That is why people are not my source.

More emphasis on personal spiritual growth & process, and less emphasis on defining everything.

YES.

HARRISMM ~
JULIE ~
You say God can tell you that...I agree but how does God tell you?
Peace! ~ Gary

This wasn't addressed to me. However, I will answer.

God speaks to me very clearly when I am still enough to listen. God doesn't need a middle man.

I, too, am a former Catholic that now attends a Missouri Synod Lutheran church.

For the most part, I love the sermons, love the music, love the structure.

What I don't love about my church is going to seem petty, consider that your warning! I don't love dressing up. I lead a very laid back life, wear jeans to work, and since I've lost all of this weight none of my "previous life" dress clothes fit. I'm very very uncomfortable dressing up, and my church is the full dress/tie and coat kinda place. I find myself fidgeting and not focusing as much as I need to because I'm so uncomfortable.

I also don't like that I go alone. DH refuses to go to my church (he works on Sundays so can't go to church most weeks, but when he can he won't go to mine). It's too structured for him, all the sitting down and standing up at the same time, and reciting the same things at the same time.

Ideally, I'd like to find a church that he and I can agree on with a casual and fun atmosphere. I don't see it happening in the near future, but I'm still looking.

W ehave two services in my church, one family service , where children, toddlers are free to make noise, because who can keep a toddler quiet when they just want to make noise.
ands one traditional service...

I would mix them up, teach people to respect both ways off worshipping.

Traditional is fantastic and so is the 'modern' worship with families.

My Presbyterian Church has a most interesting congregation. We have several former Catholics, an Episcopal Priest, when she is not working at her church she loves to worship with us and is quite active at our church,one of our newest elders is a former pastor of an independant church, and our pastor spent a year at monastery in France. And , Gary, our church is right next door to a Lutheran Church, our two chuches sometimes have joint sessions. I have been to that Lutheran Church many times.

Our church is Contemporary Baptist. Our church music is geared mostly to the younger people and the average age in the thirties who for some reason won't go to traditional church. We will be a year old next Sunday. While I miss some of the more traditional music sometimes, I really haven't found anything I would change at this time except for the fact that we are temporarily meeting in a school auditorium right now which limits what you can and cannot do. We are limited to doing what can be done in the office or in individual homes. But we know it will change hopefully early next year as we are in the process of negotiations for a more permanent home location. That is a much needed change which will be nice when it is finalized.

My Presbyterian Church has a most interesting congregation. We have several former Catholics, an Episcopal Priest, when she is not working at her church she loves to worship with us and is quite active at our church,one of our newest elders is a former pastor of an independant church, and our pastor spent a year at monastery in France.

That sounds neat.

That sounds neat.

Oh, it is and even better I am in walking distance.

I, too, am a former Catholic that now attends a Missouri Synod Lutheran church.

It's too structured for him, all the sitting down and standing up at the same time, and reciting the same things at the same time.


One of the things about Mass that I detest - all the kneeling, standing, sitting combinations. I understand the reasons for it, but it still drives me crazy and is hard on a lot of older folks.

Huh? I didn't say there is more than one truth. I said people come up with some very different "truth" out of the Bible. That is why people are not my source.

I am sorry Julie...I didn't post that response very well. What I would like to ask you though is...are you against a minister/pastor/priest preaching the Word of God as long as you feel they are telling the truth as best as they have been taught and see it?

This wasn't addressed to me. However, I will answer.

God speaks to me very clearly when I am still enough to listen. God doesn't need a middle man.

I am not sure what you mean here TBG...I know we can go directly to God...without any other human being...however, His Word says we can only get to Him through Jesus Christ. Jesus says no one comes to the Father but through me.

I, too, am a former Catholic that now attends a Missouri Synod Lutheran church.

For the most part, I love the sermons, love the music, love the structure.

What I don't love about my church is going to seem petty, consider that your warning! I don't love dressing up. I lead a very laid back life, wear jeans to work, and since I've lost all of this weight none of my "previous life" dress clothes fit. I'm very very uncomfortable dressing up, and my church is the full dress/tie and coat kinda place. I find myself fidgeting and not focusing as much as I need to because I'm so uncomfortable.

I also don't like that I go alone. DH refuses to go to my church (he works on Sundays so can't go to church most weeks, but when he can he won't go to mine). It's too structured for him, all the sitting down and standing up at the same time, and reciting the same things at the same time.

Ideally, I'd like to find a church that he and I can agree on with a casual and fun atmosphere. I don't see it happening in the near future, but I'm still looking.

BACILLI ~ When I first started going to my church many years ago most of the men wore suits and ties. I had long hair and was a "rebel" I guess because I wore a ling shirt and tie...no jacket! No one ever said a word...and to tell you the truth I am sure there were men there that didn't wear a tie. Over the years things have changed. Most of the time I wear jeans and a nice shirt...shorts and t-shirt sometimes if it is a Saturday night and summer....I laso wear my shirt and tie and jacket from time to time... I see both sides of the coin...we should dress up for Jesus out of respect and the other side...we should be comfortable because it isn't about clothes....I think both sides are correct. My church would agree...we have a gentleman in our church that is 61 years old...a good friend of mine...a surfer (not so much anymore but still gets on the board)....anyway if we ever saw him in church with long pants on...well...we would have a stroke!!

I am sorry you don't have a Saturday night service like we do so your husband could join you on a night he doesn't work. I used to have a problem with all the stand up---sit down...until I got used to it. In our church bulletin, given to us at service, there is a note that no one is required to stand or kneel if they are unable. Pastor says..."For those that are able, we now stand for the Gospel lesson"

A church with a casual and fun atmosphere....hummm....seems to me they have the right girl there to get that going...;)

I am sorry Julie...I didn't post that response very well. What I would like to ask you though is...are you against a minister/pastor/priest preaching the Word of God as long as you feel they are telling the truth as best as they have been taught and see it?

Um, no. I'm not against preaching, per se. Everyone can believe what they want to believe and tell it to whoever is willing to listen. I really have no idea how to explain how I see it. I really shouldn't be trying to do that here. My beliefs are not traditional. They're probably heretical from your point of view. And they're not even well-formed. So, nevermind.

W ehave two services in my church, one family service , where children, toddlers are free to make noise, because who can keep a toddler quiet when they just want to make noise.
ands one traditional service...

I would mix them up, teach people to respect both ways off worshipping.

Traditional is fantastic and so is the 'modern' worship with families.

As I mentioned at our church we provide nursery care during service and also a cry room for those that choose. Most of those with kids sit in the back, left hand side of the church...always have...we did 25+ years ago when our kids were little...close to the cry room if needed. Angie and I still sit back there...kids don't bother me...heck I cause most of the trouble teasing them! We aslo have a children's message during service and hand out coloring pages for them. I also like the traditional and modern feel!

My Presbyterian Church has a most interesting congregation. We have several former Catholics, an Episcopal Priest, when she is not working at her church she loves to worship with us and is quite active at our church,one of our newest elders is a former pastor of an independant church, and our pastor spent a year at monastery in France. And , Gary, our church is right next door to a Lutheran Church, our two chuches sometimes have joint sessions. I have been to that Lutheran Church many times.

Sounds like a fun place to be BARGOO! :hug:

Our church is Contemporary Baptist. Our church music is geared mostly to the younger people and the average age in the thirties who for some reason won't go to traditional church. We will be a year old next Sunday. While I miss some of the more traditional music sometimes, I really haven't found anything I would change at this time except for the fact that we are temporarily meeting in a school auditorium right now which limits what you can and cannot do. We are limited to doing what can be done in the office or in individual homes. But we know it will change hopefully early next year as we are in the process of negotiations for a more permanent home location. That is a much needed change which will be nice when it is finalized.

Prayers that your church continues to grow into a new home!

One of the things about Mass that I detest - all the kneeling, standing, sitting combinations. I understand the reasons for it, but it still drives me crazy and is hard on a lot of older folks.

As I mentioned above Anne...we stand and sit and kneel a lot...but it is never required fopr those that can't. Funny story here...I often tease my son about having to call the fire department about getting his feet stuck under the pew, when kneeling, if it happens...he has a size 14...my 11's barely make it. Anyway, my ex-father in law has big feet and last year he was in town and came to our church (my ex and I both go to the same service and sit together most of the time) anyway he was sitting next to me...now he is almost 80....we kneeled....and time to get up he was struggling...but wasn't saying anything...my ex-mil sitting on the other side of me says...OMGod...I think Grandpa is having a heart attack.... I busted up...and said..no ma...his feet are just stuck!...we had a tough time getting him un-stuck! :D I made him sit the rest of the service!

Um, no. I'm not against preaching, per se. Everyone can believe what they want to believe and tell it to whoever is willing to listen. I really have no idea how to explain how I see it. I really shouldn't be trying to do that here. My beliefs are not traditional. They're probably heretical from your point of view. And they're not even well-formed. So, nevermind.

Don't you "never mind" me girl....;)

sometimes it is hard to share our thoughts in posts....

always your friend ~ Gary

I would make everyone sit "up front" and NEXT to each other ;)

SCOOTER ~ I will have you know I ALWAYS! sit in the 5th pew from the back on the far left side...Pastor is on the far right...I sit in the Good Shepherd stained glass row....and to be honest there are 8 rows in front of me...usually no more than a total of 5 people, unless a HOLIDAY....but I like it there...I can see Pastor from that distance and can my right ear is my good ear...I ain't movin'!

We had an older couple...since passed...the husband would always say "Gary, someone tried to sit in your seats last week but I kicked them out!"...whenever we missed early church!!