February 22, 2009

  • So This is It

    Odd. Over the years that I (and later, my wife and I) have been attending CCCNJ, we’ve seen people come and go. I always wondered when people left, why there wasn’t some sort of...I don’t know...send off? Or, maybe a “hey, where’re ya headed off to?” or “why are ya headed off?” Something like that, I guess. Of those who’d mentored me over the years there, many have left for a host of reasons, some personal and some church-related. But, as far as I knew, no one ever seemed to approach them about it, or seemed perturbed at the movement of those leaving.

    Now, I think, I know the feeling. You just kind of go. And, that’s about it.

    After a few weeks or months, some people might scratch their heads and say, “hmm...what ever happened to [so and so],” and that would be pretty much it. I guess that’s the way it is.

    So, yeah. I guess this is it.

Comments (5)

  • I recently left my church, coming back there today I got "the look" of what's he doing here? It was sad...but I was glad to chill with my bro's in Christ, and start formulating what taking over some areas of the HS youth min will look like. I still can have an impact on my HS bro's even if I'm not there Sunday mornings and nights, they know how to reach me and I know how to reach them.

    Do what you have to and let God be God.

  • it's really hard to leave a church family- for whatever the reason... and most of the time no one is very good at it. i know that when we've taken the time to talk to those who are leaving or when someone has talked to us on those very rare times- that it was a healing moment for both of us. you just can't let go of ppl that easily- that's not how families work- even broken ones- and it doesn't help anyone grow. i'm sorry  you two are having to go thru this. in a perfect world- that wouldn't happen. my heart and prayers go with you!

  • @NVPhotography — Thanks for the encouragement!

  • @jerjonji — Thanks for the encouraging words. I sound sort of bittersweet, but I’m still quite conflicted by quite a few things. My mentors there I will always be grateful for, and God provided many of them.

  • I would hazard a guess that there is a lack of shepherding among the congregation.  It is a rampant issue in many churches and we definitely need to pray for the state of the church worldwide.  

    Sorry to hear that you feel that way about the churches you have attended.  the church should be a family that reflects the concerns of Christ Himself as the body of Christ on earth.  However, I think you might be surprised to notice that many of your friends at your church will miss you greatly.  Many people myself included value your friendship, but completely understand if He has called you elsewhere. Our hearts and prayers are with you both.  Thank you for your vulnerability.  If you need to talk any time, please let me know.

    Another option that because of the pain that we endure in this world is that we should work together for the glory of God.  I think a key to this is working together as part of the solution to stop this “silent exodus” as the Christian writers have coined it.  

    I know that there is a proposal at your church of establishing a ministry where everyone who is a member of the church has a leader assigned to them to pray with them on a monthly basis.  This way, every member has regular contact with the leadership.  There is also a proposal to have each person who is not there on a particular Sunday contacted by email and emailed the link for the mp3 file of the sermon that particular Sunday as well as to check up on how they are doing.  I'm sure you agree that it is important for churches to keep in touch with its membership on a regular basis, so I invite you help join this initiative if God is calling you to it.  

    Someone is also working on setting up a ministry that ministers to parents of young children with accompanying childcare that hopefully will get started over the next several months.  I would like to invite you to that ministry if you are interested :)   I hope that God is continually refining your perspective on His kingdom and His church.  God bless !!!

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