Church

What do you do when you don’t change churches but the church changes on you? 
I have so many mixed feeling right now. I am searching for direction and understanding. I’ve cried and I’ve prayed.

My church that I have attended for 52+years voted this past weekend to change the name and drop the Baptist label. There are many non denominal churches out there. I see nothing wrong with it. I think it’s great that people can go to church where they are not labeled. But I also think its nice that there are still churches that are Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc.. I have always believed that as long as they worship God, they are good. But if I wanted to go to one of those churches I would. I have chosen all these years to stay a Baptist. It’s my style. It’s how I was brought up. 
Do I stay? Or do I go find a Baptist church to attend? That’s were I stand right now. 

I can’t say I didn’t see this coming as my church has changed through the past few years. It has not changed in a bad way, it has just gradually stepped away from the ole Southern Baptist style. I have hung in there all these years through the good and bad times. I have seen us struggle to find pastors and keep attendance. I have seen members pulled in and members kicked out. Right now, I think me and my mom and dad are the only original members left. 
There has been a lot of drama and politics, but I think you have that in all churches. There is no perfect church or person.

Everything is changing to please the world. I had the comfort knowing that my church that will stay the same. But now they too are changing to please world. They believe that changing the sign in the front to a new name will bring in new people. I don’t think so and I hope I’m wrong on that. It’s the people in the church that bring in new people. 



I’m not saying what my church did is right or wrong but I do think they should have sent out letters to other members that were not at church the week before to let them know there would be a vote on this change. A lot of member are shocked and confused right now. I think it was a big decision that should have been made by more than a few people. 

I will probably continue to attend until I make up my mind what I want to do. 

Am I wrong for thinking this way? Should I accept the change or move on? Thanks for the comments. I’m interested in your thoughts on this. 








3 comments

  1. YES, the community churches have an attraction in today's world. You have brought up a point in ALL denominations. For some reason ALL denominations seem to drop their original name or make it smaller on any marque. In your town I think Bethlehem was Baptist in title. We attended a couple times, enjoyed the worship. Yes again I would think it hard to think Unity Baptist in Belmont dropping the title (Just an example, they have NOT).
    In reality some people will NEVER change churches and others become dissatisfied and move on. We have changed churches several times and it is tough on your mind. Prayers and Wishing you the best in your decision...
    Sending love from Florida
    Sherry & jack

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is a very confusing time for us all. That is the only thing I am sure of anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Churches, religions, religious affiliations in general have been losing followers for quite a while now, as you've pointed out, and for a myriad of reasons. I think they are changing with the times, trying to be more inclusive, and honestly I don't see anything wrong with that. Are they still preaching what brings you comfort and aligns with your personal beliefs? Do you still feel welcome? If the answer is yes, than my advice would be to stay where you feel you belong.

    ReplyDelete