Comments on: “Not being fed”

By: ivoryspring

ivoryspring — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:12:42 +0000

Hi Barbara,

Totally understandable! I go through phases like that too. I didn’t mean to put pressure on or anything. It just occurred to me tonight that I hadn’t seen pictures from your stitching lately!

Have a lovely evening.

By: Barbara H.

Barbara H. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:08:47 +0000

In answer to your question…I am ashamed to say I haven’t picked my stitching up since Christmas. I had laid it aside then to get to all the extra Christmas tasks and just haven’t picked it up again. I’ve been using my evenings, when I usually worked on it, to clip coupons, go through old magazines, etc. Plus — I usually worked on it while watching TV in the evenings, and there hasn’t been much to watch this summer, so I’ve spent more time on the computer or reading. But I need to get back in the swing of it.

By: ivoryspring

ivoryspring — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:03:18 +0000

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for your encouraging words on my stitching. Slowly but surely is my motto! How is your stitching coming along? Are you still working on it?

By: Joyful Days

Joyful Days — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:06:54 +0000

It is sad that there are people who miss the food that truly is offered and those who long for more meat when they aren’t give enough. I can’t add much to the comments, than to agree with your very balanced post and the other comments.

Blessings,

Julie

By: Alice Teh

Alice Teh — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:44:04 +0000

How true. Both parties need to do their part. They can’t just go blaming others or passing judgements without first looking at themselves.

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:45:37 +0000

I really appreciate the balance of this post… there is responsibility on both sides of the partnership. Both church leadership and church members need to fulfill their roles to make sure the entire body works as it should♥

By: Mama Bear

Mama Bear — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:27:04 +0000

Great post! You made us think. I believe that we should go to worship services with an open heart, asking God to speak through his servant, the message He has for us. I want to feel God in the service, whether it is the sermon or the music or both. Rarely have I not been blessed when I went with this attitude. However, if I was in a service where I didn’t felt that I might as well be at home, I’d think that God wanted me to be in another church. I know He will direct us to the place He wants us to be and serve Him. I don’t think one attendance is enough to evaluate whether one is in the right place. You made some very good points. I will not repeat what you’ve already said. It is dangerous for a young Christian to be sitting under a speaker who misinterprets the scripture. Thanks for opening this up for discussion. I enjoyed the comments as well as your post.
Mama Bear

By: Sally

Sally — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:40:25 +0000

People need to find a place where they “fit” (as Melli stated) so that they can be fed. If for any reason, they are not fitting in the church–or if they feel they are not being fed–they should find another church. Mind you, I’m not advocating church-hopping, but unhappy people should not remain and grumble, making others discontented.

By: melli

melli — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:02:15 +0000

Yes… I have heard basically ALL of these “responses” – especially when I tell of my search for the “right church” when I had decided to return to church. It truly offends me that people think I should not worry about what I “get” from the church! The church is a large part of what brings me closer to Christ. It is TRUE that I go there to praise Him — but I also praise Him every day – not just Sunday! I praise Him in my car and while I’m cooking and even in the shower! But I go to church to hear His word from someone who is far more educated than myself and who can “make it real” for me. To be inspired. And when I get that… when I feel “fed” I can’t wait to get into the next service project! So it was important for me to find a Pastor who spoke to me — and there were several out there who just DIDN’T. I would not be where I am in my walk today had I not found the church that fit me best. The church that God wanted me in! So if people DON’T feel fed, I think they should shop around! But… FIRST, I think they should have a private meeting with their pastor to discuss the fact that they don’t “feel fed” — because it truly MAY be that they have unconfessed sin – possibly even sin they don’t recognize — and a good pastor can help them dig deep and find it… and open that door to receiving His word again.

By: Janet

Janet — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:47:02 +0000

What a great post, Barbara. I love the balance you bring to this subject.

Sometimes I think the “unfed” complaint is an attempt to describe something missing from the evangelical experience — maybe a sense of mystery, or sacrament. I’m not sure. In any case, condemning the person making the complaint seems like a defensive reflex rather than a willingness to engage in some self-examination on the part of leadership.