Okay. I'm a little confused, depressed, and frustrated all in one right now. Here is my question and my frustration. Why can't Christians just be Christians? Why do we have to be either Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Pentecostal, Charismatic, etc.? Why can't we just go be with other Christians instead of going to the (insert denomination here) church?
Okay, so here is my frustration. I understand that people are different. We are all unique. I also understand that most of us want to be around people that are like us. We want to fit in. Therefore, there are different church families that we can hang out with. BUT... instead of merely hanging out more with certain people, we are LITERALLY splitting the church. I mean LITERALLY. To the point where some Christians won't even TALK or ASSOCIATE with Christians of other "denominations". THIS IS PATHETIC! THIS IS NOT THE LIFE CHRIST HAS CALLED US TOWARDS!
Growing up, I was never a "strong" christian. In fact, I'm ashamed to say that I only claimed the faith so as to ensure my salvation. I did a lot more damage than good. Then, I began to see God move. So, I started ACTUALLY trying to listen to Him. When I did, it was amazing. I guess that would be the point that most would say "I was saved", if that's what you want to call it, though this process took years.
So, I began to listen to God more and more, and I began walking with Him more and more. I began trying to be more like Him. What can I say? I loved God (and still do). He was my role-model, so I wanted to try and be just like Him. One thing that was always encouraging was knowing that He had spoken to so many other Christians who also wanted to be more like Him. These other people ALSO wanted to live for God. Share His love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, guidance, protection, joy, etc. However, the more I get involved in "the church", the less I see this. Instead of Christians branching out and embracing others, I see clusters. It reminds me of the Tower of Babel. I don't want to be a part of this "system". The depressing part of it is... at this point in the church's life, it's hard NOT to be a part of this "system". Denominations are all that exist. Granted there are a few churches I've heard of and seen that don't claim a denomination, but even then they are USUALLY filled with denominationally minded people anyways, defeating the purpose of tearing down dividing lines. The only place/time I am ever with JUST Christians without thinking about denominations is at work (Sonic) or at a concert. Period. Mission trips? Nope. They've all been inside the same denomination. Retreats? Nope. Well... maybe one retreat. I really can't remember that one very well (sadly). Community missions? Sadly, no. There was ONE experience where we teamed up with Salvation Army, but that's it.
I've thought about starting a "church" meeting place where Christians can meet up, worship, and fellowship, but that kind of thing costs money. Money I honestly don't have at this point in my life. I figured that if that's what God wants of me, then He will open a door for it, and it will happen. Hasn't happened yet, so I guess I'm just stuck here for now. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing right now. I planned on going into youth ministry, but I don't want to be limited by the borders of a denominations doctrines. Maybe that's still what I need to do, though. Get a job within a church, and just ignore those borders, teaching whatever the Bible says. Will my boss like this? Yes and no. Will it endanger my career in youth ministry? Maybe. I honestly don't know. Is it a worthy sacrifice? Heck yes. So, I guess that's what I'll do for now. "Infiltrate" churches, teach what the Bible teaches, and if that's different from what a particular denominations believes, then just bite the bullet, teach it anyways, and get fired. lol.
Real quick... I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't like it when other people post 50 page topics either. I just got kinda lost in my thoughts. If anything... it was kinda nice to just vent. I feel a little better now, I guess. Kinda thirsty, though. Thanks for listening.
In Christ
Garrett
PS: I just kinda typed as words came to my head, so some of this might not make very much sense. Sorry. lol. If there's any questions, just let me know and I'll try to clear it up a little bit.
Thunder. That was a good book. I picked it up about 4 or 5 months ago at Walmart. The title caught my eye, I picked it up, skimmed the back, and bought it. Thanks, though, for the recommendation, man. Another book I picked up at Wally-world that was a great read is Crazy Love. It's by a pastor named Francis Chan. Kinda off topic, but still a good book. lol. Thanks again, brother!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I got the impression that you are comfortable with your own theology. It is the way that denominations treat each other or the way churches within a denomination treat each other that is disturbing you. So, that is what I'm going to speak to. Why does this happen? We live in a fallen world of sin. Until Jesus comes back, all churches will be full of sinners.
There is a function for smaller groups of believers. Jesus even had the 5,000 divide into smaller groups so that disciples could feed them better. You mentioned that people who like the same things will congregate together. These things are not sin. The exclusion between groups is the sin. So, what does this mean to you personally as a potential youth pastor? I have several thoughts.
I Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." Some times we preach louder with actions than words. Show the youth how a believer should treat fellow believers.
I wish I could have all the time back that I wasted being intimidated by Sr. Pastors. With one particularly controlling pastor, I kept a plaque on my desk that said, "My boss is a Jewish carpenter." If God has called you to that position and you are ministering in God's will, then God gives you job security, not the Sr. Pastor or the Elders. Do what God asks of you and then, let Him handle the fall out.
There are youth organizations like Youth For Christ and YoungLife, whose goal is to reach unsaved youth. The YFC in our area just had a Remedy Drive concert by coordinating most of the churches in town. If God has laid on your heart the burden of bringing believers together, maybe you should research some ministries that specialize in just that.
You are feeling frustration Garrett, but I see clay on the potter's wheel. He is forming you. Stay moldable.
Thank you, Rose. It's actually kinda funny... at youth tonight, I had a discussion with a student whom I can see is being called into some sort of leadership position. Doing what, I'm not sure, but the call is there. Anyways... I told him to be an example of the change he wants to see, quoting a letter from Paul talking about following the example Christ laid out for us. After I had left the building, that was stuck in my head. And now you've mentioned it as well... so I guess I'll take the hint. lol. Thanks for your advice. It means a lot.
