Replies

“just doesn’t work that way for me. “

I don’t mean you any offense, honestly, but Jesus didn’t set up the church just in case it might work for you.

You are not submitting to one another in love if you just go out and witness. You are not getting any discipline, nor must you do the yeoman’s work of forgiving and even loving people who are sometimes downright unloveable. You don’t have to deal year in and year out, get disappointed, get up, and keep going.

Perhaps you do that at work; but work isn’t the same as church. It’s not an institution set up by God with sacraments (you are missing the Lord’s Supper), or preaching, or discipline.

You can get preaching over the internet; but that preacher does not know you. A preacher who is pastor of a group of 100 people probably has a lot more insight as to what the group needs to hear about at certain times.

You aren’t getting called out on your sins. You may sin less than most, but I can about guarantee you that you have pet or ignorant sins that only a brother in Christ, particularly an elder who is so commissioned, can call you on and counsel you on. You aren’t getting led in any direct and regular way by senior saints. No one knows you or your situation well enough to pray specifically for you and your needs. Etc.

I am not trying to tell you to go back to some crummy church where people are just nasty and the gospel isn’t preached. But there are decent churches and not only are you missing out, they are missing out on the gifts you could bring.

Appreciate your advice. I grew up in church, my dad was/still is a deacon at the church I grew up in. We were there "everytime the church doors were open". I've been a Sunday School teacher, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and a volunteer for three different churches. I've seen churches from the inside-out. DECADES of going to church.

I'm happy doing what I'm doing now. Yes, I do miss the Lord's Supper and there are times I'd like to slip in a church during a Christmas Eve service, but I still maintain a prayer list (and yes, I do pray for my enemies - and yes, I do sin plenty, lots to ask forgiveness for!).

Thanks for your comments.