Our Church "Closed"

[Starcrystal]

My Pastor announced last month that he was taking 3 months off. We attended a house church of 6 - 8 members. Now this week he told me he doesn't know if he's going to start it back up again or not. So we are "churchless" - but not without Christ.
I do get some fellowship here on CF, but my wife doesn't because she can't get on here that much. Plus we find ourselves in debates on CF often, though thats by choice I guess.
We fled the controlling confines of organized denominationalism long ago, and had a lot of abuses by those kind of churches.
Anyways, thats whats up.

[Crispie]

isnt there another church in your area?

[nephilimiyr]

Hello Starcrystal, it's been a long time since we last talked hasn't it?

Question for yah, is your pastor falling out of faith? Did he give you any kind of reason for why he is closing his church?

[Mea Culpa]

My Pastor announced last month that he was taking 3 months off. We attended a house church of 6 - 8 members. Now this week he told me he doesn't know if he's going to start it back up again or not. So we are "churchless" - but not without Christ.
I do get some fellowship here on CF, but my wife doesn't because she can't get on here that much. Plus we find ourselves in debates on CF often, though thats by choice I guess.
We fled the controlling confines of organized denominationalism long ago, and had a lot of abuses by those kind of churches.
Anyways, thats whats up.


I can relate. Totally actually. Though we don't need CF, nor do you need a "pastor" per say. Christ is there when you and your wife read the word.

I just pray that you and those who wish to continue to gather, gather together regardless of a "pastor" or not. Christ is there.

PAX

[New_Wineskin]

My Pastor announced last month that he was taking 3 months off. We attended a house church of 6 - 8 members. Now this week he told me he doesn't know if he's going to start it back up again or not. So we are "churchless" - but not without Christ.
I do get some fellowship here on CF, but my wife doesn't because she can't get on here that much. Plus we find ourselves in debates on CF often, though thats by choice I guess.
We fled the controlling confines of organized denominationalism long ago, and had a lot of abuses by those kind of churches.
Anyways, thats whats up.
Was the house group not to your liking ?

[StevenL]

We've been meeting in my house for about 10 years now. Just my wife and I, one other guy, and a girl and her daughter. The Lord hasn't failed us yet. We get much much more Word than I ever got in "church" and don't have to put up with all the petty politics and arguments over the color of bathroom fixtures and power struggles among the leaders and doctinal disputes...etc. The Lord said that about His being present when TWO OR THREE gather in His name for a reason. He told me once when I read that...."notice I didn't say two or three hundred".... Two or three is all it takes to have a Scriptural assembly with the Lord present.
It's amazing what the Lord can show you in the Word when you get out from under the filter of the church. I'll never go back into the church system, unless of course the Lord tell me to go back. But I don't really foresee that happening.

[NacDan]

My Pastor announced last month that he was taking 3 months off. We attended a house church of 6 - 8 members. Now this week he told me he doesn't know if he's going to start it back up again or not. So we are "churchless" - but not without Christ.
I do get some fellowship here on CF, but my wife doesn't because she can't get on here that much. Plus we find ourselves in debates on CF often, though thats by choice I guess.
We fled the controlling confines of organized denominationalism long ago, and had a lot of abuses by those kind of churches.
Anyways, thats whats up.
I would recommend either continuing with the House Group, or starting your own. Remember, Jesus said, "whenever 2 or more are gathered in my name". Many churches are started in small groups.

NacDan

[New_Wineskin]

Or , you could spend some time alone with the Lord . After all , "where 3 or less ... " . But , seriously , you could enjoy this time and ask the Lord what is best for you on this next phase .

[Bevlina]

I would recommend either continuing with the House Group, or starting your own. Remember, Jesus said, "whenever 2 or more are gathered in my name". Many churches are started in small groups.

NacDan
I agree with nacdan. I did this. I have a small gathering of folk at my house where we have a time of prayer and study together and supper afterwards.
We don't have a church pastor either. But - where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name! :thumbsup:
No - it won't form into a cult!! lol! There are some who think house meetings do - but they are the ignorant!

[Father Rick]

Star...

I'll be praying for you and your wife during this time.

Contrary to some others here, I would suggest you look for a good healthy church in your area where you can go and be ministered to. Yes it is true that you and your wife can seek God alone, but God put ministry gifts in the Church for a reason--namely to build up and edify those who need it... and it sounds like right now you could use it.

Find a place where you can go and just 'soak up' the Word and worship with other believers-- even if it is just for a short time-- so that you can be built up and encouraged. One of the tricks of the enemy is to try to seperate us from other believers so that we don't receive the nourishment and enrichment that comes from Christ through our fellow Christians.

God made the Church as a body that needs other parts of the Body. (Can the eye say to the hand I have no need of you?...) It's pride that says we can make it all on our own. We need each other. Sure we can make it on our own if we HAVE to, but why would anyone want to deliberately do thing the hard way when God has provided a resource to us to make the journey smoother?

[New_Wineskin]

I agree with nacdan. I did this. I have a small gathering of folk at my house where we have a time of prayer and study together and supper afterwards.
We don't have a church pastor either. But - where 2 or 3 are gathered in His Name! :thumbsup:
No - it won't form into a cult!! lol! There are some who think house meetings do - but they are the ignorant!I agree . But , there are those that think that adults can gather together to have dinner , watch movies , or have a party without supervision . But , they consider that if they gather together to pray or study the Scriptures , there is just too much a chance for people to run amok without supervision . And , it doesn't matter how old the people are or how long they know the Lord . If you have a party and everything is fine , don't suggest that it turn into prayer or Scriptural study becuase something inside you will go berserk unless specified title holders are in the gathering .:)

[StevenL]

God put ministy gifts among His called-out people, (the Ekklesia, or "church" if you must use a bad translation) no matter where they are gathered. The notion that you must go to a building or organization called a "church" and meet only under the supervision of A professional "pastor" or "priest" is deception of the highest order... God did not ordain such. If you seriously begin to meet at home and worship God in spirit and truth, God will anoint the older believers there to lead the meetings (elders) and will gift the members there with whatever they need to be fed from the Spirit. God bless.

[Starcrystal]

Nephilimyr,
Hello Starcrystal, it's been a long time since we last talked hasn't it?

Question for yah, is your pastor falling out of faith? Did he give you any kind of reason for why he is closing his church?

Hey, you are still here! :)
To answer your question, I have no idea & he's not speaking on it. The few times I've asked him I get "There's a lot going on," and that sort of thing. No details. I do know that God has called him to full time ministry. He had a chance to rent a building downtown this past summer where more people would wander in. I know size doesn't matter, but that would have alleviated his fear about finances for the buildings rent. He did not step out in faith and rather chose to do a business venture which he is still pursuing.
In August his father-in-laws building burned down. (I'm not sure if that was where the church opportunity was or not, but I think it was.) He wasn't properly insured and I hear there's big problems with that. I think my pastor may be involved in trying to help his family, but that doesn't explain why he can't take 1 - 2 hours out on a Sunday morning for services. We are really confused about the whole thing.

I wouldn't say falling out of the faith but perhaps just not following through with Gods leading?

To answer some of the rest, no, I liked the home church very much. This was not my decision - it was the pastors. We are disappointed and I've tried to encourage him to start again but he say's he wont for 3 months and may not ever do it again. :(

We do fellowship together (me & my wife) and I do on the internet, but it's not the same as fellowship amongst even a small group.
I appreciate the prayers for us by you all. :)

[TomUK]

Star...

I'll be praying for you and your wife during this time.

Contrary to some others here, I would suggest you look for a good healthy church in your area where you can go and be ministered to. Yes it is true that you and your wife can seek God alone, but God put ministry gifts in the Church for a reason--namely to build up and edify those who need it... and it sounds like right now you could use it.

Find a place where you can go and just 'soak up' the Word and worship with other believers-- even if it is just for a short time-- so that you can be built up and encouraged. One of the tricks of the enemy is to try to seperate us from other believers so that we don't receive the nourishment and enrichment that comes from Christ through our fellow Christians.

God made the Church as a body that needs other parts of the Body. (Can the eye say to the hand I have no need of you?...) It's pride that says we can make it all on our own. We need each other. Sure we can make it on our own if we HAVE to, but why would anyone want to deliberately do thing the hard way when God has provided a resource to us to make the journey smoother?

This isn't really my forum, but personally think that's really good advice. :)

[Bevlina]

There's just one thing I'd like to ask here. Which pastor from which church as we are non denominational.

[Turpius]

I was part of a church that closed after the last Pastor resigned, leaving only 3 members and a building. So we turned it over to the mission board that started it.

[Bevlina]

That was a great idea turps! Very very sad to to know a church was left with only 3 members. I'm sorry to hear that.

[fiveinjuly]

My Pastor announced last month that he was taking 3 months off. We attended a house church of 6 - 8 members. Now this week he told me he doesn't know if he's going to start it back up again or not. So we are "churchless" - but not without Christ.
I do get some fellowship here on CF, but my wife doesn't because she can't get on here that much. Plus we find ourselves in debates on CF often, though thats by choice I guess.
We fled the controlling confines of organized denominationalism long ago, and had a lot of abuses by those kind of churches.
Anyways, thats whats up.
That's kind of lame. Find somewhere else to go.

[Starcrystal]

FiveinJuly,
That's kind of lame. Find somewhere else to go.

Yeah, I know.... but I got so tired of the attempted indoctrination, control, and "do it our way or you're not in the faith" speeches that I want nothing to do with organized religion. Jesus didn't and we are to follow his example. If I wasn't so busy with schoolwork I'd do it myself.

[The Lord is my banner]

Starcrystal,

I'm sorry to hear how you and your wife are struggling alone.
You must feel so let down by your pastor, and that on top of your past troubles with "proper" churches. You have some burden there.

You don't mention whether your home church still meet in any form during this unsettling period.
Was the pastor the only leader? (Sounds like he needs some ministry too.)
Anyone else around to lead a simple service, or prayer meeting, even a Bible study with a book to help you all along?
You could all get together and each do a little tiny bit towards keeping it going while you pray about the future.

I agree with Father Rick: you two need some ministry for a time. Don't drift away from God's people. We're all broken, and some are pretty twisted up too, but in a peculiar way God is still able to use us to help each other.
There will always be the risk of pain when human beings get together, but allowing ourselves to become isolated from our brothers and sisters is risky too.

God bless you both, Susana

[nephilimiyr]

Hey, you are still here! :)

Of course I still am! I thought you were the one who skipped town.

Anyway, I have never been a regular church goer so let me tell you with all confidence that not haveing a church to attend for the time being isn't as terrible as it may seem to be. If you use the time you have of not belonging to a church wisely you may value this time you have right now. Be patienct, God will answer your prayers!

I do believe I have found the perfect church that I have been looking for all these years. It's a non-denominational/charismatic church and I think I'm going to be there for a long time! This is an answer to my prayers!

God Bless!

[AveMaria]

Sorry to hear, I know how unsettling that can be.


Best of luck finding what you need.

[Starcrystal]

Susana,
You don't mention whether your home church still meet in any form during this unsettling period.
Was the pastor the only leader? (Sounds like he needs some ministry too.)
Anyone else around to lead a simple service, or prayer meeting, even a Bible study with a book to help you all along?
You could all get together and each do a little tiny bit towards keeping it going while you pray about the future.

No, it's not meeting at all. There were only a few people so the Pastor was technically the only "leader" although I gave a study there before as did another member. Since it met in his house and he's closed the doors, well ~ it's closed.
I could lead service but don't have the place for it, and it's just me & my wife now. The other members were mainly the pastors family & his neighbor.
I also agree with Nephilimyr, that it's not too awful of a place to be, just disappointing.

[candystripes]

Pray to God for guidance for you and your wife. if your pastor is no longer opening the doors of the church it may be that there is somewhere else that God wants you to be. Be encouraged in knowing that even the though the pastor has left. God is ever present and all knowing. He promised he will never leave you or forsake you. He also said in his word Forsake not assembling with each other. ( something like that). Basically Go to church.
So may be he has some where for you to go next.
Maybe he is raissing up another pastor for that church.
Maybe he is working on your pastors obedience.
Maybe he is raising you up.
Either way trust in God, pray, wait and listen. He will answer.

I'll Be praying for and your family.

[Starcrystal]

Candystripes,
Our pastor didn't "leave" because our church was a home church that met at his house. He may open services again. Like he originally said, he was taking 3 months off, but then he said he wasn't sure if he was going to start up again. So it kinda left us hanging :scratch: