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NASB | Matthew 18:17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:17 "If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector. [Lev 19:17; Deut 19:15] |
Subject: What if it's just a feeling I get? |
Bible Note: Thank you Rabban for this input! It is so great to come here and get a COMPLETELY objective point of view. Even though you all don't know all of the particulars of my situation - God still uses your words to encourage me and focus my thoughts upon Him! Praise to Him! I have been at this church for 8 years - and yes, I've gotten quite involved! Children's ministry mostly - of which they are in constant need of help (not unlike any other church I know) but I believe it is solid teaching. My problem when in children's ministry is the constant grumbling that went on about the need for workers. I felt (and suggested this idea to the senior pastor) that we could do it with what workers we have, we just need to create community and lift each other up. These suggestions were met with cynicism and the attempts made in this endeavor were weak or not at all. So, to give myself a break, a time to concentrate on my relationship with Christ (have you ever read Don Miller?) because He's what it's all about - I have decided to withdraw from most of my children's ministry positions. I am somewhat gifted musically (voice and some guitar only) and have a passion to lead worship and for the past 8 years I have wanted to sing in the worship team. This is just a way that I feel so close to God and would just be so encouraged to be a part of the worship team. When our worship pastor resigned and wasn't replaced I got the courage to ask if I could help in any way with the worship team, if only in a supportive role (subbing and scheduling special music), but I have been told, no, you may not sing on our worship team or in any other capacity except you may sing a special music selection once a year. We want to keep it simple and we don't need you. As time has progressed it turns out that there is drama in the worship team and people's pride has gotten in the way of real unity there - and apparently God was saving me from that drama - but it doesn't make it any easier to take. I am still rejected and dejected! :) I wouldn't say we are baby Christians, but I would say that we have a humble spirit about our understanding and study of the Word. We used to go to a great expositiory teaching church when we lived in Albuquerque, NM and it was like nothing we've ever found here. We so miss just trekking through the bible every week and just tearing it apart devouring it's knowledge and wisdom. We felt so much closer to God then (duh) and we just haven't gotten that here where we've moved - so we just - have gotten stupid, for lack of a better term! I work my way through my own private study (quiet times) but there is just no substitute for expository teaching! So, what am I getting at? There is an expository teaching church about 40 minutes from our house, which my gut tells me we need right now while this church is in such disarray. But we don't feel like we should just be desserters because there's problems. Now, I'm going back to see how I've been fed spiritually since our 8 years at this current church, and I'm not really sure we've been fed meat and potatoes - mostly just beef jerky and potato chips. It can get ya through one meal or so, but eventually you're gonna want a hot meal. I have had a lot of service opportunities, but (again have you read donald miller?) I think we can go like Martha, saying we should serve till we're blue in the face, but Mary had the right idea 'eh? (Luke 10:38-42) Thank you all for your input. I'm thinking and praying and I'll post a note when we make a decision. Please pray for us that God would make His perfect will known to us! Sincerely, samnlucysmom! |