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NASB | Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. |
Bible Question:
Dear Saints of the forum, Just curious, but for those among you that are committed members of a local church: How many other churches have you visited in say, the last 5 years? Of those, how many were of different denominations? Someone is going to ask, "Why do you ask?" I'll tell you after I get some answers! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Greetings, charis! Before I joined the church that I currently attend, I used to visit many churches and a variety of them, before I "settled down." Five years ago, I was attending a United Methodist Church and I served frequently as the Liturgist, Usher, Youth Leader and Sunday School teacher. I continued my duties there for about six months until the pastor there left for another, larger church in Southern Indiana. However, my family somewhat "fell out of favor" with the new pastor. So I was eventually 'replaced' in my duties and I left the United Methodist church, not only because of my family's experience, but because of other 'denominational encompassing' issues as well. There was no "falling out" as such, but the truth became very apparent to everyone when I did not continue to join them for worship. After that, I began to attend a Wesleyan Church in a nearby town called Plymouth. I really enjoyed that church and they preached from the Bible, but it reminded me so much of college, since I went to Indiana Wesleyan University. That was Ok for me, but I wanted to 'branch out' a little. I enjoy the Wesleyans and I appreciate what they have to offer, being just a little more conservative than the Methodists. On Sunday nights, I would attend an Assembly of God church in South Bend. They were very interesting, and they would be quite expressive during worship! I heard many good sermons there, but I was uncomfortable with the 'laying on of hands' and where they "bless" people- where people fall over and lay still for a little while. I made many friends there and I enjoyed the worship, but it just wasn't 'right' for me. So I began to attend a Missionary church in Nappanee, IN. I loved it! Pastor Dave Engbright gave excellent sermons, I was part of a "singles group" there, and I met a lot of people! However, the church is huge! (2,000 members) And I felt like God could not "use" me there, like He was able to at the Methodist church. I felt like just another person, and I didn't actually meet Pastor Dave until I 'intercepted' him one day on his way to the men's restroom. But of course, he was in much haste and we didn't speak for very long. :-) So I eventually left there and found my current church, Griner Conservative Mennonite Church. What I really enjoy about Griner is the openness of their church and the friendship that they have given me, and the fact that I can make a difference. The church has about 200 members and I really enjoy it there, even though the sermons don't have quite the 'masterfulness' of Pastor Dave's. But they do suffice! :-) I have since taught and led the youth group, been involved with foot washing, spoke in front of the church many times, been involved in jail ministry, taught Sunday School, provided the pastor with much help with computer-related problems, and I have been to just about everyone's home and had a good meal after church! :-) The pastor and I have met for breakfast twice already during the week, and I met him the first Sunday that I attended! On top of all of that, they have embraced me, even though I'm an "outsider", and I have been baptized there. Also, two of my first cousins (who both have families and are in their mid-twenties like me) also go to Griner, so that is an 'added plus'! :-) Also, after attending Griner for the first couple of Sundays, I met a guy who was in a world of hurt, and his name is Britt Hyser. Britt's 32 years old, and he was estranged from his wife, Kathy. We quickly became friends, and he tells me that I became such a "Godly" influence for him that he was encouraged to get back with his wife. But part of his problem was this cult that he was running around with. I personally attended this "church" myself, but it was a 'home' church that included only one family. On the surface, there wasn't any problems. However, a little deeper down, I noticed that the family was keeping Britt and his wife apart. So I encouraged Britt to "stand up" for himself as a man and leader of his household, and I helped to encourage him to become the man, husband, and Christian leader that he now is. This all happened a year ago, just after I had joined the Forum. But now, Britt and his wife have renewed their marriage vows, they are very much in love, and Kathy is expecting their first child! Britt credits me for much of this, but I credit God for using me, and putting me in the right place at the right time. Praise the Lord! I continue to attend the Griner Conservative Mennonite Church. They are just a few 'steps' away from the Amish Mennonites themselves, but they have completely embraced me, and they see me as a good standing member. Blessings to you, Makarios |