Bible Question:
My wife and I have always attended, and became members of the same church. Our involvement and service to the Lord was at the same church. However, I came to the point where I just didn't feel like I fit in at this church anymore, and it seemed as if all my previous joy in worship had left. When I first began attending this church, the worship format was traditional under the previous Pastor. A new Pastor came and shortly after the worship format changed from traditional to contemporary style. It was pretty mild at first, and then it began to become increasingly noisier. Lead guitar solo's and drum solo's were often included. I wanted to praise and worship Jesus, but felt unable to do so, in this setting. I then began attending our sister church 9 months ago, and believe God has led me there. My joy in worship service, and ability to give to God the worship due Him, has likewise returned. My wife however, still attends the old church, and likes it there. We are still both members of the old church, and I would like to become a member of the new church I now attend, but feel as though I cannot do so, unless my wife and I both attend together and worship together. Does this seem odd, unusual or problematic to any one in this forum? Grace to you New Creature |
Bible Answer: New Creature I understand where your at, the church is in turmoil this day over what is worship and what is performance, what is worshipping God and what is satisfying perceived needs of the people. Much of what is viewed as worship is humanistic feeding of human emotional needs. Worship should be aimed at God not spotlighting a man or woman’s talents and abilities. Not saying that shouldn’t be done, it should, but not under the guise of worship of God. Nor should worship be aimed at edifying the people by singing songs of encouragement at the expense of worshipping God. Again building up people is not bad but it has its own time and place and it is not that same time that we should be worshipping God. I think this is the problem within the church today it has realized that the people need to edified, encouraged and build up but it has tried to do this through songs that aren’t worshipping God but are almost worshipping ourselves. There needs to be distinction a time of worship of God and a time of edifying of the people. But that isn’t what you asked about you asked about your own situation. The biggest danger you must confront is the potential of spiritual divorce. You and your wife are one flesh and you should also be spiritually united, that must remain and you must work at it just as you do your marriage. You and your wife need to discuss this issue and reach a compromise or a plan of action that will bring you to a place of agreement. Since worship style seems to divide you why not start this process with a study on worship, what it is, what it means, how it is to be done, what should be accomplished when it is finished etc. Perhaps that will bring your views into agreement and decisions can be made that will work for you both. Perhaps a completely new church is in order, but be real careful here as God is the one that should be directing you not your wants and your desires. EdB |