The Conventional Congregational "Church"

Why did I stop going to "church"?

I didn't intend to stop going totally. I became disillusioned with the congregation I attended many years for several reasons. I felt a burden that the congregation was not being the church of the New Testament. The power plays, dissension, back biting, unwillingness to go outside the walls, cliques, aversion to accepting and welcoming all types of people - these things and many more bothered me. I was part of this congregation for 14 years and rarely did anything with anyone outside the four walls. I had plenty of positive relationships within the walls, but no invitation to join those same people on the outside.

So my intent was to try other congregations. I did. I really liked one, but still felt it wasn't the body of Christ I was looking for. I KNOW there is no perfect congregation - wasn't looking for one - just looking for one that wanted, that strived to be the body of Christ - one that reaches out to all people and works to help all people. It's difficult for me to go new places and I sort of gave up.

Then I read "The Shack" which led to reading "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore". That really hit home with me. That's what I'm looking for. We are all imperfect and therefore make up an imperfect body, only made perfect in Christ, but the heart - the heart that desires God's ways and His will - that's what I want.

Where do I find that? I don't know. That is something that God will have to bring to me or bring me to. For now, I will do what I can. I will draw closer to Him, I will talk to the online community, and I will wait for His timing and His will. He knows my heart, He knows my desire, He will provide.