Q: what is "church" to you?
i became aware of a conversation that happened this past weekend that was aimed at me, well that was the intent at least, via an online conversation. as i read carefully through the conversation here is what stood out to me in bright, florescent colors... the conversation was really more about what two or three peoples PREFERENCES and how their preferences were not being met. there was one voice that was venomous, poisonous, and malicious in its roots who took several people down this road and found themselves in a conversation stirred with divisiveness and deceit. ultimately getting first hand an example of right vs wrong conversations that lead to winners and losers.
for those that sided with you, congratulations, you won. those that didn't, they lost and sit in their ignorance.
Q: so how do you feel?
really...
proud to be a part... proud to be one of those who call themselves followers of christ? proud to be a part of the church... a community that is bigger than you?
and you wonder why no one wants to be a part of this...
where WAS the love in that conversation?
where is the love in your lives?
and we wonder?
wonder no more... we just lived it!
so... after several emails and processing out loud with several trusted people and myself i am left with one over arching thought?
really... so what is church to/for you anyways?
my heart hurts that their are a few people who would equate activities to community. who equate preferences with depth and growth.
who equate THE GOSPEL with this!
SHAME ON YOU!
SHAME ON US!
F
Fred,
I can see that this hurts you as much (if not more) as it hurts me. I want to believe that this can turn around, but im having doubts. But, i want the best for my family, so what can i do to help?
Weiss
Freddy,
Thanks for this post. And I am really ashamed that I was apart of the conversation and contributed as long as I did. I was very very frustrated with what was being said and how it was being said so, I kept addin on and on to it. Some of the things I said, I'm proud of and others, not so much. But the main point I really wanted to get across(which I doubt I did) was that this isn't what it's all about. The activites (or lack there of for some) or the lights and all the other ridiculous things that were said, that isn't what makes a church or a community. That isn't what is important when it comes to worshipping God and gloifying him. And God doesn't care how you worship Him, he just wants you to and to do it with a good heart...
I am very thankful for you, Freddy and I just hope that this can be better. Thanks.
Liz
Hey Freddy,
I've been reaing about this situation a lot on facebook and such. I have no idea who it involves but I'd like to thank you for faithfully teaching and letting God use you, even when stuff like this happens. The love you have for us is amazing, and very much reflective of Christ. Thanks for the patience and willingness to help us all in our walks, despite our attitudes. I'm praying for you and the fam, and I'm actually excited for the convo tomorrow. There is potential for a lot of good and growth to come out of the situation.
=)
Pepper
I made the note on facebook making a conversation among 10 people a public one.
I just think it is wrong to attack our leaders without any proper basis for such. I may be completely out of line and dealing with this in the wrong way, but I felt the need for something to be done about it.
Freds, you've really helped me grow as a Christian and as a man, and I'm very thankful for that. You have done so much for me, and I can't even begin to thank you for it.
That being said, I cant sit back and watch people attack you for no reason.
I got your back, Freddy.
Word.
LV