We’ve talked about church shopping, church hopping, and the surge in the home church movement. These are trends that are impacting the church more in 2013 than at any other time. Why? Out-of-church Christian author Andrew Strom shares something we hear a lot at Stand Up For The Truth:
If it’s one thing I hear over and over from people, it is this. They literally look everywhere they can think of in their town, and cannot find a fellowship that seems in any way “right”. Many will heap blame on these people. But I am not one of them. What are you supposed to do when you go right around a town and cannot find good, sound, anointed teaching anywhere? What if you are left with a choice of hyper-grace, prosperity, dead formalism or anti-Charismatic “King James only”? Which one do you settle for?
For years I have been hearing this cry and it is only getting worse. There simply seems to be a “famine” of the true word of the Lord in many places. This is the overwhelming reason behind a lot of the “Out-of-church” Christian phenomenon – no doubt about it. We would love to hear your own experiences and comments on this topic, my friends. Below is a message that somebody sent me just this week on this very subject:
Tracy wrote:
“Hi Mr. Strom, I live in America.. Our churches (most of them are
in apostasy). My family & I always get hurt, persecuted because
of the calling on our lives and our stand for the truth… Each time
it hurts worse and worse, and we feel like we don’t even fit in
anywhere. It has caused our kids, who are now grown, to not
even want to go to church. Where we live now, we are currently
looking for a place to worship and almost all churches here only
have church on Sunday Morning.. No service Sunday Night or
Wednesday night.. We need fellowship with true believers.We have been in churches that seem like CIRCUSES (apostle
movement) where the Pastor insisted he was my “father” and
I was his “spiritual daughter” – weird.. We left and he threatened
we would not be blessed or doors would not open because we
left “his covering”! We’ve been at churches where the pastor was
blind and followed the flesh instead of the Spirit.. Putting demon
possessed people over prayer teams, etc.. Etc.. We have had
enough.. Been hurt because of our stand for righteousness…
To the point we are fearful of even connecting with a church ??I know these are the last days but I am so disheartened. Will you
please pray for us? Offer any advise of wisdom you may have.
America and our churches are backslidden and it is seriously
so sad.. Where are his true people?”As I said, it would be easy to blame the people and call them “uncommitted” or ‘church hoppers’, etc. But the simple lack of GOD in so many fellowships today seems to be what is driving a lot of true believers away. How can they be blamed for leaving? Does anyone have the answer? How many others have similar tales to tell?
Related articles
- Church shopping? 35 Key Questions to Ask the Church
- 5 Theological errors to learn (and avoid) from the purpose driven church
- Meeting with your pastor
- What is the ALPHA Course?
- What God says about Church
- Has the Gospel been shown the door?
- Church at home: Why the “House Church Movement” is growing (standupforthetruth.com)
- How to spot the “Emergent” trends in your church
- “Touch not?”
I’m one of those “out-of-church/assembly” believers….same tale to tell, just different details… [Amos 8:11]
I’m getting a real life lesson in learning to “trust God”, plus a whole lot more.
One of the more trying things I have to deal with….the accusations (not understanding), from some of my fellow believers…(sigh!)
Honestly, I am finding that in an age of shallow discipleship trying to expect anything resembling Christian fellowship from most churches is like leaning on a pungi stick, it goes right through your hand. I know, I know,’ ask not what your church can give to you, ask what you can do for your pastor’, ‘it will be one small step for me but one giant step for the meet and greet program.’
Hold on folks, The Lord will reward you with true godly character at the end of this journey. And while churches one after another fall into the abyss, you with unveiled face will behold the glory of The Lord.
Anyone remember that old white heart song ‘desert rose’? I know its cheesy to harken back to 80′s Christian rock but don’t it seem like the good ole days.
Thanks for posting this guys, I will try to touch base with this ministry. God bless.
Thanks Larry for making mention of the song ‘Desert Rose’. I did have to search it out on the internet though…..[a slight struggle to remember that many years back].
It wasn’t “cheesey” at all; rather, a real “comfort”!!!
Last Sunday I went to my old church that I have attended all my life. My wife wanted me to attend because my sister and her family were in town. I attended my former church and I still feel the same way. I left there knowing that I’m not suppose to attend there anymore. Sure I had people telling me they miss me but I didn’t miss it.
Is there something wrong with me when you don’t miss your former church home?
All the churches are in apostasy because none of them want to allow Jesus true Lordship over them. It’s only going to get worse. MUCH worse.
You can do church at home of course. And I suggest you start to study prophecy. Much has happened recently that declares we have precious little time left. Prophecy said the quakes would increase, the animals, birds, fish and insects would die, the preachers would become lukewarm, the people would stop reading the Bible, a craze for pleasure would dictate most lives, immorality would be the norm, our leaders would be very corrupt, unjust laws would be enforced, homosexuality would run rampant, disease, famine and strange weather would be the norm, signs would be seen in the Heavens, wars and rumors of wars, labor strikes, scoffers would be more prevalent, and the occult would be embraced by many, a new world order would be fashioned, atheism will increase and peace and safety will be preached on most pulpits, just to name a few. This is our world NOW! All of this was spoken first in God’s Word and second in historic record! Need more info? Visit the site.
I agree that we have “precious little time left”….more so for America. Many signs… for those who have been given eyes to see & ears to hear.
When time permits, I’m currently reading the book, “Shadows of the Beast” by Jacob Prasch. I find this book to be of great help in gaining knowledge, both scripturally & historically, of the Prophetic times we live in.
I had the priviledge of visiting 7 organized churches(?) in the last four years. The Lord sat me down in one of those churches for two years where He tried & tested me, put my gifts to work and revealed alot. Eight months ago, it was clear as a bell, that God’s Spirit had prompted me to leave and like “J” mentioned above; I DON’T MISS IT.
I study at home, pray and try & stay in contact with people…the church is people/body of Christ, but one of the saddest things and somewhat eerie- I’m finding out very, very few are interested in getting to know God and serve Him with sincerity of heart….Proverbs 8:17