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Church responses - 11/29/2008 7:46:30 PM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
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In an effort to determine a good place to relocate, I have sent messages to various church websites, seeking their input. I have written churches in three or four states.
I have never recieved a single reply, even though all these churches on the web have a "contact us" link on their home page.
I also recently read a letter, written to a local paper by an incarcerated inmate, talking about the same thing. I can understand church staff blowing me off but couldn't feel anything but shame for churches not responding to the inmate.
Is this a reflection of the times?
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RE: Church responses - 11/29/2008 8:01:13 PM
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DrIjames
Posts: 44
Joined: 11/16/2008
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Please, pray about it then visit a few churches. I have experienced this and some times it takes a while to get to all the e-mails that come into the church. However. Please go to a church where people are being saved, set free and blessed, for if they are not then chances are The Spirit of G-d isn't there neither. Untill then, just stay in His Word and fellowship with Him. G-d bless you
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RE: Church responses - 11/29/2008 8:42:44 PM
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OleFitzHi
Posts: 115
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Some of it may have to do with the mechanics of the website. Some churches throw a website up and never check on it. Some have a webmaster to forward emails. If he doesn't do this, the pastor probably never got your message. Some may be outright lazy.
I sent an email to First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia and received a prompt and personal reply from Johnny Hunt, the pastor and also the Southern Baptist president.
quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
In an effort to determine a good place to relocate, I have sent messages to various church websites, seeking their input. I have written churches in three or four states.
I have never recieved a single reply, even though all these churches on the web have a "contact us" link on their home page.
I also recently read a letter, written to a local paper by an incarcerated inmate, talking about the same thing. I can understand church staff blowing me off but couldn't feel anything but shame for churches not responding to the inmate.
Is this a reflection of the times?
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 8:37:11 AM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
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Unfortunately, you cannot visit churches until you actually move to a particular location. I agree that the church needs to be very evangelical and not just "playing" church.
I was hoping for sound, Christian opinions from different areas to help me decide where to relocate. Reading secular newspapers is not the answer or visiting the chamber of commerce online. For example, the town I live in has one of the lowest crime rates in the country but an extremely high rate of substance abuse and domestic violence.
You cannot find out these things by reading newspapers, calling the chamber or even visiting there for a weekend.
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 8:50:25 AM
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earthless
Posts: 6356
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are wearing sweaters....
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doba,
Are you asking for tips on finding a healthy and well-balanced congregation or actual church recommendations based on your location?
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 10:14:48 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 5753
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
In an effort to determine a good place to relocate, I have sent messages to various church websites, seeking their input. I have written churches in three or four states.
I have never recieved a single reply, even though all these churches on the web have a "contact us" link on their home page.
I also recently read a letter, written to a local paper by an incarcerated inmate, talking about the same thing. I can understand church staff blowing me off but couldn't feel anything but shame for churches not responding to the inmate.
Is this a reflection of the times?
Possibly the lack of response is in the wording of the emails; How about posting one here and mabe some of the fine folks on the forums can be of assistance.
I answer all mail e and otherwise, with the exception of obvious money scams and really far out doctrine adjustment attempts.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 11:29:06 AM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
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My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 11:48:17 AM
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earthless
Posts: 6356
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are wearing sweaters....
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You may not like our winters.....
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 4:00:33 PM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 823
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: online
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quote:
I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
Over the last 3 years, I've dined more often with Turkish Muslims than I have with members of my own church -- and it's a good church! Something is seriously disabled in American Christianity -- and I think it's because we burned our pinch of incense to the "genius (divinity) of Caesar." We bought into the definition of community as a political reality. We agreed to desert / vacate the "public square," and that square did not remain empty. We shelter under the wings of the secular humanists, permit them to raise our children for us, then wonder why most of our kids walk out on church when they leave home.
A full-orbed Christian faith seeks to honor the Lordship of Christ in every dimension of life. That's why those who would be our gods are so uncomfortable around us. That's why they offered us a bargain -- pretend that Christianity is a spiritual, mystical, "personal" reality, and they'll leave us alone. Just give them the whole world that "God so loved," and we can keep our private devotional hobbies. Just give them our future, our children, and they have no need to persecute us -- after all, we are eagerly and voluntarily cooperating with their plan for our extermination.
Muslims who come to Christ leave an entire world behind them -- and rarely find a corresponding sense of community among Christian.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 4:13:17 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5753
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
I will say that your observation is just wrong. There are many groups that meet the criteria you mentioned.
It could be a doctirnal thingy that you are having problems with, but as for the stated desired things in a Church; there are literally tens of thousands of them thourghout the United STates and many other countries.
I am beginning to think that your exposure is very limited, or there might be other problems.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 8:27:30 PM
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GodsMusic
Posts: 232
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doba, I hope I come across with this in the right way, but I think alot of our church problem today is the church is full of people that are being catered to.
I think the main reason for church is to worship God. It's called the House of God, or House of Prayer in the bible.
Maybe a better way to approach your search is to look for a place where you and your family can best benefit the Lord. You've evidently been a part of the "church" for years, so maybe now you're at a place where instead of needing to be served, you can be a servant.
In the words of JFK (sort of) "Ask not what your church can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your church."
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RE: Church responses - 11/30/2008 11:40:25 PM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
Status: offline
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I really have never had any doctrinal problems with the churches I have attended or belonged to, as I try to stay on the right track.
My exposure has been limited, as I have lived in rural areas all of my life but have attended some medium size churches in the past.
I have taken positions of service in the church, subscribing more to what I can give than what the church can give me to a point. I still need the Word delivered with enthusiasm and Authority from the pulpit and genuine, personal fellowship with the congregation.
This obviously is a problem across the nation as I see more and more groups splitting because of "issues" with this, that and the other. A new body pops up regularly where I live, separated from a local church, which was started after a split many years ago. It seems people cannot get along in life, whether in the church or other, secular part of life.
If there are tens of thousands of great congregations around the U. S. and the world, as RC James has suggested, then I a stand encouraged and hope to find one soon, somewhere.
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 9:15:27 AM
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iluvatar
Posts: 2021
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
You didn't ask any questions - what are they supposed to reply back with? Also, I'd get put off by the underlining and excessive use of exclamation points. An unsolicited e-mail from somebody I didn't know that looked like that would go straight into the garbage.
RCJames is right - there are plenty of churches out there that fit the bill.
This is going to sound a bit elitist, but when looking to move, don't limit yourself to rural areas. Their options for many things are often very limited. Some areas are great; some are lousy. At least in a more populated area, you've got more options.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 10:58:11 AM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
Status: offline
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When I have written churches I never underlined or used exclamation points and I asked appropriate questions. Regardless, I really don't see why anybody would throw a message in the trash because of the author's use of punctuation.
Almost all of the rural areas I have searched have been on the fringes of populated areas because you do have more choices on just about everything.
I hope I can find one of these dynamic churches, wherever I decide to move. I had just hoped that I might get some thoughtful insight from them before I made such a life-changing investment in their community.
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 11:09:13 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1392
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
And, all of that is up to your "interpretation" as to whether or not a particular church meets your "requirements".
There ARE plenty of churches that "fit the bill", as many have said, but, until you personally visit the congregation, you won't know if that is the place for you, or not.
While I absolutely love my church.....it's located in a major metropolitan area.....and, has grown beyond the point of "EVERYONE knowing one another"....though, we personally know VERY MANY....BUT, other than that....it certainly meets your "criteria"!
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 11:12:16 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1392
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
I hope I can find one of these dynamic churches, wherever I decide to move.
A dynamic church is almost assuredly going to be a GROWING church....sure, today you may know EVERYONE (as is stated in your list of "criteria"), but if it's dynamic, it's growing....and in 5 years, perhaps it will grow to the point where don't know "everyone" (and, that is not a "BAD" thing....as I don't see it necessary to know "everyone")
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 12:54:52 PM
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Lycea
Posts: 153
Joined: 6/18/2007
From: Kansas
Status: offline
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Sorry you have had such a hard time contacting and getting a response.
I have to be honest and say that I am much more likely to respond to email than paper mail. But I can only think of one time that I did not reply to a letter from someone asking for a response. It was from an inmate. I received it within a month of arriving at my current church. I was 8 months pregnant and could not drive the distance to the prison to visit the man.
I have to tell you that sometimes ministers fail to do the things expected of them. It just happens because we are human. Don't give up trying to contact churches, and please don't assume that your email was overlooked because it was unimportant.
You would be welcome in our church anytime, although we live in Northeastern Kansas, so there is snow in the winter...
Blessings in Christ
_____________________________
It all boils down to this: Love God, Love Each Other.
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 1:57:32 PM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
Status: offline
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Thank you Lycea, for the very kind and considerate post.
I do think that Pastors and staff are very busy all of the time and some could possibly even be overwhelmed by electronic messages. I sent those e-mails because I feel that people are more likely to express themselves or give an honest opinion through that medium. I think a phone call would produce a courteous response but leave out the kind of information I seek.
There could literally be dozens of reasons for not responding but I will heed the advice and keep trying.
By the way, Lycea, Kansas is a great state. One of my co-workers grew up in the, now famous, town of Greensburg. Bless his heart, he is now in a Wichita hospital, trying to recover from a stroke, coronary and injuries received when he fell as a result. Say a prayer for Don, will ya?
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 1:59:29 PM
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GodsMusic
Posts: 232
Joined: 4/3/2006
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doba, I just read some of your previous post in other threads.
I hope I didn't offend you.
I pray God will give you and your wife a place where you can be blessed and happy.
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 8:34:45 PM
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mushhead
Posts: 515
Joined: 5/29/2005
From: Kearns
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
doba,
Whereever you go, whatever church you attend, you will find the very people you hope to avoid. Churches are filled with imperfect people who will exhibit un-Christlike behaviors and attitudes from time to time. After all, each person has his and her own weaknesses and struggles with sin. Likewise, each church congregation will have people among them that are not true followers of Christ...Jesus explained that to us. A healthy church will not be devoid of these struggles; rather, through solid Bible teaching, discipleship, love, compassion, forgiveness, and yes, even discipline, a healthy church will seek to grow together into the "fulness of Christ."
I don't want to sound critical, but why are you looking for a "good healthy community" to live in if you are concerned about ministering as Jesus did?
_____________________________
MUSHHEAD
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matt. 7:6
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 9:51:33 PM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mushhead
quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
My wife and I both fear that what we are looking for doesn't exist anymore. A well-balanced congregation, a genuine Pastor, not in name only but in works, located in a small to medium size town where you don't have to shovel snow!!!! Maybe a town, but certainly a congregation, where most people know each other and are friendly. I have grown weary of clans and cults and Christians who "wear" their faith on their shirt sleeves. I know dozens of believers, who are faithful on Sunday morning, perhaps other days as well and present all the trappings of the conservative, Christian life but project no love and care for others, unless they are "somebody". I have belonged to the same church of many of these people, but I doubt they would stop if I was lying on the side of the road!!!
If a place I described above exists, I want to move there immediately!!!!
doba,
Whereever you go, whatever church you attend, you will find the very people you hope to avoid. Churches are filled with imperfect people who will exhibit un-Christlike behaviors and attitudes from time to time. After all, each person has his and her own weaknesses and struggles with sin. Likewise, each church congregation will have people among them that are not true followers of Christ...Jesus explained that to us. A healthy church will not be devoid of these struggles; rather, through solid Bible teaching, discipleship, love, compassion, forgiveness, and yes, even discipline, a healthy church will seek to grow together into the "fulness of Christ."
I don't want to sound critical, but why are you looking for a "good healthy community" to live in if you are concerned about ministering as Jesus did?
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RE: Church responses - 12/1/2008 10:01:49 PM
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doba
Posts: 23
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: The Rockies
Status: offline
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Apologies to the forum. I messed up by trying to quote Mushhead.
I am not seeking perfection nor do I feel the call to a ghetto either at this point in my life. Nor am I naive about what exists in every church and every community. My biggest ministry has been loving those who are outside the church and especially those who have bitterness over things that have happened.
I am sure that God will eventually lead us to where HE wants us to go and wouldn't want anyone here or anywhere else to think I made the choice based primarily on secular premises. If that were the case, I would already be living in a gated community, surrounded by golf courses, beautiful lakes and warm, sunny weather all year.
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RE: Church responses - 12/2/2008 11:58:23 AM
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mushhead
Posts: 515
Joined: 5/29/2005
From: Kearns
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doba
Apologies to the forum. I messed up by trying to quote Mushhead.
I am not seeking perfection nor do I feel the call to a ghetto either at this point in my life. Nor am I naive about what exists in every church and every community. My biggest ministry has been loving those who are outside the church and especially those who have bitterness over things that have happened.
I am sure that God will eventually lead us to where HE wants us to go and wouldn't want anyone here or anywhere else to think I made the choice based primarily on secular premises. If that were the case, I would already be living in a gated community, surrounded by golf courses, beautiful lakes and warm, sunny weather all year.
good response! As you already know, you don't have to live in a ghetto to find hurting people; they are everywhere, including in gated communities surrounded by golf courses, beautiful lakes, and year round sunny weather. So don't discount the possibility that God might plant you in that type of community. As the resident of a cold weather state, I am not ashamed to admit that at the beginning of every winter I pray (half-heartedly) for God to move us to a milder climate.
_____________________________
MUSHHEAD
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matt. 7:6
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RE: Church responses - 12/4/2008 12:36:33 AM
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Gloryandgrace
Posts: 525
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: online
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My wife and I found the perfect Church, I mean it is really a God-send for us to be there.
Of course when we began to attend it went to hell-in-a-handbasket.....because you know...
We werent perfect. To this day the congregation has never recovered and I have no hope in this lifetime that it ever will.
If you find a perfect Church.....dont go there and ruin it. Shoot for one that God has said "Thats the one" We too have everything from the best of the best saints that you could hold up as the poster saint....and we have the flakes, drug addicts (still), compromisers, weaklings, non-prayers, non-bible readers, hypocrites, alcoholics, divorcees, single and not celebate...and oh yea Jesus too. I have from time to time slipped in and out of some catagories that would keep folks from coming. Im not proud of my sin, I am only saying that I am a work in progress and thank God they dont kick me to the curb....
John
_____________________________
Isa 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.....
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