Some of the reasons why

There are many reasons why we left the "old Church". Here are some of them:

• people valued not for who they are but for what they do. The result is tired worn out people who don't feel a whole lot (or any) joy. If you do stop "doing" you realize some of the friendships that you thought you had were not true friendships after all.
  
• lots of twisting -lies were not exactly told but things continually were twisted. I will say that many things were simply not honest.
• gifts (talents and abilities) were valued more highly than character (integrity)
  
• lawlessness and disregard for authority
• confusion and a lack of focus at many of the "meetings"

I will stop at those 5. Reading the book "So You Don't Want to Go To Church Anymore" has brought me lots of comfort (although, I DO want to go to Church...just not the "old" one)!

Leaving a Church, finding another...

After several years of struggle within our own hearts, our family has left a Church that we have been a part of many years. This blog will be a journal of my thoughts as we journey into a new season.

It feels like we have demoted ourselves. Both husband and I were very involved in Ministry at the "old church"-on the Ministry team, Intercession team and husband one of the Worship leaders. We could have kept quiet and just gone along for the ride. But then we would have been ignoring the voice inside us that was shouting: "This doesn't feel right!" I am grateful that we chose the latter.

We are looking for a new Church to worship at as a family with other believers that are "like minded". Are we looking for the perfect Church? No! (There isn't one because people are in them and we are NOT perfect!! ;o) Here is what we have decided are the most important things that we are looking for:

• Leadership that has a Pastors heart
• Worship that is humble. Integrity is valued higher than gifting
• friendly
• cares about the community (supports various causes within the City)
• Biblical sound teaching that has practical application