tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post4562647867149520237..comments2023-09-29T03:13:50.798-07:00Comments on Lori's Prayer Closet: When Church HappensLori Heydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07800167686537384791noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-82145444401176437122012-09-27T05:10:57.836-07:002012-09-27T05:10:57.836-07:00Lori and Pam, I am a firm believer that God will j...Lori and Pam, I am a firm believer that God will judge His church first. And I believe we're in a time where there's a 'sifting' taking place - a 'shaking' as a thresher shakes and shifts to separate the wheat from the chaff. Unfortunately, because the church has become an 'organization' instead of a true corporate gathering of God's people for the benefit of worshiping our Almighty God and Savior and encouraging and edifying one another, we're seeing some things taking place in the church that shouldn't be there. Marketing Jesus was never the intent of God's heart for His church. In the midst of the marketing, people are not being shepherded and discipled, needs are not being met, relationships aren't being established - and the communities around the church buildings aren't being reached or changed. <br />It seems to be the grass-roots, organic (often house churches) where God is moving and ministering today. I know a couple who live in Malaysia who sneak over into China to minister to the pastors of underground churches. Those churches have no heat, very little money (they don't even take an offering!), and very little Christian education. But revival is breaking out like crazy and people are being saved and healed and delivered. That is 'real church' to me. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-81857908765137118822012-09-26T11:22:13.372-07:002012-09-26T11:22:13.372-07:00The corporate gatherings certainly have an importa...The corporate gatherings certainly have an important function, but we can also miss the heart of what God wants to do in these times. We have to understand again that the church is not a building or a meeting time, we are His Church, His bride. Coming together is about growth and supporting one another in a different way, but it can never replace our shining Jesus' love and light to our brothers, sisters, and the world. Good thoughts, Lori. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-47902913988415587112012-09-25T15:48:48.209-07:002012-09-25T15:48:48.209-07:00I really think the Church is going through some th...I really think the Church is going through some things right now, in America that is. From everything I have heard the Church is growing massively in other parts of the world...we just have to be alittle bit creative......Like you said, church is not a building per se, it is "Us" believers, you and me. I also think that is the reason we are seeing so many home churches sprouting up. The real church is happening but sometimes we have to really look around to find it! I so know what you mean, Pam and Deb! Lori Heydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800167686537384791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-60525068484008759562012-09-25T08:02:09.162-07:002012-09-25T08:02:09.162-07:00Oh...my....word. This is EXACTLY where I am at th...Oh...my....word. This is EXACTLY where I am at this season in my life. I'm so hurt, saddened, frustrated, etc. I just don't know what to do. Two weeks ago, I actually made it into the building, stood in the back for about 10 minutes, and then ran out. I just COULDN'T be in there. My church has changed so much. Trying desperately hard to be relevant, but being SO much like the world, more concerned with numbers, programs, marketing Jesus to the 'lost' outsiders, while forgetting about the lost and hurting within the church walls. I would REALLY love to speak with both of you...Lori and Deb...about this. I feel so out of sorts at what is happening. Thank you!<br />Pam Mannershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00040348748832876445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-90044062111784017252012-09-25T05:31:54.293-07:002012-09-25T05:31:54.293-07:00Lori,
My husband and I have been out of the church...Lori,<br />My husband and I have been out of the church for quite a while. I didn't say we've been out of God's will or away from God, just out of church. Like you - we miss it the 'realness' of what it's supposed to be like. But when the church's focus is more on the things of the world and less on the people of the world, we wonder "Why go?". <br />'Church' isn't somewhere we 'go'. Church is what we do - how we live. And it takes place wherever we take and worship Christ and do as He did. Everywhere we go. <br />There's a growing number of Christians who are not just dissatisfied with the organization of the church, but it causes them spiritual discomfort to the point where they can't attend anymore. We're no less Jesus-loving, Christ-following people. We're grieved that we can't find Him in His house!<br />And until we can find a church that loves Jesus and His people (inside and outside of their building) more than it loves money and numbers, we'll just find alternative ways to BE the church.<br />Hugs and prayers my friend,<br />DebAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-8915580104293388392012-09-24T18:34:37.265-07:002012-09-24T18:34:37.265-07:00Thank you dear Pam, by the way if you ever have a ...Thank you dear Pam, by the way if you ever have a specific need I would be happy to pray for you :-) you have kids so I know you have needs! Lori<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lori Heydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800167686537384791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7537771529061328043.post-23894666776044593902012-09-24T16:34:33.556-07:002012-09-24T16:34:33.556-07:00Lori -- I love this, wondering about and feeling f...Lori -- I love this, wondering about and feeling for the Church, the Body of Christ, as you do. And I agree with you: church happens, more often than not, after we leave the building...and when love happens.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your heart here with all of us.<br /><br />PamPam Mannershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00040348748832876445noreply@blogger.com