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Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Gary Marchinke

Gary Marchinke — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:01:40 +0000

To Keeley; Yes, you are “odd”, and I am too. We will spend a good part of our lives “On the outside looking in.” That is sad, but good. It’s all about knowing God. Todays churches are full of people who don’t have a clue. They have a formula. They have a church. But they do not have a clue!!!

Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Keeley

Keeley — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:02:45 +0000

I was very validated by this book. I have had a personal relationship with Christ in my everyday life ever since a conversion experience during a car accident in my late 30’s. I have spent time in a church for several years, but was an observer it seemed. I recieved my degree from a Christian college in my 40’s, so I have the academic core religion classes. I have not attended church now for a couple years and my dialogue with Christ remains a daily relationship. I have felt judged by church going friends, like I am seriously doing something wrong. I would appreciate responses of like minded people! I work in a hospital and see God at work everyday. Some days He works through me and some days He shows me stuff. It’s personal and awesome, but I seem to be the ‘odd’ one!

Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Paul

Paul — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:00:05 +0000

The book So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore is a must read, but only if you miss the initial love of the Lord that was tamed, trained, organized, prioritized and otherwise “adjusted” through normal “church”.

The book has done a marvelous job of rekindling the spark of the childlike faith I knew when I first accepted Christ as my personal savior. It is ok to “skip church” to help out a neighbor.

It is OK to get to know people in the “congregation” it is ok to be a child like believer in the grace of Christ. He met us where we were and he still meets us where we are, we just got to be willing.

Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Gary Marchinke

Gary Marchinke — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:58:31 +0000

This is a truly awesome book!! Over the years many of us have asked this question; What is wrong with the modern church? This book answers that question!!

Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:58:51 +0000

I found the book challenging and very interesting. I am a bi-vocational pastor, so I understand some of the struggles of ministry and balancing time with God, family, church and work.

I think the authors made some very valid points. Anything that takes precedence over our relationship to God is an idol and I know the “church” can be that for many people.

However, as imperfect as the church is today, I believe God can and does use it mightily in people’s lives. I would seriously hesitate to encourage people away from a local congregation for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that people tend to float away from God rather than gravitate to Him. I have met many people who don’t like “organized religion” but for every one of those I have met, it was simply an excuse.

If someone is looking for a reason to NOT go to church, they can find one. That is easy. It’s easy to bail when things don’t go smooth or our way. To stay connected and involved even in the midst of trials and conflicts, I believe is one of the ways God is making us more like Christ.

However, the church is missing the family orientation that I believe God intended for a gathering of believers. In many instances it has become more about control, identity, and keeping the institution alive than about helping people truly grow in their relationship with each other and Jesus.

Comment on September 15, The Real Birthday of Jesus? by Ron T

Ron T — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:56:42 +0000

Fantastic article regarding the topic: http://www.herealittletherealittle.net/index.cfm?page_name=Jesus-Birthday

Comment on What Is “Church” And What Is Not “Church” by Caleb

Caleb — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:17:48 +0000

amen. it’s nice to know someone is saying this. it will be met with criticism but when we speak truth (like jesus did) the religious love to attack. i think it’s important to remember that jesus’ ministry was not successful by our standards. he only had 12 consistent followers and he gained love from the nonreligious while really ticking off the religious. churches spend so much time on numbers but jesus changed the world by deeply devoting time into 12 men. it’s time we invest in the heart!

Comment on So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by leonie

leonie — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:18:11 +0000

I loved this book it has challenged me to the core, I was once so busy at church that I feel that I lost touch of Jesus and the joy of my salvation, I even started to drink to try to relieve the pressure to perform, I told my Pastor, who did not want me to step out of leadership as there was no one else to lead the worship team, anyhow I did leave the church, lost a lots of friends as a result. the church seemed happy to have a burntout, empty joyless person leading worship but they could not understand that I needed to get to know God and be accepted as a child of God
I certainly felt that no one cared for me as a person- they only wanted a worship leader, so wrong

this book has given me hope of following Jesus as a “child of God” again, having sweet communion and good fellowship- these things that I have sorely missed

Comment on What Is “Church” And What Is Not “Church” by Rick

Rick — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:24:06 +0000

you got a way with words my friend. keep it coming.

Comment on What Is “Church” And What Is Not “Church” by Philippa

Philippa — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:58:43 +0000

I agree with you. There is a place for corporate worship, but if that’s all you’re doing, then it’s not enough. We need to be *in* our communities, *connecting* with people. Church can be shovelling an elderly person’s driveway clear of snow. It can be offering a place for youth to hang out after school. As Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.”