Posted by Ed W, et al on 4/6/2001, 6:32 pm

Posted by Ed W on 3/23/2001, 9:56 am The Chapel was a major part of my life and walk with God: but after 12 years, I see it as only a part. It occurred during the most vital and idealistic years of my life, and it took and gave in a great measure. It very difficult to want to attend church after that experience, but as I wandered back, God has been doing solid things inside. As I look back now I am more certain that Community Chapel will only be a part of my Christian history, not the end or apex of it. I attend a Trinitarian church that uses Wonder Bread at Communion, has “contemporary “ worship, is uncertain about when the Rapture will occur, has little pre-service prayer, and generally doesn’t have a great deal of verse-by-verse Bible teaching. There is so much I had at the Chapel that I don’t have here, but it doesn’t matter because I’m learning other things. Not necessarily the deep and moving things we had, but things that will be part of who I am in God in the end. I could stand for (insist on) the truth about many issues: worship, prayer, doctrinal accuracy, but I would end up frustrated and alone-in a practical sense outside the Body of Christ. Trying to replicate the move of God we had is probably a futile hope. There are other things God is doing. The talents, skills, gifts that came my way at CCBTC aren’t being used much publicly, but the testedness battle-scars and experience with loss are. It’s amazing how many people I have met in the last ten years that have come from churches that have shattered (both Trinitarian and Oness, by the way) over doctrinal issues, abusive pastors, sexual immorality, or “overcontroll.” I can relate to and sympathize with the sense of loss so many have. Now being in my mid-40’s I’m seeing the disappointment that others of my age group are having over their Christian lives. Just like us ex-Chapelites, many are feeling discouraged that they don’t have the zeal or the ability to have a daily walk that’s full of new experiences, revelations, and “glory” in God. And another “revival” (at least the high-maintenance, time-sucking, super-sacrificing kind) probably won’t fix it. As for my church, without all the props, uplift of the Spirit in every service, constant encouragement, and people to be inspired by, what is there of value? I hold the truths I’ve learned over the last 30+ years of my Christian walk in my heart and am not easily persuaded otherwise just because someone thinks I should change (i.e.: I’m an adult now). That God is moving in my church is obvious, and I’m part of it: neither with those who want Brownsville or those who need everything to be in “decency in order” (as per 20th Century American Protestantism), but as someone who hears from God. I attend a church full of people from many kinds of denominational backgrounds and there is a lot to learn from them; and their prayers matter. God has me where He wants me, and though I sometimes wish I could walk into a 3000 member church full of people “on-fire” and with a vital sense of being called of God for a last days ministry, this era of my life will end up being just as valuable in its way as my Chapel years. ---------- Posted by Andrew on 3/23/2001, 4:22 pm , in reply to "Thoughts on going to church" Thanks Ed for sharing your heart, I was really blessed and I can relate in many ways to your journey. ---------- Posted by David Sandoval on 3/24/2001, 6:06 am , in reply to "Thoughts on going to church" Thanks for the words you shared here with us all. That was encouraging! I have begun my journey into the "Church scene". I don't mean this sarcastically in any way. I mean that this has been a very difficult process for me. I won't reiterate my past 12 years here! :) Where I find myself now is that I am not so concerned now with the "the Rapture will happen in less time than most of you have lived" and therefore "you don't want to miss out and be left behind" teaching that Don presented. In fact, I'm not even concerned about the Rapture at all! Not that I don't hope that I am out-translated when the time comes, but rather if I'm doing the things I know the Lord wants me to do, then I feel confident that I will be one of the raptured saints. I guess, in short, I'm letting my roots go down and allowing the Lord to have His way in my life rather than trying to obtain to a status that would allow me to be one of the raptured saints. (Which is impossible anyway!) Praise the Lord for His unfailing and continual love as well as His paitence! ---------- Posted by Moses on 3/24/2001, 1:52 pm , in reply to "Re: Thoughts on going to church" Hi Everyone, I've really enjoyed what you all said here. I find in my own life that who God is to me and what He is doing in my life INDIVIDUALLY is so much more important to Him and me than what He is doing in my church or even in me at my church or thru me at my church. (We've been at our church ove 11 yrs. and it is trinitarian but Spirit-filled and is very biblical in the bulk of its teaching.) Yet, I'm greatly enriched and challenged by my pastor's teaching and the Bible studies I do there or elsewhere. The worship really hits the spot, too, right in the core of my inner man but again I find the Lord placing the importance on the condition of my heart and will I surrender my will to Him & His leading as the most important part of my walk with Him. So if I miss a service or a series of services, I'm not "losing out" on what God is doing in my life as if my attendance or not could stop the hand of God Almighty from accomplishing in me what He desired to do?! It takes all the stress out of going to church and I believe blows the lies we were fed at CCBTC about church attendance right out of the water. Was that ever legalism or what? Thank God for freedom. And, yes, attending the Chapel for all those years was just one small part of my lifelong journey w/ Jesus. Kind of how I look back on my high school or secular college days. Some good memories, such memories I'd like to dump but just one small part of a greater whole. Moses ---------- Ooops I goofed! Posted by Moses on 3/24/2001, 1:56 pm , in reply to "Re: Thoughts on going to church" Last sentence should read "some good memories, SOME (not such) memories I'd like to dump..." Sorry. A typo changed the whole meaning of the sentence. I guess I should proof-read my stuff...:o) ---------- Posted by Keith on 3/24/2001, 10:51 pm , in reply to "Thoughts on going to church" Thanks Ed, that was good, I can also relate with what you brought. Its encouraging to hear others that feel similar in their hearts.