Originally Posted by
Laura Grace
I don't know the answers, but I do know this. I attended a church for 10 years, which said if you want to serve wash toilets, or do dishes I did that. This church said every Sunday we are led by the Spirit and prayed to be. one day an associate pastor asked for help with leading Sunday school. When I volunteered, he said "we need people who are faithful." I said "I"m here every time!" He said "I didn't see you" They did not keep those books you sign in so I sat in different places all the time. all this time, I am learning to walk by the Spirit (from them!) and I was filled with the Spirit, praying in the Spirit. (by this time). I forgave it and I did not offer in that area again. I asked to be on the worship team, I was told they needed 'anointed singers". This is a true story I would not lie to you! God is my witness! I loved this church prayed for it all the time. I felt the Spirit of God there as well. Let's see, fast forward, one of the anointed singers runs off with the Pastor, he leaves his wife for her. I cried and prayed and asked God to use me someday, and studied my bible. Seems Jesus never usurped authority he said "do not be like them" referring to the Pharisees. I translated that into "current leadership." I prayed and left that church, found a different one. Money is freely accepted but help is not, and the reception of help depends on if they like how you look, if you are a friend or relative, or just whatever .......
It seems to me in most churches I have attended, the selection of help has little to do with "the Spirit of God." I attended Dave Ramsey classes. At that time we were over 20,000 in debt on TOP of our house payment. We were fading fast. My husband lost his job then it got worse! God delivered us, and we never did "tithe" according to the Dave Ramsey method. I believe In cheerful Giving and God says what to give. More or less than "a 10th" is entirely up to Him. We walk by the Spirit, and I personally refuse to walk in the doctrines of man, which are not based on personal revelation, from God to me.
Church is often run like a business. I am about my Father's business. I won't give you a bit of flack, as I do feel your pain. I am a firm believer that Jesus is our savior, our shepherd, and he sent the Holy Spirit to teach us. After years of personal study and Time with the Lord I do NOW Attend church again, but I refuse to be anything but spirit led. Recently I was asked to sing "every week" (they just need singers, it has nothing to do with my worthiness one way or another) I can sing, they have nobody and if they had a ton of singers already, I probably would not be asked! I know this! Let's just put it this way, Praying to Walk by the Spirit means we will be growing and learning from day to day. (THEM TOO!) So that means nobody is going to do anything perfectly right! That's my take on it! If they think they are always right, well they probably have a big fall coming. Pride surely does go before the Fall! How do I know? Banged up scars from when I fell from my own high and mighty pedestals! Isn't serving God just Grand? It really is! Holy Spirit you are the perfect teacher! We ask you to guide us today and everyday, help us to keep our focus on you (and ourselves) as much as we can.
in Jesus' name bless this person and help their church to flow better! Amen!