This is not a book review, even though the book Quitting Church was published last year and is generating some discussion and interest. I haven’t read the book, but I heard its author speak recently and that’s what prompted this post.
I’d like to hear from you on this subject. Have you quit church? If so, what caused you to leave? Are you still hanging in there but thinking about quitting? What are some of the issues?
I quit church myself once, in my mid-teens, and stayed out for nearly ten years, because I felt church was too bland. I figured if the church really knew about a real God there would be more awe in worship… more grandeur… more something that reflected both God’s greatness and God’s compassion. Yes, I’m back now, but I haven’t forgotten those years; they were formative.
I have a feeling I’m not alone, and neither is the author of Quitting Church, who has quit and decided to stay out. More about the talk she gave shortly. For now… what do you think?
This subject is a hot one at the moment….I have recently started a new ministry/web site…
BurnedByChurch.com
The idea behind it will be to hear the persons story and then minister to them about what “church” is supposed to be and what it is NOT….most people who have been “burned” will tell you that it was not the church itself but either an individual or group of individuals. My prayer is to help these hurting people by making them realize that the enemy will use anyone or do anything to keep them out of the fight. My heart is to retrain the persons mind to recognize an attack from the enemy and also recognize what or who he is using to attack them. Our churches attendance numbers are dwindling because our people are no longer being trained to fight. In Matthew 24 Jesus speaks of a gospel that He wants preached to the entire along with the Gospel of Grace…He speaks of a gospel of tribulation for the believer….where is this gospel in our church today? Its absent! We live in a society that only wants to hear the good stuff and not be challenged with the hard. Thing is….real tribulation hasn’t even started yet in this country and look at the falling away we are already starting to see. What will happen to our church bodies when, not if, but when real tribulation and persecution starts?
Blessings, KCfromCCOT
Hi KC,
Thanks for your thoughtful post and blessings on your ministry to those injured by the church — much needed! BTW I share your concerns re: the real tribulation not having started yet, and the church’s lack of readiness for it. I believe Americans in general — both Christians and non-Christians — are caught up in popular culture and the cult of celebrity and are being lulled to sleep by it. The tribulation you describe will shatter a lot of illusions…..
In the meantime I wanted to post a link to your post so folks here can read your post Burned by Church?.