And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV)
Eileen when I read your comment I really had to give it some thought. Honestly, I do get your sentiment and it’s probably true. But if Jesus had stopped His mission because of the way He was treated or was not always welcome. Where would we be? Thanks for stopping by and your comment. Blessings and Peace my friend.
As a Chaplain as well as being in ministry and I have preached I have heard a lot. Remember we are not Christ. People come through the church doors broken in many different ways and at time being abused and the one place someone may feel somewhat safe us through the doors of a church but once again they are hurt. The people in the church feel they have a right to judge and that job is for Christ himself and not anyone else. Some have been physically abused by someone in a church these are the facts and yes they are hard to hear but as Christians we need to. When people judge another at a church you or I not only chase them from the church but also stop believing in God altogether. I have heard from so many over the years and believe me you would not only be surprised but truly shocked.
I know I’m not Christ. None of us has the right to judge. I too am in ministry, am preaching and have heard and seen a few and counselled some too. Not just from the parishioner’s side but also the pastoral side of things. Am in fulltime ministry now. And I get it. Abuse is on both sides of the fence—people just don’t talk about it. My comment wasn’t coming from a judgemental perspective, because we all have issues that we’re dealing with. No matter what positions or titles we hold. Church hurt is very difficult to deal with because we are reared to think that church should be a safe place—safe from being mishandled, taking advantage of, or judged. My grandmother taught me that no church is perfect but we, as men and women of God should treat everyone with kindness and love. Which is not always the case with some ministries. They are more concerned with filling seats than souls. As mature Christians we should lead by example, counsel and pray for those who find themselves in these unfortunate circumstances and continue to walk like Jesus would have us to. Praying that mercy, grace and peace will take away their hurt and fill their hearts with hope.
Rhemalogy 
I agree however many have left the church because of the way they are treated and feeling unwelcome
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Eileen when I read your comment I really had to give it some thought. Honestly, I do get your sentiment and it’s probably true. But if Jesus had stopped His mission because of the way He was treated or was not always welcome. Where would we be? Thanks for stopping by and your comment. Blessings and Peace my friend.
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As a Chaplain as well as being in ministry and I have preached I have heard a lot. Remember we are not Christ. People come through the church doors broken in many different ways and at time being abused and the one place someone may feel somewhat safe us through the doors of a church but once again they are hurt. The people in the church feel they have a right to judge and that job is for Christ himself and not anyone else. Some have been physically abused by someone in a church these are the facts and yes they are hard to hear but as Christians we need to. When people judge another at a church you or I not only chase them from the church but also stop believing in God altogether. I have heard from so many over the years and believe me you would not only be surprised but truly shocked.
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I know I’m not Christ. None of us has the right to judge. I too am in ministry, am preaching and have heard and seen a few and counselled some too. Not just from the parishioner’s side but also the pastoral side of things. Am in fulltime ministry now. And I get it. Abuse is on both sides of the fence—people just don’t talk about it. My comment wasn’t coming from a judgemental perspective, because we all have issues that we’re dealing with. No matter what positions or titles we hold. Church hurt is very difficult to deal with because we are reared to think that church should be a safe place—safe from being mishandled, taking advantage of, or judged. My grandmother taught me that no church is perfect but we, as men and women of God should treat everyone with kindness and love. Which is not always the case with some ministries. They are more concerned with filling seats than souls. As mature Christians we should lead by example, counsel and pray for those who find themselves in these unfortunate circumstances and continue to walk like Jesus would have us to. Praying that mercy, grace and peace will take away their hurt and fill their hearts with hope.
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Thanks for the comment and stopping by. Blessings and Peace!
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