I can't seem to find a church I agree with?
By Earl Jackson
On numerous occasions I have received letters from people expressing this problem. It seems to be quite common, that people who are theologically inclined, have problems finding a local church home where they feel comfortable. But just how necessary is it for one to be in complete agreement with everything in a church?
Here's one example of a letter I received. The name has been changed, but I have numerous letters almost just like this one. I thought an answer is warranted.
“Well, I want to keep it short for your times sake. Basically I found your site recently by Gods providence. I enjoy it and it has been a blessing. (Am I able to donate to support?) Here is my issue, I cant get accepted into any church where I live. (Not that I have tried every church but according to their denomination.....yeah..you know) I believe (for times sake) most if not all that I see you hold to. Back to my question, everything is dandee as long as I dont give any pastor a short doctrinal statement of my families belief. If I do they just tell me I can come to church but can do anything. Most just say no. I was curious If you had a recommendation of a few churches somewhere in the states. Yes this sounds desperate but....I hope you can sympathize. :) ... I have had this issue for 5 years now and my wife is, how do I say, sad? I really want to join a church to help the local body but my convictions over doctrine are greater than man. (1st commandment you know). My precision is deemed divisive. But as Spurgeon said: “Anything that is in the word of God and has the stamp of approval, I tremble at. Someone said to an old Puritan, “Some have made such allowances in their conscience, can’t you make a little exception in yours? There is no reason why you should be so precise”, but the other replied, “I serve a precise God.” - C. H. Spurgeon”
I'm not certain about the accuracy of this gentleman’s' Spurgeon quote, but here's my answer to him...
I can certainly empathize with your plight. It's not always easy to find a church where you and your family can feel comfortable. Most theologians are brilliant thinkers, but sometimes their views are very caustic and polarizing to some people. But this could actually be said of every single theologian who ever lived. There are people who hate Calvin, people who hate Luther, people who hate Arminius, people who hate Wesley.
After over 40 years in ministry, I have finally settled firmly on the idea that we should not be followers of men, or whatever systems they devise. We should be followers of Christ Jesus our Lord.
How does this affect me and my thinking now? I realize that whatever people are involved in, will have mistakes and messes inherent in it. This always means there is no such thing as a perfect church. You will never find one! You will never find a church with which you are in complete agreement. Because churches are made up of imperfect people just like me, just like you, and just like the best theologians you can think of.
Human imperfection taints human perception, which taints human understanding of God's perfect doctrine. That's why there are literally thousands of doctrinal statements, Confessions of Faith, and Statements of Faith. And none of them are exactly like yours!
Your doctrinal statement is quite simply the way you understand the doctrines of the Bible today. Tomorrow God may show you that you are wrong on Eschatology, or Pneumatology, or something else. Guess what? That's OK! You need to change! You need to be flexible and bendable, just like any growing sapling. You must be able and willing to follow the sun so that you can continue to grow and develop spiritually. You are a living organism, a child of God, not a bunch of dead static truths packaged into an airtight cylinder never to see the light of day. You must grow.
Part of growing is finding a church home. It is only in that environment that you can learn from others, teach others, learn to submit to men of God who have been hammering out their faith longer than you. This builds respect. It makes you teachable, and shows great humility.
About 15 years ago I had to resign my pastorate due to a bone disease that I have. It forced me to find a new church for me and my family. I was in a situation similar to yours. Well I never found one I could agree with. They all seemed disappointing to me. So I spent several years when I simply did not go to church. I wandered in the blasted desert thinking I did not need the other people of God. We can do this on our own I thought. That was a complete disaster on many levels.
One day I decided to go to a church which I knew I would not agree with, but which did preach the Bible, and did preach the gospel. We actually felt right at home, but before I joined, I met with the pastors. I did not want any surprises. I wanted them to know exactly where I stood on certain things. I also wanted them to know that there were certain things I considered untouchables (things that I could not and would not compromise about). They were loving and kind to me, and they immediately recognized that I had gifts and understanding that would enhance their church. They did not judge me, or condemn me, but instead were welcoming and loving. The pastors were unanimous in asking me: "Why do you feel God is leading you here?" and "What is it that you think he wants you to do here?" Obviously they were gently showing me, that what I do in the church, what I do in the kingdom of Christ to help it, to nurture it, to share the love of Christ, is far bigger and far more important than my own narrow playbook of doctrines and precepts. They wanted me to serve Christ with them. They invited me to do just that, because they could sense my heart as well as my needs.
That taught me a very important lesson. Hopefully it will help you. I joined that little church, and today I teach the adult Sunday school, and God has greatly used me to teach and lead all the pastors in our church. But I am not a pastor. Instead I am a mentor for them. God has blessed me, as I get behind their very important work of changing lives.
Surely you can find a Bible-believing, Christ-preaching church somewhere near you? In a church like that you can get involved in the great work of Christ, to change human lives. That's what it is about. Its not about doctrine. Its about Christ. He is the embodiment of all that is true. "I am the way, the truth and the life". That one idea, cancels out the importance of your own ideas. You are not the truth. He is! Follow Him, and obey him. Find a church, and be humble there. Don't go in thinking you're gonna change them. Go in looking for Jesus. If you do not find Christ in an assembly, then flee from it. But don't forget to bring him with you when you go! He accompanies you everywhere and in all things! Let Him shine and you will find that people see Him in you. You must let Him and his truth shine through you. He is not about doctrine. He is about people and changing their lives through His infinite Love. Go ahead and give a cup of water to the thirsty. But do not offend one of them. Be gentle, kind and loving. God will show you the church you are supposed to serve Him in. I can't show you that. But He can.
Thanks for writing, and I hope this personal experience helps you and your wife. I will certainly be praying for you brother. I know how difficult it must feel. But you can do all things through Him (Phil 4:13), so do them without "murmuring and disputing" because it is "God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2: 13-14). Christ "in You" is the hope of glory; not the doctrine "in you". Christ is a person.
©2016 EHJ This article may be reproduced on any website, as long as it remains in its entirety, and as long as it includes a clear link back to this website www.revearljackson.com
By Earl Jackson
On numerous occasions I have received letters from people expressing this problem. It seems to be quite common, that people who are theologically inclined, have problems finding a local church home where they feel comfortable. But just how necessary is it for one to be in complete agreement with everything in a church?
Here's one example of a letter I received. The name has been changed, but I have numerous letters almost just like this one. I thought an answer is warranted.
“Well, I want to keep it short for your times sake. Basically I found your site recently by Gods providence. I enjoy it and it has been a blessing. (Am I able to donate to support?) Here is my issue, I cant get accepted into any church where I live. (Not that I have tried every church but according to their denomination.....yeah..you know) I believe (for times sake) most if not all that I see you hold to. Back to my question, everything is dandee as long as I dont give any pastor a short doctrinal statement of my families belief. If I do they just tell me I can come to church but can do anything. Most just say no. I was curious If you had a recommendation of a few churches somewhere in the states. Yes this sounds desperate but....I hope you can sympathize. :) ... I have had this issue for 5 years now and my wife is, how do I say, sad? I really want to join a church to help the local body but my convictions over doctrine are greater than man. (1st commandment you know). My precision is deemed divisive. But as Spurgeon said: “Anything that is in the word of God and has the stamp of approval, I tremble at. Someone said to an old Puritan, “Some have made such allowances in their conscience, can’t you make a little exception in yours? There is no reason why you should be so precise”, but the other replied, “I serve a precise God.” - C. H. Spurgeon”
I'm not certain about the accuracy of this gentleman’s' Spurgeon quote, but here's my answer to him...
I can certainly empathize with your plight. It's not always easy to find a church where you and your family can feel comfortable. Most theologians are brilliant thinkers, but sometimes their views are very caustic and polarizing to some people. But this could actually be said of every single theologian who ever lived. There are people who hate Calvin, people who hate Luther, people who hate Arminius, people who hate Wesley.
After over 40 years in ministry, I have finally settled firmly on the idea that we should not be followers of men, or whatever systems they devise. We should be followers of Christ Jesus our Lord.
How does this affect me and my thinking now? I realize that whatever people are involved in, will have mistakes and messes inherent in it. This always means there is no such thing as a perfect church. You will never find one! You will never find a church with which you are in complete agreement. Because churches are made up of imperfect people just like me, just like you, and just like the best theologians you can think of.
Human imperfection taints human perception, which taints human understanding of God's perfect doctrine. That's why there are literally thousands of doctrinal statements, Confessions of Faith, and Statements of Faith. And none of them are exactly like yours!
Your doctrinal statement is quite simply the way you understand the doctrines of the Bible today. Tomorrow God may show you that you are wrong on Eschatology, or Pneumatology, or something else. Guess what? That's OK! You need to change! You need to be flexible and bendable, just like any growing sapling. You must be able and willing to follow the sun so that you can continue to grow and develop spiritually. You are a living organism, a child of God, not a bunch of dead static truths packaged into an airtight cylinder never to see the light of day. You must grow.
Part of growing is finding a church home. It is only in that environment that you can learn from others, teach others, learn to submit to men of God who have been hammering out their faith longer than you. This builds respect. It makes you teachable, and shows great humility.
About 15 years ago I had to resign my pastorate due to a bone disease that I have. It forced me to find a new church for me and my family. I was in a situation similar to yours. Well I never found one I could agree with. They all seemed disappointing to me. So I spent several years when I simply did not go to church. I wandered in the blasted desert thinking I did not need the other people of God. We can do this on our own I thought. That was a complete disaster on many levels.
One day I decided to go to a church which I knew I would not agree with, but which did preach the Bible, and did preach the gospel. We actually felt right at home, but before I joined, I met with the pastors. I did not want any surprises. I wanted them to know exactly where I stood on certain things. I also wanted them to know that there were certain things I considered untouchables (things that I could not and would not compromise about). They were loving and kind to me, and they immediately recognized that I had gifts and understanding that would enhance their church. They did not judge me, or condemn me, but instead were welcoming and loving. The pastors were unanimous in asking me: "Why do you feel God is leading you here?" and "What is it that you think he wants you to do here?" Obviously they were gently showing me, that what I do in the church, what I do in the kingdom of Christ to help it, to nurture it, to share the love of Christ, is far bigger and far more important than my own narrow playbook of doctrines and precepts. They wanted me to serve Christ with them. They invited me to do just that, because they could sense my heart as well as my needs.
That taught me a very important lesson. Hopefully it will help you. I joined that little church, and today I teach the adult Sunday school, and God has greatly used me to teach and lead all the pastors in our church. But I am not a pastor. Instead I am a mentor for them. God has blessed me, as I get behind their very important work of changing lives.
Surely you can find a Bible-believing, Christ-preaching church somewhere near you? In a church like that you can get involved in the great work of Christ, to change human lives. That's what it is about. Its not about doctrine. Its about Christ. He is the embodiment of all that is true. "I am the way, the truth and the life". That one idea, cancels out the importance of your own ideas. You are not the truth. He is! Follow Him, and obey him. Find a church, and be humble there. Don't go in thinking you're gonna change them. Go in looking for Jesus. If you do not find Christ in an assembly, then flee from it. But don't forget to bring him with you when you go! He accompanies you everywhere and in all things! Let Him shine and you will find that people see Him in you. You must let Him and his truth shine through you. He is not about doctrine. He is about people and changing their lives through His infinite Love. Go ahead and give a cup of water to the thirsty. But do not offend one of them. Be gentle, kind and loving. God will show you the church you are supposed to serve Him in. I can't show you that. But He can.
Thanks for writing, and I hope this personal experience helps you and your wife. I will certainly be praying for you brother. I know how difficult it must feel. But you can do all things through Him (Phil 4:13), so do them without "murmuring and disputing" because it is "God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2: 13-14). Christ "in You" is the hope of glory; not the doctrine "in you". Christ is a person.
©2016 EHJ This article may be reproduced on any website, as long as it remains in its entirety, and as long as it includes a clear link back to this website www.revearljackson.com
