Letter To My Church - Page 2

GrannyG · 07-07-2008, 02:43 AM

Mark - just be careful that you don't "preach" to the pastors. They need your prayerful support not your lectures nor your sermons. You may be as right as right can be in regard to what your church needs. However, it is the responsibility of the pastor as Shepherd of the flock to feed the sheep and to guide them. It is his responsibility before God. It is your responsibility as a sheep (congregant) to listen to the shepherd of the flock, pray for him, pray for the messages he delivers to be sent from God, pray that the other sheep will listen and heed what is being taught.

Pray that God's spirit will indwell each and every congregant there that His Holy Spirit will be present in their lives and in the outworking of their faith.

Mark_18 · 07-07-2008, 02:55 AM

Noted, and letter updated with that in mind.

Thank you so much!

Swiss Browns · 07-07-2008, 03:13 AM

Hi Mark, you've recieved good advice here, and are prepared to consider it, which is a rare quality. As you seem sure that this is the right thing for you to do, I'd like to add this: once you've delivered this letter, let it go completely, have the attitude that in regard to this, your work is done. If the letter is recieved badly, ignored, criticised, used to slander you etc, your support for the church and pastor needs to continue the same as before. If you aren't prepared for this eventuality, then it is better not to deliver the letter, but just keep it and work towards it's goals by supporting the pastor, or training in this area yourself, as you suggest.

- Andrew.

Mark_18 · 07-07-2008, 03:24 AM

Some more great stuff, thank you! As far as I know - it's happening. One of those unconditional - "I'm doing it" kind of things, as long as God approves. And I'll make sure to take adequate time to seek the answer.

Mark_18 · 07-07-2008, 05:41 AM

I hard to learn the hard way:

"It's all too easy to insult someone by stating the truth as you see it. We ALL must learn when to humble ourselves enough not to give the truth unless it is clearly and specifically asked for, and be careful not to elaborate so much as to be perceived as making assumptions."

-Mark

Perhaps God has brought this to my attention also to remind me to ASK the church if I may give criticism.

Perhaps that is quite final, that if they say yes - it is to be given.

"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."

worshipper · 07-08-2008, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_18

"It's all too easy to insult someone by stating the truth as you see it. We ALL must learn when to humble ourselves enough not to give the truth unless it is clearly and specifically asked for, and be careful not to elaborate so much as to be perceived as making assumptions."-Mark
Perhaps God has brought this to my attention also to remind me to ASK the church if I may give criticism.Perhaps that is quite final, that if they say yes - it is to be given.

Mark_18 · 07-08-2008, 08:21 AM

Letter updated again. Please read and give advice.

I'm feeling good about this. God-fire is God-fire and will be recognized and embraced by those who truly want to be consumed.

Kevin · 07-08-2008, 11:46 AM

Mark, you where very wise in asking for advise in regards to this letter. Some people would have just run in with both guns blazing and then wonder why they get bombs thrown back at them. Nobody here on this forum knows the way your church is run, what I would do is seek out an elder or somebody who really knows your church and get their advise as well. The apostles where always sent out in pairs and this was probably done to prevent perceptions. If you ask a number of people in your church about what they think in terms of different things that happen in your church, then you will get many different perceptions especially from those who are not really involved.

I share your passion for bringing the churches back to the truth, but is this really the method you want to use to try and bring revelation to them? Not that it is wrong, but is it correct for your situation?

I agree with other suggestions here, you should pray and fast before doing this. Ask the Holy Spirit about each and every point you have mentioned in your letter, read the word of God and get scripture for each of your points you have mentioned here. Remember every thing we test must be against the word of God. If something stands up against the word of God, it holds credibility.

I am overjoyed that other christians are standing up and asking "where is the truth" but this must be done with humility and love. This does not mean we must be little meek lambs in doing this. In humility there lies strength and in sacrificial love (not eros love) there lies justice.

Some churches are so entrenched in their doctrines that they refuse to see the light. They have been doing things for so many years the same way, they resist change.

God bless you brother! May God guide you and give you wisdom and strength!

Mark_18 · 07-08-2008, 11:54 AM

I see the mess that this has started out as. It may take a while, but in Jesus' name this will be something, and will get more organized and suited to the particular situation.

Mark_18 · 07-08-2008, 01:57 PM

Updated yet again.

It is truly a mess.

Why do I feel good about it!?

I think it may be that I view the pastor as a good friend, not an authority figure to be feared. That would say GOOD things about him wouldn't it?

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