Day six : Man of the Church
Reflecting and Recording
What message do you receive in learning that Wesley remained a faithful member of a church he had serious questions about and one that he felt was flawed in many ways?
What does his example say about people who “church hop” today?
What is the role of a person who stays within a church where there are problems and imperfections?
Relating
Think carefully about the vows of upholding the church with prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness and write down how you express those vows through membership in your local church.
Is your devotional life enriching these vows and motivating you to deepen your expression of them?
Sometimes when a church is seriously "Unchristian" there is no alternative but to leave and pray for the congregants there. To stay, as in my case, would have been "spiritual suicide". I found myself becoming a person I didn't recognize in order to be welcomed into the church. We are very fortunate in this country to have enough churches to be able to find one that fosters and uplifts each other and puts God first above all. And I am fortunate that I found that church at Cornerstone and grateful to the people who help me get there.
DAY6
I think, as I read the message on Wesley and he speaks of how being part of the church is just as important as living. A devotional life. I believe that is correct. I don’t think that one goes without the other. I think that you belong together. To live a devotional life you must be part of a church life as well.
As far as church shopping goes, I think that’s just as important in our faith. Finding a place of worship where you’re welcomed is important. Not One where people are always in agreement with you. But one where you feel safe. And you can work on your relationship with others as well as work on your…