~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: My husband and I have been revived by the Holy Spirit and we are very much seeking the Lord in every area of our lives. We belong to a great church - yet, we would love to move beyond the elementary teachings and the structured, traditional, denominational worship services. Our church is in a wealthy little town and is very conservative in especially the praise and worship aspect. My question is, "should we stay and pray and work to make a difference in our church, should we speak to our pastor concerning this matter, or, should we go to another church where we would be worshipping in a way that we believe is more pleasing to God.I teach children's Sunday school and facilitate a ladies Bible study - my husband is also involved in Promise Keepers and a men's Bible study. We would appreciate and advice that you could give to us. Thank you for your time.
Answer: This is not an unusual question and it is not an easy one to answer. The reason it is so difficult to answer is because all I have to go on is the question itself. Let us suppose that everything is just as the question states it. Then my answer is as follows:
If the church you are attending is not a Full Gospel Church, then you need to find one that is. By Full Gospel, I mean a church that believes that the church today can and does experience the same manifestations of God's power as the early church (Jude 3). If the church you are going to does not believe in miracles, divine healing, salvation by faith, and the gifts of the Spirit, then you will never be satisfied there.
Let me give you a few words of caution.
- You said that the church was stuck on elementary teachings. Could there be a good reason for this? Is this the level that most of the congregation is on? They may need the basics at this point in their experience.
- You asked if it would be wise to speak to your pastor about this matter. I think that would be a very good idea. He may be pleading with God for revival and would like to know there is someone who shared his desire.
- You mentioned that you worked in the Sunday school and ladies Bible study. If you decide to leave, don't be a source of disruption among the people you are teaching. Inform the pastor of your decision to leave but say as little as possible to the other people. Hopefully God will use the church to help people in the future and one wouldn't want to jeopardize that possibility by causing strife.
