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| Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > General Chat > transformation and resting in Christ | Forum Quick Jump
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1Heart
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 1128
| Posted 5/16/2004 1:35 PM (GMT -6) |   | quote:
Originally posted by msekee
I'm sure I'm probably not making any sense - and it is entirely possible that it's because I'm just a bit anti-church right now as we have resigned from our church under not so great circumstances. My challenge right now is to keep my eyes on my own relationship with God and not to worry or get angry about what other people's relationship with God should be.
Hi Karen,
I'm sorry that you've had to resign. Wade & I have been there, and you're right, it's a challenge to "take the high road." Sometimes transformation is painful, but as we choose the things that we know will please Him, we are transformed from one degree of glory into another. It doesn't make it less painful at the time, but it does affect who we are becoming. Sometimes transformation begins with a single step. A friend pointed out to me recently that all anger is, is failed expectations. He's right. Now I catch myself checking my expectations if I'm feeling angry. "What is it I expected?" More often than not I realize that there is a whole lot more going on than what I see. That helps. It helps to put things into an eternal perspective and to realize that there is more good than there is wrong. I also remind myself frequently of who I am in Him. Not what role I play in a church, but just who I am as a child of His.
Ministry can be tough. But there is more joy than trials. In the midst of something it may be hard to see that.
Be of good courage. Take heart. You have an ear if you need one.
God Bless,
Jo-Anne 
"Sometimes all we can do is go back to the character of God, and drop anchor there."
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msekee
Registered Member
Date Joined Mar 2004
Total Posts : 30
| Posted 5/18/2004 6:56 AM (GMT -6) | | Thanks so much for your encouragement. We were doing pretty well not being angry until they told us if we were resigning we could just be done now. We had to ask permission to say goodbye to the youth group. Then they wondered why we didn't come to worship with them the next week. A few people have said some really nice things to us like "The length of a ministry does not indicate it's level of success. These young people know and love Jesus more than they did two years ago. That's what you were here for. That's what it's all about."
I just don't understand why the concept of transforming your mind is better understood and accepted by Dr. Phil than by people of the church. The church just seems to be becoming more and more isolated and less and less effective. | | Back to Top | | |
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Sisters of Cain
Registered Member
Date Joined Mar 2004
Total Posts : 431
| Posted 5/18/2004 7:29 AM (GMT -6) | | quote:
Originally posted by msekee
The church just seems to be becoming more and more isolated and less and less effective.
That's because it confuses cultural trappings (which are local and age) with
essentials (which are timeless and universal).
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1Heart
Registered Member
Date Joined Feb 2004
Total Posts : 1128
| Posted 5/21/2004 10:09 AM (GMT -6) | | quote:
Originally posted by msekee
Thanks so much for your encouragement. We were doing pretty well not being angry until they told us if we were resigning we could just be done now. We had to ask permission to say goodbye to the youth group. Then they wondered why we didn't come to worship with them the next week. A few people have said some really nice things to us like "The length of a ministry does not indicate it's level of success. These young people know and love Jesus more than they did two years ago. That's what you were here for. That's what it's all about."
I just don't understand why the concept of transforming your mind is better understood and accepted by Dr. Phil than by people of the church. The church just seems to be becoming more and more isolated and less and less effective.
Mse
I hear what you're saying. It sounds like you've been through some pretty deep waters. I must confess, it angers me when Christians behave like that. When we do that, we look like the world, not a reflection of Jesus Christ. I am thankful though for those who have had the courage and the insights to share words of encouragement. Now that is what Jesus looks like.
If you need to call, just to talk...we've been through this and I would gladly have you call collect. Or maybe my husband and I could meet you guys in Skagway? Would you like to that? Or, we could even come over. We've learned a lot over the years in ministry and we know what you are going through. We've been there and it hurts. It wouldn't be fair for me to say that I know exactly what you're feeling, but I can relate. We can relate.
Where will you go from there? I know you're headed to the Southern States, but are you going to another ministry? I really would like the opportunity to visit with you (both). You need encouragement. You need to rest in Christ, to rest in who He is and who you are in Him, and part of that is letting other believers care for you. I'm glad there are some who are already doing that. And no doubt, they are hurt and shaken by what has happened as well.
Churches do things at times that make me shake my head in wonder. I think they need to be reminded that we are to look and act like Jesus Christ...but then again, fruit cannot be manufactured. It must be grown and that takes two.
Having been through this, and taking the high road, I have no regrets. We were treated very badly by some believers who felt the need to excercise their "authority." Years later they asked for our forgiveness, not that we really needed that. We had forgiven them and treated them lovingly. We took the high road and I have never regretted that. But it was good for them and for us, that they acknowledged their part in what happened.
We are part of the most gracious group of believers that I have ever been a part of. It is an awesome privilege to serve with them (and we need a youth pastor!)  I have such high regard for youth pastors. Our teens are faced with things that we never dreamed of when we were teenagers. We just sent a group of them down to a youth convention in Kamloops. People from our church are praying for them individually and collectively (and for the adults going with them of course!  )
I am praying for you. I'll send you my phone number if you like. Perhaps we could arrange to meet with you guys.
Love, Jo-Anne 
"Sometimes all we can do is go back to the character of God, and drop anchor there."
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