[Faith-talk] Church Experiences

[Linda Mentink]

Hi all,

I have had a few negative church experiences, but I've never joined 
one where I have not been accepted. There have been times when I 
wasn't accepted in positions of leadership, and those hurt. I've been 
here in Nebraska for 11 years now. I'm here because they asked me to 
come and teach music at the school and help with the mixed choir. Now 
I sing in that choir, help with the men's choir, sing solos when 
asked, play my violin in our string group for special holiday 
services, play the organ for school chapel, teach music to grades 
3-12 which is part-time, and proof two pamphlets to be put out for 
the members each week. As of two weeks ago, I now need rides from 
members because I no longer live across the street. They won't take 
money for gas, so I'll give them gift certificates to their favorite 
grocery store or something like that.

I'm saddened by all the negative experiences I hear from blind 
would-be church members or attendees. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us 
not to forsake the worshiping together, and many have been forced to 
do just that! These church leaders and members are deliberately 
disobeying God's Word that they profess to believe, for which they 
will have to answer to their Lord. Woe unto them!

Blessings,

Linda