Lack of fellowship

My young family and I attend church on Sundays. Like many families today we are stretched both financially and with work, therefore, we really struggle to attend the weekly bible study held on tuesday evening. Personally I notice the real lack of fellowship with other Christians. In church its been a long time since any encouragement was given to me, and I've been feeling that quite a bit recently. In nearly two years we've been invited to other church members houses twice, and I thought one of these times was to ask a favor of me. The church has about 150 people and there seems a fair bit of church activity going on. Perhaps its not the thing to post on here, but is it time to move on?

elderlemon,

Why such a sore puss. If you and your family are not happy in the Church God has planted you. Then you are free to move on; run actually, but please don't hurt yourself.

Dear brother, Your heart is so precious in your post it takes me back many years into some of mine and my families own experiences. I think its more difficult these days because the pace of life is so much more demanding than it was when my children were younger.There is however a proverb that talks about a friendly man, I always equated that to a kind person. There are acts of kindness that cost little in monetary value that have huge impacts as well as what I call bridge builders.Little notes to Sunday school teachers, words of encouragement to choir directors, a hand shake or a hug. I'm sure you've done all that already so if you don't mind I just need to ramble a bit to remind myself again. You see I travel allot and got in the habit of phoning the church and leaving encouraging messages on the answering machine and just asking the pastor out for coffee or just dropping in when he was there for no real reason other than to say hi or pray for him. I took an interest in the people around me and would routinely ask them how things were going....many times I would pray for them right there(I started doing that because I often forgot to later and than when I saw them again I didn't want to feel guilty because I forgot, "yikes!").I have found that when I "love" on people without and expectations from them on my part, that I am enriched in so many ways. People are people and believe it or not there are so many people in your very church who feel the exact same way you do, that if it were known, you would be amazed. My advice would be to say a prayer and ask Jesus to help you build bridges, bridge called love, and just do what you can..it'll be just fine, you and your family will be just fine.You have my prayers and thoughts dear brother, God Bless, and hang in there :)

Brother, it seems to me that our culture is trending away from the type of fellowship that you are missing. my wife and I have decided to be the ones who show hospitality and create the environment for fellowship by opening our home. I would encourage you to do the same. Invite some like minded believers to your home to eat, worship, pray, visit, and just generally encourage one another. Who knows, it might just catch on. But it will provide the opportunity for fellowship that is lacking.

These are great ideas. We (and I include myself in this) are always waiting for people to do things that we need, but are we on the lookout for others needs?

Very convicting.

Since my husband died, everyone (including family) has pretty much stopped visiting, thinking the worse is over for us (but in fact the worse has just begun). My children and I have responded to this by inviting people over for dinner or lunch. It has ministered to us just to have others here with us, taking away some of the loneliness. How much better it would be if we found people in need and ministered to them!

My problem with finding fellowship is in first finding a church that is biblical. If anyone knows of a church or fellowship or of fellow believers in the Miami area I would really appreciate it. I am SURE that there are like-minded believers here, if only I could find them!

Brothers and Sisters,

Sincere thanks for encouragement and Ideas. I already see the Lord moving. In His time, not mine.

romanchog - I know this is a bit far from Miami, but I can recommend a man called Sandy Robertson. Although I have never visited the Church he is involved with I've heard him preach. Perhaps you could contact him and ask if he knows of Biblical Christians in Miami. They are based in Titusville, FL. Please see the link.

http://www.ncftitusville.org/

Probably no one is interested.

But depending on "responses" though

Ive been working on a post for sometime now.

Entitled " the true Believers"

Lack of true biblical fellowship is symptom-matic

Of the real scourge and problem todayv" a whore church "

We need to change this prevailing mind set That asks "are you a christian"

" to what i call"

"The true belivers"

( and can i say it ) thereby serving it up to the denominations and slick modern churches -- provoking thought.

There is a difference you knowv between a" Disciple" and a""Christian"

Yea even big time. (Difference)

Are you a christian or true beliver??

True belivers and NOT just nominal christians provide true and quality fellowship to all others (IMO) because there true. (Andv not counterfeit)

I have been going round from church to church I so want somewhere stable I can understand how you feel

Perhaps one day in the timings of God ...i shall (thanks)

Quality good sound fellowship is hard to find (period/full stop)

Great post/ topic by the way (kudos to you for honesty)

Others would say similiar ...im sure.

I often would want to talk about scripture ( the bible) and/ or good books after a church service. But very few were interested ...and such only wanted to talk about jobs, family, recreational interests. Per se

It was if they had done sacrifice showing up to church on sunday but as soon as the full time whistle had sounded (and church is over) it was back to talking about carnal and worldly things. (Very exasperating)

One church i gave myself to ...for Lo four years.Totally...was like this.

Finding good genuine quality fellowship was almost next to near impossile and I felt so alone amongst ...some 1500 souls. Mmm.

Does anyone wish to find fault with me?

Oh brother really you go Go to. Church to give ... not recieve! Lol lol

Oh really. When alls they want to do is talk about football, spectator sport and small business after the service is over.

Ohh please give me a break ( if you wouldnt mind)

Good post brother.

Many people have the same complaint and legitimately so.

You have me though as a friend forever...if that helps

God bless !!!

Dear elderlemon,

The Lord is faithful. He knows each one much more than we know our ownselves. If I were to encourage, I'd encourage you in Him. It is better to lean on God's understanding, and throw our own aside - this is what the Spirit teaches. Trust in God, and not in man.

There is a season, a time for everything under the sun. It is a good time to set our minds on things above, and not on things below. The Lord leads and guides those that trust in Him - through the valleys and upon the hills. we walk by faith, not by sight, lest we become discouraged; and in ourselves, we should be discouraged, our own discouragement driving us to Christ for strength and wisdom.

So, I encourage you in Him. Press on in Him. Strive in Him. Rest in Him. He is your Alpha and Omega. He is your Guide, yor Wisdom, your Strength, your Pillar, The Rock of Ages throughout all the ages and forevermore. Press on in patience, and keep your eyes fixed on Him.

You probably already know these things; but I think it is good to be reminded of them; and I too, remind myself, and am reminded by His Word of these things daily. Oh, how easy it is for me to forget at times! However, the more time I spend in Him, His Word, in quiet reflection daily, hourly, before arising, before sleeping, Ah, praise God, the more I am encouraged.

To Elderlemon,

My husband and I would be able to relate to your situation. Part of the problem is the busyness going on in peoples lives. We started going to a new church to a town we had just moved to, a few years ago. So we knew no one, nor had family in the area. Most of the people in the church had family, and had already established friendships.
They were probably maxed out with fellowship.

My husband and I started joining small groups, even though we were busy with our lives. Also, we invited people over to our home for meals. There are several single adults in our church that do not seem to be invited by the married people, we also try to include them. As you, I yearn for more, and look forward to a deeper love amounst the believers.