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As a relatively new Christian alone without mentorship, one thing that I was concerned about was finding a good church. The first thing I looked at, was all the denominations and Christian cults and came to the conclusion I needed to learn my Bible first. So I spent a couple months studying both Christianity and the Bible before I stepped foot anywhere. After praying for a while, I finally made a move and and entered a little independent Baptist church. It was a little family-run Spirit led church.
Talk about feeling out of place though. I was the strange guy nobody knew sitting in the back. Everybody was extremely nice. I think the strongest thing about the congregation is that they understand the concept of liberty in grace. I'm not being pushed into doing this or that, but the invitation is there as the Spirit leads.
This is in contrast to my experience in Catholism when I was a teenager. When I missed a Sunday service I was considered anathema that was unable to receive the Eucharist until confession to a Priest. << This Legalism is what absolutely kills one's enthusiasm to serve in newness of the Spirit progressing to Spiritual maturity. Of course, at that time, I wasn't even Saved Justified in Christ so the decision to leave was pretty evident.
Give a Christian liberty to grow in their pace.
Lostpacket does your Church get into studying the Word of God? I tell you, when you get into it your priorities all change.
What kind of church was it? I never heard of such mentor approach.
My first thought was the International Church of Christ, as they do that mentoring thing. Then the OP said it wasn't the church that set up the mentors, so scratch that.
OP, I agree with Miss Blue. Just tell them you're moving back home, and wish them well.
Lostpacket, I think you should just tell that congregation that you are going back home and leave it at that..They need no other reason..And that is the truth so you will have said all you need to say.
In the meantime do what you are doing now and spend as much time with your family as you want to and need to..I am a believer but my family (children, grand children and great grandchildren) is a gift from Him.
For myself it is more worthy to spend quality time loving and raising the next generation to believe on Him, love Him and the rest of His miraculous creation so they may pass it on to their generation.
The church is not in that building, although there are members of His Church there, but they are not the ones who try to put guilt in your heart..
I have never heard of a church putting new comers with a "mentor"
The only "mentor" a believer needs is the one who dwells within us..The Holy Spirit..
I am glad you place so much value and love on family and that you are returning.
jmho
Amen!
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