When Hurtful Things Happen in Christian Churches: Why People Drop Out of Worship and Fellowship Services
Lowrance, James M.
Synopsis "When Hurtful Things Happen in Christian Churches: Why People Drop Out of Worship and Fellowship Services"
I feel that Christian Churches, available for attendance to worship God and to receive from His written Word, are the most important institutions that exist. Nations that practice freedom of religion and worship are blessed to have this privilege and people of the world who desire this but who are not allowed this privilege, would love to trade places with us who do. The Church is also a place of sanctuary from the everyday problems we face in life. One might wonder why the subject of this book is not rather from the approach of "how to find a good Christian Church". I chose not to use that type approach because in my opinion this would degrade the seriousness of the subject I am actually addressing, which is simply that of unacceptable behaviors in Christian Churches by those in positions of Leadership and by longtime members (elders). One of the possible resulting effects is that people seeking a Church-home or even those who are seeking relationship with God, may be discouraged from doing so, due to the improper actions and behaviors of Church Leaders and members. I do not believe that these problems exist in Churches on a wide scale but they do occur often-enough to merit honest recognition of them and sincere effort by the Leadership of Churches to prevent them from occurring, as much as possible. This is a subject not often addressed; for fear that it will cast dispersions on Christian Church attendance in-general. It is my sincere hope that this is not the message readers of this book will interpret from the chapters that follow but I rather hope that the message is also one of the need to practice responsible caution when choosing a home Church. I hope the message also contributes to the understanding that the negative actions one might experience in one Church, perpetrated by certain members or Leaders, does not represent that of all Christians or of all Churches. There are good Churches available, where one can find avenues for true worship of God and true Christian fellowship. I have endeavored through examples and scripture quotes, to offer advice on how to avoid negative Church experiences and to find those that can add true blessings to one's Christian walk and life of worship and praise toward God. TABLE OF CONTENTS: CHAPTER ONE: The Serious Consequences of Negative Church Experiences CHAPTER TWO: You will Know them by their Fruits CHAPTER THREE: Negative Church Behaviors Experienced by my own Family CHAPTER FOUR: Important Traits in Pastors CHAPTER FIVE: Negative Attitudes Toward Church In-General CHAPTER SIX: My Early Education on Negative Church Experiences
