Changing churches

Sminasion...

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Back when I was a kid, we had 3 sets of clothing. Sunday, school, and work. Being po folks, there wasn't much money, so clothing had to last a long time. Often one piece of clothing had all three labels before it became so worn that it had to be discarded.

However, within those catagories, there were articles of clothing that never changed in classification. Suits for the boys and "nice" (for lack of a better word) dresses for the girls. Dresses that were too formal for casual wear in the school environment, just as the boys suits were too formal. And neither were appropriate for farm work when too worn for any other use.

All this was said to lay the groundwork for this comment. Perhaps, you can set aside a section in your closet for "Sunday" clothes. Before someone yells hypocrite, this is said on the premise that all of your clothing would be considered to be modest. For example, if all of your blouses have sleeves, wear the long sleeved ones on Sunday, if that's the "policy" of your old church and your shorter sleeved one when you go to your job or do housework. Same thing with dress/skirt lengths. Again, on the premise that you don't wear mini skirts, and such anywhere. If you wear modest slacks to mow the lawn, save them to mow the lawn or go grocery shopping, if that's your preference.

Just as you (we) set aside certain articles of clothing to be worn at the beach, as it isn't suitable to wear grocery shopping or on your job, the same can be said about what you call pilgrim wear. Each can be modest and worn were it's appropriate to wear them.

The point that I'm trying to get to is don't let what's in your closet interfere with your worship of our Lord. Theres are too much of that going on in the world today. Battles rage on message boards and in some churches regarding women wearing pants in church. We, as Christians, have far more challenging issues, IMO, to confront than fringe on robes.

Next, I don't believe in "church hopping" as the term is usually used. Meaning that a person will to go church A for a few weeks or months. Then get ticked off over some minor issue and go to church B instead. A few months later, they are at church C for the same type reason. Then, D, E, and so on.

However, in your case, I don't call this church hopping. Returning to a church where your heart is in the right place with our Lord is the right thing to do. If the Holy Spirit is calling you back to your old church, that is the right thing to do. Search your heart, pray, look hard at your motives for changing churches, and you'll know the right thing to do, yourself.

We can only suggest as we don't know what's in your heart. Perhaps, neither your old church nor this new one is the right place for you. Before you make your final decision, visit some other Baptist churches in your area. It sounds like you made a huge leap from "conservative" to "liberal" in your church life. Maybe, you should have made a small step to a less strict fundamental church.

Personal comment: I would not be at 'home" in a large contemporary church for a number of reasons. Nor, would I be at home in some of the strict fundamentist churches either. I grew up in such a church in another demonination where "rules" seemed to be of primary importance while giving glory to God came in second. As it has turned out, that's one of the reason why I drifted away from the church for far too many years. Saw too many bitter church battles. Saw too many good people hurt, because of church mandates and dictates -- stumbling blocks placed in the path of the faithful. Abiding by the rules seemed to be more important than abiding by the greatest commandments given by Jesus.

I hope that you will find something useful in this long-winded rambling reply. Pray for guidance and listen to the Holy Spirit and study the Bible. With His help, you'll know which church is "home" for you.

 

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Not bad advice for a whole bunch of other things beyond just knowing "which church is 'home' for you" as well, my friends!!

 

Just a thought...

Sister...in the end the truth is all that counts and one of those truths is there are no perfect people or perfect churches....Only a perfect Saviour! My advise is that...you keep that humble spirit and attitude, keep your eyes on the Lord and not men(or women) and He will lead you accordingly as to the place of service He has for you. It is our our work as witnesses for Him that we are left here for in the first place. The place you worship that offers the least "distractions" to that would be the right one in my opinion. I, like yourself, tend to thrive more spiritually in a more "traditional" surroundings. I'm an "old paths" kinda guy. God Bless You!

Bro.Greg