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#1
11-10-2007, 09:45 PM
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What do you go to church for?
Those of you who go to churches: why? Serious, basic question. What do you go for? What do you get from going? What is it for?
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi 
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#2
11-10-2007, 10:36 PM
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Hmmm...
Well, I have to admit, Zerbie, I have not been a regular church goer since age 17, when the music and youth programs at my church fell apart and left me without sufficient spiritual resources. I go to church when I am invited or when I'm participating in an event, but otherwise I consider the environment at Gordon College to be like one big church and worship on my own. But, when I have gone to church or been in churches were I've felt really comfortable, I'd say that I go for the following reasons: 1) Spritiual support: People who also idenify as Christians and therefore understand specifically Christian issues regarding doctrine or the application thereof 2) Emotional support: the integration of emotional well being with an acknowledgement of God's presence in our lives 3) Solace: If you're lucky enough to find a truly loving church, a place where you can go to the priest or an older, wiser person and cry on his/her shoulder 4) Cultural similarities: A place to go to functions and social events for young people without being the only one there wearing conservative clothing (although this is certainly not the case in some churches, nor are churches exclusive in this respect), other people who enjoy listening to christian pop music, have gone on mission trips, etc. 5) Music: Personally, I've found that churches are often great places to make beautiful music with others for free. And, this gives one the opportunity to use one's talent in the worship of God. Just some thougths...
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#3
11-11-2007, 03:36 AM
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Although I've been very vocal about my religious doubts, I still do attend worship, though not every Sunday.
1. For me, it's the nagging inner need to connect to something bigger than myself. 2. For a feeling of connectedness and continuity with the faithful of centuries past--martyrs, confessors, monastics, people I've read about who have impressed or touched me by their faith and kindness, ordinary people like myself who were seekers (as am I). I feel not only united to those of that church in the worship act, but there's a deeper feeling of connection to all people of all times and places. 3. Mental tranquility, a sense of peace. One of the most beautiful hymns of my church's liturgy is "Let us lay aside all the cares of this life, that we may receive the King of all." That line is repeated numerous times, slowly and with emotion, and it has brought tears to my eyes more than once. Beauty in worship, both visual and auditory, as well as the smells and so forth (I love incense), are so important to me. I like to have my whole body engaged in worship, which includes kissing things or bowing or whatever, and even smells can have that effect of creating a sense of awe. 4. Church is a good way to meet people, make friendships, and socialize. I remember the feeling of satisfaction I got from being active in church, like I was receiving tenfold in blessings from what time I put in. It goes back to that whole idea of being a part of something bigger. One could arguably do "church" at home, or anywhere... sitting alone on the beach meditating may fill the need that others seek to have met at church. But there's something about engaging in a communal act of worship that I like, although private spirtual practices are also important.
__________________
"And though I may not know the answers, I can finally say I am free. And if the questions led me here, then I am who I was born to be." --Susan Boyle "If all fools could fly, the sun would be eclipsed forever." --Dutch proverb
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#4
11-11-2007, 05:48 AM
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Excellent question
Easy Answer:
I don't get paid if I don't show up!  Real Answer: Worshipping and praising and thanking God is what I was created to do. it is the primary purpose of my human life. the Westminster Shorter Catechism (written in 16 something or other) asks: Quote:
Quote:
Of course I can and do glorify God when I'm not in church worshipping, but worship is the "hub of the wheel" all other acts of worship (doing justice, loving kindness, walking humbly with God, visiting the prisoners, feeding the hungry, befriending the lonely) are all outgrowths of liturgy (which means "the work of the people") and worship. The things I GET from worshipping (good feelings, renewed focus and energy, guidance, sense of closeness to God, etc) are all real but they are not the REASON I worship. They are merely byproducts experienced by a creature doing what he was created to do.
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#5
11-11-2007, 07:03 AM
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I go to church to serve. I go early to help set up, (we are meeting in a community center), I play in the band, my wife and daughter help in the children's area. Every three months it is my turn to haul one of the trailers.
The people I hang out with aren't there. I helped begin the church and fellowship was one result until I came out as affirming and let the pastors know I didn't believe being Gay was a sin. I don't have fellowship in church anymore. At least not real connection. I have more meaningful connection here on a freaking website in one morning than I do in a month of church attendance. Most of the time I feel I worship by serving. A friend of mine once wrote "Worship don't mean to serve it means to kiss" For me to worship Christ like that I prefer to be alone. The main reason I continue to go is we are effectively reaching out to people in need. Gay activism is not my only interest and seeing someone find faith and begin to better there life because of it still excites me. Sadly my homosexual affirmation will stay outside the church and eventually separate me from our church all together.
__________________
http://wunsicdude.blogspot.com/
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#6
11-11-2007, 12:14 PM
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 I can't imagine having that sort of reaction from a large part of my social group, it was heartbreaking enough when it came from one person.
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi
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#7
11-11-2007, 12:25 PM
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I'm glad you found it an excellent question. I was a little concerned that it might be a, not so good, question.
Remember, I have never gone to church (shall we count thrice dragged to Mass by Catholic grandparents, one visit to a Presbyterian church at age 12 to see what the fuss was about, and one more visit to a UCC service 2 years ago for the same reason?) Quote:
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi
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#8
11-11-2007, 12:38 PM
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Quote:
1. I believe that all worship will, in time, degrade into self-worship (putting oneself in the place of God) This is the TRUE meaning of original sin and it is the most common iteration of sin in the Old and New Testaments. It's called idolatry. One of the ways to resist the tendency to self-worship is to gather with other Christians and hold each other accountable and to remind each other to put God (as revealed in the life and death of Jesus) in the center of life. This is not by any means 100% effective but its better than nothing. 2. Organized liturgy (whether traditional or contemporary, formal or informal, catholic or protestant) has truths about the nature of God embedded in it that remind us who it is that created us and what it is that she requires of us. by worshipping regularly I internalize those truths and make them a part of who I am when I am NOT worshipping with other people in church. 3. Worship can take place anywhere at anytime with anyone or by yourself. IN the woods, behind the wheel, by the sink washing dishes, on the golf course. but without regular corporate worship with others in the church it will devolve into self worship eventually. Corporate worship is the "hub" all the other manifestations of worship and service are connected to it and draw strength, focus, inspiration, guidance, and integrity from it. Corporate worship is the "anchor" that keeps all other manifestations of worship/praise/service from drifting off onto the rocks. All of the above are the "ideal" . Worship can also be pedantic, self-serving, boring, pointless, and arrogant. Does this help ??
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#9
11-11-2007, 02:59 PM
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Interesting
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#10
11-11-2007, 04:43 PM
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Zerbie,
I go to church because something inside me longs for that word from God. Something inside me longs to lift my hands in worship to Him and longs to hear from Him. I literally crave that communion and love the fellowship of believers. Sadly, when a straight church shuts the door on gay believers, we are left without many choices of places to go to worship. That is the place my wife and I are stuck at now. We have two choices. We can go to a church that is spiritually dead, but welcomes the glbt community, or we can go to a spiritually alive church that is an hour from where we live, or a third choice (which is really no choice at all) we can go back into the closet and go to a straight church, where I can't be who I am. Uh no!!! So, like I said we are stuck, and frankly I don't know what to do. 
__________________
If everyone cared and nobody cried, if everyone loved and nobody lied, if everyone shared and swallowed their pride, we'd see the day when nobody died. IF EVERYONE CARED/Nickelback
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#12
11-11-2007, 05:09 PM
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Have you checked out EVERY church within reasonable traveling distance? It sounds like you have a very particular style and atmosphere that you like, that the gay affirming churches in your area do not have. Unless there may be one you haven't found so far? Oh hey - I just remembered another time I visited a church. It was in Houston about 10 years ago. I was friends for a while with some really wonderful girls my own age and they were churchgoers - they went to a fairly large "gay" church in Houston, someplace not too far from Montrose. I think it was called an MCC. I went with them early one morning and had a pleasant time. But not striking enough to entice me to return - after all, 8am on a weekend? Nahh.
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi
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#13
11-11-2007, 05:09 PM
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So, how important is the social aspect? Is it a major part of motivating people to go?
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi
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#14
11-11-2007, 05:24 PM
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#15
11-11-2007, 05:26 PM
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I am glad that you have companionship to make you all better when those feelings descend.
__________________
*** Never linger too long with the ignorant, throw stones at their talk. Walk only with the lovers, the mirror of the soul gets rusty when dipped in muddy water. -Rumi
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#16
11-11-2007, 06:55 PM
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it's nice to read everyones reasons for church attendance! There were so many that I agreed with--a few I didn't. I go because I think God wants to worship in community with others. It's easy for me to feel spiritual when I'm all alone . . . others often complicate that connection
I also go for my kids. I grew up in church and got a great christian education. I want my kids to have the same opportunity. When they become adults, I hope they will have a solid foundation to decide how they will pursue their own "God needs". It is also a great family time for all of us. Once, the collection plate passed over my son's head (he was sprawled out with his head in my lap) and he raised up and said aloud, "Wait, I want some bread too!" Church also helps me keep my life in perspective--I'm the worker bee, not the queen bee.
__________________
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." --Jeremiah 29:11
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#17
11-11-2007, 07:00 PM
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That reminds of the first time my neice attended church at age 3. she spoke only Italian at that time and said in a loud voice: "Mommy? Is this the circus?"
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#18
11-11-2007, 07:00 PM
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I used to really love to go to church and used to find so much friendship and solace there...even spirituality. After coming out that all got blown to smithereens. I've not been to church consistently for a decade but funny enough my boyfriend and I were discussing it today...and poof...this thread.
We're feeling isolated as a couple and we're thinking about finding a church when my job hunt is complete (not sure where I will land). I think the community and the spiritual focus will be good for both of us.
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#19
11-11-2007, 07:41 PM
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I left church for a couple of years while I struggled over my own beliefs about being homosexual and a Christian. The whole time I longed to be back in a church....for fellowship.
To be loved and cherished by people who shared my beliefs and also to study the Bible with others. While I do not always agree with others interpretation, I sometimes get insight into things that I may not get otherwise. I moved to Atlanta mainly because I knew there were welcoming and affirming groups and I managed to land in a church home that is not only welcoming and affirming but follows the church tradition which I have found most theologically similar to my own. I am looking forward to next Sunday when I formally join the church and participate in leading the service.
__________________
Good Journeys, Carlton Harrington Alpharetta, GA Cartierobert: A Work in Progress the.radiant.light@gmail.com
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#20
11-11-2007, 08:59 PM
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