My name is Dan, and I'm an introvert. I've just been wondering how other introverts deal with attending church and participating in church activities, evangelism in particular. It seems that all churches cater to the extrovert. There is a lack of understanding in church about the nature of the introvert; social gatherings cause anxiety and are exhausting, whereas extroverts are energized and excited about being around people and participating. Introverts also gain energy and passion when being alone, which in my case always leads me to feel more connected with Christ. In the past introverts were considered broken yet redeemable, but through scientific discovery we've found it's related to brain structure and chemical processes. I don't feel the church has accepted the immutable differences in the individual, and still push a program that does not cater to all people.
Through study I've found that church attendance is not a requirement for a Jesus centered life. Church is helpful, but constant reading of scripture and prayer can be just as fulfilling.
I guess this is primarily a venting session for me. I've tried to cross t's and dot i's in my Faith journey, but church membership and attendance is my #1 sticking point. I prefer to walk in the woods on the weekends (which day is the Sabbath anyway?) and pray/sing. I understand the need for fellowship, but can't this be accomplished by finding one other person to join with? What am I missing?
I've been to most every Protestant church around but there is always one issue that doesn't align with my understanding of scripture. Worse yet, there have been churches that preach things that make me lose my passion in being with Christ. Lutherans seemed good, since I am a former Catholic, and prefer liturgical masses, until one of the intercessional requests was for the acceptance of trans individuals. (I would pray for the salvation, and against violence for such people, but acceptance is a different animal). For that reason it looks like the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches are also off the list. Evangelical churches have the right idea, but they have coffee shops in the lobby, use non-biblical hymns, and preach justification without giving proper heed to sanctification. The baptist church had the music right, and the message was good, but I wouldn't be comfortable with sharing everything about myself, and attendance seems mandatory. The reformed church I went to was intense. I attended a prayer group meeting that was advertised on a sign outside. The meeting lasted three hours. I wasn't supposed to be there really, since I had to be a member, which requires a bevy of classes and mass attendance, but they were kind enough to let me join. They matched up with my Faith, but they were really deep into the Old Testament. I mean REALLY into it. I don't believe they mentioned Jesus except during group prayer.
Lately I've just been attending Catholic mass intermittently. I am not totally comfortable since I don't believe in trans-substantiation or attendance requirements, but I get to pray with others and sing the hymns. I need the fellowship and friendship, but I suppose it has to be on my terms. Ideally, I would like to make friends with a person of similar beliefs and pray together one or more times a week, confess sins to each other, break bread, organize our own outreach, listen to various preachers on Youtube, read the New Testament, sing Psalms, and then go about our life. That sounds like a church right? I guess it's a lot like AA but with less people. I'm curious to hear thoughts. I apologize if I offended anyone or their denomination. These are just my thoughts and rantings
Thank you.
Through study I've found that church attendance is not a requirement for a Jesus centered life. Church is helpful, but constant reading of scripture and prayer can be just as fulfilling.
I guess this is primarily a venting session for me. I've tried to cross t's and dot i's in my Faith journey, but church membership and attendance is my #1 sticking point. I prefer to walk in the woods on the weekends (which day is the Sabbath anyway?) and pray/sing. I understand the need for fellowship, but can't this be accomplished by finding one other person to join with? What am I missing?
I've been to most every Protestant church around but there is always one issue that doesn't align with my understanding of scripture. Worse yet, there have been churches that preach things that make me lose my passion in being with Christ. Lutherans seemed good, since I am a former Catholic, and prefer liturgical masses, until one of the intercessional requests was for the acceptance of trans individuals. (I would pray for the salvation, and against violence for such people, but acceptance is a different animal). For that reason it looks like the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches are also off the list. Evangelical churches have the right idea, but they have coffee shops in the lobby, use non-biblical hymns, and preach justification without giving proper heed to sanctification. The baptist church had the music right, and the message was good, but I wouldn't be comfortable with sharing everything about myself, and attendance seems mandatory. The reformed church I went to was intense. I attended a prayer group meeting that was advertised on a sign outside. The meeting lasted three hours. I wasn't supposed to be there really, since I had to be a member, which requires a bevy of classes and mass attendance, but they were kind enough to let me join. They matched up with my Faith, but they were really deep into the Old Testament. I mean REALLY into it. I don't believe they mentioned Jesus except during group prayer.
Lately I've just been attending Catholic mass intermittently. I am not totally comfortable since I don't believe in trans-substantiation or attendance requirements, but I get to pray with others and sing the hymns. I need the fellowship and friendship, but I suppose it has to be on my terms. Ideally, I would like to make friends with a person of similar beliefs and pray together one or more times a week, confess sins to each other, break bread, organize our own outreach, listen to various preachers on Youtube, read the New Testament, sing Psalms, and then go about our life. That sounds like a church right? I guess it's a lot like AA but with less people. I'm curious to hear thoughts. I apologize if I offended anyone or their denomination. These are just my thoughts and rantings
Thank you.-
5
- Show all
