Survival in Church.

[IainH]

There are churches out there where we can actually survive and, oh how I hate this term "make a difference" . I'm fortunate enough to be a member of one. Is it a model of what we would like to see? No it's a western church, but there are a few who I'm making some progress with. They may not be aware of it but their fruit is beginning to ripen. Perhaps it's because I've been there so long. Perhaps it's because we are small but, mainly it's a foundation built by our Pastor Emeritus who for 49 years created a most non dogmatic atmosphere. I've never been hounded for skipping or pressured to believe anything but that with which I am comfortable.
   I had a discussion with a lady a couple of months ago about being led "by the HS through the convictions of your heart instead of the cognitive reasoning of a fallen mind". I quote because I rehearsed the line to reach a westernized Christian. She disagreed with me, I said "Go to your OT, it's chock full of what I'm saying" . I thought I'd lost and chalked another one up for experience. She must have went to her OT because, it's two months later and I have a new ally. 
   My point is this; we are missionaries in a strange land and have to reach people where they're at. We have to communicate in their tongue to teach them something new, just like the Apostles did. My church is my first missionary journey. I'm convinced there are churches we can work in and if it doesn't we can follow Christ's admonition and wipe the dust from our feet and move on. This thing of ours has to move into the real world.

[jaybreak]

Some good progress, Iain. There are no hard and fast rules for any of this. You should have to feel things out as they come and get involved as you feel you should. That's really the only directive. The rest is up to you, and I wouldn't want to turn RF into a place where we need to dictate individually how to go about things. That would be a conscious, moral failure on my part, and I think Ed would feel the same way.

I've planted a few things here and there in people that I've talked to, which isn't a lot. I'm keeping the eyes and ears open for open doors. Sometimes that's all we can do.

[Ed Hurst]

The Apostles began their mission with the synagogues. Sometimes it went well; sometimes not. Some stayed with it and others quit trying, as they felt led. I'm glad the Lord is using you where you are Iain. If we say our mission is to spread the truth, then it's for sure a lot quicker working through a church than the way I'm doing it outside the church. And you can be sure I'll be glad to join one that leaves the door open for me, whenever it happens where I live. This kind of social isolation is no fun.

[IainH]

Indeed, social isolation sucks and I pray for you in that regard, it won't always be this way. I certainly chafe under some of the crap that goes with American christian practices but there is grace: Wednesday evenings, Sunday worship portion (sermons itchy) and the time before and after each service.
I know my Father's voice and I obey Him. If He tells me to go pray for a person I do, if He tells me to share a gift of the Spirit I do. All I want to do is serve my Lord, Jesus Christ, to do His will and bring Him Glory. He gave everything for me, I can do no less for Him. It really is that simple.