I’ve started this post about church what feels like a hundred times, and each time I’d get two or three paragraphs in just to erase all of it.
The truth is — I just don’t care for church much.
I don’t hate it, and I support people who go. I’d even go to support a friend or attend one of those family day things. But it’s nothing I feel compelled to do.
I was forced to go growing up, but I tried it a couple of times in my adulthood as well. It’s been my experience that some people who are very tenured in church have a hard time meeting people where they are. That can make a person feel uncomfortable trying to be their true selves in the church environment.
I don’t know if it’s just tradition or doing what they’ve always done, but the behavior gives the perspective that you need to live how they live — and anything outside of that gets you corrected. I believe they call people like this projectors. People who don’t see you for who you are, but see you through the lens of their own perspective. It’s very interesting behavior from people doing the Lord’s work. I even had one request that I sign a document of things I wouldn’t do.
Chile please.
The truth is, I don’t believe everyone who goes to church is like the people I’ve encountered. I also don’t believe every church renders the same experience I’ve had. I haven’t seen one, but I don’t doubt its existence. I believe the experiences I encountered weren’t out of malice — just another perfect imperfection implemented by a human. It happens every second of the day.
Making pedestals for anyone (preachers included) unnecessary.
But if church or religion keeps you from being a horrible person, Joi supports the heck out of you — don’t stop.
But it’s not for me in this season of my life, and I’m not sure if it’ll ever be. If you invite me, I’m going to tell you no, but I’d possibly be open to a Bible class if I can ask questions.
I’m in a habit of feeding my soul four to five times a week. That feeding may be through conversations, YouTube, or my own quiet time. These three avenues allow me to listen with no distractions — just listening. This works for me and helps me maintain my relationship with God. I feel freedom to be myself with Him, to grow in Him, and I like it here.
Do what works best for your relationship with Him.
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