What of those of us who desperately want a church but live out in rural countrysides? There are a few Churches, however, their theology and community do not even mildly align with something I'm comfortable with. Do I gather with them despite the differences? Is that the more Christian thing to do? What is a healthy boundary when it comes to a place to commune and to worship? I mean, there are online services, but that misses the point for me.
Thanks for the engagement here! So I would say that this article is written more to the rule, rather than the exception. There are plenty of able-bodied Christians who have options who neglect gathering. I would not gather with an unbiblical church that teaches false doctrine or upholds sinful practice. I would be willing to gather with believers who hold slightly different doctrinal positions as long as we still agree on the main things: the gospel, person of Christ, etc.
Worst case scenario we do have online services in the modern era that are better than nothing but I would probably say expand the search, be willing to commute further to church, or if possible relocate at some point in the future.
I know a lot of times when people move the only considerations are job/family. Obviously we need jobs in order to have income and we should give family a consideration, but people rarely think to find a church beforehand and it should be something that should be given consideration as it is such an important piece of spiritual growth.
I'm sorry that you are struggling with this but appreciate your openness on the subject. I hope you find a good church that will be a blessing to you and your faith.
Hey thank you so much for such a thoughtful and comprehensive response Josiah! The struggle is real! I only wish I could have planned where I was going to live but immigrating to Australia (from Canada) came with a destination. I think my solution is to search myself more deeply about how malaligned my postion can be before my boundaries become too taxed. I will find something, I'm determined. I LOVE gathering for worship, and I miss it dearly.
What of those of us who desperately want a church but live out in rural countrysides? There are a few Churches, however, their theology and community do not even mildly align with something I'm comfortable with. Do I gather with them despite the differences? Is that the more Christian thing to do? What is a healthy boundary when it comes to a place to commune and to worship? I mean, there are online services, but that misses the point for me.
Thanks for the engagement here! So I would say that this article is written more to the rule, rather than the exception. There are plenty of able-bodied Christians who have options who neglect gathering. I would not gather with an unbiblical church that teaches false doctrine or upholds sinful practice. I would be willing to gather with believers who hold slightly different doctrinal positions as long as we still agree on the main things: the gospel, person of Christ, etc.
Worst case scenario we do have online services in the modern era that are better than nothing but I would probably say expand the search, be willing to commute further to church, or if possible relocate at some point in the future.
I know a lot of times when people move the only considerations are job/family. Obviously we need jobs in order to have income and we should give family a consideration, but people rarely think to find a church beforehand and it should be something that should be given consideration as it is such an important piece of spiritual growth.
I'm sorry that you are struggling with this but appreciate your openness on the subject. I hope you find a good church that will be a blessing to you and your faith.
Hey thank you so much for such a thoughtful and comprehensive response Josiah! The struggle is real! I only wish I could have planned where I was going to live but immigrating to Australia (from Canada) came with a destination. I think my solution is to search myself more deeply about how malaligned my postion can be before my boundaries become too taxed. I will find something, I'm determined. I LOVE gathering for worship, and I miss it dearly.