I just wanted to talk about some things that have been on my mind lately about church, music, and tithing and how they are changing. Ill try to keep it brief.
Church: It's not a building but the people. The original church met in house gatherings where more than just the pastor shared. Now I still go to a traditional church but could definitely see us going for a house church in the future.
Why? I think fellowship should go more than surface deep, I think the costs of a large building take funds away from helping those in need and more than just the pastor have spiritual gifts.
Tithing: Malachi 3:10 is abused today. Tithing ten percent was a law of Moses and Galatians explains that those who are trying to obey the law must do the whole law orbe cursed. I believe now that you are free to offer your church money as you feel led but that you should be primarily giving to the poor and other believers in need like the early church did.
The modern traditional church system has a business side with bills to pay. But I find myself questioning this more and more every day.
Music: I'm starting to believe that many mainstream Christian artists see the faith as a business opportunity and not a ministry. Many of them are signed to the same record labels that promote highly unGodly secular music labels.
Id like to branch out into more hymns and other music where I can easily discern that the music is to the Lord and not for the world.
* Gods House, God called a House of Prayer.
* My Preference in Church Music, a piano, organ, singing of praising Hymns, traditional.
* Dislike Rock band instruments, loud, IMO, verges more on Entertainment, A gimmick to lure people to the pews.
* Don’t care for motivational speakers “posing” as Preachers. Church is not the Place for making a person feel good about themselves!
* Don’t care for MEGA churches, TOO impersonal...watching the “preacher” on a big screen, uh, nah.
* MONEY, MONEY, MONEY...Pledging...eh. I do believe people should give WHAT they can, to where they ARE fed the Word of God...NOT pressured, Not Begged....a donation slot box, or something thereof.
Back to motivational speakers...religious theme..no issue...just not IN Church.
Back to rock/ country/ whatever music....religious theme...no issue...just not in IN Church.
AND FYI...Because of the Govt TAXING churches....YES...they ARE A BUSINESS, conduct Business according to Law the Corrupt Feds come up with, keep business records, blah, blah, blah. Corrupt!
I get your frustration. Figured that out years ago. We Church at Home.