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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2002 |
Church becoming too 'complicated'
Dear Ed & Susan,
I really believe in the Church, and feel kind of badly that I'm complaining, but that seems to be what you offer in your column.
It seems like the Church has gotten so complicated - programs, programs and more programs! What happened to going to Sunday School and church. And, of course, all of this costs more money, and then they complain because we don't keep up with our apportionments. When do we get back to basics!
Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
Last updated on 01/14/2004It does sound overwhelming as you describe it. And I can appreciate your frustration. Two things occur to me: a part of it sounds like you haven't been getting what you need from the "basics" of the church program; another part seems to be that you have not been included in the choices. I think the idea is that we be "fed" and then "go into all the world." I'm assuming that's what your church is trying to do; but if you feel left out, there's a good chance that others in your congregation are feeling left out of getting their spiritual needs met, and thus have difficulty thinking about mission.
A first step is to talk with your pastor. Ask about how these decisions are being made. Don't be afraid to speak up for what you need in terms of church, as well as the mission pieces that you find meaningful. It's possible that you could be a real catalyst in bringing the church together regarding what they want and what they feel they need to do in the name of Christ. It could also be an opportunity for you, personally, in that if you can define what you need personally, you will have more energy to see when it's there. You might also, if you're part of the mission forming, be energized to be part of the program, rather than feeling like it's being thrust upon you.
Also, the church often has diverse programming because the congregation is diverse. What others respond to as nurturing and important mission, may not be helpful or important to you. That's why it's vital that you find your own voice.
Ed & Susan Alley
Ed and Susan Alley are Pastoral Counselors and licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Questions may be addressed to them, in confidence, at Kairos Center for the Family, 4337 Kessler Blvd. N. Dr., Indianapolis, Ind. 46228 or e-mail: eskairos@aol.com.