It's not the church...it's the people

A church is made up of people. Sinners to be exact. We are all sinners, even the preacher. If you don't agree, then I suggest reading the Bible. (We ALL fall short of the glory of God)  But, that would a completely different topic than what I would like to discuss. 

Last year I changed churches. I loved Browns Bridge Church and Andy Stanley is an awesome preacher but the singles program was not fulfilling my needs. So, I went on the hunt for a new church and joined First Redeemer. They have a singles Sunday School class and I thought it was amazing. I was making friends, filling my spiritual needs, and life was pretty fantastic. Or so I thought. Fast forward a few months and there was a spring cookout held at my house.

After the cookout a few folks decided to hang around, guys and girls. The night proceeded and we were hanging out, dancing, and yes, drinking was involved. My only rule at my house is that if you drink you must stay. As the night progressed all of the girls who had stayed ended up leaving (they had a dd) and that left me with 3 guys. The boys were not allowed to leave due to the aformentioned rule. 1 fell asleep in my room, another on the couch, and one upstairs in the guest bedroom. (Before you make assumptions I slept on the air mattress.) Anyways, rumors got back to the rest of the Sunday School class and before anyone ever asked me what actually happened at my own home I was judged and convicted. I have since been shunned from the class because of all of this. 

It is not fair, it is not right, and frankly it hurts...a whole lot! I have never experienced such utter disrespect of a fellow Christian. If I had any doubt in my faith in God this would truly rock my foundation. However, I believe in God and not the church. I believe that we are all sinners, even the preacher, and realize that we all make mistakes. We all judge others, and I have done so. But even if I disagree with something that happened or something someone chooses I do not shun them. I do not treat them with disrespect. Don't get me wrong, I have made many mistakes.

I have since left that church. There was more fall out and the decisions that were made in the class were ones that I could not and would not agree with. (IE - they were making the leaders sign "contracts" that said the person could not drink with the opposite sex unless they were married to the person or dating.) I do realize however that just because this group of people made these choices does not mean that the church, or all Christians, feel this way. I like First Redeemer.(the church not the class) But, what is the point when I left Browns Bridge for somewhat of the same reasons? So I am on the hunt for a new church...