A lot of people in our congregation are very close minded (that includes most of the ladies that are in the ladies Bible study I participated in). I have more of an open mind when it comes to God and know never to limit Him (although I am guilty at times of doing that). If I am in a conversation with someone who is not at the same faith level that I am, that person will scoff at me and act very condescending. That person does not have the same understanding that I have. For example, faith.
Our church is going through financial difficulties right now. There are those on our church council who do not believe that God will get us out and are relying on themselves. They believe that whatever amount we have is what God has given us; no more, no less. They don't realize that what they are doing are a few things. They are pretty much telling God that we don't need him and that we can get ourselves out of this (a mistake that I have made in the past myself) and they are trying to limit God. When we had our congregational meeting, there were those who are on the same spirtual level as I am (and maybe even higher) that were quoting Bible passages that were relevent to help our council and congregation understand. Council did not want to hear it. Our council VP even said that the scripture from the OT that was read, was irrelevant
. He thinks that we are a NT only church. Although I do believe that he is the only one that thinks that. Even our pastor didn't agree with what our VP had said.
That is an example of what happens. Those of us who are at a different level understand things more so than someone who is not there yet. We are looked down upon like our view is wrong or blasphemy (in the attitude not actually saying it).
I listen to and watch so many different preachers on TV b/c we have the Sky Angel network (we have satelite TV). So DH and I get a lot more than our local cable provider has as well as most of our congregation. I love watching Ken and Gloria Copeland, John Hagee, Mannafest with Perry Stone, Jr., Sid Roth, Bob Larson, Joyce Myers, 700 Club and when he is on, I also love watching Kim Clement (but mostly I watch his from the internet), etc. On the radio I listen to In Touch, Grace to You and Dr. D. James Kennedy. So, I'm exposed to more of a variety of Christianity than most in our church.
Until recently, our church used just the traditional hymns from the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). Very traditional. Since we were without an organist for awhile, our newly formed tech committee installed projectors and have been playing songs from the I Worship CD's with the words up for the congregation to follow along with. Since these praise songs/hymns are more up-beat they are a breath of fresh air for some of us. You will even see some people dancing a little bit! Something that was unheard of before. One person that I know of has already said that she doesn't like the projectors (but she is also 60+ and I don't believe she is used to them yet).
But we are slowly changing and coming around. The "traditionalism" that has plagued us for so long has become stale and more and more of the younger generation is looking for something more "refreshing". We have already lost a few members because we just aren't moving anywhere. We aren't even reaching out to the hugh Hispanic population in our town (as of yet). Most of the "older" people in our congregation won't even hear of that. But I know that we are on the verge of growing thanks to the Blessings that God has for us and has already done.
Sorry if I rambled on too long.
However, we did recently lose two dear young couples who chose a more contemporary church.
