I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist Church. All the standard Baptist stuff came along with that, especially a solid foundation in the Word of God and the Supremacy of God. At Texas A&M, I went to a solid Baptist church, where I learned about what it is to have an incredible community of believers. I was also surrounded by the infamous ‘Christian bubble’ at A&M, and was probably a ringleader in some ways. I thought I was somewhat cultured when it came to churches, but I was dead wrong.
My first week in Midland, I went to a mega-church, with multiple two-thousand people services each Sunday. I really enjoyed the music and preaching, but I felt like I was at a national conference of some kind. Everything was so well put together and almost too perfect. It did not really feel like a place that I could call home. Everyone shuffled in and participated or watched and then shuffled out. It just seemed kind of fake and shallow to me. Side note: At this particular church, they have stations set up in the foyer (or atrium, commons, etc.) where you can give tithes and offerings by swiping your credit card; foreign and strange to me for sure, although it may be a good idea after all.
For two weeks I went to a church that would fall into the “Spirit-filled” or “full-gospel” church category. This particular one is large (at least compared to what I am used to). I loved the energy and passion in worship, but I was left wanting when it came to preaching the Word of God. I went to a community group on a weekday night, thinking that I would just dive in somewhere without actually praying about it, and enjoyed the company of both married couples that were there. I enjoyed it, but know that God has somewhere else for me. Side note: This church offers a “Holy Spirit Baptism Class” to learn about being baptized with the Holy Spirit; incredibly foreign and strange to me, and could be taught in error.
This past week I made plans to go to a small Baptist Church just down the road. I showed up for Sunday School about five minutes early and saw about 8 Crown Victoria’s parked in the lot. I figured that if there were any young people in Sunday school, they might not be the type that I would connect with, so I decided to come back for the main service later. I went to HEB to drink some coffee and read, and I randomly met a man who was very interested in what I was doing. We chatted about Scripture for a little bit and inevitably, he asked where I went to church. I explained my situation and he went on to suggest a church that he had previously attended. I obliged and followed him to a small church on the south side of town.
I walked in about 25 minutes late to a crowd of about 60 people; I stuck out like a sore thumb because I was a young, single white man, of which the crowd gathered was not many of those descriptors. The singing was very simple, the crowd very diverse, and the Spirit very present. This church could also fall under the category of ‘Spirit-filled’ or ‘full-gospel’. There were many a hallelujah, testimonies and hands-raised high, which suit me just fine, honestly. I did see someone speak in tongues for the first time (although, I just thought it was Spanish at first, but found out later that it was not) as well as the pastor healing a couple of people after the service. I was welcomed into the church like a long lost brother, and went to eat lunch with the Pastor and two other couples after the service. Side note: I have never felt that welcome or wanted in a place before, but I do have some issue with some of the teaching there.
Earlier this week I got into a conversation with a man at work one afternoon. We were just chatting about whatever, and eventually I asked him about church and God. He explained that he grew up Catholic, but has been involved in a number of other fellowships in the past ten or so years. Currently, he has become involved with a Hebrewan Fellowship west of Midland, which I have never even heard of. As best I could understand his explanation of these fellowships, they focus mostly on the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible, the Law) and on getting things back to the way that they used to be. We ended up talking for about an hour about it all, and had I not been completely ignorant of the Hebrewan Fellowships, we would have talked further about some of the things I had issue with. He thinks it is sinful to worship on Sunday, because Sabbath was originally on Saturday (or the 7th day of the week). He focuses on keeping the Law and spoke of Jesus as merely a man, and not the Son of God who fulfilled the Law. It was an interesting afternoon.
The next day, I met a nice man out in the field doing some work for us who is Church of Christ. He seemed to love the Lord and encouraged me to stay strong in the midst of a dark place. We only were able to talk for about 20 minutes, so I had no issue with anything he believes other than what I generally know about Church of Christ.
Most of my encounters have been with non-believers, agnostics, or atheists, which is truly strange coming out of the ‘Christian bubble’ at A&M, where almost everyone claims to be a Christian. I have truly loved getting to talk about Jesus and the church with non-believers, because they tend to be a little more real and honest than most believers. They have no reservations in denying Christianity and the gospel, but need Jesus all the same.
I have also talked to a number of nominal Christians, who have no idea of what the Bible really says and what the gospel is all about. These are the hardest for me to converse with, because they play the part well, but truly do not understand most of what they are saying or doing. Still they need Jesus just as much as I do.
The number of solid Christians that I have met is small. The number within that group that I feel connected to is even smaller, if it exists at all. I know that God will provide that community in His time, so I will wait patiently and continue to seek Him and community.
I have had quite the first month here in Midland. Satan is trying to use all of these crazy experiences to make me doubt my faith. No doubt, being here has caused me to question some things. Why are there so many denominations, styles and preferences? Is there more than one that is right? Is having most of the true doctrines enough? Am I going about finding a church in a non-consumer way, as I want to? What is the Spirit’s role in all of this? Have I been missing it? etc. However, I know that ultimately all of these experiences are about my sanctification, so I am using this time to seek truth and beg for answers or peace from God. It would be easy to allow Satan to gain a foothold of doubt and cynicism, but I know that this is for my good. It is times like this when I have to stick to the basics: God’s Word, prayer, and community.
In the past when I was surrounded by Christians, I often was stuck in a rut, wondering what it is that I should be reading or studying in the Bible and outside of it. Now, I know the things that I need to be praying about and studying, because I have non-Christians and marginal believers asking questions and presenting false-teachings that need to be corrected. What an opportunity God has given me!
Father, guide and sanctify me in truth; Your Word is truth. Reveal the errors in my understanding and the inconsistencies in my life. Open my eyes to the beauty of Your Word. Help me to love the people around me, by praying for them, preaching the gospel and seeking to meet their needs. Use Midland, Texas and the oil field to refine me.
Very well written. As you're about 2 months behind me in all this, its really encouraging to hear your thoughts because I can heartily relate. But I've got an answer to your problems: come to church with me.
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