I have recently left the church that I have attended most of my life. In doing so, I have also left the association of churches (the churches of Christ) that I have identified with for 33 years. I do not intend to use this site to "tell it all as I see it." There is enough pain and heartache at Central without me heaping hot, burning coals on top of it. But church has been and is very important to me. And the Central church of Christ has and will always occupy my heart and mind.
The following letter is one I created a few days ago to respond to some wonderful friends who asked of our whereabouts. If you received this already, I want to reiterate how thoughtful it was of you to write us. For others who may be interested, here is my "short answer" response to leaving Central.
Leaving a church is a very difficult thing to do. Leaving Central is a decision that Michelle and I have taken very seriously, and weighed for a long time. For nearly all my life I have worshipped at Central, and many of its members are my best friends.
The reasons for our departure are complicated, but to put it simply, we feel that we will be more effective ministering in an environment that more widely embraces the freedom we have in Christ to worship and serve Him in many different ways. I’m sure it is no surprise to you that we (specifically me) have been on the firing lines for many years. There is a core group at Central that feels we (and a few other families) are leading the church down a dangerous path, primarily in the areas of worship and the appropriate role for women in the church. Their criticism has been very personal, and in the last year has become harsher and more frequent. It has been our hope that with the intervention and support of our leadership, there would be improvement in the situation.
We are still hopeful that this improvement will occur, but it will be for the benefit of those remaining. For us, we feel that God is leading us to serve Him in new ways, in a new environment. We hope that a fresh start with a different body will bring relief and joy to our family.
We serve a mighty God. I know that He has the power to do anything He pleases, and to cause hearts to change. Our hope is that one day we will hear of great things happening at Central, among a people unified in their love for Christ and each other. And we are hopeful that God will heal us, and then use us for His good purposes, wherever that may be.
Peace and love to you,
This letter isn't a judgement, it's just a letter. It isn't intended to offend or even educate, but simply to communicate.
2 comments:
Hey Hagermans, I pray that God will bless this new "endeavor" and that you'll find the loving, supportive church environment you're looking for that you can also contribute to. It's too bad we Christians are all still so human. As the old camp song goes, we "need to have a little heaven down here". Don't forget that you're still loved and cared for by many and you will always be my brother & sister in Christ. Don't forget us for game nights, etc. And hey, if there's a nice single guy at your new church, let me know. :-)
Just using Technorati to look at some blogs with churches of Christ in them and came across yours. Good blogging. I can identify with where you are and wish you the best.
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