survey sez!

Reader's responses to The Big Question.

June 9 , 2008

The Question: When people leave your church for good, where do they go--another religion/church/time-consuming career, no religion? 
 

The Answer:  “Most of them go to a different church that is the same religion - just different people, etc. But then some in our church are from other churches. We have more new Christians or new Apostolics lately. Good change!” 

The Answer: “Over the years a very few have joined other churches (Charismatic, “Pentecostal” churches), but the majority who leave seem to quit attending any church.  Those I have spoken to mainly say it's because they believe the message but are unwilling to adhere to it.” 

The Answer: “Ah. That's assuming that you believe that they have left for good. I find this BQ very strange since I just had a dream that while at ladies prayer (which I have not attended lately) we were praying for the “backsliders” and I said please pray for them and then expect them to walk through the Church doors on Sunday.  

If we are talking about “intact” Christian's then I must believe they are doing the will of God. They have heard from Him and are on His course. Of course, there are some who leave for other churches. Why anyone would leave the church I attend must have a very good reason because . . . Hmm . . . I really can see no reason why anyone  would leave . Wow I love my church!” 

The Answer: “Most of them seem to go to other UPC churches in the area.  I don't know what their reasons for leaving one UPC church for another are.  Maybe proximity to their homes? 

The Answer: “Why ask us? We're the ones who stayed.  ;p” 

The Answer:  “Another church.  Some for good reasons.  Some for bad.  Second would be no religion.” 

The Answer:  “As a person who has left, many that I used to attend with probably think “no religion” as I no longer attend church regularly (when I do it isn't the same church) and I no longer adhere to strict standards as I did when I attended their church.  

But the reality is that my core beliefs remain the same and that while it isn't as easy to serve the Lord without a church family, you still can.” 

The Answer: “I have bumped into many people who have left my home church.  Most of them never go to church at all.  One point I'd like to make--it's never “for good” unless they're dead.  I've seen people come back to God after 40 years or more. 

The Answer:  “A lot of visitors never come back because they're turned off by all of the overweight, frumpy, nappy-haired Apostolics.  I mean I keep myself in shape and dress modestly fashionable.  If it wasn't for doctrine, I would feel like I have absolutely nothing in common with those folks. (Sorry to be painfully honest.)” 

The Answer:  “Being raised in Church, I was very disappointed to see what Church had become after being away for nearly 20 years.   

Money, Money, Money, was the Message. Sunday after Sunday that's all we heard. I had had enough! After getting married and having two kids, I knew being raised in a Church environment was what my family needed--or so I thought. I am not old but, I am not the “youth” that church these days is geared toward. I am not a recovering alcoholic or a ridiculous insecure biker so there really is nothing for me at the churches I have visited over the last several years here in Corpus Christi, TX, looking for a church to call home.  

It is also very disappointing seeing people raise their hands in “fervent worship & praise” and then nearly run you over in the parking lot acting like regular sinners the moment church lets out. 

My question is: What is wrong with the old hymns? Why does every song during the worship and praise hour have to be something on the “Hot Christian Music List”? If I wanted to hear rock n roll, I'd listen to rock n roll, not just a bunch of burned out, washed up Boomer has-beens that realize it's getting close to the end of the trail and rushing into Church to “get right with God” real quick before it's too late. 

I am relegated to Adrian & Bellviews' Service, Joel's Message & Mac Lyon & the old standards.  I want my children to hear about Shadrach & the Good Samaritan, not adult topics--they get to that stage soon enough.” 

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