Question for Christian Former LC Members

[DistantStar]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

do you think moving forward and asking an elder to hook us up
Thanks!

That you have to ask one of them should already make you question things.

In my experience the LC is not a cult as they DO adhere to the basic tenets of Christianity. However, I do consider them a borderline cult. Most of them are sincere born-again Christians, and at the end of the day that is what truly matters.

Thanks for the replies. Should I not even be fellowshipping with them at all?

[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for the replies. Should I not even be fellowshipping with them at all?

As some others have already posted, you may very well run up against a longstanding Local Church tradition of only dating/courting someone who is a regular attendee. In the distant past, and maybe still true today in many areas, serious relationships with non Local Church members was considered to be "unequally yoked" (even though the other party is a Christian), and such relationships were met with extreme disapproval, and in some cases, even discipline of some sort.

I like the idea of speaking with and getting advise/input from her parents. Then if that goes well, maybe bringing in one particular elder into the mix. Of course this all may be putting the cart way ahead of the horse - maybe a couple of dates together before any of this is in order. Just because you're attracted to each other does not guaranty that you know each other well enough to go forward with anything.

Finally -PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. Also dive into and let the Word of God influence your heart and mind in this matter. After all, you need to get advise and approval from the One who really matters. He is the ultimate matchmaker. "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

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Thank you!
You Saints are such a blessing, I pray the Lord blesses all of you!

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for the replies. Should I not even be fellowshipping with them at all?

In response to UntoHim's post, I give a hearty Amen! to pray and seek the Lord.

LC folks would love to tell you that the "elders' fellowship" is a safeguard to a marriage, but I can't tell you how many marriages I have seen over the years that were initiated, sanctioned, and blessed by the elders -- and then ended in divorce. It's not a joke.

Apart from your faith in His death and resurrection, marriage is the most important decision you will ever make. Take your time to get to know her, and don't ever let your decisions be ruled by your emotions or by the elders.

[Evangelical]

The OP question reminds me that church, and the training's for that matter (as Ohio was saying), are often treated as nothing more than sanctioned dating clubs. It reminds me of a friend I had who would seek a wife in pentecostal churches as they had the most attractive people. Baptist were considered not far behind. This was his sole motivation for going to church. One thing to consider is that if you don't like going to meetings as much as her, it will cause problems in the marriage. I think better that two lukewarm, two hot, or two cold people get together than one hot and one lukewarm.

[Ohio]

It is normal for young people in churches to look there for potential spouses. Would you prefer bars? Actually, from the folks I have known, the internet seems to have a better success rate than the LC.

[countmeworthy]

Originally Posted by DistantStar

That you have to ask one of them should already make you question things.

In my experience the LC is not a cult as they DO adhere to the basic tenets of Christianity. However, I do consider them a borderline cult. Most of them are sincere born-again Christians, and at the end of the day that is what truly matters.

I think any group whether 'Christian' or not that makes you feel guilty for wanting to leave their fellowship such as the RCC and / or brainwashes you that their way is 'God's way' could be a cult. And I consider them cults. They can uphold some truths but the TRUTH SETS US FREE and how can we be free if we feel obliged to remain in a group we don't like where it's going or no longer feel free to ask questions, to disagree based on scripture and revelation?

[Indiana]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks for the replies. Should I not even be fellowshipping with them at all?

It sounds like the sister is accepting you even though you are in and out of meetings and not ignited by the ministry; yet you love the Lord and the Bible. There are such brothers as this in the local churches who happen to make good husbands and fathers, which is a vital matter....