How to deal with leaving the LC.

[HBJ]

What was the major "theological" point I had to deal with when I left the LC after 10 years?

How to seek the Lord when denominations were 'bad' and not the best way to seek the Lord.

It took me eight years to find a church home. I first went to non-denominational churches, then stopped going to church altogether, until
the Lord drew me back and eventually to a church home where I have been for 30 years now.

A. No church is perfect, and I have seen where many people who leave the LC have a problem going to 'imperfect' churches.
Solution==ask the Lord to lead you

Some churches where I have been I have differences with theologically:
i.e. RCC. Priests not marrying should be optional, not required as it now is.
Some churches I have cultural differences with: Eastern Orthodox where men and women sit in different sides of the church, or Baptists in Kazakhstan where I have been where women must wear a head scarf and no jewelry is allowed for any reason.

NOTE: I have met true believers in each of those places who just ooze Jesus!!

Like the word says: Let the Wheat and Tares grow together. Do not try to uproot a tare for you may damage the wheat. The Lord will separate at the harvest.

B. Do not offend believers. Be gentle as doves.
When my wife and I were at a RC service there was communion. She asked me if we should go take it. I said no. I should be able to: I am a believer and I would have no compunction doing it, but since they do not have open communion, we didn't.

At the Baptists, my wife wore a head covering and took off her earrings.

C. Be open to where the Lord may put you.

I am mildly surprised where the Lord has put me. Having been in the 'extroverted' LC, where everything can be perceived as outward show, I have been in a charismatic church for 30 years. I am very skeptical--is it God or is it emotions?! No I don't speak in tounges and it has never been an issue. I feel it is a minor part of theology, like driving a blue car or a red car. Not anything to stop me from attending a church like denying the cross or the trinity.

D. Listen at the services to the pastor preach. Does it align with the word?
Attend a midweek service--listen to the prayers and how people seek the Lord.

P.S The LC does have clergy--they are called "Leading Brothers". They will guide the service if it goes off center! The word says we are all members of a body each with different functions. Paraphrase-- can the hand say to the toe 'I have no need of you?.... etc. So the LC does have leaders like the clergy.

With human beings, relating to God is like 5 blind men and an elephant. Is God like the tusk, skin, leg or trunk? We find a way to experience God and we think that is how everyone must do it. That is how denominations started.

E. Don't put God in a box--He won't fit. As long as there is nothing glaring wrong with the theology that bugs you be open. Like I said, I have been to Charismatic, Baptist, RC, Coptic, Orthodox, Evangelical, you name it--and experienced true Christians everywhere.

I want to end giving everyone the Aaronic blessing:
May the Lord bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace

[Sons to Glory!]

Very good post HBJ, and I like each of your points and supporting comments!

However, regarding God getting into a box - He will if that's where you are and He wants to be with you! (a brother recently told me this)