Alternatives to Local Church Type of Gatherings and Essence?

Trapped · 04-11-2021, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwayscurious

Are there any other alternatives to the LC type of gatherings/essence? I'm basically asking if there's a similar type of meeting style, home meetings, YP meetings, conferences, just without all the "Witness Lee" and "LSM" and all that stuff.......

if there aren't... do any other non-denominational churches come close?

alwayscurious,

I can't recall - are you a church kid who has only known the LC, or did you come into the LC as an adult having had a previous Christian/denominational background beforehand?

Are you asking the question because you are trying to find a church?

Trapped

alwayscurious · 04-11-2021, 01:52 PM

I'm a church kid, born and raised so the LC is all I have known all my life. I'm in college now and having this past year in near solitude (LOL) due to COVID, I've had a lot of time to think about the past 19 years of my life. I'm still not sure if leaving completely is what the Lord wants me to do since my immediate family and nearly all of my social circle is with those in the LC. I asked my question on this thread to simply see if others have come across a similar alternate to the LC. So far all the replies have been very helpful! Thank you all.

Robert · 11-08-2021, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwayscurious

I'm a church kid, born and raised so the LC is all I have known all my life. I'm in college now and having this past year in near solitude (LOL) due to COVID, I've had a lot of time to think about the past 19 years of my life. I'm still not sure if leaving completely is what the Lord wants me to do since my immediate family and nearly all of my social circle is with those in the LC. I asked my question on this thread to simply see if others have come across a similar alternate to the LC. So far all the replies have been very helpful! Thank you all.

The best thing is that You are interested in what Lord wants You to do!
If ships are called by shepherd I do not know if they care what field they are leaving.
I am human I have heart and I miss many saints ( with some still have contact).
I was saved when I was 18. I was sinner hopeless and lost .
I would like to have my kids seeking like You. They are not in church life any more.
I was 2 years in denomination but it does not matter. The point is to know Jesus personally.

On one side is lost but on another is gain. Trust Lord Jesus and make a personal contract with Him. He is faithful and will lead You. Just tell Him everything in prayer.
In LC teaching is so complicated that You can be really confused.
Read Bible independently, be filled with His Word. Then You will get certain feeling.
Remember! Jesus is not some air to breathe in. Hi is Person. Make Him Your personal friend. Personal Savior. Personal Shepherd.
edit. Try to pray in Your room the way as You talk to any real person. Without breathe Ooooooh! Loooooord Jeeeeesus! Be natural. God knows hearts.
I do not say You don't do it but... I know LC practices so just wanted share.
Jesus called Himself our friend. I have never heard in LC this expression.

OBW · 11-09-2021, 09:49 AM

In my in-and-out manner here on the forum, I didn't see this thread before.

I'm not sure that the question "ask him where, or if, he wants you to meet somewhere with others" is a good start. I think that we should always intend to meet somewhere with others. I realize that the verse about not meeting " as the practice of some is" does not clearly state that we should meet. But how hard do you have to be trying to avoid others to arrive at that conclusion?

I believe that meeting is somewhat imperative. And in the 66+ years I have been alive, the most I have missed some kind of weekly church (in the years I can actually remember) was probably during the 14.5 years I was in the LC. Still wasn't much. But since it was touted as the "only place" and sometimes was barely palatable (mostly toward the end of that 14.5 years) it probably takes the position of most missed assembly in my history.

Arguably, almost any assembly will do. While I still have some problems with the RCC, much to the chagrin of Ohio, I cannot write them off as completely reprobate or even un-Christian. But no matter the flavor, find an assembly that centers on Christ, not pet doctrines or activities. I also suggest worship that focuses more on Christ than on me and what He has done for me. I have been wishing for weekly communion — not because of the LC, but because I have come to see it as a cornerstone of the worship of God — and for the past 22 months have had that. Very different from the AOG (Assemblies of God) and Bible churches I have been with for most of my non-LC life.

And avoid any ideas that certain denominations are "Christless" or "dead." Such generalizations are invalid. Some people in any group may be dead. But the worship of Christ is never dead. Don't feel obligated to follow in the ways of your family's past. Or to do what bothers you so much that you are too distracted. So at some level, familiarity may be better. And at the same time, change may also be better. No simple answer. Join in with the intent to worship. It may overcome everything else.

HERn · 11-09-2021, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwayscurious

I'm a church kid, born and raised so the LC is all I have known all my life. I'm in college now and having this past year in near solitude (LOL) due to COVID, I've had a lot of time to think about the past 19 years of my life. I'm still not sure if leaving completely is what the Lord wants me to do since my immediate family and nearly all of my social circle is with those in the LC. I asked my question on this thread to simply see if others have come across a similar alternate to the LC. So far all the replies have been very helpful! Thank you all.

“ I'm still not sure if leaving completely is what the Lord wants me to do…”

I’m sorry for the late response, but I think you should listen to your conscience. If your conscience allows you to leave, then you will be safer. If you’re not sure what your conscience will allow ask the Lord to give you wisdom and understanding.

James 1:5
Amplified Bible
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.

04-11-2021, 01:52 PM	#2
alwayscurious Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 27	Re: Alternatives to Local Church Type of Gatherings and Essence? I'm a church kid, born and raised so the LC is all I have known all my life. I'm in college now and having this past year in near solitude (LOL) due to COVID, I've had a lot of time to think about the past 19 years of my life. I'm still not sure if leaving completely is what the Lord wants me to do since my immediate family and nearly all of my social circle is with those in the LC. I asked my question on this thread to simply see if others have come across a similar alternate to the LC. So far all the replies have been very helpful! Thank you all.

11-09-2021, 09:49 AM	#4
OBW Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: DFW area Posts: 4,384	Re: Alternatives to Local Church Type of Gatherings and Essence? In my in-and-out manner here on the forum, I didn't see this thread before. I'm not sure that the question "ask him where, or if, he wants you to meet somewhere with others" is a good start. I think that we should always intend to meet somewhere with others. I realize that the verse about not meeting " as the practice of some is" does not clearly state that we should meet. But how hard do you have to be trying to avoid others to arrive at that conclusion? I believe that meeting is somewhat imperative. And in the 66+ years I have been alive, the most I have missed some kind of weekly church (in the years I can actually remember) was probably during the 14.5 years I was in the LC. Still wasn't much. But since it was touted as the "only place" and sometimes was barely palatable (mostly toward the end of that 14.5 years) it probably takes the position of most missed assembly in my history. Arguably, almost any assembly will do. While I still have some problems with the RCC, much to the chagrin of Ohio, I cannot write them off as completely reprobate or even un-Christian. But no matter the flavor, find an assembly that centers on Christ, not pet doctrines or activities. I also suggest worship that focuses more on Christ than on me and what He has done for me. I have been wishing for weekly communion — not because of the LC, but because I have come to see it as a cornerstone of the worship of God — and for the past 22 months have had that. Very different from the AOG (Assemblies of God) and Bible churches I have been with for most of my non-LC life. And avoid any ideas that certain denominations are "Christless" or "dead." Such generalizations are invalid. Some people in any group may be dead. But the worship of Christ is never dead. Don't feel obligated to follow in the ways of your family's past. Or to do what bothers you so much that you are too distracted. So at some level, familiarity may be better. And at the same time, change may also be better. No simple answer. Join in with the intent to worship. It may overcome everything else. __________________ Mike I think . . . . I think I am . . . . therefore I am, I think — Edge OR . . . . You may be right, I may be crazy — Joel