Comments on: Suburban Spirituality: Church Before Family http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/ Thu, 10 May 2012 14:59:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Sam http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-9250 Sam Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:20:07 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-9250 I will be making a move to Dallas shortly with my family in tow. They have no choice, because it's where I could find work that will pay for their food, clothes, and put a roof over their heads and keep them safe from the elements. This is my priority, I've never questioned if I should put Jesus before my family. For me family is first, I am already living a good christian life. Sam I will be making a move to Dallas shortly with my family in tow. They have no choice, because it’s where I could find work that will pay for their food, clothes, and put a roof over their heads and keep them safe from the elements. This is my priority, I’ve never questioned if I should put Jesus before my family. For me family is first, I am already living a good christian life.

Sam

]]> By: Adam http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-9194 Adam Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:24:39 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-9194 Well said Sophia. It seems that most of the problems in this world stem from broken families. If it wasn't for broken families the church's mission budget would be a lot smaller. I think one objective of the church should be fostering loving families that worship God and that help to heal broken families. Well said Sophia. It seems that most of the problems in this world stem from broken families. If it wasn’t for broken families the church’s mission budget would be a lot smaller. I think one objective of the church should be fostering loving families that worship God and that help to heal broken families.

]]> By: Sister Sincere http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-8994 Sister Sincere Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:13:48 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-8994 I am a minister with a heart for evangelism, I as well as my family; regularly witness and serve in the community at every opportunity; as well as serve within the local church. My husband is also a minister, we've been married for a few years. I recently gave up membership from the church we've attended together for several years; because of unloving behaviors (inside the church) which put a strain on my personal ministry & family. My husband remained with that organization and told me that he was committed to the Pastor. I have gone along with that for about the past six months until he recently told me that a church meeting he was going to attend (after the regular morning worship) was more important to him than a "committment" he'd made to my daughter, who is a single parent. This offended me more than the comment he'd made after I'd decided I had to depart the church we'd attended together; my husband had told me "I feel that the pastor and some of the behaviors that go on aren't right, but I'm not taking sides." Although I love my husband, the sting of his recent comment - saying that the church "meeting" was more important than keeping his word to my daughter was quite deep. He says, and does a lot of things which are offensive to me, but I try and do the righteous thing - and let it go. This time, I didn't do that, I told my husband that he needed to go until he figures out what's really important to him. I strongly believe that salvation, a relationship with Jesus Christ, and being right with God should have precedence in every Christain's life...but when "family & people in need" takes back seat to churchy activities or meetings; then there truly has to be a LOVE deficiency, and a lack of gratitude toward God for the gift of family...ultimately the house is not in godly order. I am a minister with a heart for evangelism, I as well as my family; regularly witness and serve in the community at every opportunity; as well as serve within the local church. My husband is also a minister, we’ve been married for a few years. I recently gave up membership from the church we’ve attended together for several years; because of unloving behaviors (inside the church) which put a strain on my personal ministry & family. My husband remained with that organization and told me that he was committed to the Pastor. I have gone along with that for about the past six months until he recently told me that a church meeting he was going to attend (after the regular morning worship) was more important to him than a “committment” he’d made to my daughter, who is a single parent. This offended me more than the comment he’d made after I’d decided I had to depart the church we’d attended together; my husband had told me “I feel that the pastor and some of the behaviors that go on aren’t right, but I’m not taking sides.” Although I love my husband, the sting of his recent comment – saying that the church “meeting” was more important than keeping his word to my daughter was quite deep. He says, and does a lot of things which are offensive to me, but I try and do the righteous thing – and let it go. This time, I didn’t do that, I told my husband that he needed to go until he figures out what’s really important to him. I strongly believe that salvation, a relationship with Jesus Christ, and being right with God should have precedence in every Christain’s life…but when “family & people in need” takes back seat to churchy activities or meetings; then there truly has to be a LOVE deficiency, and a lack of gratitude toward God for the gift of family…ultimately the house is not in godly order.

]]> By: sophia http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-8609 sophia Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:53:01 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-8609 I disagree strongly. As more and more families break down, you want to add more pressure to this God given unit, as the world de values family and marriage you ask it to take a back seat also. What was Gods original design for family, it came first before he built his church, church is modelled from family, not the other way around. Look at the fruit it produces, putting church activities programs and ministries first, produces burnt out families. Why not build a strong christ centred family from which we have the platform to love and draw others into christ's family! Not drawing them into sitting in rows or pews. When we have a strong family unit we are free to be involved second in ministry. I disagree strongly. As more and more families break down, you want to add more pressure to this God given unit, as the world de values family and marriage you ask it to take a back seat also. What was Gods original design for family, it came first before he built his church, church is modelled from family, not the other way around. Look at the fruit it produces, putting church activities programs and ministries first, produces burnt out families. Why not build a strong christ centred family from which we have the platform to love and draw others into christ’s family! Not drawing them into sitting in rows or pews. When we have a strong family unit we are free to be involved second in ministry.

]]> By: Rhett Smith http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-8206 Rhett Smith Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:10:48 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-8206 Bob, I'm trying to remember that part in the book, but I believe he does. I appreciate your assessment on the topic, and I will definitely have to check out House Church and Mission by Roger Gehring as you have suggested. It's a fascinating topic for sure. I think Clapp does a great job of handling the topic though. Rhett .-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rhettsmith/~3/KRTDhP50GpU/" rel="nofollow">So You Have a Lot of “Friends” Online…Now What?</a> =-. Bob,

I’m trying to remember that part in the book, but I believe he does.

I appreciate your assessment on the topic, and I will definitely have to check out House Church and Mission by Roger Gehring as you have suggested. It’s a fascinating topic for sure.

I think Clapp does a great job of handling the topic though.

Rhett
.-= Rhett Smith´s last blog ..So You Have a Lot of “Friends” Online…Now What? =-.

]]> By: Bob Condly http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-8153 Bob Condly Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:50:44 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-8153 Does Clapp acknowledge anywhere in his book that for the early Christians, many (if not most) congregations were nearly synonymous with families? Churches which met in homes were necessarily small in size (anywhere from a few people upwards to 50 or more for some large homes) and the residents of each home would likely form the core or even the bulk of the assembly. Furthermore, many households throughout the Roman Empire contained more than what we refer to as the "nuclear family." They would also include relatives and servants. This is why passages in Ephesians 5-6 and Colossians 3-4 deal with parents, children, and servants. Paul was attempting to inform entire households about proper Christian attitudes and behaviors. Finally, the leadership requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3 strike me as being oriented around household relationships and responsibilities. This makes sense because in Paul's mind, the church is God's household (see verse 15). For a thorough scholarly study of house churches, I'd recommend House Church and Mission by Roger Gehring. I don't pretend that it's a fast read, but it's stuffed with good information about the role houses played in the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the building up of His church. Does Clapp acknowledge anywhere in his book that for the early Christians, many (if not most) congregations were nearly synonymous with families? Churches which met in homes were necessarily small in size (anywhere from a few people upwards to 50 or more for some large homes) and the residents of each home would likely form the core or even the bulk of the assembly.

Furthermore, many households throughout the Roman Empire contained more than what we refer to as the “nuclear family.” They would also include relatives and servants. This is why passages in Ephesians 5-6 and Colossians 3-4 deal with parents, children, and servants. Paul was attempting to inform entire households about proper Christian attitudes and behaviors.

Finally, the leadership requirements outlined in 1 Timothy 3 strike me as being oriented around household relationships and responsibilities. This makes sense because in Paul’s mind, the church is God’s household (see verse 15).

For a thorough scholarly study of house churches, I’d recommend House Church and Mission by Roger Gehring. I don’t pretend that it’s a fast read, but it’s stuffed with good information about the role houses played in the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the building up of His church.

]]> By: rhettsmith http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-7303 rhettsmith Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:24:04 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-7303 Steve, Well said...a lot of what Clapp is talking about is American evangelicalism and the worship of the family, over God. He is talking about the need to replace our priorities..not abandon our family of course. But not worship them either like much of the Western Church culture has done. Steve,

Well said…a lot of what Clapp is talking about is American evangelicalism and the worship of the family, over God. He is talking about the need to replace our priorities..not abandon our family of course. But not worship them either like much of the Western Church culture has done.

]]> By: rhettsmith http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-7302 rhettsmith Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:22:53 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-7302 Agree...Clapp is talking more about that. His words are probably more controversial than what he means. But reading the whole book helps. Agree…Clapp is talking more about that. His words are probably more controversial than what he means. But reading the whole book helps.

]]> By: rhettsmith http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-7301 rhettsmith Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:22:06 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-7301 Rodlie, I hear what you are saying. I'm a pastor too, and the son of a pastor. I think I probably didn't do Clapp justice. Clapp isn't suggesting that we abandon our families. But I think what he is suggesting is that in our culture we have made family first, prior to God. He doesn't suggest that it's okay for a pastor to be out all the time...never at home with the family, etc. I agree..nothing is more disgraceful to me than a pastor who sacrifices his family on the altar of his/her ministry. Rodlie,

I hear what you are saying. I'm a pastor too, and the son of a pastor. I think I probably didn't do Clapp justice. Clapp isn't suggesting that we abandon our families. But I think what he is suggesting is that in our culture we have made family first, prior to God. He doesn't suggest that it's okay for a pastor to be out all the time…never at home with the family, etc. I agree..nothing is more disgraceful to me than a pastor who sacrifices his family on the altar of his/her ministry.

]]> By: rhettsmith http://rhettsmith.com/2009/05/suburban-spirituality-church-before-family/comment-page-1/#comment-7300 rhettsmith Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:20:11 +0000 http://rhettsmith.com/?p=2385#comment-7300 Adam, No worries...great thoughts. I don't even know where to begin. And I love that you have two masters, but are a nanny, and enjoy what you are doing. Many people have masters and hate what they are doing. I've done all kinds of odd jobs with my masters degrees before I settled into some stuff. Adam,

No worries…great thoughts. I don't even know where to begin. And I love that you have two masters, but are a nanny, and enjoy what you are doing. Many people have masters and hate what they are doing. I've done all kinds of odd jobs with my masters degrees before I settled into some stuff.

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