Please pray that I will be able to continue to socialize normally at the church I have been attending with my mother for the past year until God leads us to another church as I have decided to leave it but still attend church as long as I can in order to be obedient to Christ's command to fellowship. I can no longer take the negative way the pastor at this church has treated me during the year we've been attending here. We only recently joined but I had many doubts about joining but didn't know how to back out of joining. Now I really believe joining was a mistake. The more I have reflected on the way this pastor has treated me (he doesn't treat my mother badly at all), the more angry I am becoming. There is so much of his behavior that I just ignored and pushed aside. I don't know how I will be able to interact with him normally once I go back. Anyway, I had started just avoiding him altogether unless absolutely necessary because of how poorly he treats me. I did not attend last Sunday as I was sick and this coming Sunday I will probably also not attend due to illness. So I probably won't be back at church for a while. There are other things apart from the pastor that cause me to question whether this is the right church for us including some of our interactions with certain members.
Church
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We understand your struggle and the pain you’re carrying from the way this pastor has treated you. It is right to desire fellowship with believers, as Scripture commands us to not forsake gathering together, but it is also important to recognize when a church environment is unhealthy or even harmful. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* However, this does not mean we are to endure mistreatment or remain in a place where spiritual leadership fails to reflect Christ’s love and humility.
Your anger is understandable, but we must be careful that it does not take root and lead to bitterness. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns, *"Be angry, and don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, neither give place to the devil."* It is clear that the pastor’s behavior has wounded you deeply, and while avoidance may feel like the only solution, it is not a long-term answer. If possible, we encourage you to address this with him in a spirit of gentleness, as Matthew 18:15 instructs: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother."* If he is unwilling to listen or repent, then it may be time to prayerfully seek another church body where you and your mother can grow in faith without such obstacles.
That said, we also recognize that you are in a difficult position, especially since your mother is still attending. Pray for wisdom in how to navigate this season, asking God to guide both of you to a church where the leadership reflects the heart of Christ. First Peter 5:2-3 describes the kind of shepherding we should expect: *"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lords over God’s heritage, but as examples to the flock."* If this pastor is not fulfilling this role, then it is not wrong to seek a healthier spiritual home.
We also note that you did not mention the name of Jesus in your request. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we are saved. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. He alone can heal your wounds, guide your steps, and lead you to the right church family. If you have already trusted in Him, then we encourage you to lean on Him fully in this season, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, asking that You would bring healing to the wounds caused by this pastor’s treatment. Lord, You see the pain and frustration, and we ask that You would replace anger with peace and bitterness with forgiveness. Grant wisdom in how to address this situation, whether through conversation or by seeking a new church home. Guide both our brother/sister and their mother to a body of believers where they can thrive spiritually, where the leadership reflects Your love and humility, and where they can grow in faith together.
We pray for protection over their hearts and minds, that they would not be discouraged from fellowship but instead find a place where they are nurtured and built up in Christ. If there is any unresolved sin or unforgiveness, we ask that You would convict and soften their heart, reminding them that vengeance belongs to You (Romans 12:19). Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may respond in a way that honors You, whether in confrontation or in departure.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would make it clear when and where You are leading them next. Open doors that no man can shut and close those that are not of You. May they find a church where Your Word is preached boldly, where love abounds, and where they can serve You faithfully. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Psalm 37:4-5 says, *"Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this."* Trust that God will lead you to the right place in His perfect timing. If you feel led, you might also consider speaking with a trusted, mature believer outside of this church for additional counsel and support. Stay rooted in Christ, and do not let this experience deter you from the joy of fellowship with His body.
Your anger is understandable, but we must be careful that it does not take root and lead to bitterness. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns, *"Be angry, and don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, neither give place to the devil."* It is clear that the pastor’s behavior has wounded you deeply, and while avoidance may feel like the only solution, it is not a long-term answer. If possible, we encourage you to address this with him in a spirit of gentleness, as Matthew 18:15 instructs: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother."* If he is unwilling to listen or repent, then it may be time to prayerfully seek another church body where you and your mother can grow in faith without such obstacles.
That said, we also recognize that you are in a difficult position, especially since your mother is still attending. Pray for wisdom in how to navigate this season, asking God to guide both of you to a church where the leadership reflects the heart of Christ. First Peter 5:2-3 describes the kind of shepherding we should expect: *"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lords over God’s heritage, but as examples to the flock."* If this pastor is not fulfilling this role, then it is not wrong to seek a healthier spiritual home.
We also note that you did not mention the name of Jesus in your request. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we are saved. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. He alone can heal your wounds, guide your steps, and lead you to the right church family. If you have already trusted in Him, then we encourage you to lean on Him fully in this season, casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, asking that You would bring healing to the wounds caused by this pastor’s treatment. Lord, You see the pain and frustration, and we ask that You would replace anger with peace and bitterness with forgiveness. Grant wisdom in how to address this situation, whether through conversation or by seeking a new church home. Guide both our brother/sister and their mother to a body of believers where they can thrive spiritually, where the leadership reflects Your love and humility, and where they can grow in faith together.
We pray for protection over their hearts and minds, that they would not be discouraged from fellowship but instead find a place where they are nurtured and built up in Christ. If there is any unresolved sin or unforgiveness, we ask that You would convict and soften their heart, reminding them that vengeance belongs to You (Romans 12:19). Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may respond in a way that honors You, whether in confrontation or in departure.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would make it clear when and where You are leading them next. Open doors that no man can shut and close those that are not of You. May they find a church where Your Word is preached boldly, where love abounds, and where they can serve You faithfully. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Psalm 37:4-5 says, *"Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this."* Trust that God will lead you to the right place in His perfect timing. If you feel led, you might also consider speaking with a trusted, mature believer outside of this church for additional counsel and support. Stay rooted in Christ, and do not let this experience deter you from the joy of fellowship with His body.
We're right there with you, friend. It's tough feeling unwelcome in a place that's supposed to be a spiritual home. We understand why you're feeling angry and hurt. It's like eating a meal that's been spit in - no one wants that, and it's okay to feel disgusted.
But remember, bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It's not worth it. We need to keep our hearts soft and open to God's leading. Maybe this is a nudge from Him to move on, to find a place where you can grow and serve without these obstacles.
Let's pray together, shall we?
"Dear Jesus, we come to You with our ###'s heart. Lord, You see her pain, her frustration. Help her to let go of the anger, to replace it with Your peace and love. Give her wisdom, Lord. Show her the way forward, whether it's talking to the pastor or finding a new church home. Guide her and her mother, Lord. Help them find a place where they can grow together, where the leadership reflects Your heart.
Protect their hearts, Lord. Keep them from discouragement. If there's any unforgiveness, any sin, convict them, soften their hearts. Fill them with Your Spirit, Lord. Help them to respond in a way that honors You.
Open doors, Lord. Close the ones that aren't of You. Lead them to a church where Your Word is preached, where love abounds, where they can serve You faithfully.
We trust You, Lord. We know You're working all things together for their good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
But remember, bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It's not worth it. We need to keep our hearts soft and open to God's leading. Maybe this is a nudge from Him to move on, to find a place where you can grow and serve without these obstacles.
Let's pray together, shall we?
"Dear Jesus, we come to You with our ###'s heart. Lord, You see her pain, her frustration. Help her to let go of the anger, to replace it with Your peace and love. Give her wisdom, Lord. Show her the way forward, whether it's talking to the pastor or finding a new church home. Guide her and her mother, Lord. Help them find a place where they can grow together, where the leadership reflects Your heart.
Protect their hearts, Lord. Keep them from discouragement. If there's any unforgiveness, any sin, convict them, soften their hearts. Fill them with Your Spirit, Lord. Help them to respond in a way that honors You.
Open doors, Lord. Close the ones that aren't of You. Lead them to a church where Your Word is preached, where love abounds, where they can serve You faithfully.
We trust You, Lord. We know You're working all things together for their good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
JesusourLordandSavior
Beloved of All
Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with another day, and for all you do for all of us. All glory and honor belongs to you Father. Please Heavenly Father guide and protect this requestor. Please soften hearts and bring about peace in this relationship. I lift this prayer up on your glory Father God and ask that you grant your perfect will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
The Encourager
The Encourager
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Similar Requests
Please pray that all my enemies would be totally defeated, exposed and removed from my life. Please also pray for me that God will lead me to a new church as I now believe I need to leave the church I recently joined due to the pastor disliking me a lot. I knew before I joined the church that...
Please pray for me about the church my mother and I recently joined as the pastor of the church does not seem to like me at all. My mother and I attended this church for a year before joining and I have had plenty of time to be certain of this. He's done everything to me from insulting me in his...
Please pray about myself and my mother formally joining the church that we have been attending for the past year this coming Sunday. Please pray that everything would go well. Now, bad weather seems to be approaching our area. Please pray that it would turn around and especially not hinder us...
