pete
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by pete on Aug 2, 2006 16:24:40 GMT -5
One of the things I really value about our fellowship is the intimacy of the Sunday morning meetings. I think I would really miss it if I left and went to a "big box" church.
On the other hand, one aspect of the 2X2 fellowship that drives me nuts is the insinutation/expectation that we MUST attend all gospel meetings within a 50 mile radius lest our salvation be suspect. That would be OK if it weren't for the fact that some workers are so blasted boring!! You know the type: they speak with absolutely no enthusiasm, they speak in monotone, they mimic their older companions' speaking patterns, etc. I often get depressed on Sunday afternoons when I think about having to go to the g. meeting. I don't feel inspired there, I feel bored, and I'd just as soon stay home with the kids and enjoy some quality family time. My wife kinda agrees but feels we need to be their for the sake of our kids' souls.
To me it's like, "Hey workers, you're sharing the Good News! Why aren't you joyful, spirited, engaged?! Why is everyone nodding off in your meetings?!"
Although I've felt this way around sister workers more than brothers, there are plenty of boring guys too.
Can any of you relate, or am I just a hard-hearted reprobate? Some people exclaim after every meeting how wonderful it was, and I'm wondering what I'm missing?? I try to go with a quiet heart and expectant attitude but my hopes have been dashed so many times that I pretty much just go out of duty (reluctantly) now. What's a guy to do?
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Post by To Pete on Aug 2, 2006 16:49:59 GMT -5
Pete, This thread could get real interesting. You've just taken one of the sacred cows of the 2x2s raised it up like a pinata.
Part of the problem is that the workers have no good news to bring to the world. They are not bringing the good news of salvation to the world. They are trying to bring revelation of their system to the world. The proof? Ask yourself why someone would need to go to weeks and months of meetings to receive the salvation of Christ? What do workers look for before testing a meeting - a readiness to serve Christ? NO!!! An understanding that "truth" is God's only true way! And they are God's only true servants. That, my friend is the heart of why gospel meetings are so boring - it takes a long time to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
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RH
New Member
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Post by RH on Aug 2, 2006 17:08:18 GMT -5
Pete
my thoughts on the matter
I feel your pain. I love sunday morning meetings but I have to drag myself to certain Gospel meetings. I would drive 100 miles to go to some and others it feels like a chore just to go around the block. Sorry I can't remember the other posters name who responded but he/she did hit it on the head. Workers who preach about Jesus and only Jesus are a joy to listen to and I personally am inspired to go to every meeting they hold. Preaching about meetings and the truth can get a bit bothersome because it is missing the boat. The gospel story is the good news of heaven and that good news is Jesus. My soul thirsts for that. What more could we ever really need. For your childrens sake that is what is important. The story of Jesus and Jesus only.
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juju
Senior Member
Posts: 263
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Post by juju on Aug 2, 2006 18:20:16 GMT -5
Pete, I hear you and feel your pain!!!!! I am no longer in "the way"...but when I was I felt what you are feeling. The effort it took to get myself up from my sunday afternoon nap, get all my kids re-cleaned up, drag my groaning hubby off the couch....etc etc..... JUST WASN"T WORTH IT. We had way better family time when we just hung out at home.
Ask your wife if she really believes her childrens salvation hangs on attending Gospel Meetings? Maybe you could compromise.....and go every 2nd week...or let her and alternating kids go....just a thought.....
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lizzy
Senior Member
Posts: 530
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Post by lizzy on Aug 2, 2006 19:11:03 GMT -5
Once again, any church has good speakers and boring speakers. We have one worker that the kids love because he preaches on history, civil war etc to get his point across. I don't enjoy those meetings and love the ones where Jesus is preached. If I want to learn about my state's history or the civil war I can go online and get it!
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Post by seekingtruth on Aug 2, 2006 20:17:11 GMT -5
And then there are the ones who tell you what they're going to speak about, speak about it and then tell you what they spoke about in a recap...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Post by Sylvestra on Aug 2, 2006 20:51:28 GMT -5
And then there are the ones who tell you what they're going to speak about, speak about it and then tell you what they spoke about in a recap...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Isn't that the proper form for public speaking?!! Then there are the workers who preach the same things year after year after year. Eldon T. (which we had in our field year after year after year!) spoke the same things every year with nothing new and fresh to offer. Once he opened his speech, you knew after the third sentence exactly what he was going to say. I'll have to say I knew exactly how many square tiles on the ceiling and how many lights there were LOL! I used to love to listen to Sydney Holt and Dick Middleton! E
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Post by a believer on Aug 3, 2006 0:00:16 GMT -5
The intimacy of Sunday morning meetings can be found in most churches that have mid week home groups. In fact I found far more intimacy in home groups outside of meetings than I did in meeting. In meeting it was is formal that I did not really feel the intimacy, that our church outside of meeting had which is more informal and the closeness is better as our Christian faith is on a more personal level than in meetings. We share, pray for one another etc. which did not happen in meeting. I feel far closer, more relaxed, more open adn can be myself etc in church outside of meeting although I was born and raised in them.
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Post by bluejay on Aug 3, 2006 9:24:26 GMT -5
I agree with 'a believer'. I've also found there is a much deeper level of intimacy in a small group, or "care group" as they're also referred to.
As I recall, fellowship meetings did have a comfortable, family "get together" type of feeling. The difference I've noticed is that the fellowship mtg. follows a strict format, which doesn't really allow for "real time" Christian fellowship. Possibly after the meeting people will become personal with each other, and extend direct comfort to a hurting person, or rejoice over a big moment in anothers' life.
In the care group I attend, the group as a whole ... as part of the time together ....... will offer specific prayers of thanksgiving or specific prayers for comfort & help during the allotted time. Not only does everyone have a chance to share their spiritual thoughts & prayers, but everyone is encouraged to share God's work in their life during the week. I like that, as it gives the opportunity for each of us to share in the victories & sorrows of our fellow Christians. It shows what walking with Christ means on a day by day basis.
As for boring Gospel meetings ...... well ...... it took me a while to become comfortable with the much more vocal style of worship service I now attend. I think the key word is worship. Worship & praise can be offered quietly, but it can also be given to God in joy!! The songs we sing now at times are ones of reflection, but often they are full of the joy and praise that goes hand in hand with the peace of knowing salvation. The message itself may be given by one of several pastors, or even a guest speaker. That also is something I appreciate. As I head to worship each Sunday morning I never know who'll be speaking. That I believe allows for each service to remain fresh, and keeps any feelings of boredom or complacency away.
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Post by Dreaded meetings on Aug 3, 2006 10:22:23 GMT -5
Growing up going to meetings I used to count to 60, 60 times just to get through that hour. Later I spent a brief (not brief enough) time in the work and actually did the same thing. Looking back I can't believe I put up with it all as long as I did!
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Post by GuestS on Aug 3, 2006 15:47:46 GMT -5
One of the things I really value about our fellowship is the intimacy of the Sunday morning meetings. I think I would really miss it if I left and went to a "big box" church. On the other hand, one aspect of the 2X2 fellowship that drives me nuts is the insinutation/expectation that we MUST attend all gospel meetings within a 50 mile radius lest our salvation be suspect. That would be OK if it weren't for the fact that some workers are so blasted boring!! You know the type: they speak with absolutely no enthusiasm, they speak in monotone, they mimic their older companions' speaking patterns, etc. I often get depressed on Sunday afternoons when I think about having to go to the g. meeting. I don't feel inspired there, I feel bored, and I'd just as soon stay home with the kids and enjoy some quality family time. My wife kinda agrees but feels we need to be their for the sake of our kids' souls. To me it's like, "Hey workers, you're sharing the Good News! Why aren't you joyful, spirited, engaged?! Why is everyone nodding off in your meetings?!" Although I've felt this way around sister workers more than brothers, there are plenty of boring guys too. Can any of you relate, or am I just a hard-hearted reprobate? Some people exclaim after every meeting how wonderful it was, and I'm wondering what I'm missing?? I try to go with a quiet heart and expectant attitude but my hopes have been dashed so many times that I pretty much just go out of duty (reluctantly) now. What's a guy to do? Amen.....I never sat thru anything SO boring in all my life!!!! And that goes for convention as well. People are not edified and God is not glorified. I think those people who say HOW WONDERFUL it is are delusional. They are trying to convince themselves less God strike them dead for thinking otherwise. (their opinion of course) What a pitiful waste of time when God desires SO MUCH MORE for us in "church." In His presence is fullness of JOY!
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eurp
Senior Member
Posts: 290
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Post by eurp on Aug 4, 2006 1:37:53 GMT -5
The best gospel meetings I've been to are the ones where they invite one of the audience to speak, and they sit and listen for a change.
That always makes for interesting listening.
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Post by Roy on Aug 4, 2006 7:26:42 GMT -5
This thread has let me down. "Boring gospel meetings." Here it is August and Boring Convention will be starting the end of the month. They will have 3 gospel meetings on Sunday evening before conventions starts. I thought this would give the dates of the meetings. What a let down. I'm sure there will be some good "nuggets" at those meetings to chew on and set everyone in the spirit for Boring I and Boring II conventions.
Lets get this board out of the negative pit and start jumping and dancing in the joy of the Lord!
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Post by spiderman on Aug 4, 2006 8:27:16 GMT -5
This thread has let me down. "Boring gospel meetings." Here it is August and Boring Convention will be starting the end of the month. They will have 3 gospel meetings on Sunday evening before conventions starts. I thought this would give the dates of the meetings. What a let down. I'm sure there will be some good "nuggets" at those meetings to chew on and set everyone in the spirit for Boring I and Boring II conventions. Lets get this board out of the negative pit and start jumping and dancing in the joy of the Lord! Hello Roy, I don't like all the negative energy either but sometimes it's cleansing to hear people being honest. I'd have to agree with some of what's been said here. There seems to be some kind of virtue attached to how long you can sit on your bottom before it goes numb. If you REALLY want to get out of the pit, go to www.insight.org, and listen to Chuck Swindoll. In particular listen to August 1st and 2nd. They are real eye openers. Good luck Roy.
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Post by To stargazer on Aug 4, 2006 10:26:10 GMT -5
Wonder why the want for inspiration and entertainment finds a way into these threads to jump on what may be a very difficult effort for the worker speaking. I don't disagree that some meetings get a bit tough to sit through, but some of the phrasing here nauseates me.
First of all I sense a jab via your statement "want for inspiration and entertainment". I think that is an unfair and broad-stroked assumption of people's motives. I have the same desires today that I had as a 2x2 - to worship God and to be fed in my soul. The fact people come to the point that they don't find that in "gospel meetings" and express the drudgery of enduring them is a reality that is no doubt difficult to accept. I'm sure it is nauseating. Many 2x2ers consider attending gospel meetings to be "gathering in heavenly places". I'm relatively certain that there is much more joy present in the real "heavenly places". I agree with others that the real reason that gospel meetings become a bore is that the workers preach a false gospel and whether attendees realize it or not, it doesn't satisfy the soul. This is what creates "difficulty for the speaker". If you have the true gospel of salvation to talk about, it's a different story. Just click on the link that Spiderman posted and listen to Chuck Swindoll, if you want to hear the real deal.
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Post by Seabisquit on Aug 4, 2006 13:24:15 GMT -5
I was B&R 2X2 and endured the meetings and conventions for years.
My husband and I got to the point where we didn't want to go to the gospel meetings either. We had "legitimate" excuses for a while, ie. gas was too expensive to drive 100 miles round trip, it was WAY TOO HOT to take the kids that far and have to get in and out of a hot car.
Eventually, we realized we didn't HAVE to make excuses. We just didn't want to go so we didn't. I always enjoyed the fellowship after the meeting but it was so limited that it wasn't worth the drive!!
We both got to the point that we didn't enjoy the boring convention meetings either!! We would go to convention just so we could visit with people in between the meetings. (Oh, and the GREAT FOOD, cooked by someone else!!!) It was nice when the kids were little 'cause we could use them as an excuse to spend meeting in the baby house or out walking around!!
We finally just quit going!!
We have had wonderful fellowship in individual group studies or just having people over to our home!! And unlike when we went to meetings, we actually have spiritual conversations with these people!
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Post by GuestS on Aug 4, 2006 13:34:05 GMT -5
Same ol' "bread" and stew every year. No wonder the "friends" are starving. So sad the main ingredient is missing.....Jesus!
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Post by firstborn on Aug 4, 2006 13:36:35 GMT -5
One Sunday the pastor in the church I currently attend brought in a rams horn that would be like the one that David used, and actually blew it in church, Now, could you imagine the workers doing that? Also as he was preaching on the burial of Jesus he had a picture on the overhead of what the stone would have looked like covering Jesus grave. It looked nothing like I had imagined growing up in the 2x2s. Yes, most pastors are educated[gasp!] in Jewish history and customs, which goes a long way as I have found out, in explaining things.
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Post by Roy on Aug 4, 2006 20:35:31 GMT -5
I still believe that everyone reading this should come to the REAL Boring Convention. It's in Oregon, just a short distance from Portland towards Mt Hood. Then you can come back and really discuss Boring gospel meetings with some real authority! Oregon is blessed to have the only TRUE Boring Convention. Why, is you are disabled and can't make it to convention, they even have a dial in number so you can listen to the speaker on you telephone. I'm not sure if they have added video conferencing yet. If they haven't I would expect it will be coming.
Any takers?
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Post by mrleo on Aug 4, 2006 20:52:02 GMT -5
Sometimes, I think what we get out of something is equal to what we bring to it. I remember gospel meetings in which I was not engaged in what was being spoken about, and my mind drifting off...but I also remember ones in which I avidly listened the entire time. Some workers are gifted speakers and some are not. Such is life. I loved convention. I loved the community feeling both in and out of meetings, I loved the singing, I loved the opportunity to be with my friends for four days and having fun in the bunks--including playing Dungeons & Dragons in between meetings (lol!), and I loved the literal family reunion aspect of it. The only thing I didn't like was the expectation of having to give my testimony in front of a huge crowd and, at a certain point, the expectation by my peers to find a girl to write to.
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Post by snore on Aug 4, 2006 20:54:51 GMT -5
Roy, i spose ya'll out west can lay claim to the REAL Boring convention, but I'd wager that a few east coast conventions could challenge Boring for the title... snore
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Post by seekingtruth on Aug 5, 2006 12:17:38 GMT -5
You've got me giggling...I've been to Boring convention in Oregon numerous times for both I and II . It was nice of you to invite folks. I'm with Roy, the name is appropriate.
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Post by bluejay on Aug 5, 2006 15:38:44 GMT -5
One Sunday the pastor in the church I currently attend brought in a rams horn that would be like the one that David used, and actually blew it in church, Now, could you imagine the workers doing that? Also as he was preaching on the burial of Jesus he had a picture on the overhead of what the stone would have looked like covering Jesus grave. It looked nothing like I had imagined growing up in the 2x2s. Yes, most pastors are educated[gasp!] in Jewish history and customs, which goes a long way as I have found out, in explaining things. I agree 100% with your post firstborn. I too have enjoyed the creative & fresh ways some pastors deliver a message. I'm sure there are workers who could be equally engaging in meetings, but the restrictive meeting format stifles them. It's a shame.
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Post by Kathy Braun on Aug 5, 2006 15:45:23 GMT -5
I cant say I was always entertained in Gospel Meetings, but then again neither have I been in other types of meetings and seminars either.
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Post by Brad Lewis on Aug 5, 2006 23:17:52 GMT -5
The meetings are not just boring to me. They make me sick. I remember talking to Dave Nealon and telling him how awful it made me feel to see him up there telling others about Christ and abusing and speaking against and slandering people who were Christians. He said that if I didn't like it that I shouldn't attend meetings. I don't attend any of the "workers" meetings anymore. Their hypocrisy and evil beliefs make me spiritually sick. I remember seeing one of the workers, Dave Nealon, who was especially slanderous and abusive in his language of Christians at Boring Convention. I quickly left and threw up on the way home. No joke. I hope people who love the meetings really get into it and ask more questions to find out what these people really believe. Then read your Bible and try the spirits to see if they are of God. After I did that and left the group, I learned the real gospel and now I understand what joy Christians were talking about. I had no idea before, but was afraid to admit before that I was sad because I was told there was nothing better and other Christians were "false". This is my experience with these meetings. I prefer fellowship with real friends who love Christ and have found them better than any meetings or visits I've had when I was with that cult. I was born and raised in the 2x2 way and have spent 33 years in it. 1.5 yrs in work. Glad I left and found Christ. Love ya all. Brad
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Post by Roy on Aug 6, 2006 8:22:07 GMT -5
The messages on this thread have been that the messages given at gospel meetings were boring. What messages would make the gospel meetings not boring? Have you ever been to any other church where all their messages were boring? Where any of their messages were boring? Is boring a "mind set"?
My interests are in the "Life Application" teachings of Jesus Christ.
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Post by seekingtruth on Aug 6, 2006 10:08:33 GMT -5
Have you ever noticed that joy is contagious? Hmmmm.........maybe that's what's lacking. One would think that people who know Jesus would be experiencing "my cup runneth over". How do you contain that? What surpasses that happiness?
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Post by mrleo on Aug 6, 2006 12:23:36 GMT -5
Joy can be contagious, but only if you're not inoculated against it. Some people are naturally more vulnerable to joy than others; some are completely defenseless; but some have a very low tolerance for it and can only experience it in limited doses.
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