Hi there, I am really struggling right now with some

[Shells77]

Hi there,
I am really struggling right now with some stuff that has been going on at my church. I feel that it is somewhat of a boys club there. They seem to protect unsafe people. For example, my friend had to leave a destructive and adulterous marriage to a narcissist. When she was explaining this to one of the pastors, he denied that her husband was a narcissist and basically said she should try harder to mend the marriage. He completely negated her feelings. An elder also said that she wouldn't be blessed unless she tried again. She was afraid for her safety and she had every right to divorce him. Now they seem to be protecting her ex-husband and pitying him.
Now I have just had some issues with a fellow that was interested in me and wouldn't take no for an answer. After a series of events and very manipulative behavior on his part, I told him I never wanted to speak to him again. The Elder that I spoke of above said that we should try to mend things, even though I am afraid of this person. He told me it was the Matthew 18 principle. Well, being the agreeable and people-pleasing person that I am, I agreed to try and mend things with this unsafe person. It completely blew up in everyone's face and now I have had to call the police. The Elder asked him to go to a different church "for a while" and that he was behaving poorly. I believe that the church leadership should be more stern with him. The bottom line is that I don't believe that my church is emotionally healthy. I have a diagnosis of complex PTSD from an abusive marriage and an abusive upbringing. This is completely triggering me and making me feel sick to my stomach. I am heavily involved at my church and that's why this is so hard. I have tried to explain all of this to the one Elder, but he took it the wrong way and thought I was angry at him. It's such a mess and I don't feel safe anymore at my own church. Please pray? Thank you
Shelly

 

[Anonymous]

There is more than one church that would be a good fit for you. Some churches can be very patriarchal and unsafe for women; that might be the case with your current church.

Why not visit other churches for a while? Leave your membership in place, but just visit other congregations. You might get a different perspective on your church and your path forward.

Be blessed.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in the name of Jesus answer your prayer request according to His perfect love, will, wisdom, timing, grace, and mercy. Amen.  

  

Lets Pray: God I ask You in Jesus' name bless me with the desires of my heart that is the will of God for my life according to Your perfect love, wisdom, timing, grace, and mercy.  Bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and cause my soul to prosper in the Word and ways of God.  Bless me to come to know You better, love You more, draw closer to You, and walk in the integrity of Christ Jesus.  Bless me to always remember to acknowledge You first in all my ways and allow You to direct my footsteps. God give Your angels charge over me to protect and keep me safe from all evil, hurt, harm, danger and the plans of the enemy of my soul.  Place a hedge of protection and a wall of fire all around me. Let no weapon formed against me ever prosper.  God let nothing get close to me that is not close to You. God teach me the importance of having and bless me to develop "A Daily One on One" time alone with You (in prayer, seeking Your face, meditating upon Your Word, giving You thanksgiving, praise, and worship).  God all that I have asked of You in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of this prayer, all those I love, and care about.  God forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.

(Prayer Written By Encourager Linda Flagg, M.A., B.S., BCPCLC)

https://be-an-encourager.blogspot.com/2017/08/may-godin-name-of-jesus-christ-honor.html

 

[WingsofaDove]

I agree with the above. Visit other churches. God will not mind. I could not deal with that either. I forgive, pray for them, and move on. 

 

[Saraha]

Yes I also agree with those who wrote above. I would visit other churches until you find one you are comfortable with.  I am praying for you. In Jesus Name I Pray Amen

 

[Mary247]

I prayed for this. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Anonymous]

Although you have a history with this church , you need to LEAVE and not look back , there are two sides to every story and this church seems to be very unhealthy in twisting the bible as to win their argument . Remember that the Lord is NOT the author of confusion . 

 

[K.m Binil kumar]

I prayed for this. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[MightyOak99]

I’m sorry to learn about the difficulties you’re facing in your church. I realize you’re hurting and frustrated about the circumstances you described – I get you, Shelly. If you’re in the US and you need a listening ear, I believe if you call this number 855-382-5433 you may find the help you desire. Know that I’ll be praying for you, asking the Lord to reveal His loving presence to you in a special and powerful way, filling you with his peace and strength in the days ahead. May God be your source of wisdom as you look to Him for guidance.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf. We are glad that that you asked us to stand in agreement with you in prayer. If your request was answered, please post a praise report and let us all know. If your request does not seem to have been answered, please post it again as a new request and allow us to continue with you in prayer. We all hope that our prayers are answered in the way that we want. Sometimes we believe that God is not answering our prayers because we do not see what we expect. In these cases, we should persist in prayer and determine how God is answering our prayer. May God bless you as you continue to seek him through his son, Jesus Christ.