It bothers me greatly that Messy Christian who today reports she was Depressed in church. Again! is far from unusual among Christian bloggers. I understand entirely her frustrations with church- it very much isnt how it should be much of the time. I fully understand her comments "I believe in the concept of church, yet I desperately want to attend a church service where it doesn't feel as if I'm performing. I am also really tired of 'how to' sermons - how do you get God's blessing? How do you get your miracle? What can you do to hear God? What can you do to achieve your breakthrough? I would be very happy if we could have a series of sermons on books of the bible or on topics from the bible like: repentance, holiness, forgiveness ..."


My concern is when she says things like"Maybe I just have to abandon going to church altogether now. Somehow the thought of leaving the church institution altogether and be one of the unchurched is becoming more and more appealing to me. Surely my life does not need this angst"


This is of great concern. Frustration with the way church is, can lead us one of two ways. One, to find a church that is more suitable, and to help to make a difference. Two, to give up on church altogether.

It worries me that our blogging 'communities' and bible material online might make some more inclined to this way of life. I believe that a vibrant Christian life will usually not last several years outside of church. Thus, my prayer is for people to realise that frustration with how things are can be converted into vision for how things should be and a desire to join a group of people in aiming to acheive just that!

Can I publically urge Messy and Irene (who now know each other IRL!) to please consider finding a new church together? Failing that, to at least please begin to fellowship together in some kind of regular way- including others they may also know.