Advice About Pastor Please
By Mickie30
@Mickie30 (2626)
May 1, 2011 1:18pm CST
Hi O.K so here is what happened. This morning I went to Church and I wasn't feeling great. I was lying on the floor trying to have a quiet time with God before the Church service. My Pastor comes up to me and tells me to stop lying down. He said that it would create a bad impression on the guests and newcomers that were coming into the Church. This has really hurt me and I would like to know what other people think about this. Be honest even if I am in the wrong. I want to know from Christian people and none Christian people. Would it put you off coming into a Church if you saw someone lying down. Oh and my little girl who is 5 years old was lying next to me hugging me. Would you think, oh this is just someone who is a bit tired or oh how sweet a mother and daughter cuddling up together or perhaps this is someone having time with God? Or would you be put off going to the Church? Honest answers please.
10 responses
@SHEREE1978 (39)
• United States
1 May 11
Well I visit alot of different churches, and If I were to come in and see a person and their child lying on the floor near the alter I may wonder at first what they were doing if church service had not begun. It wouldn't deter me from visiting the church though. I think the Pastor is one of those that cares more about what "Man" thinks than what matters to God. Don't let him frustrate you.
@EricaBurns (117)
• United States
1 May 11
I would think you were spending quality time with God, and I know your pastor told you but I hope you dont get upset because of that if you would like a further understanding as to why you should discuss it with your pastor and ask him why. You were spending time with God and teaching your daughter to do the same that to me is beautiful. May God continue and bless you.
2 people like this
@Mickie30 (2626)
•
1 May 11
God bless you my friend. Your response is so wonderful. I feel like you are really connected. This is exactly as it was and why I feel so utterly hurt that my Pastor reprimanded me for this. He said that he had guests and newcomers in the Church today, but surely it is nice for them to see us getting close to God? Thanks my friend.
1 person likes this
@zralte (4178)
• India
1 May 11
Hi Mickie, I agree with the first responder.
If it was my first time, of course I would wonder what they are doing there if I see someone lying on the floor. It will not deter me to attend the church; in fact, it probably would bring me in. If someone thinks the Church is so great to have a connection with God, I would definitely like to experience that too. Not that I don't think churches are great, it is just reassuring to see someone who obviously felt close to God.
Like the first responder said, it looks to me like the 'Pastor' cared more about what 'Man' thinks rather than what God thinks. Most of the Pastors I know (believe me, I know lots of them), would encourage that and probably pray with them.
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@starrose_ara (784)
• Philippines
2 May 11
Some things are meant to be done in private even if you purpose is pure the action does not convey that since it is a public place. It is quite normal to react that way since you are but human and as you said you just want to have a quiet time with God. In church I kneel and pray, but I never lie down. Roman Catholics do that to embrace their cross but in a way that does not come across as something that comes across as sacrilegious. You did not place a clear picture of what you mean by the word lying down, position wise I mean. You can do that If you are at home.Since sometimes I do that but I lie prostrate within the privacy of my own bedroom when I want to cry my heart out to God.
1 person likes this
@Robswife2006 (1208)
• United States
1 May 11
No it wouldn't put me off going to one of my Bible meetings if I saw someone doing that, but I must say that it does look more then a little weird seeing someone lying on the floor in a church. I also think it's a little disrespectful to do something like that in the house of God. People go there to worship Him not so they can get some rest by laying on the floor. I'm honestly not trying to be mean but since you asked I am answering. If you didn't feel well then you should have stayed home in bed & rested up some so that way the next time you went to your church you would feel better & more refreshed.
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@Mickie30 (2626)
•
1 May 11
You are the only person who has answered this who does not get it. I mean you really do not get it. I was resting. I was resting in the Lord. As a mother of two small children I find it very difficult to get time with God before I go to Church. So I thought I'd take the time before the service to rest in the presence of the Lord. After all we are told to rest in God's presence. How can you say resting in God is disrespectful? After-all isn't that what we are going to be doing when we die? Only then we won't be told off by people who are supposed to care. People who are so called Christian's. I really am starting to lose my faith. Not in God. But, in man. Mind you I suppose that we should not put our faith in man, but in God alone. Thing is when that man is your pastor. It is supposed to be someone you trust and get along with.
1 person likes this
@altirbonganay (287)
• Philippines
2 May 11
Well, I think it really depends on the way you laid. I mean, let's admit it. Church really isn't a place where you could lie down whenever you feel like yo. Or whenever you get tired. The Bible says that there is a time for everything. And I guess, it isn't the time to lie down. There is also a place for everything. Doing things at the right place is the issue here. I think your pastor is truly concerned of how the newcomers would really look at it if they had seen you lying down. My point is, we are Christians. And I think it is clear to us that we are the reflection of Jesus. Don't take what your pastor said to you negatively, my friend. Remember that open rebuke is better than secret love. God bless!
@SViswan (12051)
• India
2 May 11
I'm not a Christian. But I have been to churches and sometimes like to go by myself.
If I walked into a church and someone lying on the floor, I would probably wonder why they were doing so. And as long as they weren't stopping me from going in myself...that would in no way stop me or think anything bad about the particular church.
I understand that it might be a problem if a church service was going on and someone was on the floor. But I really wouldn't be bothered (and don't think other people would be either)if it happened at any other time.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
3 Feb 13
Mickie I would be so worried as i would think you were ill so no do not lie on the floor like that as its really not decorous to God to act like that. A church is a sacred place and we should all be siting in o ur p ews as an assembly not groveling on the floor like a dog. Sit up and teach yo u child to sit in the pews. It will n t hurt to do likel the rest of the flock after all.yes it would put me off as to me people ying down means they are ill and need medical help. The pews are meant to be sat in. sorry thats just this person's opinion.
@marcmm (1804)
• Malaysia
2 May 11
Here my point of view.
Lying on the church floor is inappropriate. There was a place to sit where we can also have a quite time with God.
If we make a poll asking people what did they think about people lying on the church floor, I can tell not many will say that person lying down in order to have quite time with God. We can argue all day, but that is the truth.
Ask if they will leave the church, many will say no. But they will get distracted for sure.
1 person likes this
@sam3m1 (190)
• United States
2 May 11
i'm not sure how to respond since i don't know your church's customs. apparently you're pastor felt the behavior was a bit much. if i were entering the church, as a member, i would be concerned that something was wrong. as a new person, i would feel that what i saw was normal for that church and that the church was wrong for me.
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