Seeking treasure, even when it goes against what the "good church people" think is acceptable, and coming back up with hope resurrected, even after striking out
I always like to meet people who have gone through similar stuff. There is a level of understanding that just can't be matched by others, no matter how compassionate they try to be. I would love to hear about your journey if you would be willing to share--either here, or in a PM, or a link to where you've written on the topic. I'm so glad to have made your acquaintance, even in a digital forum.
Great post, Sherry. Thanks for your honesty and bold truth telling. We've been through some similar things, though here in Chicago there are less far-right folks putting up signs. We did leave our mega-church, though, for other reasons. Two pastors you'd probably align with: John Palovitz https://johnpavlovitz.com/ and Nadia Bolz-Weber https://nadiabolzweber.com/
Thank you, Keri. I have read both of those people and found value in their perspectives. They both veer a little too far off course for my conservative upbringing at times, but I do find their perspectives refreshing on many topics. Can I ask what drove you away from your church? And how have you recovered (IF you have) from whatever hurt was involved?
We were members at Willow Creek community church here in the Chicago suburbs for 30 years. You can google the details of the scandal involving our pastor Bill Hybels. They were not super conservative (we had women elders and pastors) and there was much to love. It was one of the first mega churches. But one of the things we realized was how much our church demanded of us time wise, and how the church's "commitment to excellence" led me, and probably others, into an unhealthy sort of pride. We are now at a very small church and enjoy it--but don't feel obligated to be over-involved, which is very freeing. I'd say we've recovered but we were never attacked personally. So--in some ways it was more a grieving process than healing from any hurts.
Hi Keri - but my daughter will start at Loyola Chicago in August. I want to let her determine her own faith journey while in college - but perhaps provide a little guidance along the way. May I ask what church you attend or would suggest in the Rogers Park neighborhood? We attend Mariners Church in Southern California, a junior Willow Creek, but I think she would be open to big or small, as long as people are authentic and transparent and the teaching intellectually rigorous. (Or is that MY desire for My dream church?! Gotta ponder that!)
Hi Elizabeth, Our church is in the suburbs, kind of far from Loyola and Rogers Park. Park Community is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood about 20 minutes from her. I would suggest--as a mom of kids now out of college, that you let her investigate churches. She might have different criteria. :)
We love you and yours, dear friend. I'll never forget the conversation we had when we were in Montana during the pandemic. Andy asked me "are we liberals now?" I'm happy to say that we're all what we've always been, whatever the world might call that, because we've by grace built our foundations on the Rock.
SO GOOD. Thank you for your writing and your heart!
Thank you for your support of us. 💜
So much of this mirrors our own journey the past four years. I'm so sorry you've gone through this.
I always like to meet people who have gone through similar stuff. There is a level of understanding that just can't be matched by others, no matter how compassionate they try to be. I would love to hear about your journey if you would be willing to share--either here, or in a PM, or a link to where you've written on the topic. I'm so glad to have made your acquaintance, even in a digital forum.
Great post, Sherry. Thanks for your honesty and bold truth telling. We've been through some similar things, though here in Chicago there are less far-right folks putting up signs. We did leave our mega-church, though, for other reasons. Two pastors you'd probably align with: John Palovitz https://johnpavlovitz.com/ and Nadia Bolz-Weber https://nadiabolzweber.com/
Thank you, Keri. I have read both of those people and found value in their perspectives. They both veer a little too far off course for my conservative upbringing at times, but I do find their perspectives refreshing on many topics. Can I ask what drove you away from your church? And how have you recovered (IF you have) from whatever hurt was involved?
We were members at Willow Creek community church here in the Chicago suburbs for 30 years. You can google the details of the scandal involving our pastor Bill Hybels. They were not super conservative (we had women elders and pastors) and there was much to love. It was one of the first mega churches. But one of the things we realized was how much our church demanded of us time wise, and how the church's "commitment to excellence" led me, and probably others, into an unhealthy sort of pride. We are now at a very small church and enjoy it--but don't feel obligated to be over-involved, which is very freeing. I'd say we've recovered but we were never attacked personally. So--in some ways it was more a grieving process than healing from any hurts.
The fact that loss--any loss--incurs valid grieving is so essential. Blessings on you as you heal, rest, and recover.
Hi Keri - but my daughter will start at Loyola Chicago in August. I want to let her determine her own faith journey while in college - but perhaps provide a little guidance along the way. May I ask what church you attend or would suggest in the Rogers Park neighborhood? We attend Mariners Church in Southern California, a junior Willow Creek, but I think she would be open to big or small, as long as people are authentic and transparent and the teaching intellectually rigorous. (Or is that MY desire for My dream church?! Gotta ponder that!)
Hi Elizabeth, Our church is in the suburbs, kind of far from Loyola and Rogers Park. Park Community is in the Lincoln Park neighborhood about 20 minutes from her. I would suggest--as a mom of kids now out of college, that you let her investigate churches. She might have different criteria. :)
We love you and yours, dear friend. I'll never forget the conversation we had when we were in Montana during the pandemic. Andy asked me "are we liberals now?" I'm happy to say that we're all what we've always been, whatever the world might call that, because we've by grace built our foundations on the Rock.