Didn't feel very welcome
@xxxmetalettexxx (101)
United States
December 21, 2008 9:53pm CST
Although we never 'practiced' my mom raised me to be Christian. We never attended church because my mom was raising 5 kids, going to school, and working full time.
After a while, I slipped, got incredibly depressed, and got a few body piercings. I moved in with my grandma, who took me to church for the first time in a long time. I was so shy, so I didn't say anything, but I would smile at everyone who would pass me by. I was looking for a step back up from the church, but no one greeted me! They would smile, hug my grandma, than their smile would fade as they passed me by. I even got some dirty looks from the elderly. I went to the bathroom and took my lip ring out, but the looks kept coming. It was really scary, I felt so awkward!
Although I'm a Christian, I don't go to church, because most of them are hypocritical.
Aren't you supposed to represent Jesus' love? Love everyone, no matter who they are or what they've done.
I finally found a small little church group that meets at each others house, it's more like a bible study, and there are no dirty looks, just love.
But does anyone else feel that the church can be very hypocritical? They really need to step up and show their love to everyone! By giving people dirty looks because they're not perfect only pushes them away!
2 people like this
8 responses
@dawon007 (184)
• India
23 Dec 08
I am sorry for you. Such things happen when you are new and when all the others haven't seen anybody like that before. But the important thing is that you should forgive them and if possible for their sake try to show up at the church with nothing that can distract others from god. Sometimes too much of piercings can make you stand out. But I don't find any reason for them to give dirty looks without explaining to you the reason behind that. We can forgive them by thinking that they are old and something that they don't like will invite their dirty looks. But don't judge anybody. If you do so you are doing the same sin as they did. Pray to god that they may be given an open mind.
@Arkie69 (2156)
• United States
23 Dec 08
The little church that meets at the homes of the members sounds like heaven to me. That is exactly the way Jesus set his church up. There's no need for any money to be involved. I would love to have one like that to go to in this area. Don't be concerned about the dirty looks. I get my share of them too but I have yet to get a dirty look from a true Christian. A true Christian won't look at you that way.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
22 Dec 08
I am so sorry that your grandmother's church didn't make you feel welcome. It is a shame that some churches don't know how to welcome new comers. Every church is full of hypocrites. Some are just better at hiding it. We are all hypocrites in that we don't all face our own sins or we think ours isn't as bad as that persons over there. The thing is that when new people come to church they have put the idea of Christians on a pedestal and then they get angry with them for falling off. Some churches have become social clubs and they have a hard time letting new people in. The church I belong to is very friendly. As soon as your noticed some one is there to shake your hand and ask your name and show you around. I wish you lived close enough for you to experience my church.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
22 Dec 08
if you think that all people in church are hypocritical, then you would be one more.
i think it depends on what church you go to. my church is pretty friendly to new comers just because we get so many! people dress in jeans and our church is pretty casual but we preach the salvation and love of God.
@zackyo7 (301)
• United States
22 Dec 08
Yes it is indeed unfortunate that some churches do that. And I completely agree with you because I do feel so sometimes and I don't even have any piercings or anything like that. The elders always look at me funny and this is exactly the same thing that causes people to leave. But they are just as human as I am and those that are looking at you are worse than you because they are judging you and are hypocrites. But they can't love you as God does. And you are not going to attain salvation by gaining their favor.It's good that you found a place were you belong as long as you are studying the truth. God Bless.
@Polly289 (269)
• New Zealand
22 Dec 08
How sad that these so-called Christians behave so badly. To me, a true Christian or believer of God is someone who does things without judgement. It is good you found and alternative to going to that particular Church. I don't and never will go to Church. I believe God is everywhere and you don't need to go to a building to feel his love. In the end, they will come to realise how ignorant and petty they are.
The shame is that they were judging a 'book by it's cover'. I hope all is well with you.
God Bless and Have a Merry Christmas.
@ChristLikeFarmer (563)
• Philippines
22 Dec 08
Its not the church that gives dirty looks but the people who went there. Its nice to know you find a special and well commited people. Keep it up and rock on your world to god... 
@LuvBr0wn13s (765)
• United States
22 Dec 08
It is unfortunate that some churches really can be judgemental and very cold to newcomers. As christians it is up to each of us to let others around us experience a fraction of what Jesus is all about through us. This gets lost by our own issues and a lot of hurting people leave church without the touch from God that they so desperately need. I attend a church that I feel is pretty cool. they have services you can watch online on StremingFaith. the name of the Church is New Hope International, located in Warner Robins GA. WWW . newhope-intl . com If you get a chance you should check it out. My pastor is a big believer in the simple fact that saints really are sinners that just got back up when the backslid or got knocked down by life.
