I knew this religion was about God and Jesus, but what I didn't realize until I accepted Christ a few weeks ago within a church congregation is that it's such a communal thing. Like they expect you to talk about and share your experiences with God and the Bible and Jesus. I'm kind of a private person. I don't know if I like this. Does that make me a bad Christian? Does anyone else feel like this?
Anonymous
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You may have joined a fundamentalist church where everyone wants to share, to reassure themselves that they are on the right path. It's overwhelming if you are not into that. I was never into that. You need to find a church that is less dogma-oriented, where people assume you are a believer, without the interrogation and constant self-affirming sharing routines.
Presbyterians and Congregationalists are more laid back and won't force you to share unless you initiate the sharing.
Christianity should be all about personal beliefs and individual relationships with Christ, without the constant pressure to confess your undying love of Christ. You are not a bad Christian, but you may be judged as that in this church, if you don't go along with their version of worship. Christians change churches all the time, until they find one that is a good fit. Don't worry, you will find a church where you feel comfortable.
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No, it doesn't. Not sure what you mean about "communal" stuff.
You still get to be a private person, Jesus is always a gentleman.
If they want you to testify about knowing Jesus personally for your baptism, that's biblical, a public declaration. But you do not have to spend your life going forward for Altar calls.
Not every Church is okay.
And your relationship with Jesus/God is by trust in Him, that is the essence of faith.
"Testifying" of our experiences with Christ is a much larger custom in some groups than in others. But it ALWAYS has to be real or don't do it. They might be making it up for the approval/admiration of others. Some groups even spend quite some time degrading parents in group (in public) to then testify how Jesus then saved them. It's ungodly, it is sin and against one of the 10 commandments.
Stay true to the LOrd. He will lead you where you belong. But there is some public stuff, like baptism should be an open statement of siding with the Lord.
I never feel bad for not seeking the approval of my Christian brethren. Had the gift of tongues since late 80's and never do it in front of Pentecostals because they put too much "opinion" on it, it's none of their business if/what I talk to Jesus about. If they don't like it, they can take it up with Christ.
It's God who decides if you are being bad or not. Do not ever forget that. He "convicts" of both sin AND righteousness.
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My son is VERY introverted and would NOT feel comfortable talking in front of others, and many people are like that. That doesn't make you a bad Christian, but it does make your situation uncomfortable. I AM interested in knowing what Church or denomination that you are involved with as there are so many cults that use the name Jesus or Christian, that actually are not, or at least do not teach the Bible like it is supposed to be taught. You use words like, "Communal" and "Expect" and these words raise a red flag and make me suspicious, but they may be okay.Yes, we SHOULD tell others and share with them the "Good News" as that is the "Great Commission" that Jesus gave us- "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," BUT if we are shy, we can do that in our own way and on occasion, we need to step out of our comfort zone and 'stretch' ourselves a little, but that pressure should not be put on you at Church. If it is a casual setting and someone asks you to share without pressuring you to do so, that is fine, we all do that to each other on occasion, but with numerous, or new people present, that can still be uncomfortable and in that case, it is acceptable to politely 'pass'. If everything is on the up and up, the pastor or leader will understand your shyness and will not put you on the spot. As a precautionary measure, if you would be so kind, please email me at "massrevealer@yahoo.com" and tell me what group you are associated with and I'll try to help you by telling you what they believe, if they aren't a mainstream denomination. It may save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Blessings to you!
Truthteller
No, there is nothing wrong with being private and quiet. The purpose of fellowship is to be comforted together by our mutual faith, and as we hear God's Word, something may come to mind, and so we discuss it by the Word of God. Yes it is true some churches are intrusive, but it is not with ill intent, rather it is meant to become one body in Christ. What you do not feel comfortable talking about, then just politely say so; there is no test or performance review we must give each other.
Martin Neville
You don't have to do this. I was not very social or into the services when I first got saved the second time in 2008 and I only recently began to get really involved with the church. I just had a personal feeling of being Christian and obeying God!