Chemar, that was just what I needed right now. I am having such a hard time dealing with people in my church who say they are Christians but I don't see it in their actions. I have been getting cynical and referring to them as CINO"s Christian in name only.

I am at a loss right now as to whether I need to find another church that is more real and I even wonder if there is one out there. It is not the entire church but a select few (aound 6-8 families) that have been going to this church for years and they act like they own the place. I love the pastor and his wife but I really don't know what they can do about it since they are also new --2 years now-- and from what I have been told they see it and are trying to get people to open up more to newcomers.

The other problem is these families are all in charge of the youth group so there is also that discent there too. The line in the song about the girls teasing laughter is something that I have witnessed myself. I have 2 teenagers and they need the Lord in their life so bad but it is not happening here.

Well I have rambled again I also like the song Stained Glass Masquarade. Have you listened to that one? Isn't it funny that when you are going through some turmoil there is a song or verse that is so much like what you are going through. Anyway thanks for sharing...Sue

Morning Sue

so sorry you are dealing with "CINOs" and yes, I agree that it really does get to us so when we encounter it right there in our own churches.

I am happy to report that real caring loving fellowships DO exist and have been blessed to be part of such in South Africa, England and here in the US too....so dont give up hope. Sometimes change has to come from within and sometimes we have to leave to find it elsewhere. That's always a hard choice and someone whose opinion I really value once told me that if you are receiving solid teaching from God's Word from a Pastor who shows His Love and serves the flock rather than demanding to be served by them, and if the emphasis is on worshiping God, prayer and ministry to each other AND to the community, then we sometimes have to overlook the flaws and instead seek to be the good example that will hopefully be followed......
However, if you are not being fed God's spiritual food, and are not seeing His love and truth manifest in the fellowship, nor witnessing His ministry spread out from it.......well, then it may be time to start lookin' around for a Body that is Alive with His Spirit and shows it

((((Sue))))
I will pray for your fellowship...that God will touch those "exclusive" ones by reminding them of how Jesus spent His time ministering to the very people that they likely look down on, and reserved His harshest comments for those who were self righteous, religious and spiritually arrogant.

reminds me of a childhood hymn: