Troubles with my church

[DentnDude2]

Hello all! I am one of those believers that has trouble remaining consistent with my walk. For some reason, regular Bible study and prayer are a real chore for me. I should also preface this saying doing ANYTHING on a consistent basis is a struggle for me. Aside from watching TV and spending money irresponsibly, I struggle with much everything else.

That being said, it seems the church I attend is not very welcoming of persons such as myself. I e-mailed two ministries at my church on what I could do to get plugged in and what they recommended. I let them know my job (police officer) could create some limitations. For example, a needs based ministry goes into places that I regularly patrol and take enforcement action. Most people who get arrested or cited in these areas would have no problems retaliating against a police officer if they were vulnerable enough. Anyway, I posed those concerns and I have not heard anything from them at all...this was 2 weeks ago. This is also not the first time this has happened. As a matter of fact, this is more the norm than the exception...least in my experience.

It seems unless you're 100% and have no problems attending EVERY meeting or function, this church doesn't seem to want anything to do with you. There is a lot of well to do people there but the teaching is the best I have ever heard! I could learn more in a year under this pastor than other churches I have attended. BUT, I want to be in a place that seems to want to have me around...least to where I can serve and not feel like I am putting someone out if I miss a meeting for various reasons.

Any thoughts or advice?

[Kitty2kat]

I don't live far from you. Have you tried calling, it's possible they didn't get your email due to server problems. I don't know where you go to church, but I would try calling them before I give up on them. Also, do you attend Sunday School, a lot times the Sunday School classes are the best way to get plugged in. That's how it is in our church, 'cause for a lot of people our Sunday School class is their church. If that doesn't work, you can come to my church, though it may be a little out of your way, and we have lots of cops who attend there.

[Big Daddy]

Witness to other officers in at your job and start a home fellowship.
I would imagine there are other officers that feel the same. Maybe in other departments around your city too.

Pray for guidance and see where the Lord brings you.

[chipminto]

Why not work on consistently attending Church and Sunday School....when the Church see that you are a regular member, and are learning and growing, then you can approach them about working with them in ministry.
Maybe this is Gods way of making you accountable for your relationship with Him...show your faithfullness in small things and He will give you more responsibility.

[GloryBound]

I'm a nurse. I had those schedules for 25 years. I agree that the best way to get plugged in is to get involved and stay involved in the small groups, such as Sunday School. People who don't know you won't call you. Small groups, though, sometimes have their own stuff they get involved in, and will be looking for volunteers for events. The most involved ones may be the groups with a lot of older people or empty nesters. The younger groups have enough trouble keeping up with all the baby and wedding showers and don't have much left over for outreach ministries.

Also music ministry is a consideration. If you can keep a tune, talk to the choir director. Sometimes they want the 100% attendance, others are very friendly to the ones with terrible schedules.

You can be a substitute Sunday School teacher. Or a team teacher with someone else. Or chaparone youth events.

The key is to get involved in those small groups so people can get to know you. Then the opportunities will find you.