Searching for a church that almost certainly doesnt exist

[popjel]

(Mods, feel free to move this to another forum).

Searching for a Nashville-area church that:
1. Believes that all Scripture is inspired, and whose services are more than just 'entertainment'.

2. I can invite an unsaved co-worker to where the Gospel will be shared w them, "speaking the truth in love".

The challenge to #2 is that, judging by their nametag & non-corresponding facial features, voice, etc., they're trans (not sure "how far", but I digress.)

I believe that Deut 22:5 is just as inspired as the rest of Scripture. But I have come to realize that in my current church, they would be ridiculed, not seen as a sinner in need of a Saviour.

I doubt that such a fundamental church exists. But I figured that at least I could try.

 

[ALAYMAN]

Searching for a Nashville-area church that:
...
I doubt that such a fundamental church exists. But I figured that at least I could try.

I can assure you that such a church does exist, maybe not in the area you are searching, but good on you for looking out for your friend and the souls of people around you.

The poster on here by the name of Average Joe is in that general area. Maybe @AverageJoe can chime in here.

How about in the meantime you and tell us a little bit about yourself and church background? If not here, there's a welcome forum for that.

 

[popjel]

How about in the meantime you and tell us a little bit about yourself and church background? If not here, there's a welcome forum for that.

Good suggestion.

I dont want to give out too much info; my impression is that by showing concern for a lost soul instead of just blasting out insults (calling them "mentally deranged", etc), I'd be thrown all manner of insults at me as well.

For now, we can start by saying that I'm only a non-charismatic sinner saved by grace.

I am not highly skilled at soul-winning, but would like to at least TRY to increase the single digit number of souls who I'll see in Heaven because I shared with them what Jesus did for me.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

(Mods, feel free to move this to another forum).

Searching for a Nashville-area church that:
1. Believes that all Scripture is inspired, and whose services are more than just 'entertainment'.

2. I can invite an unsaved co-worker to where the Gospel will be shared w them, "speaking the truth in love".

The challenge to #2 is that, judging by their nametag & non-corresponding facial features, voice, etc., they're trans (not sure "how far", but I digress.)

I believe that Deut 22:5 is just as inspired as the rest of Scripture. But I have come to realize that in my current church, they would be ridiculed, not seen as a sinner in need of a Saviour.

I doubt that such a fundamental church exists. But I figured that at least I could try.

First of all, your friend does not need a "Church," they need regeneration! They need to hear and understand the gospel which is able to save their soul. They will not receive or even hear the gospel unless God has prepared their hearts and made them receptive. It is very important that you remember this.

A "Church" according to the biblical definition is a "Called out assembly" of believers meaning people who are IN CHRIST and have been transformed by the power of the gospel. They are not perfect but God is at work in their lives nonetheless. An unregenerate person will never feel comfortable in such a setting nor should they. In other words, you should STAY AWAY from any and all so-called "Seeker-Sensitive" congregations! They are great at making a sinner accepted, comfortable, content to remain in their sins, and headed to hell while swaying to the "worship" band!

Perhaps God has placed YOU in this co-worker's life to be "Christ" to them? How is your relationship towards this person? You first need to work on this as I seriously doubt they would just accept an invitation to church from a rank stranger especially if they are one of the "alphabet people!"

God can use you (or any other ordinary person) to reach them. First of all, be a sincere friend to them and have their best interest at heart. Be someone they can confide in and feel "safe" around. Let them know that you are a Christian and let your communication be that which is becoming of the gospel of Christ. Do not try to "Force" a conversation upon them. Allow God to open the door and be prepared to play the "long game" with them.

EDIT: Be very careful in your work situation! Overt witnessing and "proselytizing" (even well-intentioned) may be construed as "religious harassment" and discrimination in which you would likely find yourself in the HR department facing disciplinary action or worse.

 

[abcaines]

I am not highly skilled at soul-winning, but would like to at least TRY to increase the single digit number of souls who I'll see in Heaven because I shared with them what Jesus did for me.

Don't sell the Lord short... If you are reaching out with what you have, the same Lord who multiplied the loaves and fish will use your testimony to bring many to Himself.

Many witnessed to me in my youth... One I know of didn't even realize he was until I told him many years later. However, I did not receive the Gospel until the Holy Spirit opened my eyes. It wasn't in a service; I did not pray with someone... As soon as my eyes were opened, I accepted His free gift of salvation while sitting by myself near the shore of an inlet.

No man leads another to Christ unless the Spirit is working. You be faithful and let the Lord do the converting.

 

[Ekklesian]

I am not highly skilled at soul-winning, but would like to at least TRY to increase the single digit number of souls who I'll see in Heaven because I shared with them what Jesus did for me.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Just focus on Christ and His goodness, and everything else will fall into place.

 

[ALAYMAN]

Good suggestion.

I dont want to give out too much info; my impression is that by showing concern for a lost soul instead of just blasting out insults (calling them "mentally deranged", etc), I'd be thrown all manner of insults at me as well.

Who are you saying would insult you by loving a transgender person as Christ would love them?

 

[popjel]

First of all, your friend does not need a "Church," they need regeneration! They need to hear and understand the gospel which is able to save their soul. They will not receive or even hear the gospel unless God has prepared their hearts and made them receptive. It is very important that you remember this.

A "Church" according to the biblical definition is a "Called out assembly" of believers meaning people who are IN CHRIST and have been transformed by the power of the gospel. They are not perfect but God is at work in their lives nonetheless. An unregenerate person will never feel comfortable in such a setting nor should they. In other words, you should STAY AWAY from any and all so-called "Seeker-Sensitive" congregations! They are great at making a sinner accepted, comfortable, content to remain in their sins, and headed to hell while swaying to the "worship" band!

I agree, this person doesnt need "Churchianity", they need to repent of their sin and trust Christ to save them from that sin. But a Bible-preaching church could definitely help them to understand the Gospel

And I also concur that churches that preach a watered-down gospel message arent much good, either.

But... in 2 separate SBC churches, they were told, "You are 'welcome to attend'. If you were an alcoholic, wife-beater, etc., you could recive biblical counseling for free. But b/c you are one of the 'alphabet people', you would need to pay for such counseling."
(This is not a literal quote, just the overall gist).

 

[popjel]

Who are you saying would insult you by loving a transgender person as Christ would love them?

Some in IFB circles.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

But... in 2 separate SBC churches, they were told, "You are 'welcome to attend'. If you were an alcoholic, wife-beater, etc., you could recive biblical counseling for free. But b/c you are one of the 'alphabet people', you would need to pay for such counseling."
(This is not a literal quote, just the overall gist).

I would guess the implication is that the 'alphabet' person is sincerely looking for help and counseling in this matter? I agree that this is quite absurd but perhaps these churches simply have no idea how to deal with or counsel such individuals? While I can appreciate this, this is no excuse to just to turn them away especially if they are seeking help and sincerely desire to surrender their lives to the lordship of Christ (cornerstone to overcoming whatever it is they may be struggling).

As I said, perhaps God has placed you in their life to be a witness and perhaps he will give supernatural wisdom to deal with this person? You really should seek counsel from your pastor regarding this.