We have literally continued outside a local church for over 5 years. While new language learning curve, illness as well as frequent relocation had a big share, looking particularly for a church that sought only God's glory through Christ was the major contributor. Particularly because I had both seen and read about churches that would be found so much in bad shape that they would be literally impenetrible in the past.

We have been trying to join one 'AFM of Africa' that seemed hopefully but the process is not being as smooth. One other issue is that we have a 5yr old autistic son who only feels more comfortable at home and is fussy else where. Suggesting that we might need to take turns in our doing local church endeavours. While plausible, my wife still cannot be patient with him enough so I might need to take all the stay-home turns in a way :)

So I wondered if anyone would be aware of a workable church that formally streams as well as acknoledge virtual membership. Or you may simply comment on whether on not this might be sufficiently practical. I read of an aged lady in The Wonders of Prayer book who was by illness detained from local church and reckoned there could be many such Christians who would appreciate an online option if suffiently practical.

I have gone through a list of those that come up on Google but had yet to find one that is evangelically convincing.

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Kervin

I bagan my illness journey as Covid broke out. And we were still without a church then. So no wonder how I missed arguments such as this: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/no-virtual-church/

While I agree alot shall be missing, it seems to me that virtual presence is way better than complete absence for those with only two options.

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Kervin

Dear Brother,

Matthew 18:20

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Please know that you can always have fellowship, discipleship, Bible reading, be asking the Lord for wisdom and direction, even in your small family group. It can be a precious time of prayer and singing, reading and ask Him to bring others to you.
We are never alone with even two or three.

In
Christ, sister Leslie

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Leslie

Greatly appreciated input. While I fully agree and that we infact truly do try, the issue arises when you notice like an enomous earthly welfare gap that could ideally be addressed by fellow Christians who are able. Imagine a qualifying widow as Paul puts it, who, as a mother of 5 and without social security, has hopes in the Church's charitable considerations?

Yes it does further say that if she is destitute, she aught to trust in the Lord. My wife is now spiritually discouraged because she has a long standing PTSD and MDD that we did not properly afford to have treated and our government health care can only afford so much. Her mother has resources but she is not a Christian and therefore leans on her own understanding and priorities (social standing, etc.).

And then I often seat and say, if only we were part of a true Church of Christ, we perhaps would be aware of those who not only would have resources but also prioritize a Christian's welfare (or ledding to the Loard) over social standing.

While we should ever be faithful unto death, its difficult when the condition at hand is psychological and affects how you think amongst others - as that is the same fucullty necessary to reason with oneself through hardships. I read that when Evan Roberts was diagnosed with MDD, he withdrew from the Welsh revival activities.

So while I am not dreaming about a trouble free Christian walk, I feel like psychological or mental disorders ideally needs to be treated with possible immediate effect or else the sufferers then needs to be excused?

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Kervin

Your concerns reflect the importance of holistic support within a Christian community. Combining faith and accessible mental health care is essential. Encouraging open conversations and practical assistance can make a positive impact.

I also reckon so, brother. I came across this two days back: https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/ and hoped to suggest it to her. I just struggled to find the trauma related group link suggested there (under Find a group). It's Christian oriented support groups - which makes it a very interesting added intervention. And they boost of very interesting results too.

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Kervin

With my friends in Israel and groups that over vast distances I have to meet online but I would prefer to meet in person
Hebrews 10:25
King James Version
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

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Dominic Shiells

Yes I too would ever choose in-person over online for more fellowship-oriented meetings such as these. But yes when options are not much, it seems online should be comparatively better than nothing. A very relevant verse by the way, brother.

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Kervin

It was during lockdown , I desired to be with people as meeting over zoom sometimes does not cut it over meeting with people but I also like zoom as I can meet with people from Israel and people I wouldnt normally meet with

It breaks my heart in our church how few come and how empty the churches are , in these times you think people would be flocking to good bible teaching

As there has been many a time I have led a prayer meeting on my own

I evangelise each week but I want jesus as I do not want jesus to say depart from me I never knew you

It breaks my heart that all the heretical churches have thousands of followers yet those that are true have about as many people on my fingers about 10

I do not preach In church but on the street and not for very long as I not very bold

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Dominic Shiells

Duly noted dear brother. It is that coldish spiritual climent that has many of us in this SI community waking up and going to bed with an ernest longing for a wideapread revival of God through Christ by his Spirit. Hope I got that last part theologically correct :|

May the Lord guide you as per his perfect will. The dying world surely can use more John Wesleys (endued and deployed). I believe I have a private prayer/intercession ministry so I barely preach. But I pray much as his Spirit thus gives me utterance (often in groans that cannot be uttered)

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Kervin