Naturalknots
Naperville, IL
I had been going to the church for about 1-2 months, mostly online since I did live quite a distance. But when in person, I'm quiet, keep to myself. I was still feeling the church out and I like to observe before I feel comfortable speaking or making a larger commitment. The greeters are nice, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to become a member of such a large church...sometimes you feel like a number. But what really made make.the decision to have nothing to do with Calvary was when I found myself in a domestic violence situation. It took SO MUCH COURAGE to contact Calvary (since that was the church I was going to at the time) to explain my situation and ask for help. I need help with getting out of my situation, fast. I have no idea who I spoke to in the church office but she was quick to ask me questions, specifically about how the interior of the church looked. (I guess she was trying to see if I actually attended). Then she stated that in order for the church to assist me, I had to be an "official" member. Every establishment has their rules, but it doesn't mean I cannot post opinion as to how I was treated from a place of God, where one would seek refuge in a time of need. That's what really astonished me. She didn't even ask if I wanted pastoral prayer or counseling, if she could connect me with a prayer group....which is FREE! I told this woman of God, that I had no family support and had absolutely no idea what I was going to do. People dealing with my situation can be truly HURT at any second. I am not being dramatic. This is REAL LIFE. I definitely will pray for the people in the church office. Prayer changes things, Calvary Church...and prayer definitely doesn't cost you anything; but seeking God via prayer CAN change a person's life...even if you couldn't offer me anything else, you could have offered me that. PRAYER. "Where 2 or more are.gathered, there I.am in the midst." You missed an awesome opportunity to practice what you preach. The very 1st thing I would have done is ask if I could pray for a sister or brother seeking assistance from a place that states it is a place of God...automatic, without question. I felt shunned and ashamed...but alas, I will pray, specially for that woman that she becomes more aware of her platform and how she can use it to God's glory. (I gave the 2 stars because of the greeter and the awesome sermons. But that particular encounter just added to my truama).
