Church Stress
Church Stress
It’s lonely when it seems that you are the only person out there who is struggling and confused.
Some people say, "No one ever gets dressed up for church anymore" Absolute statements like that are of course untrue. It may be more common today for people to dress casually at worship services, but the reality is that this informality doesn’t keep people from putting on a happy face and an I’ve-got-it-all-together persona. Underneath this emotional covering, other people may have no idea what is lurking.
It is natural for individuals to conclude that personal struggles are not to be discussed in religious settings. Churches today are often seen as refuges from the negative messages of the world and so they are often filled with positive talk, upbeat songs and smiling participants. It is easy to get the idea that everybody else is "just fine;" that no one else is feeling lost and alone. And yet, if the truth were known, things inside of people are usually not going well at all.
Secret problems, hidden struggles
A human body may look perfectly healthy from the outside: healthy skin, strong muscles, a genuine smile on the lips. However, despite outward appearances, the insides can be in turmoil, afflicted with disease, on the verge of stroke or heart attack. We have to take care of the inner part, not just the surface (Matt. 23:27, 28).
Does that mean that we have to turn churches into organized group therapy sessions? No, but there are spiritual issues that touch upon the psyche. There are teenagers and adults who have been deeply embittered by their religious upbringing. There are individuals that have warped views of their Creator and Savior because of what they have been taught or experienced. People are also subtly influenced by the society and culture in which they are raised.
These covert elements are often what makes ministry so difficult and frustrating. How can those hidden stumbling blocks be handled?
Wounded by Religion?
Some material that may help to identify and deal successfully with religious wounding.
Teachings of an abusive church
Teachings of a neglectful church
Gestalt technique for dealing with past wounds