Prayer for My Church

[Professoralstad]

Hey all, just wanted to ask for prayer for my home church, North Heights (host church of 2011 Nats and the annual T2Only, for those who have attended). There have been some pretty serious issues going on, which could greatly affect the future of the church. I won't go into too much detail here, but the issues are part financial, part theological, and a large part spiritual.

There will be a big all - church meeting at the end of this month, that could determine our path forward as a church. Prayers for wisdom, direction, and above all unity in Christ would be greatly appreciated, for the meeting, leading up to it, and especially afterwards as some changes are seemingly inevitable.

[YourMathTeacher]

I will pray for your church and the upcoming meeting. Unfortunately, even church leaders are sinners, so bad things will happen. Hopefully your church members will remain united and find a way to work through this situation, seeking the wisdom that only God can give. Luckily, God promises wisdom to those that ask for it. 

[Professoralstad]

Well, prayer is still needed, but it seems as if it will have to be more for comfort and guidance...the final service at North Heights, at least for the time being, will be held this Sunday. This is a very difficult time for myself, and my friends and family, but we are trusting God to lead us where He needs us.

The circumstances that brought us to this point are probably too complex and painful for me to get into too deeply at the moment, but I'm sure anyone who has gone through a similar situation is familiar with many of the causes: I know that the situation NH finds itself in is not unique.

What this means for the Redemption group that has been meeting there and supported by the church for the last 13 years is as yet unknown, but I'm sure those of us who have been involved there will be trying to figure that out in the days and weeks to come.

[Xonathan]

Praying for you guys.

[Voyager]

Wow, so sorry to hear that.  So much pain and sorrow.  I will be praying.

[jesse]

Really sorry to hear that and praying for everyone involved.

[YourMathTeacher]

The circumstances that brought us to this point are probably too complex and painful for me to get into too deeply at the moment, but I'm sure anyone who has gone through a similar situation is familiar with many of the causes: I know that the situation NH finds itself in is not unique.

Not unique, and unfortunately all too familiar. My parents' church went through a painful split due to conflict with an interim pastor, as did my wife's family's church. A church-run school that I taught at had a controversial pastor that caused an exodus, complete with a website dedicated to exposing the pastor's "issues." Trust me when I say that I know what you're going through, and it is not easy for anyone.

I pray that God brings North Heights back to life as only He can do.

[browarod]

I'm so sorry to hear about the troubles at NH. I know from experience that conflicts within a church can be difficult and painful. NH was so welcoming every time I have been there, it's heartbreaking to see the community in trouble.

If there's anything I can do please let me know.

[Legolas]

That's too bad, when I was there it was great.
I'll be praying!

[uthminister [BR]]

Prayers for peace, comfort, and guidance.

[EmJayBee83]

Prayers for all who need to find a new church home.

If you need a place to worship over the Easter season while you regroup, I know of a small no drama church in West St. Paul that would welcome you.

[Prof Underwood]

I also will pray for all of you as you struggle through this difficult time.

If you are looking for a good church in the area, I recommend the Roseville Christian Missionary Alliance church.  It is very close to NH, and my family found it to be a great church while we were living there.  The people there love God and love each other.  The preaching is from the Bible.  There are ministries within the church for all ages, and there are ministries to a lot of different groups outside the church as well.  It's certainly worth a visit you're looking

[Professoralstad]

Prayers for all who need to find a new church home.

If you need a place to worship over the Easter season while you regroup, I know of a small no drama church in West St. Paul that would welcome you.

I also will pray for all of you as you struggle through this difficult time.

If you are looking for a good church in the area, I recommend the Roseville Christian Missionary Alliance church.  It is very close to NH, and my family found it to be a great church while we were living there.  The people there love God and love each other.  The preaching is from the Bible.  There are ministries within the church for all ages, and there are ministries to a lot of different groups outside the church as well.  It's certainly worth a visit you're looking

Thanks Matt and Mark. Joey and I had been starting to attend Woodland Hills Church (going there off and on with North Heights while all of this was going on).  We know several friends and family members that have been attending there for awhile or recently as well (including Wild Bill who would attend there once in awhile and plans to do so regularly) so at this time we are going to look at that as our church for the time being. Easter will end up being celebrated at Joey's parents church up in the rural Duluth area.

Sunday's service was difficult, but it had the sense of a funeral for someone who you know is in a better place. There is sorrow, but hope for the future. Prayer is definitely still needed, as closing the building is really just step 1 in a long process that will determine what the next steps are for the legal entity of NH, the ministries and missionaries that have relied on NH's financial support over the years, and for hundreds of people who are not yet sure where to turn to be part of a church body.

[everytribe]

Pray too for our play group. As of now we don't have a place to meet and hold event. We have a few option but we will see how the Lord leads. You never know maybe because of the church closing a number of play group will spring up at different location. The book of Acts continues.

[uthminister [BR]]

I love the hope and optimism in your message Bill. God is good!