Placing membership with Church

[katbuad]

I have a bit of a situation. . .

Ten months ago I quit my very stressful job with several objectives in mind that I wanted to reconnect with. One of those was to become an active church member again. I grew up in the church but as my last two jobs consumed my life, I fell away. When we were first married, hubby and I attended and participated together. He belives as I do. But he too stopped going when I couldn't go.

I "tried" many churches (we don't live anywhere near our old church) and finally found a place that believes as I do. I have been attending for several months by myself. Hubby has come along when he can but mostly he works on the weekend, so it hasn't been much of an option for him, though he does not object to the church that I have been attending.

I want to further my relationship with this church. I want to place membership. I want to become an active member. But I don't want to join by my myself. I want the church to understand but it doesn't feel right to place membership as a family, when I am the only one even attending on a regular basis, let alone getting involved in church activities. It is not because hubby doesn't believe or doesn't want to, it is just he is physically not here.

I am also considering what course of study I would like to pursue. Most young married people join the young married classes, but I don't want to constantly show up by myself for this class. I looked at the two ladies classes. One is over 50, so not me. The other doesn't have an age but some of the activities imply singlehood. And where would hubby go when he does get the chance to attend?


Anybody have any suggestions or thoughts?

(Oh darn, I think maybe I should have put this thread under Wedded Bliss. Sorry not really sure where it goes.)

[FilleBelle]

Is there any particular reason you don't want to show up by yourself at church? I mean, do you just feel self-conscious or is something about the church and its congregation that causes you to feel out of place? I am never alone at my church, even when no one else from my house can attend with me on a particular Sunday. My church community is my family.

The small group ministry issue does seem like more of a dilemma. If it were me, I would probably join the young married class. I would attend on my own when I had to and ask hubby to come along when he could. I suspect this group will be more than sympathetic to your situation! Perhaps the minister of the church will be able to counsel you on this decision as well. And maybe, once you feel more settled into the community, you can start your own class and invite others to join!

[ccbegay]

I understand what you mean...how bout talking about it with the pastor? I have the same thoughts about church, and haved always loved the fellowship of the church, but knowing the aviation lifestyle, I'd be the only one there! I would first meet with the pastor or deacons of the church, or someone that you are familiar with and get their input...good luck!