My friend has left my church

[Hitokiri]

My best friend and his family has left my church cause they think it's starting be a cult. They tend to think every church becomes a cult (thier first church they went to became a cult) and so they don't trust the church or pastors. They've been going to my church for about 2 years now. They just seem really upset at the church and our new pastor and his parents are seem to be very bitter.

Just pray for his family I guess so they can find a church that they can trust and they throw away thier bitterness and suscpicion of the church and it's leaders. Plus because it's my friends parents who thinks this, he thinks of this as well. So we have arguments whenever we are around. I don't really wanna get in into the details but pray for them. He's still one of my best friends but no they are leaving so I wont see him as much

Sad (and stupid) thing is my friend has alot of friends at the church and he can't see most of them. Nor is he allowed hang out with them.

Though, I guess thier parents allowed him and his brother to hang out with me and another one of friends only (proably cause e are all best friends). Plus he can't go to the church (even though he's 18 and can do anything he wants to really but they control his life), go to the church forums, go to any church event, or do bible quizzing (his younger brother was very good at it) at our church.

[Staci]

Awwww, that's terrible!

*hugs* Of course I will pray for him and his family. Hopefully, one day, they will be able to find a place they're happy with. If not, I pray that your friend will be able to find a church of his own when he decides to move out. Either way, I will pray.

[Spiritsword]

I will pray.

[Madeline]

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of this family so that they can see.
May they put their trust in You and have faith,
that they may come to You with the heart of a child.
We are all skeptical sometimes. But You soften our hearts and teach us what is right. I pray that You also soften the hearts of these people in need.
In Your precious name,
Amen.

God Bless! This is a hard situation that you're in. You're doing the right thing, just being a friend to him during all of this. May He reward you for what you've done.
Keep it up!

[shooraijin]

I'll keep that family in prayer.

[true_noir_chloe]

I will definitely pray for your friend and his family, Hitokiri. ^__^

[Mave]

Whether the church seems like a cult or not, sometimes in life, you've gotta move on because the church you currently attend just doesn't seem right for you anymore. I know because it happened to me recently (early this year). I no longer felt comfortable and didn't agree with some teachings of the church. This led to much conflict between members in the church and I can't say I was left with pleasant and happy feelings after it all.

At first I was scared that I would be 'lost' once I move out from that church, but to my surprise, I grew tremendously spiritually once I left that church. The Lord took care of me during the transition period of church-seeking and I'm in a way better state now than I would have been if I remained in my previous church.

I don't know whether that's the case here but I'd say, let's trust the Lord to take care of your friend and family. He may have Plans for them even though it doesn't seem that way at first. I'll be praying for them.

[wiggins]

I'll pray.

[Swordguy]

i will pray that they find a Godly sorce of fellowship they trust

[Rogie]

I'll pray.

[termyt]

Father, I pay you grant this family wisdom and discernment. Help them, who appear to be seeking You, find You and Your truth. Help them to over come fears of trust, betrayal and commitment, realizing no church family is perfect, but, if it's desire is to bring You glory, than it is worth holding onto and protecting and working for and on.

Father, please also give Hitikiri discernment and wisdom in this. Help him to be the friend he needs to be, never faltering in his desire to serve You, yet also understanding the reservations his friend has about his church and the proper answer to those questions.

Amen.