Need prayer but church seems unhelpful
Q: I dont want to attend the church we are in anymore. They were contacted several times on different occasions to help, but when I needed prayer and nobody showed up. One of the pastors and his wife seemed hesitant to pray for me.
The lead pastor says he doesnt have time to come to us and pray & that if we need to we need to go to the church. We asked him to come to our home and I explained the issue. He said “in cases like this I send people from the prayer team for me”. I dont understand why he wouldnt come.
My husband has good relations with them and doesnt want to leave the church, but i dont understand how he is so okay with this.
A: The pastors main job is to study Scripture to preach the word to the congregation. Scripture is clear on his role as Shepherd.
Decons and other elders [pastors] are there for other areas of ministry (and some churches have counseling departments), so find out what areas they help congregants with. There is a chain of command or escalation within the church too. You should start low then go higher (just like Matt 18 steps). He noted there is a prayer team, so go to them.
As far as prayer, you can pray directly to God yourself. But be in the Word daily so you can get guidance and direction from God.
You can also ask for prayer at your Sunday School class, and at womens group gatherings, at your mid week fellowship study group at others homes, and with mature believers at church (who can also counsel you).
You are a member of the local congregation so as a believer yes you are to use your spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit gave to you for the use in the local church. You are not to only participate only when you have a selfish desire or a need.
Also your husband (if saved) is your spiritual leader and you need to submit to him & his counsel.
Here are some resources that might be able to help you.
Growing in your Christian walk
Resources for growing Believers
God bless
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