Expert: Carl Fuglein - 4/19/2009

Question
Hi,
All my life I have went to the same church, Fort Mill Church of God. I don't know where this came from but I started being really scared of preaching. I am a very sensitive person (I cry when people squish bugs) I know I'm strange but I take my sensitivity as a good thing most of the time. Any how I feel like the preacher is yelling at me, I am really tense, and it's not just one, It's all but one guy. We used to have a middle school service but for some reason they cancelled it, I really loved it because Derek preached so casually, I felt really relaxed. Is this a test, I have no idea. Also, I am kind of a part of that group that is "emo" there is really nothing emo about us except that we don't wear hollister and expensive name brands. I used to be really close with church friends but since this whole 'brand barrier' it's awkward, its not like they are snobby we just all changed a lot. And I find myself while in church judging them thinking about how much sin they do, because I feel really low about myself and am constantly trying to reassure myself that I am not a bad person. I know this is really long im sorry!

-Thank you!

Answer
Briana-

Thanks for writing me and trusting me with your feelings, but Briana, you didn't really ask a question.  

Being "emo" is fine, nothing to worry about.  Don't pay any attention to the folks with Hollister, they are just trying to be hip or cool, or whatever the current word is, and they try to do it by showing off.  If you want to be cool, in my opinion, just be real.  Be yourself, don't be phony.

I'm sorry they cancelled your church. Is there any possibility that you could go to some other church?  There shouldn't be any reason for you to be scared - worship is supposed to be joyful, praising God together in song, in prayer, and in the word being preached.  If the preacher is yelling, he's not yelling at you directly, he's just yelling.  That's the kind of preaching that is prevalent in your denomination.  It's not wrong, it's just a lot different from a lot of other denominations, that's why I suggest another church if you can go.  If you can't, then you just have to stay and roll with the punches.  It will eventually change, and when you get older, you can choose your own church - one where you are comfortable with the preaching and happy with the praise God part.

Since you didn't really ask a question, I think I'm done, and hope I've helped.  Please feel free to write again, and please ask a direct question next time.


hugs,

carl