Mike Farina
(Shirtzz.com T-Shirt Shop, Manager)

I never thought I would be the type of person attempting to... or even thinking about... sharing this type of thing with anyone.  It just isn't me... at least not normally.  But, I am really excited to share this with you because I think it may help you look at things differently, like I now do.  I  can't quote the entire Bible, and I don't speak "bible-speak"... yet.  I don't even understand the difference between a Pastor, Minister, Preacher, Chaplain, etc...  I don't go around yelling hallelujah... at least not yet.  (God help us both if I start doing that.)  And, in church I am a little more subdued, so I am not one to bring attention to myself by throwing  my hands in the air like I just don't care... although most everyone else does.  So, this is probably the most unorthodox invite you will ever receive from the person who thought they would be least likely to ever do so. I am a real Mr. Nobody in the church world... just the most basic, average and ordinary guy. Keep reading, and you will see what I mean.

I have always believed in God and Jesus, but at the same time have dreaded going to a church.

My wife dragged me to a few churches over the years, and I have had mixed experiences... which altogether made me wonder if I even needed a church.  Couldn't I just be happy being a believer in God and Jesus?  Shouldn't that be enough?   Every since a bad experience at a church in the past that wanted me to provide financial statements to be a member, I seemed to think all churches just wanted to smile at me while trying to con me into reaching into my wallet to fork over my hard-earned money... which I really wasn't even sure what they supposedly spent it on.  

At that same church, I felt they would pervert the words of the Bible to manipulate people into giving more money trying to convince them they would receive "more blessing if they gave more" or ""blessing equal to what they give".... implying if they gave more that they would receive more favor from the Lord... making it almost seem as if they could buy their way into heaven... which is NOT true.

(---SIDE NOTE: In 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV it says "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Notice the part about NOT UNDER COMPULSION... meaning not forced or manipulated or pressured into doing so... that a lot of churches seem to leave out when mentioning that verse. Also, checkout 2 Corinthians 8:12 NLT : "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have." While some try to make you believe to “give until it hurts”, the truth is the opposite – we are free to give from our excess and abundance... not according to some calculated amount that would be unfairly DIFFICULT for the poor to contribute and unfairly EASY for the wealthy to reach. Now, with all of that being said, what I personally have found out is that the more WILLINGLY generous we are, the more we actually do seem to be blessed in many different ways.---)

Back to my story... I couldn't ever feel comfortable trusting a church that seemed to place more importance on what they could get rather than what they could teach or do for others in the community. I felt the church should be doing what they themselves preach. And because of that ONE church in the past, it made it hard for me to trust other churches going forward.

I remember another church that felt like I was in a 3rd-grade history class or something...  Ok everyone, open your book to page so-and-so and recite the words after me... for an entire hour. No explanation of what was being read... just endless reciting. Ummm... I came here so someone could explain this stuff to me.  I was so confused and wondered how that was teaching me anything.  I could read it to myself at home.  I remember being so bored and thinking to myself that I woke up early to come here just to be put to sleep.  

And, I still can't forget the church whose pastor was so friendly on Sunday, then acted like I was an annoyance when I tried to be friendly when I saw him at the grocery store during the week.  I don't know if his Sunday demeanor was fake, or maybe he didn't like to be bothered when he was "off-work"... I don't really know. But, why does this really matter to me? Because it caused me to question my belief in the sincerity of the pastor/preacher.

Half of my story may not center on "church-hurt" (read my wife's story for that), but it does focus on trust issues... whether trusting the true intentions of the church, especially where money was concerned... or wondering if the pastor/preacher is sincere and really believes and practices and lives what he preaches himself. If you get in a plane and plan to fly somewhere, then you need to trust both the pilot and the equipment to get you from where you are to where you need to be... and I feel you should have that same level of trust and confidence in the church you attend and the pastors speaking there.

Don't get me wrong.  I am sure there are a lot of really good churches out there, with well-meaning leaders and members.  (I know our t-shirt shop does business with many, many churches whose leaders seem reputable and passionate about what they do.) This is just my personal history... and perhaps maybe I am being petty.  But, if you have read this far, then maybe you have had similar or worse experiences.

BUT, now I have found something better.

I want to invite you to my church, Charis Church in KILLEEN, TX.  You can visit either ONLINE from the comfort of wherever you are and at any convenient time of your choosing.  Or, if you are in or near or passing by KILLEEN, TX you can visit IN PERSON to witness this church that is ON FIRE FOR JESUS!