Churches in Sheffield... a thread for those being ignored.

[Anon]

Hey everyone,

I'm really struggling right now and I need to get something off my chest. I attend a church in Sheffield, and I'm becoming increasingly frustrated and downright angry at the atmosphere. This church is filled with dullard, snooty, and judgmental careerists who only ever talk about work and success. They form pathetic cliques that try to drive out others by shunning them and making them feel awful.

But this isn't just about my church. I've visited many different churches in Sheffield and they seem to be filled with cliquey people who don't show the love of Christ. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35 NIV). Yet, all I see are people using each other to climb the social ladder, ignoring, and shunning those they deem unworthy for whatever reason.

If you're feeling shunned or ignored at a church in Sheffield, you're not alone. This forum thread is for Christians living in Sheffield to share their experiences, ask questions, share advice, and connect. Let's come together to spark action and make our churches friendly places that actually act on biblical teachings.

Remember, Jesus also said, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34 NIV). It's sad that some so-called Christians are missing this crucial part of our faith. But let's not lose hope. We're here to support one another and encourage each other in our walk with Christ.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences or advice, please comment below. Let's help each other navigate this difficult journey and work towards making our churches places of genuine love and fellowship. 🙏❤️

[Anon]

Over the years, I've attended multiple churches in Sheffield, seeking a genuine Christian community. Unfortunately, I've repeatedly encountered cliquey behavior that is far from Christ-like. This issue has been especially prevalent in the congregation in a rich part of Sheffield, where I experienced some of the worst treatment.

When I first attended the church in this affluent area, no one spoke to me. Over time, I managed to strike up conversations with a few people, but the majority made me feel completely unwelcome. Approaching a group and expecting basic human decency—like acknowledging my presence—was met with blank stares and cold shoulders. This isn't just about being a Christian; it's about basic human decency, something even non-believers practice. But at this church, supposedly founded on Christ's teachings, people act like they couldn't care less.

It's disheartening to see a congregation that listens to good teaching but fails to act upon it. Jesus said in John 13:35 (NIV), "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Yet, the actions of these so-called Christians suggest otherwise. The 20s-30s age group, in particular, behaves like characters from "Mean Girls," forming cliques and shunning newcomers. They act out of jealousy, more interested in climbing social ladders than fostering genuine community.

Church should be a place for everyone, not a social club for those looking to boost their status. It's no wonder that Christianity isn't growing in our country when churches are filled with people who act this way. How can we expect anyone to stick around or believe in our message when they are met with such hypocrisy and unkindness?

This behavior is a serious issue that needs addressing. As Christians, we are called to love one another and welcome others, not shut them out. It's essential to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21 (NIV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." The will of the Father is clear: to love and serve one another.

If you've had similar experiences, know that you're not alone. It's essential to speak up and hold our communities accountable to the teachings of Christ. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences or advice, please comment below. Let's work together to create a more welcoming and genuine Christian community. 🙏❤️

#ChristianCommunity #ChurchCliques #LoveOneAnother #FaithInAction #BeTheChange

[Anon]

We've all seen it—the creeping rot that's seeping into our sacred spaces, turning our houses of worship into cesspools of deceit and desperation. Pathetic, desperate single men come to our churches not to worship God, but to prey on the women.

I've witnessed it firsthand in our very own church in Sheffield. These men form cliquey groups, jockeying for social status, not to glorify God, but to increase their chances of ensnaring a girlfriend. They shun and attack newcomers, seeing them as threats to their nonexistent chances of winning their "prize." It's a despicable display of jealousy and pettiness that has no place in the house of the Lord.

These men are so consumed by their worldly desires that they are willing to rip other men apart, to tear down their fellow brothers in Christ, all in a pathetic bid for the affections of women who string them along for a confidence boost. This behavior is not only disgraceful, it is an affront to God Himself. Remember what the Bible says in Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV), "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."

Let me be clear: These men are doing the devil's work. They are turning our churches into exclusive clubs where people are shielded out based on petty things and jealousy. They are creating toxic environments that are putting others off from attending, from finding the solace and community that a church is supposed to provide. "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." (James 3:16, NIV). This is not what God intended His church to be.

Women, too, share in this sin. Leading on these desperate men, basking in the attention, is equally deplorable. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30, NIV). This behavior is unbecoming of a follower of Christ and sets a poor example for the community.

This is a call to repentance. A call to turn away from this detestable behavior and to seek righteousness. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7, NIV). God will judge such actions, and His judgment will be swift and just.

It's time to cleanse our churches of this rot. It's time to return to the true purpose of our gatherings—to worship God, to support one another, and to grow in our faith. Anything less is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord.

In the name of righteousness and sanctity, let us purge this toxic behavior from our midst. Let us be the church that God intended us to be—a beacon of hope, love, and faith in a fallen world.

[Anon]

As Christians, we are called to love everyone, especially those who might be feeling isolated or alienated.

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." — Romans 12:9-10 (ESV)


Romans 12:9-10 speaks directly to this need for genuine love. The Apostle Paul instructs us to "let love be genuine." Too often in our churches, we see groups forming cliques, which can be incredibly off-putting to newcomers. These cliques are an affront to what Jesus preached about love, unity, and community. We must strive to "abhor what is evil" — and the exclusionary behavior of cliques is indeed evil. Instead, we should "hold fast to what is good," which includes love and acceptance for all.

The words "Love one another with brotherly affection" call us to treat each other as family. In a family, everyone is valued and included — there is no room for division or exclusion. When Paul says, "Outdo one another in showing honor," he challenges us to go above and beyond in our efforts to uplift and honor each other. This means actively seeking out those who might feel left out and making a concerted effort to include them in our fellowship.

Imagine walking into a church for the first time, feeling nervous and alone. Now imagine being warmly welcomed by a community that genuinely cares about you. This is the type of love and acceptance Paul is talking about. In our own lives, we can embody this teaching by making an effort to reach out to those who might feel on the fringes of our community. Whether it's a simple smile, a warm greeting, or an invitation to join a small group, every act of love can make a profound difference.

Devotional Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us in how to love one another genuinely. Help us to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. Give us the courage to break down the walls of cliques in our church and open our hearts to everyone who walks through our doors. Teach us to love with brotherly affection and to outdo one another in showing honor. May our community reflect the inclusive love of Jesus Christ, and may we be a beacon of hope to those who feel lonely. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 🙏💒❤️

Let's commit to being a church that truly reflects the love of Christ. By tearing down cliques and opening our hearts to everyone, we create a welcoming environment where all can experience the transformative love of Jesus.

Let's be the change we wish to see in our churches and communities! 🌟