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Okay. i go to church every Sunday and now I'm being forced to go to small groups. I feel angry when I go because i feel so out of place. The christian norm at my church is preppy over the top Christianity. I'm more or having a personal relationship with God and go to church to hear his word and grow. My parents don't think that's enough. What do you think I should do?

Well, you're supposed to respect your parents' wishes. So, I would say go to this thing. If people are being way too preppy then go off to a different part of the church. That's what I would do. I'd leave and then come back when I felt sane again.

Well, I confess I am one of those moms who has made my son attend a small group in order to better grow in the Lord (iron sharpens iron) esp as most of his closest friends are not Christians (though really nice kids).

I do not exactly fit in with most of the women (esp other moms) at my church either and have been having to force myself to at least give the groups etc a try. It is discouraging at times, being the odd one out, but then again, every once in a while, one of the 'normal' ones tells me that something I said or did really helped them. I can't help but think of two things: 1-we'll never really fit in, anyone of us, until we are with Him and all our human prejudices truly fall away, and 2- as Christians we are meant to be light and salt in this world, but maybe some of us Christians are meant to be the dark and peppery ones who bring more flavor to the Body. By daring to be a part and be counted in their midst, celebrating our Godgiven uniqueness, we help them keep from going all bland and tasteless.

I have read somewhere that if we had been in Jesus' presence while He walked this earth we would have seen firsthand not only how He touched other people by His gentleness etc but also how He set other folks on their ears with His unapologetic frankness and individuality. He did not "fit in" most places He went either! So you would stand in good company.

Talk with your folks about it, but if they insist, you must obey them and pray to God telling Him about it and see what He has to say. We are told not to forsake fellowship...flying solo just sets us up for shots by the enemy with no one around to help us back up.

Hope that helps...this discussion has helped me better resolve to do my best to get connected while not necessarily fitting in (you know, you think you grow older and such and things like this would be 'outgrown' but I guess not). And you never know who else there may not be what they appear. Maybe someone there is camoflaged cus they did not have the nerve to differ and they would benefit from your example.

AutumnCat