TRAPPED IN CHURCH

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

This is a piece I wrote about a year ago for Upscale Magazine. When I was doin the research portion of the article I got an overwhelming amount of feedback, way more than I could obviously use. But it showed me alot of people feel this way. Check out the article and holla back with your feedback and also tell about if you or someone you know is or has ever been Trapped In Church!!!

TRAPPED IN CHURCH
BY A. J. WOODSON

Serving the Lord should never feel like a prison sentence. The chorus of Akon’s song, “I’m Locked Up And They Wont Let Me Out,” says it best. Countless individuals grow up in church and feel trapped in a congregation by generational lineage, friendships, marriage, and a host of other reasons. Even though they are not being spiritually fed, they feel uncomfortable about leaving and stepping out on faith. But are their really trapped or is it just an illusion? Roz Johnson, 52, the daughter of a Minister, was ‘born-and-raised’ in a black Presbyterian church in Brooklyn, who now leaves in New Rochelle, N.Y. She asks just that of her experience, "Was the door always open and (I) was afraid to walk (through) it and into my future?” Now the Minister of her own congregation, she admits her feelings, “I'm "free" not paroled...yes, "free!"... but before being ‘liberated’ from my former congregation, I did feel ‘trapped’ on many occasions and for many years.”
This spiritual "holding" pattern crosses racial and geographically lines, financial status and church denominations. E. Boston, 26 of Laurel, Maryland, grew up Catholic, her entire family is Catholic and she attended Catholic school until her sophomore year of high school. She was uncertain how her family would feel about her joining a Baptist church.
“Even though the Holy Spirit moved me to join this church a long time ago, it took me six months (possibly a little longer) to go through with it,” says Boston. “Partly because I wasn’t sure if my parents would like the church and because of my past dealings with people of other denominations who are prejudiced against Catholics and cast all kinds of unfair judgments.”
In Boston’s case her parents were supportive of her decision, and her other concerns have been non-issues, as well. Of course, she admits “It's has only been a little over a month.” But in Frances J. Scott’s case, a 45 year old minister from White Plains, N.Y. her parents weren’t as supportive. Scott was considering switching churches to worship with his future husband. “I was trapped in my church, many years ago. I remember sharing with my parents that I was moving to another church (same denomination), my father had a natural fit, you would have thought I was joining a cult.”
Many persons feel trapped in traditional churches when tradition becomes more important spirituality. Dr George D Crenshaw, Pastor of Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Smyrna, Ga., warns, “Before leaving your church, ensure the leadership understands your unique needs.”
Tradition must become a springboard into the future rather than an ankle weight to the past. One of the major reasons for spiritual captivity is belonging to a church with no spiritual growth. The elders push youth away refusing to share the knowledge, thus young minds finally spread their wings and look for a situation where they can grow, spiritually.
Dr. Crenshaw adds; “If after your needs are expressed and leadership refuses to attempt to meet your needs, while in possession of the resources, you must then prayerfully seek the will of God concerning your covering. The question that must be asked is am I trapped in my church or I am I trapped in myself?”

[AJ 'AJ ROK' WOODSON]

Thank you very much Sistah Veronica for sharing your testimony and feedback!
Like I said in doin the research for this particular piece I couldn't believe how many people found themself in this position and was inspired to reprint it here, giving others the opportunity to share their experiences since the limitation of the word count for my assigned story left mnay voices yet unheard!
Praise God, and I love that you are now a 'free prisioner.'
Ok everyone else, where are ya,
come forth and share you experiences and testimonies if you will!