Is 30 miles too far to drive to church?

[Elisabeth]

My hubby and I are going to move outside of the city, to a rural area. There are a few churches there, one being my SA church, one being so strict that I know I would not enjoy it, and a few that we might like. The thing is I like the church I am going to now. I have heard a lot of people say that you should attend a local church, but I feel like I really have something going with my healing, I'm starting to trust the pastor, I have friends, and there might be things in the rural churches that "trigger" some memories. On the other hand it might be an adventure going to a different church, meeting different people, experiencing a different way of doing things, etc. But is 30 miles, (the distance from the rural area where we're moving to the church we presently go to in the city) too far to drive to church? :confused:

[mary]

It depends on how much you like it and what kind of traffic you'll encounter on the way, and what the weather conditions can be.

That Messianic shul we attend is a 54-mile round-trip for us. Once last year when we were on our way there for the Wednesday night Bible study, we got caught in a snow squall and missed it. All but about 6 miles of the drive is freeway (70 mph. speed limit) and that makes it a little more doable.

We've been going there for almost a year and a half and have made friends, etc. A number of people live farther from the place than we do and yet, they're also active in it.

I guess, if you want to determine whether a church is worth driving 30 miles to, you'd have to go a few times and decide whether this is something that could become "worth it" for the long term.

Just IMHO...

mary

[Ladybug]

[QUOTE=mary;46530]It depends on how much you like it and what kind of traffic you'll encounter on the way, and what the weather conditions can be.

I go along with Mary. My thought is if you are growing in your relationship with the Lord and you have friends & support. It's probably worth the drive.

[dougjb]

hi Elisabeth,
Distance can be a real issue. I have spent years driving 30+ miles for church. The only thing I can say is to look at the alternative. What is worse, the 30 miles or a bad church experience. You may also want to check out what is available in the area but if there isn't anything, then you may be better off, spiritually speaking, to do the miles. The most important thing is your spiritual health.

Some food for thought
Dougjb

[Hope 98]

It would be too far for me, but that's just me. I understand you wanting to stay where you are.

There would be no way to get my husband to drive 30 miles to church. When we first returned to attending church, he said "let's go somewhere close".

There are people who attend the same church I attend, that come from an incredible distance every week and are very involved.

You're the only one who can answer this question. If it's important enough, drive.

[Jerry]

Dear Elisabeth,,,,
It's only 1 mile for each piece of "silver" ;)
Love Jerry

[Pinkie Pie]

My hubby and I are going to move outside of the city, to a rural area. There are a few churches there, one being my SA church, one being so strict that I know I would not enjoy it, and a few that we might like. The thing is I like the church I am going to now. I have heard a lot of people say that you should attend a local church, but I feel like I really have something going with my healing, I'm starting to trust the pastor, I have friends, and there might be things in the rural churches that "trigger" some memories. On the other hand it might be an adventure going to a different church, meeting different people, experiencing a different way of doing things, etc. But is 30 miles, (the distance from the rural area where we're moving to the church we presently go to in the city) too far to drive to church? :confused:

HECK NO! I drive 25 miles each way to church every Sunday morning (and on Wednesday nights, after mid week service, that same distance home, since I go straight to church after work on Wednesdays). I used to live only about 9 miles from my church, then moved way out on to the west side of town. The church has been instrumental in my healing and I knew it was the place I am supposed to be. So I make the trip. It is worth it. And if the church you like to attend and where you find what you need, is 30 miles away, then in my opinion, the trip it is worth it. I consider the cost (in time, gas, etc.) to be an invaluable investment into my emotional and spiritual healing.

[Jo Jo]

When we loved our last church it was in the town over from us, and we had to travel quite a distance. We used that time to listen to good music and to talk and enjoy the scenery... We tried to make it a special time. Then on the way home we used it to talk about the service and tried to stick the information into our brains. We found it quite useful. :D

[ex-shep]

We used to drive but economic realties nixed that. There were other issues as well. It was just as well. We found a good church the next town over about a 15 minute drive. In rural areas, 30 miles can often be a necessity. I have found loving rural churches nearby. I have found some set in their ways and not even the wrath of God is going to change it. [Admittedly exagerating, but you get my point]

[mary]

Dear Elisabeth,,,,
It's only 1 mile for each piece of "silver" ;)
Love Jerry

Okay, Jerry, you've finally got me stumped with this one. Care to exegete it for me?

Or what's on tap lately? - Something good, I hope! :D :D ;)

Love,

mary

[Jerry]

Okay, Jerry, you've finally got me stumped with this one. Care to exegete it for me?

Or what's on tap lately? - Something good, I hope! :D :D ;)

Love,

mary

Dear Mary,,,
30 pieces of silver = What Judas was paid,,,,,,,The price of a slave,,,,,Or a years wages ;)
Love Jerry

[mary]

Dear Mary,,,
30 pieces of silver = What Judas was paid,,,,,,,The price of a slave,,,,,Or a years wages ;)
Love Jerry

Okay... the price of a slave. But hopefully, Beth wouldn't become a slave; she'd become a valued, cherished member of a local assembly of the Body of Christ in driving those 30 miles...

I know, I know: I'm putting on my "Pollyanna" costume again! :D :D :D I'm "feelin' it" for Beth - but not for myself lately...

Love,

mary

[Elisabeth]

Thank you Mary! :D I'm in a fairly good mood tonight; I think that things will work out just fine. :D
I'm going to drive up to Phoenix tomorrow (takes about 2 hours) to see my daughter and grandsons. One of my grandsons is 2; he turned 2 on January 1, and my daughter says he's talking more each day. My other grandson is 7 months; he was born on my birthday, June 21. My daughter says he sits on his own now and does an "Army crawl." It hasn't been too long since I've seen them; the last time I saw them was on my older grandson's birthday, but listening to my daughter talk, I'm almost afraid I won't recognize them!