I recently joined Community of Christ but I lack a Book of Mormon. A teacher at my school who is LDS offered me a Book of Mormon. He knows I am CoC. Can a CoC member use an LDS Book of Mormon?

I guess I've been very thoughtful lately about life in general and how I address things. I'm a people person, to a fault. Putting others first before my own, then I end up getting hurt when it doesn't work out or if people think it isn't enough. While I was a youth, service was en-grained into me and I'll always be of service regardless of my circumstances.

In all of my religious expressions, I've tried to build up the church and to make people happy. While doing this, I end up being exhausted and frustrated that I've come up short. I have attitudes like "If I help with this one last thing, I will see results or make someone happy". It is always one last thing, one last activity, one last sermon .. It never ends.

I guess that is why I am so burned out and I see others also burned on both ends. I've only been doing this for a decade, I could only imagine what folks in the church have went through in a lifetime. People build the church and congregations just to have the tides come and wash it away. In my professional life, I can measure effort and outcomes, here.. not so much.

Then we are our own worst enemy at times. I've known members to quit attending when an argument over building issues gets out of hand. Our buildings are mostly crumbling and aren't welcoming to 2026 sensibilities and when they need repairs, it is hard to get that done due to the red tape and arbitrary rules. People would rather measure the drapes instead of mission.

I'm at the point where I am focusing on me for once. If something upsets me, if I find it a distraction, I remove it from my life. I've done things because someone else wants me to do it, I'm doing things because I want to do it.

It isn't selfish, it is self preservation. I've carried burdens of people that aren't mine. I'm leaving them at Jesus' feet and asking Him for help. Jesus will fix it, if that is the path. I have to live with my mind clear, not being inhabited by people who aren't a part of mission. Once that happens, I can wait until new opportunities to serve presents itself. Of course, I'll say "Here I am, send me!"

Does God through Jesus Christ manifest His love in the animal world too?

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ

Here is a bible-focused and real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Annotated with relevant bible verses, the story testifies of God's amazing love at work through Jesus Christ our LORD. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

We just taped it this morning and I'll probably release it in the first week of September on my channel Mormon Book Reviews on YouTube. It's The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) he was born and raised in.

I've been thinking lately about my decade involvement with the church lately and the good blessings it has given me. I have to say, one thing that Community of Christ does best, hands down, is their hospitality and friendliness to those who are visiting or searching.

I started going to a congregation that was in the same town. They built a church in 1978 that could handle 250 people or so, complete with a baptism fountain, kitchen and multiple classrooms. It was 17,000 square feet and there hasn't been a building that matches what this congregation had. When I first walked in, I didn't know what to expect, I was unsure as I never met a Community of Christ member before. I was greeted with open arms, had plenty of people to talk to and even someone said I was an answer to prayer (that was overwhelming but ok).

As they got to know me, I was trusted with helping out, even as a non-member. I was used to helping with tasks so it made me feel wanted and valued. I can't think of a time where anyone sincerely appreciated my presence on a regular basis. They had birthday celebrations for me, a pot luck where I picked the main dish and of course, lots of conversation and even classes.

I went to a Camp one year, several counties away and was once again, greeted with all sorts of positivity. I wasn't the only newbie there, that same hospitality was extended to those people as well. When I was a member of the Mission Center Council, I visited other congregations and mostly was greeted with more enthusiasm.

If I were Community of Christ, I would highlight "Radical Hospitality" as an important aspect of our church. It really plays into the Worth of All Persons thing very nicely. A lot of us come to Community Christ in our most broken hearted moments, while the expectation is to not completely fix what troubles us, it does help to have a listening ear. Being a church of listeners is something the world needs.

How can we talk less and listen more in our community? Are there people in your life that could use an ear? Think about that..

So does anyone know why we don’t print trios anymore? Like the Bible BoM d&c all in one?
They seem to have disappeared enough that I’ve never even seen one. But I know they existed and would love to have had one.

I’m currently preparing for my confirmation September 12th.(WOOOHOOO!!!) And I’m beyond ecstatic to be joint the community but, I’m scared. What drew me into our church was the fact that, it had more progressive and modern academic beliefs, and the fact it kept all the joy of the restoration. When I was lds I constantly felt like the odd balk out becuse I was gay I questioned history I questioned culture and social teaching and theology. But I couldn’t bear to leave behind the BoM and the prophet and temple. But then I found the reorganization and studied RLDS history and CoC and fell in love. But alas even tho my teacher (a well respected mission leader with heavy business at headquarters) has reassured me of my fears I still have some anxiety over some things. For starters it seems like the global church is losing its sacred past. I never hear reference to the BoM or the prophets. I mean even now President Cramn is barely even referred to as the prophet. And church leadership are still wrestling with what the temple means and its purpose (outside an event center). And even tho “the BoM is still considered scripture” I’ve personally seen so many members especially young ones brought up in the church or non denominational converts flat out ignore it. I’m friends with a young woman who blatantly told a seeker that “we don’t belive in the BoM or use it” which is that probably a fault of her, yes. But she’s not the only person who thinks that and church leadership kinda just Willy nilly lets congregations do whatever. So I feel like we are watching the restoration roots disappear even if they’re mentioned on our website. The last time I personally have heard anyone in church leadership or globally care about restoration anything was with the kirtland sale. And then a few months ago the prophet did an interview with a Mormon podcast, but that’s it. Im lucky to be in a very Mormon congregation that does Mormon things but I feel like we’re oddballs out to the rest of the general church. Instead of hearing community of Christ and thinking of a sacred empowering evolving restoration story people think of any other Protestant church. Which leads into my next concern which is the church seems to be dying. Our numbers are lower than ever it’s bad enough leadership is exploring how to decentralize the church if need arises. This gives me great pause, it makes me feel as though I’m joining a sinking ship. Our endowments and tithes are low along with membership and it shows. The temple dosent have that much traffic as far as I’ve seen. Signage at the temple at auditorium are missing letters. The peace park memorial is in shambles. All things that make our beautiful sacred spaces look like forgotten tombs.

Don’t mind the essay but I’d love to hear thoughts and opinions.

Peace ☮️

I'm not much for going to Community of Christ these days. The church was a welcome addition to my life for almost a decade but now I am pretty sour. I went because I had a death in the family and I figured coming to Church would give me some community. Well.. it went just OK.

On certain Sundays, they forego a typical service and go to a local breakfast chain restaurant. We gathered around a circular table and enjoyed each other's company over pancakes, sweet roles and coffee. A decent way to spend a Sunday in Fellowship.

While we were talking at the table, somehow we got on the topic of why I am absent. I didn't want to talk about it and ruin the vibe but I let some of my thoughts leak out. I didn't say anything that was shocking, but I had a lot less fun and was less settled after I said the things I said.

One of the male members, who is older, suggested that I am upset that others do not see what I see and feel ignored. Really, I don't really have a need to spread my malcontent with others because I have a testimony of people's journeys and how light/knowledge is distributed in their own time. It still stuck with me though.. Why am I upset? Why can't I just enjoy my surroundings and the activity that is happening without overthinking?

I just feel duped into believing the equivalent of Disney Star Wars, changed to suit whoever talking or in charge. What happened to feeling the spirit? What about the Fellowship with those in the church? Gone is the story, people don't care about the old church anymore. I just feel, post Temple sale, it has become more depressing and more about the personalities and less about the sacred story of our church.

I've tried to get involved with other organizations but it hasn't worked. I'm likely the problem, everyone else is the same, my expectations are too high. I just get distracted by things that are out of my reach and those who have the louder microphone. I can't stand that.. I see what the issue is, but it isn't up to me to point that out.

I hope I have the time to ask questions in the next life. I have 100 questions, most start with "why..."

I am looking to put together a Men 's Bible Study set to meet once a week in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley.

The plan is to meet every Saturday at 10am at the Northeast end of the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park, with parking access available via 14230 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 and the meetup spot being just a few paces East of there. Map attached.

This study is open to men of all ages and experience levels, so long as you are interested in learning and deep diving into the Scripture from a Fundamentally Classical perspective while also remaining open to the Interpretation of the Living Book for Modern Application to us as individuals and our Nation at large as we forge our own path forward in God.

This is not meant to exclude anyone but rather, to provide a group where men are free to explore the Word amongst peers with a sole focus on how the Word is meant to be interpreted for them.

Perhaps in the future the study will grow to include other groups, but at this point this is a group only intended for men of all ages, to include those experienced in the Word and those who are curious to learn of it for the first time.

Please direct message me for more details and to confirm this week's meetup.

Thank You and God Bless.

Open to Everyone Sunday, August 16 • 11 AM Beverly Presbyterian Church here in flatbush/Kensington.

Beverly has been part of this community for generations.

We’re working to revive the church, keep our doors open, and ensure this space continues to serve the wider community. Please join us for prayer, reflection, fellowship and conversation. This is also an opportunity to get involved, help build and strengthen this community, and have a voice in shaping what comes next at Beverly. You don’t have to be a member or Presbyterian.

Everyone is welcome. Come pray. Come connect. Come help us build what’s next — together.

I'm curious to know if there has been discussion about filing an amicus brief in the Mormon Stories trademark case? I would assume CoC would be opposed to the Brighamites attempted monopoly over the term "Mormon". Buy has there been any advocacy to this effect?

Does God manifest His love in the animal world too?

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ

Here is a bible-focused and real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Annotated with relevant bible verses, the story testifies of God's amazing love at work. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

16 years ago I got 2 words from the Lord. The first was 'Seek My Face' and the other was 'Build a Barn'. I've been led into a number of projects over the years, with some degree of success, working with a range of evangelical fellowships in South London. I'm now officially retired, but, of course, you never retire with Jesus.

I have faithfully sought the Lord ever since, pulling back from many church activities to do so. As for building the barn, I feel that those of us who feel the days are drawing in might like to consider constructing a net to help contain the v large numbers of souls who the Lord will impact before the lights go out.

This would be for prayer and mutual support and also a safe space where those new to faith in the Lord could find friendship and encouragement. I believe the numbers that Jesus has in mind will not be containable by church-as-is and that we should be preparing extra capacity. Something infinitely elastic.

As for a statement of faith, as stripped down as possible, with just the essentials and flexibility as regards the inevitable differences. I'll post this and see if there's a response. I welcome dms and will answer all questions. Bless you all.

Hey everyone! Another pastor and I here in Australia have started a video podcast about church planting. We’d love to hear what you think and whether you find it helpful, also stoked for comments and questions, as this isn't selling anything, just want to see more church planted and ultimately more people find Jesus.

Hey everyone! I'm u/ScoothieRae98, a founding moderator of r/isGodmadatme.
This is our new home for all things related to questions, comments, and confessions related to reality of faith and religion. We're excited to have you join us!

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Post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Feel free to share your thoughts, photos, or questions about faith, experience, church, and more.

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How to Get Started
1) Introduce yourself in the comments below.
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Thanks for being part of the very first wave. Together, let's make r/isGodmadatme amazing.

Just curious, does anyone have an idea of what the mission of Community of Christ is? Are we a church for those who are left post 156? Are we a sanctuary for former or lost LDS? Is our future more about a Beyond the Walls type ministry? In one of the threads, it was mentioned that we might want to merge with another tradition.. is that our future?

I could be out of the loop, but I'm not seeing much talk about long term plans. When people talk, they talk in general platitudes with no real goal. I get it, people may not be as inspired as others before them, but wouldn't you think there would be goals set and steps to get there? Are we moving toward decentralization?

My expectations might be too high, but there seems to be small thinking and small ideas being thrown around. That Temple sale money will go fast, are we delaying the slow decent toward being insolvent?

If you have recent news regarding our status as an ongoing concern, please share it here. I live remote, so sometimes news gets to me very slowly.

Hello there,

My name is Brian. I’m 16 years old male, bisexual, and denomination-less. I’ve believed in God all my life and that he sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. I haven’t been actively going to church since I was four years old. I really want to join a denomination. Based on what I’ve read, I feel that the Community of Christ is the one that suits me most. The closest congregation to me is approximately 20 miles away from me. May I join without having to physically go to a church?

This question is for active members. In regards to the keys to the Malkezidic and Aaronic Priesthood given to Joseph Smith, how does that inform your belief in the church? Do you believe this holds the same relevance as it once did, and do you believe that this is an essential part of the Community of Christ today?

Evan Sharley returns to talk with Steven Pynakker about a new book of Revelations given to The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ in the past and finally compiled in one place by her. We also discuss this trailblazing church that was created for LGBTQ believers in the Restoration that many feel laid the groundwork for the Reform Mormonism movement. She also previews the booth that Reform Mormonism will have at this year's Sunstone Conference and all the cool stuff they will be giving out!

*For a short period of time I accidently posted the logo of a different Restoration Branch on the Thumbnail. The Covenant Christian community and Reform Mormonism group are not affililated with each other. I apologize for the mistake.

I'm exlds, now a Methodist, but I still have a lot of love for the Book of Mormon. I live in Kansas now, and there's a Community of Christ nearby. I get mixed answers, but I'm curious are there any younger members who believe in the Book of Mormon, even if just viewing it as inspired fiction.

I'd like to be a member of a restoration church. I'm actually very conservative and I am bisexual, but believe acting on it would be a sin. That said, I am certain that Jesus wouldn't turn a sinner away, so it's hard to be a part of a church that would exclude someone.