Im a guy and I live on my own. I dont have any friends, am very slow to warm up to people, dont really like strangers, but I have a decent interest in Christ and I would like to join a church and maybe get involved in some activities and charities and to find some friends and mentors with faith.\n\nHow do I do all that if im so shy and such a loner and not very fun at all to be around and have some slight anxiety issues and am busy a lot?
120595
First of all pray and ask God which church to send you to. then once you are going there for a while and they are preaching the truth ten tell the pastor you would like to be a member of that church. pray and make sure God is in it.
235560
I'm kind of a shy person too, so it's been a challenge for me to talk about God with people.  At times in college I had trouble talking with other people about God, but I prayed about it and told other people that I was having trouble with it.  Sure enough, I ended up in good situations to mention that I was a Christian or was going to some Christian event.  If you ask God to help you and provide opportunities He probably will.\n\nYou shouldn't feel guilty about not having many opportunities to witness because of having a lot of Christian friends and going to a Christian school.  You will have opportunities sooner or later, surely God will provide them.  Don't worry about what is beyond your control.\n\nHere are some helpful verses:\n\n"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." ~2 Timothy 1:7\n\n"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9\n\n"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2\n\nSo God helps give us boldness, we should be confident because He's with us, and we should be ready to say something even when we aren't expecting to have to.  Nobody's perfect at talking about God with people; I know I've felt disappointed at myself several times because I didn't speak up or didn't think I said enough.  However, God knows we aren't perfect and we screw up.  He still chooses us to help His cause, knowing that we're not the greatest at it.
419968
Well, it depends on the age group that you are in/the guys are in. Do you know these guys? If not, it would be better to leave than to use a simple "leave me alone". \nDating should be based around good morals (eg, no infedelity, no premarital sex, etc). Your partner should also have a strong relationship with God, and attend church regularly, the beliefs you have. You should also share some interests, but not all. That would get kinda boring after a while. \nIf you are uncomfortable dating guys you don't know (I'm not quite sure what you are saying there, "[I] am not sure how I should handle men who are interested in dating."), try to minimize time you spend in bars, clubs etc. In college, or fresh out? Find another Christian girl that you can talk to, someone you will be able to trust (Actually, you can do this at any age). Tell them that you are recently born again, and would like to know "how" to be a nice Christian girl. Well, basically, love thy neighbor (everyone around you) as you would yourself, give yourself entirely to God each and every day, pray to Him when you are having problems, etc. Live like Jesus would, set an example for others around you. \nMore questions? email me, dot.champion@gmail.com. (If you feel uncomfortable about that, it's ok. Talk to a pastor, or an older woman at your church, or any other Christian). \nP.S. Sure, I may be a guy, but living a Christian life, living like Christ is the same for men and women. \nP.S.S. I was saved 2 years ago, and didn't know how to live like Him, until I talked to some other Christians.
23222
Church is not for deep people..that is why you are having trouble...when you have gone beyond the veil, you do not need a pastor or priest, or a group anymore....it is just you and God...you most likely need to seek out others like yourself and start a small group..that is how the early church was organized....they just went from house to house, and worshiped god and fellowshiped, and broke bread together...
76214
Okay, this is not easy. But the good things in life never are. Here it goes. Walk thru the fear. Start small. With girls you are more comfortable with...say Hi...and see what happens. When that is easier. Say Hi to someone you want to ask out. \nSomething else you can do is get hands on involved at church. There you might meet someone with the same values, and you will also be doing community service. Wouldn't you like someone who enjoyed the same things? A couple at my church met at a soup kitchen feeding the homeless. They are so good together.\nFear of rejection is so common. The only way to get thru it is to walk thru it. Keep breathing and do it.\nYou never know, the right person may just start a conversation with you and it will be totally great from there.
484481
Friendship is more important to some people than others.  I do believe that one should have associates at least, too always be isolated is not good for you.  If you are not the type to give of yourself to a friend in almost the same effort as a relationship then socializing would be best for you. Like me I'm moody and very picky about people I don't have allot of friends.  I tend to focus in more on family and the special little and big things they bring to my life.   I have lost about 4 friends (so called) in less than 5 years, so I'm through with that now myself.  Just be free you don't belong to anybody but yourself.  Joining social and creative groups with people most like you for me is more beneficial than friends!
357330
You break a introvert with a 2x4!!  Come on! if you dont being around people (or dislike people all together), then why are you so compelled to fall in line with peole that are not like you?  Your confidence has little to do with you wanting to mingle. Trust me, had I a real choice in the matter, I would live so  far in the wilderness that it would take a plane to get to work every day if I had the choice, but its my JOB to interact with people. when the day is done, i want to be left the f... alone!! Take up a hobby that you can do alone yet meet others, like fishing, biking or mountian climbing. \nJoin a Sci fi fan club or RPG group or something. And if you do, make sure its OFFLINE! Stop hiding behind your monitors screen, that'll help a great deal.\n\n There has to be a row of coming of age movies made over the past 50 years that cover the topic of some geeky kid doing all he or she can to mingle with the "in" crowd... rent, look and learn.Dont quit being who you are for the sake of being a part of the crowd.
224562
Try going alone when you know there's hardly anyone around like early mornings. When you do go, reward yourself with something nice besides food. Work on your postive self-talk. I had the same problems with being self conscious when I'm alone but I went and did it. What helped was having a radio or cd/tape player to distract you from your own self-defeating thoughts.
509316
If the Bible study you have been attending is not helping you to grow spiritually and helping you to get closer to God, it is good for you to find another.  Fear of displeasing men is not nearly as important than fear of displeasing God.  Really search for the truth of God's word and you may be able to help lead your friends to life everlasting.  That would be so much better than just pleasing them socially now.
148495
what you're doing is very kind and compassionate. the world needs more like us, huh? *Hug* if you want to talk to someone who may encourage and pray with YOU let me know. bekki117@yahoo.com or bekki117 on aim or YIM...and yes, i am a born-again christian. on fire for God.
27435
Give it to God. Remember that you are not there for you. You are there to help the community worship. Your song is sung prayer, for them and for you. \n\nForget about you, yourself, or any involvement you have in it. Become "they" - the congregation. Once you have taken yourself out of the equation, and simply become part of the worship itself, there is nothing to be nervous about.\n\nTo do this, start meditating when you practice, St. Ignatius style - picture a scene from the bible... look around, observe where you are. What do the people surrounding Jesus want, as they look?\n\nThen, after you have mastered this in practice, bring it into church with you. Remember it as you sing.
180421
Just be yourself, a guy that's really worth it in the long run will take the time to get to know and love the real you.  I understand that it can be a hard thing to meet people when you have an anxiety disorder. A few suggestions, Please realize that you must be out there and available in order to meet someone, go to church events,sports or social gatherings or whatever you are interested in. Second, if the anxiety is severe and limiting your social interaction consider seeing a doctor that can prescribe medication or support to help you relax and over come your fear.  In any case I wish you the best of luck. Don't despair and remember there is a special someone out ther just for you, give it time you'll find them one day.
519097
My answer is not a religious or spiritual one, but here's a few tips...\n\n1)  Learn to depend on yourself for comfort and advice, rather than relying soley on others.  It is hard, yes, but it can be done.\n\n2)  If #1 seems extreme, then learn ways of coping with issues and problems.  Try soothing things such as painting, drawing, writing, taking a bath, thinking, dancing, etc.  Find something that is a sure-fire way to take your mind off of your problems.  Usually if you leave them be for a few hours, a solution/resolution will come to you later.\n\n3)  Maybe you need a better support system.  It sounds to me like you've got a rather self-absorbed set of friends.  Try talking to a religious counselor, minister, priest, etc.  Maybe someone who shares your faith could give you better pointers or advice on this.  Maybe you have a sibling or favorite relative, like a cousin/aunt/uncle, that you could talk to.  Maybe you've got a best friend that you could talk to, and if they are one of the ones that you have described, tell them how much it bothers you and how upset you are over this.  If they are truly faithful to you, they will most likely completely understand.\n\n4)  If you need advice, ask around here... that's what it's here for after all.  ;-)\n\nI know what you are talking about because I feel the same way every now and again.  Most of the people I rely on for help/advice are fairly self-centered, though they do help me.  If you ever want someone to talk to, get advice from, etc. you can contact me.  I know I'm only 17, but I'm a great listener and, if you asked anayone I know, you'd understand that I'm a great advice-giver.\n\nGood luck.  ;-)
186918
I am/was in your situation. Get a job, take some classes, get a hobby. You need to make this place your home also, so get involved in groups around that area and make some friends!
366958
Since you insist on remaining in this coutry, you should seriously try attending church services.  You could make nice friends there.
671500
MV I read your other question before you took it down.\nI have to say, I sympathise with you. I haven't yet found a church that really ministers to me either. my brother wants me to go in with him and start our own church, but it's really hard, you know?\nmy advice is, just serve God the best way you can, it's your salvation, no one else's. as for starting your own church, that's a bit harder.\nyou'd have to get one or two people who think alike, get together and make a cohesive doctrine, and just start having services. I know lots of churches, big churches, that started in somebody's barn. you can do it, if God is with you.\nhope you get everything you want.
133002
Listen If the good Lord has put it on your  heart to open your door to  help  people go  4  it. Remember thies people in need often  need things and changes in their  lives. Maybe your  that teacher they need.LOOK every one gets stuck with something. Think about it. The church  gets  people  whom  rip  them  off. Grocery stores get  people whom  steal. Relationships  often times,  one  or the other is not  true  or  sincire.Every one  gets used. BUT  i  was told as a child  what  goes around  will  come  around.Dont  be  weary  in  well  doing. God  will  reward you  4  your  kind  deeds. YOU sound  blessed  already.