Why Visiting Churches Gave Me a Headache (And Started This Christian Blog)
James Jandu 
Want to hear about a visit to a church that left me with a bit of a headache? Then keep reading.
Ever walked into a church and felt like you needed paracetamol and discernment at the same time?
That was me yesterday.
Since an experience I had in Kerala, India, back in the early 2000s, I’ve often felt as though God has given me an unusual ability to see beneath the surface of things. Not in a spooky superhero way (sadly, no cape involved). More like noticing what’s happening underneath the paintwork. A discernment of spirits and word of knowledge to know the thoughts pf people.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve visited more churches than I have in years.
I’m not a church hopper.
In fact, church hopping usually sounds about as appealing to me as shopping for flat-pack furniture on a Saturday afternoon.
But I genuinely felt the Sovereign God directing me to visit certain churches and Christian fellowships.
The contrast between two recent services couldn’t have been greater!
The day before yesterday, I attended a meeting in Milton Keynes organised by a group I support and occasionally speak for. The atmosphere was full of joy, life, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. At one point, I looked over and saw my wife standing near the entrance with tears running down her face as God touched her heart. ❤️
Moments like that remind me of what really matters in the Christian life.
"The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17 NKJV).
The following day, I attended another church.
God was there too.
But alongside the work of the Spirit, I sensed something else lurking in the background. Tradition. Pride. A subtle feeling of elitism.
Now, before anyone starts sharpening theological pitchforks, let me be clear.
God works through imperfect people.
If He waited for churches to get everything right before moving, we’d all be sitting in empty buildings singing to ourselves.
The challenge comes when church traditions become untouchable.
Some churches cling to old methods as though heaven’s Wi-Fi password depends on them. Change the carpet and next thing you know someone thinks the Book of Revelation is being fulfilled.
👉 Because God moves, people sometimes assume He is blessing their traditions.
Perhaps He’s blessing His people despite them.
Big difference.
Jesus said:
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes" (John 3:8 NKJV).
God has never asked my permission before doing something unexpected, and I doubt He plans to start now.
As part of launching Ways of God Ministries and seeking God's direction for future ministry, I’ve been asking the Lord whether He wants me to support an existing church or plant something new.
So I’ve been observing.
Listening.
Watching.
One thing I pay close attention to is the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. You can learn a lot about a church from what comes out of the pulpit.
Actually, you can learn quite a lot from what happens after the service too.
At this particular church, I stood at the back afterwards.
And stood.
And stood.
I became so invisible I was beginning to wonder if I’d accidentally achieved glorification early.
Not a single person spoke to me.
Eventually, I left and headed to another service.
As I walked, I asked God why He’d sent me there in the first place.
His answer came clearly:
"I have some things I want to teach you."
Not necessarily through the sermon.
👉 Through observation.
👉 Through contrast.
👉 Through seeing how He works—and sometimes how He doesn’t.
The next day, God directed me to start this Christian blog.
Suddenly all those church visits made sense.
Sometimes God doesn’t send you somewhere to stay.
Sometimes He sends you there to learn.
And occasionally, He gives you a headache that turns into a blog post.
Funny how He works like that. The Ways of God can seem strange. 😉
#ChurchLife #ChurchCulture #BiblicalDiscernment #GodsGuidance #ChristianBlog #TheWaysOfGod #FaithJourney #LocalChurch #ChristianMinistry #BiblicalTeaching #HolySpirit #KingdomOfGod #ChurchLeadership #FollowingGod #LessonsLearned
Categories: : Church Life
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions.
