Hi, this is my first post here. I appreciate your responses as I know no people in my life who understand Kingdom Christianity.
I live in a region where Conservative Evangelical churches are common. The church I belong to is connected with a well-known conservative evangelical network. Many of our pastors and guest pastors come from conservative evangelical seminaries, so that can give you an idea of the teaching.
My church heavily preaches the false doctrines of dispensational pre-millennial eschatology (with a "secret rapture"), Christian Zionism (the Jews returning to Israel as a pre-requisite for Christ's return, etc.) and 5-point Calvinism.
Because of the pandemic and civil unrest, Conservative Evangelical churches (such as mine) are ramping up these (false) teachings about end times, etc. It's making me not want to attend. I find myself rolling my eyes and shaking my head (to myself) during sermons because I don't agree with what is said. One of the pastors is starting a series on dispensationalism, which I, in good conscience, do not want to listen to.
Church is not an uplifting or edifying experience, but leaves me feeling frustrated, alone, sad and angry. I dread Sundays now that I know the Kingdom truth (and have studied it for myself). I previously tried asking a pastor in private about head coverings and was given the "Corinthian prostitutes" theory (that Corinthian prostitutes shaved their heads). I explained there are no sources that prove that.
I was then told condescendingly that I am "young in my faith" and didn't know what I was talking about. Gaslighting is common if you disagree with their doctrine. David Bercot mentions this is a typical response of Conservative Evangelicals.
Although, the gospel taught at my church is solid (true gospel) and the fellowship is very good too. The congregation is large. The members have good fruit. I feel a bit guilty dissenting because I know the congregation prayed for a long time for my salvation.
Many other churches in my area are Charismatic/Pentecostal with shaky gospel teaching and New Age teaching, so those churches are out. There may be some other good churches that are solid, but the search is proving difficult.
My question is, should I keep attending my church and just "grin and bear" it though all the false teachings?
Should I attend a church online if I can't find one in my area?
Do I really need to fellowship? Does the Bible command it? (If I attend online)
I listened to David Bercot's course that explained it may be best to stay in your same church but just practice Kingdom Christianity. As an intellectual person, that is difficult for me, but if it is the best way, I will consider doing it.
Any advice, suggestions, experience is appreciated.
Thank you!
Rachel Miller
