I want to introduce myself and ask for some wise counsel from some of the most devoted, devout, and prayerful people I’ve met. Thank you all for the wisdom that has been entrusted to each of you that you faithfully share in this forum.
I was born in, raised in, and still attend with my wife and three young children (all under 5yo), a non-denominational charismatic evangelical church, which has developed into quite a strict environment very different from any of the component doctrines from which the leaders were part, and is now distinctly non-conforming to any recognized denomination or doctrine.
It is a church which claims to do everything just how the Bible says, yet not from a deep study, exegesis or understanding of the Bible, but rather from special revelations given by God to the woman pastor and a scripture to go along with it. Also many of the main leadership are women.
Having grown up here and learned everything I know about God, Jesus, and Christianity from this church…I was always taught we were a select, rare church with all this revelation, all this truth, and free from the errors that the rest of the church world is in. And based off the number of things that we don’t do, that seemed to check out.
But then I began to study a little deeper. In general, the only way for members to know the doctrine or theology of the church is to read it on the website, and even then I don’t believe that is fully up to date with what is actually believed and practiced by the leaders. If I were to question any of the doctrine or theology, that would be viewed as too intellectual, and a sign that I’m out of line.
On the other hand, what IS known by ALL is the list of approved and unapproved thoughts, actions, toys, hobbies, etc. Someone once published a list of 150 things we cannot do, but I’d guess that at least 600 or more things have been preached about, either as a “do” or a “don’t do”. These range from obvious things such as don’t watch porn to very detailed things, such as the type of play tools that little boys can have (no toy nail guns, but toy circular saws are ok).
These rules are almost always unwritten and can change with time, place, and circumstance. There is very different treatment for those with connections, status, influence, or wealth than for those without. The basis for many, many of these rules is “God spoke to me”, or “God has shown us”, along with a verse or two often taken out of context, or interpreted without proper hermeneutics.
Other “biblical” grounds given are 1) Titus 1:4, truth leads to holiness, so because we are not like the rest of the world, what we believe is truth, and 2) Eph 4:15 that’s all things be done in truth. However, if truth is subjective or subject to personal revelations, that is a moving target.
Over the past few years I have gradually been realizing that a few hundred people do not have all of the revelations of God, and my desire to find other true Christians led me to study, search, and years later find this group. Along the way I have gathered more understanding about God, His Word, and what He expects of us than I imagined could have existed. The same Bible I read before has a new life as I read it now.
Here are some of the main things I’m not finding in the Bible, many of which are core beliefs in this church:
- A woman is the pastor and women as key leadership
- Heavy political involvement
- Violent prayer - physical and audible force is applied to expel demons on a regular basis - “Hammer a devil off”
- Tithing is mandated as a New Testament commandment
- Format of music, dance, raising hands
- Demon possession is a daily finding among members
- Obsession with external rules over the condition of the heart and adherence to Jesus’s teachings
- Government of God - a hierarchy of leadership that if you don’t check all decisions with ahead of time, you are out from under authority
Also of concern, I do believe there is some good, even some of God moving in the church. This makes it even harder, as I would not want to come against Him in any way.
There is so much more, but maybe this is enough for some of you to give me wisdom as to what I can do in the situation that I’m in. At least, please pray for me.
