Church family

[StacyS]

I really need some help on this issue. I’m at a church now where it seems things are going from bad to worst. There’s always an issue with the “first family” as they call themselves, and membership.
The senior pastor was always such an agreeable and fair person, but now it seems like the family now takes precedence, no matter the issue. For the past 10 to 15 years things have really broken down. The elite mentality and outright control that seems to be the norm, is making me feel as if I don’t want to be part of the ministry anymore.
I just want to know what a good, warm and equal church family looks like. I watch from my “Telly” and certain houses seem so cohesive. Now I’m not delusional and I know just like your natural family, there are conflicts and misunderstanding, BUT we are children of God. We can’t succumb to our carnal nature. We need to operate as Jesus would. What do you all think?

 

[Didymous]

Hello, StacyS. I've prayed for you and your church, and will continue to do so.

 

[tourist]

I really need some help on this issue. I’m at a church now where it seems things are going from bad to worst. There’s always an issue with the “first family” as they call themselves, and membership.
The senior pastor was always such an agreeable and fair person, but now it seems like the family now takes precedence, no matter the issue. For the past 10 to 15 years things have really broken down. The elite mentality and outright control that seems to be the norm, is making me feel as if I don’t want to be part of the ministry anymore.
I just want to know what a good, warm and equal church family looks like. I watch from my “Telly” and certain houses seem so cohesive. Now I’m not delusional and I know just like your natural family, there are conflicts and misunderstanding, BUT we are children of God. We can’t succumb to our carnal nature. We need to operate as Jesus would. What do you all think?

I think that you need to leave this toxic 'church' immediately.

 

[Homewardbound]

There are a lot of wonderful churches you can attend where you will be loved and cared for.
I agree with tourist that finding a new home would be the best for you.
I do recommend that as you leave, please do not burn any bridges as you go.
Wish them well, and move on. God's blessings to you Fellow Believer.

 

[Bingo]

"From this side of the 'glass'...I have learned from experience, when people, places or things
hinders my spiritual well being, I need to take an inventory of myself...meaning what is more
important for my own spiritual relationship with God, this is simply my personal feelings...
as in the past my wrong choices were often influenced by people, places or things......and, since
making the decision to surrender my old ways, and rely on God's love and wisdom in my life...
as said, my spiritual well being is priority. And, is this not the choice of each individual...
how important is ones own spiritual well being. Let us pray you are directed by God's 'presence'
of the Holy Spirit within ones own self, and an inventory of self is in place.".... ....
'Praise God'

 

[calibob]

I really need some help on this issue. I’m at a church now where it seems things are going from bad to worst. There’s always an issue with the “first family” as they call themselves, and membership.
The senior pastor was always such an agreeable and fair person, but now it seems like the family now takes precedence, no matter the issue. For the past 10 to 15 years things have really broken down. The elite mentality and outright control that seems to be the norm, is making me feel as if I don’t want to be part of the ministry anymore.
I just want to know what a good, warm and equal church family looks like. I watch from my “Telly” and certain houses seem so cohesive. Now I’m not delusional and I know just like your natural family, there are conflicts and misunderstanding, BUT we are children of God. We can’t succumb to our carnal nature. We need to operate as Jesus would. What do you all think?

I once studied under a professor of Theology that specialized in identification of and rescue from cults. He was the CEO of the Christian Research Institute at that time. The cult mentality usually devolves from were are family to we are the only family that's saved. Followed by everybody must subscribe to our doctrine to remain saved. Then to, we are the only saved church or people in the world, so you must remain faithful to us and separate yourselves from the world. All other churches and your biological families are bad influences.

Places like Jonestown, Waco, (The Moonies to a lesser degree) Are stark examples of religion gone wrong, group think and group psychosis. Not only to heathens like Moon & Himmler (look up The Vrill Society & Hitler) but the enemy propaganda and madness can take control of people sucked into them

There's no sin in finding another church home. We belong to Jesus not leaders or groups be they Christians or not. If you feel they are going off track, study, pray and maybe find another Church.

 

[calibob]

Jonestown, Branch Davidians', "Children of God", and Moonies in my lifetime The SS under Himmler in my Fathers lifetime, were all cults. Most didn't start that way.

 

[calibob]

Please remember the Devil is REAL. He has hypnotic skills and he's a master manipulator. He even tried to tempt Jesus. Put on the full armor of God and study the whole word, with prayer.