So, so good! Your journey is very similar to mine and I’m so grateful for friends like you who are open about their experiences. It definitely helps me not feel so alone. Especially since many friends who are still in the high-control religious environments that I left behind think I’ve “lost my way” or I’m “going down the slippery slope”! ;-). I have decided that finding my way to God will be a life-long journey, but I’m happier right now with where “me and God” are than I’ve ever been. Still so much to learn, I know... but we will learn together! Thank you, brother!
I've had so many of the same thoughts and experiences. I've been called a "flock harmer," and it seems I'm in good company. :) It's been very freeing to come to the understanding that my relationship with God is mine, and it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks about it. I'm happy to have found a fellow wanderer. Joyful journeying - may we continue to grow and transform...
Thank you so much for finding me and reading!! And great to have your company! And yes, here's to continued growth & transformation!! And happy hiking!
Mark: Really like this piece. And, sadly, for many, it's an all-too-common experience. Thankfully, I really haven't suffered through it like you have. And it's a sad fact that there are too many churches like this in America. No church is perfect, but this came to me just yesterday. A good way to assess a church and whether it will provide a safe environment, I think, revolves around these three things:
1. Does the church put Jesus as the Conquering Hero of the faith and show that he accepts you as you are? If not, go somewhere else.
2. How often do you hear the word "self-righteous" and its variants in the weekly message? Not as an exhortation to be, but as a warning NOT to be. I'd say once every two weeks. Preferably every week. Don't hear it after two visits? Run.
3. Does a collection plate get passed? This should be a thing of the past, and a physical plate passed down the rows makes people give out of compunction. There is too much technology available today for people to give electronically and at their leisure. At the very least, a church ought to have a giving box (more than one) where people can put in their tithes and offerings.
Awesome points, John! Thank you for reading and adding your thoughts. I particularly like the fact that we need to remind ourselves to avoid self-righteousness at all costs. Write on, bro!
Very well said, brother! Love you and doing life together. Also, the naked pastor came and spoke at Watershed a few months back - he is awesome!! :)
See you in a month!
Marc
Thank you so much Marc! Yes, the NP does some amazing work! See you soon!
So, so good! Your journey is very similar to mine and I’m so grateful for friends like you who are open about their experiences. It definitely helps me not feel so alone. Especially since many friends who are still in the high-control religious environments that I left behind think I’ve “lost my way” or I’m “going down the slippery slope”! ;-). I have decided that finding my way to God will be a life-long journey, but I’m happier right now with where “me and God” are than I’ve ever been. Still so much to learn, I know... but we will learn together! Thank you, brother!
I appreciate this so much!!! Yes we will!
Well said. Thanks for being transparent and encouraging (and Jesus knocking cartoon is hilarious)
Thanks Doug!! I appreciate you!
I've had so many of the same thoughts and experiences. I've been called a "flock harmer," and it seems I'm in good company. :) It's been very freeing to come to the understanding that my relationship with God is mine, and it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks about it. I'm happy to have found a fellow wanderer. Joyful journeying - may we continue to grow and transform...
Thank you so much for finding me and reading!! And great to have your company! And yes, here's to continued growth & transformation!! And happy hiking!
Amén! Ugh, I can really relate to this! Good job doing the work and sharing it with others. 😊
Thank you for reading & writing Eileen! I really appreciate it!
Mark: Really like this piece. And, sadly, for many, it's an all-too-common experience. Thankfully, I really haven't suffered through it like you have. And it's a sad fact that there are too many churches like this in America. No church is perfect, but this came to me just yesterday. A good way to assess a church and whether it will provide a safe environment, I think, revolves around these three things:
1. Does the church put Jesus as the Conquering Hero of the faith and show that he accepts you as you are? If not, go somewhere else.
2. How often do you hear the word "self-righteous" and its variants in the weekly message? Not as an exhortation to be, but as a warning NOT to be. I'd say once every two weeks. Preferably every week. Don't hear it after two visits? Run.
3. Does a collection plate get passed? This should be a thing of the past, and a physical plate passed down the rows makes people give out of compunction. There is too much technology available today for people to give electronically and at their leisure. At the very least, a church ought to have a giving box (more than one) where people can put in their tithes and offerings.
Awesome points, John! Thank you for reading and adding your thoughts. I particularly like the fact that we need to remind ourselves to avoid self-righteousness at all costs. Write on, bro!