Let me just confirm that I meant that I couldn't just ask anybody in my church. The "former" members that I spoke to were those that are still serving the Lord and are spirtually minded people. They didn't leave because they were mad, but rather, because they were ostricized and banned from activities. In other words, because they didn't agree with the preacher, other people in the church cut them off from activities and spread lies about them in front of their own children. I think this is very unChristian-like and it really bothers me. The people that have left lately are not backslidden nor do they spread rumors or make negative/derogatory remarks about Berean. They are simply hurt. They were basically asked to leave when they didn't do anything wrong. I don't want to be that next person. I am going to speak to the Pastor and see what his reaction is to my concerns but I know how this is going to end. Basically, if I question anything that they are doing there, my children will suffer. Their friends won't speak to them because that will be what they are told to do. I really don't see much difference in this and in dictatorship/communism. Everybody should watch the movie "The Village" and you'll see a comparison. It's really creepy!
Let me just confirm that I meant that I couldn't just ask anybody in my church. The "former" members that I spoke to were those that are still serving the Lord and are spirtually minded people. They didn't leave because they were mad, but rather, because they were ostricized and banned from activities. In other words, because they didn't agree with the preacher, other people in the church cut them off from activities and spread lies about them in front of their own children. I think this is very unChristian-like and it really bothers me. The people that have left lately are not backslidden nor do they spread rumors or make negative/derogatory remarks about Berean. They are simply hurt. They were basically asked to leave when they didn't do anything wrong. I don't want to be that next person. I am going to speak to the Pastor and see what his reaction is to my concerns but I know how this is going to end. Basically, if I question anything that they are doing there, my children will suffer. Their friends won't speak to them because that will be what they are told to do. I really don't see much difference in this and in dictatorship/communism. Everybody should watch the movie "The Village" and you'll see a comparison. It's really creepy!
I think, maybe, you were a little disingenuous in your original post. You talk now as if you've already decided, but you're still not acting on your decision. To be blunt, if your church reminds you of "The Village," you have no business still being there.
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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
I think, maybe, you were a little disingenuous in your original post. You talk now as if you've already decided, but you're still not acting on your decision. To be blunt, if your church reminds you of "The Village," you have no business still being there.
Actually what she is trying to do (and what you refuse to give her credit for) is to get all the sides of the story.
Actually what she is trying to do (and what you refuse to give her credit for) is to get all the sides of the story.
Surely there is no harm in that.
Every service attended at a church that one disagrees with or dislikes that strongly could indeed do harm. I stand by my statement. If your church reminds you that strongly of The Village, you should be looking for someplace else.
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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
It is very telling to see how neighbors of a church view the church. Do the people in the immediate neighborhood view the church in a good light as being good neighbors?
Does the church have a good reputation in the community with how it conducts business? (does it pay its bills in a timely manner?)
Does the pastor live a lifestyle of luxury in comparison to the people?
Does the pastor speak the truth in love, or is he harsh? Does he show compassion or is he hard? (Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.)
Does the pastor show charity toward other ministries that aren't a part of his "camp"? (In other words, can he rejoice in the report of people being saved are aren't his stripe of IFB or does he question their salvation?)
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"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." - Wisdom
Let me just confirm that I meant that I couldn't just ask anybody in my church. The "former" members that I spoke to were those that are still serving the Lord and are spirtually minded people. They didn't leave because they were mad, but rather, because they were ostricized and banned from activities. In other words, because they didn't agree with the preacher, other people in the church cut them off from activities and spread lies about them in front of their own children. I think this is very unChristian-like and it really bothers me. The people that have left lately are not backslidden nor do they spread rumors or make negative/derogatory remarks about Berean. They are simply hurt. They were basically asked to leave when they didn't do anything wrong. I don't want to be that next person. I am going to speak to the Pastor and see what his reaction is to my concerns but I know how this is going to end. Basically, if I question anything that they are doing there, my children will suffer. Their friends won't speak to them because that will be what they are told to do. I really don't see much difference in this and in dictatorship/communism. Everybody should watch the movie "The Village" and you'll see a comparison. It's really creepy!
My advice would be to continue to attend all of the services for the next few months and see if things don't begin to clear up for you.
As soon as possible, I would ask the pastor any of the questions you have.
I've never been a member there, but I've visited several times. If I knew of someone moving to the Jacksonville area, that's where I would recommend that they attend church. Let me know if I can be of more help.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Living4Christ
I have spent quite a few hours reading through all the posts in this forum and, I must say, that I'm really upset. I'm a fairly new BBC member and really confused right now. Since I've been there, I've noticed several families that have left. I've contacted a few "former" members and they've shared their stories with me but only because I asked THEM. I would really like to know what is going on at my church? I have considered putting my children in the academy there but now I'm scared. I really thought that I had found a "real old-fashioned, bible-believing church" but I think I've stumbled upon something else. This is almost sounding to "cult-like" to me. I don't understand several things that are going on and afraid to ask just anybody. Is there anyone out there that could share some unsolicited advice? Would you place your children in their school/college? If not, I would like to know specific details/examples. I'm not stupid and tend to be very open-minded. I can observe people so I see what's going on without so-called "gossip." I've already had a very bad experience with a Baptist church when I was a teenager and that's why I got out of church totally until the last year or so. Could someone please enlighten me and share your personal experience? By the way, no, I'm not backslidden or trying to defy my pastor in any way.
My advice would be to continue to attend all of the services for the next few months and see if things don't begin to clear up for you.
As soon as possible, I would ask the pastor any of the questions you have.
I've never been a member there, but I've visited several times. If I knew of someone moving to the Jacksonville area, that's where I would recommend that they attend church. Let me know if I can be of more help.
I think she has done this already, and things are as muddy as they have ever been. Besides, what is there to clear up? Facts are facts, unless Bro. Tom Neal is going make a public statement that would shed more light on that specific situation, then I think what you desire is only wishful thinking.
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