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Not in MY church???!!!

I'm sorry to say it's more common than we realize.

"Pastors" and "Apostles" devouring the sheep and taking advantage of the power of leadership.

When I was growing up in a mainline denomination, no one ever heard of abuse in the church. Maybe it was there and we didn’t talk about it or know about it. We simply went to church twice a week, brought meals in when church members had a need, supported our pastors, loved our neighbors, and watched for Second Coming of Jesus.

What happened? When did the leaders grow fangs and become cannibals? What caused them to turn and feed on the very sheep they were called to protect and shepherd? Was it the call of the almighty buck? Was it simply the thrill of power?

Don’t get me wrong: not all leaders feed on their flocks, but I have seen it over and over and mostly in independent, Charismatic churches that have no accountability or covering. Self-appointed Apostles plant a church, and then plant another, and the next thing you know they have a franchise mentality, branching out. You stick with them long enough and you may qualify for your very own church, provided you have kissed the ring of the leadership and followed every last request.

I was on that track with a church once. I was the star pupil, being groomed for leadership myself. But I asked too many questions. When I saw sin and moral failure in the leadership and questioned it, I was asked to leave. When I looked the Apostle in the face and told him I knew what made him tick, he couldn’t get rid of me fast enough.

And that was only the tip of the iceberg…

My Own

Wounded Sheep Story

First of all, I believe in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and that the same grace that saved me from my life of sin can be applied to those in leadership who repent for their abuse and change their hearts. However, I also believe that the church leaders have a huge responsibility and will pay dearly for the weaker ones they caused to stumble and fall. There are Christians—true believers—who love the Lord with all their hearts, that will never step foot in church again…all thanks to abusive leaders. My heart and prayers are for these.

I am not naïve by any stretch of the imagination, but I am trusting. I had left the church because I had a sin issue in my life and felt I had no one to confide in. There was no one to turn to for help or prayer because I knew I would be severely judged and not counseled.

We have come a long way since then. When I got to a point where I felt safe to attend church again, I sought help and deliverance at a local independent church. Initially, I was welcomed and actually embraced for the gifts that I brought to the ministry. Thrilled with my deliverance and my renewed commitment to God, they targeted me for leadership and began the grooming process. No, not just me, but anyone considered leadership material received special attention and training. It seemed to me that almost everyone in that church was on the leadership track.

There was always a new title and responsibility without authority. Questions were not tolerated and personal relationships were frowned upon. Everyone wore their “happy face” and always said the right thing. It felt like a church designed “Stepford Wife” cult. We were told what to wear, how to talk, what to read, what to sing, what and how to pray.

More to come…but I am most interested in what you have to share. Contact me.