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osakadan
Intermediate Member
Username: osakadan
Post Number: 393
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 58.190.5.37
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 5:44 am: | 
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Writing to a friend, I got thinking about the good things I got out of MCM. Don't get me wrong, to the day I die I will believe they were a sociological cult. But despite this I do know some good things came of it. I'm just don't believe MCM deserves any credit.
Ok, 2 from me.
1. It is ironic that recently I have been fired up by the teenager's suicide attempt at the hands of the EN Victory Club. MCM came along in the nick of time for me. At 19 I was suffering a 2nd bout of what I now recognize as depression. No need for details but I guess it literally saved my life.
2. Prior to MCM I had never really questioned anything much. What is there to question when you grow up on a peninsula perched between 2 lakes and a 5km stretch of white sand beach? But in MCM I met someone who set me on the way to questioning everything in my life. And some would probably say that God placed her there. Who knows? Despite everything, I went into MCM and came out a better person. And even though it was nowhere to be seen in the MCM I knew, I left with a developing compassion for those around me.
Tell us the good things you left with. |
freedom43
Intermediate Member
Username: freedom43
Post Number: 371
Registered: 7-2006
Posted From: 129.33.119.12
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 10:00 am: |
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It is so hard to predict where my life would be without MCM. I have said that it helped shape me into the person I am today. And, I'm pretty happy with that person. I believe that speaks to God's grace more than anything and does not exonerate MCM.
I was miserable, home sick, lonely, confused and considering transferring to another college when I got into MCM. Perhaps I would have transferred and gone to a less prestigious university in my home town? Or not? That could have changed the course of my life. Also, who knows what "trouble" MCM may have kept me from during those 12 years? Perhaps I would have started drinking a lot like some in my family and gotten into a car accident and died. Or not? Perhaps I would have joined some other group or gotten into relationships that would have changed the direction of my life --where I live and work. I just can't know.
I am very happy and blessed in my current relationship -- and oddly enough it was my background in MCM that drew my partner and I together -- due to a family member who has been involved in fairly controlling charismatic groups over the years.
I do think MCM affected my grades in college (for the worse -- who worries about grades when Jesus is coming soon and you need to preach the gospel, go to meetings, clean the pastor's house!)
In some ways, MCM probably helped my self esteem -- and in some ways it destroyed it. I would have preferred to get the helpful things that MCM might have given me from other sources (without the baggage). But, what can you do -- hind sight is 20/20.
And, MCM definitely affected the major/s I selected in college. (I remember having conversations with my shepherdess about it.) At the time, it seemed out of the blue and random based on my previous interests -- but it turned out to be a good fit for me.
And, it definitely affected where I moved when I graduated and with whom I lived --and thus where I live now because I bought my current house from a friend I made in MCM. Owning my home is a blessing.
For years, it affected how I voted and the career choices I made -- and thus the job I have now -- because career paths lead you in certain directions. I earn a good living and am happy with my job situation overall.
So, I think my life is what it is today because of the sum of my life experiences, including MCM which was a big chunk of time -- and that my life would likely be dramatically different had I not gotten into MCM. But, as I said, I can't complain. I made those choices, and I'm pretty happy and blessed. |
dust
Senior Member
Username: dust
Post Number: 1050
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 68.52.214.120
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 11:32 am: |
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Osakadan
I was so offended by the handful of scriptures and the heart of the ministry that seemed wrong, I began to really study the Word. I started reading the whole bible every year and I still do this. I did it to make sure of what God intended and to see how wrong they were. Well, maybe that sounds bad, but this FULL COUNSEL of GOD changed my life.
The more I saw the WHOLE STORY, the more I realized that EN is full of false teaching, that they "miss" the essence of Jesus Christ, that they have started their own religion and a new foundation that is not Christ.
I learned to QUESTION, to PROBE, to COMPARE/CONTRAST...to SEEK OUT what mainstream Christians have to say. To look at all the interpretations and to LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I feel a confidence now that I could go to any church and I would know if I was being manipulated or taken down a road that is not of Christ.
I so recommend that people read the WHOLE BIBLE, not for gold stars with God, but to appreciate God's view and see the truth in the big picture. It has greater illumination when seen in its entirety. |
genesis_truth
Member
Username: genesis_truth
Post Number: 62
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 203.96.117.58
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 4:45 pm: |
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Good things for me:
- A softer heart for those caught up in cults or cult-like organisations
- More discipline in studying the Word
- Open eyes regarding manipulation and falsehoods |
dust
Senior Member
Username: dust
Post Number: 1054
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 68.52.214.120
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 1:25 am: |
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Genesis,
You said what I wanted to say, but you said it much better. |
sunshinesaint
Intermediate Member
Username: sunshinesaint
Post Number: 101
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 124.197.16.222
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 2:13 am: |
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HI I'm back - but after this I will definetely take my sabattical  ...just like Phil (a joke for those that get it)
- I am no longer super judgemental of Christians...God is the only judger and I no longer feel like I need to persuade them to be some super human Christian.
- I am not "above" other people
- I view that people are in a life "process" and everyone is at different stages in their Christian walk and we should respect that rather than try and make them into EN models
- I know "destiny" now NOT as some tiny position within EN hierarchy that I have to "work" towards but how I live my everyday life
- I have learnt to love and want to know the Lord REALLY, without trying to please pastors and other people in my church
- I raise my hands in worship now not to show off to others
- I pray quietly and peacefully, not loud and arrogantly
- I too am more skeptical of American preachers (no offense to be taken please)
- I am dubious when I hear people start to say that "my church is the best"
and also if people start to say, "this is the way..." People's views are always led by selfishness...whereas the Word of God isn't -
- I have learnt that if I really want to find out what to do in a situation I need to lean on the Lord and read the Bible (not call up a church friend/pastor)
- I know that Jesus is the founder of my faith NOT a church
- I know that everything around me can fail...and this includes my BODY...But Jesus will remain.
BEST OF ALL:
I have learnt that being a Christian DOES NOT mean that everything will go my way...nor that I will always get all my prayers answered and BEST>>>that I may no get healed if I am sick...I have learnt THAT I MAY NOT UNDERSTAND GOD'S REASONS - THE POINT OF GOD IS TO TRUST HIM, NOT QUESTION HIM...AS THE HARD TIMES WILL COME...regardless that I am a Christian
- THE QUESTION OF FAITH IS HOW I RESPOND TO THESE TRIALS.
- and of course...I know that Jesus was a VERY different character than that of the Pastors in EN...if you question me on this...just look at how Jesus dressed (VERY simply), how Jesus reacted to people (softly and gently), what was the tone and prayer life of Jesus (quiet and peaceful), what was Jesus's destiny (his everyday life and walk and His in HIs Death). Jesus was not popular and not a "leader" in that day (contrary to the EN main focus - "go and be a leader in your area of "influence"). Jesus just was who He was and THAT impacted people.
Love you guys...see you in a little while |
dust
Senior Member
Username: dust
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 9-2005
Posted From: 68.52.214.120
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 2:34 am: |
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Okay, Sunshine, That's even better. I wish I had said all that. I feel the same. WOW. we are WORLDS apart and yet, same spiritual experience..same spiritual understanding. (Okay, I'll email you, so you don't have to keep coming back) hehe
Our mutual friend will be cheering you on at home as well. |
sunshinesaint
Intermediate Member
Username: sunshinesaint
Post Number: 102
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 124.197.16.222
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 2:35 am: |
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Oop almost forgot....
- I no longer go into someone's house and start critiquing their "life"...things like their kids...I now realise that there are many things that can determine how things turn out...like Kids and just because their kids aren't "perfect" doesn't mean they are bad people...as above...life is a process and there could be many reasons like e.g colic...or other reasons evident.
- I am actually satisfied with who i am...finally...the whole time whilst in EN I was never happy within my soul...now that I have left I am happy!...I have gained contentment
- I am also so happy with my husband...while I was in EN I was forever thinking he was not "right" because he did not act like the EN model pastor...I was wrong and have asked for forgiveness...NOW I see Him and KNOW him as the man God picked for me...God showed us this from the start of our courtship BUT I was so blinded by my EN misery (i'll call it that). Our marriage is now wonderful we are best friends. |
blueboy96
Member
Username: blueboy96
Post Number: 97
Registered: 5-2005
Posted From: 66.20.190.25
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 12:13 pm: |
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Hmmm ... you'd think that finding anything good about EN would be like finding a needle in a haystack. But I have to say the one good thing I left with is a greater desire to be in a truly diverse church.
Wrong-Waymaker was the only even remotely integrated Christian group at Carolina when I was there. I think the breakdown was something like 65% white/20% black/15% other. They really had a chance to be a force for good at Carolina--but they fumbled it away like a bad-hands receiver. |
xman3
Member
Username: xman3
Post Number: 86
Registered: 12-2006
Posted From: 69.89.98.230
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 4:21 pm: |
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I left with many good things, I have to admit.
My wife. Many great friends that were some of the deepest friendships I've had. I was saved in MCM as a direct result of Leo Lawson's ministry. I take with me many great teachings and experiences that are so numerous I couldn't name all of them.
After the fact, I also can appreciate many of the same things mentioned by the rest also (such as learning to question etc...), though I don't know if I can exactly credit MCM with them as the source, but more likely the post MCM dealings I and others have had were the source.
I'm not defending any of the bad stuff whatsoever, but I don't believe I'd be the man I am today apart from that experience. There's some bad to be sure, but a whole lot of good too in my experience, and despite everything, I think I am glad I was a part in many ways.
You did ask for the good things we left MCM with after all, and that's my personal take.
xman |
flo1151
Advanced Member
Username: flo1151
Post Number: 597
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 68.158.13.22
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 4:48 pm: |
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That is funny xman. My wife led Mz Lawson to the Lord. I was her first pastor.
flo |
osakadan
Intermediate Member
Username: osakadan
Post Number: 413
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 58.188.239.86
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 5:32 pm: |
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I don't know if I can exactly credit MCM with them as the source
I don't think MCM has to get credit at all.
I kinda got a little tired of reading all the bad things. I know my time in MCM helped shape who I am today and I like that person. I just wanted to hear what good things other people walked away with. |
coppertree
Senior Member
Username: coppertree
Post Number: 1137
Registered: 2-2005
Posted From: 4.229.144.111
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 7:34 pm: |
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Hi All
Still visiting!
On this I am taking Dylan's tack, so to speak,
"I'm a little too blind to see."} |
osakadan
Intermediate Member
Username: osakadan
Post Number: 415
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 58.188.239.86
| | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 10:07 pm: |
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 Weren't we all! |