Spiritual Abuse in the Pulpit and in the Pew

[lee (lee)]

FYI
We just received a brochure for Vision: New Eng's Congress 2005. It's the biggest gathering of evangelicals and others in this area. The brochure shows a workshop on spiritual abuse. Must be a big topic now! Must be more than a casual interest.

Says to me, that people are wanting to know more and probably need to know more. The title was good: Assessment, Assistance and a Just Response.

Honesty, in dealing with issues like these is so important. I'm glad to see this large org dedicate time to it.

[overseas (overseas)]

Good post. Yes it happens like that. It is true the fault also lies with the church cause it is easier to appoint a pastor and charge him with a lot of responsibilities than take your universal priesthood mandate and minister as laymen. People in the church are wrong cause they do not exercise their gifts in harmony but expect the burden to be on the pastor. I have seen many gifted people on the pews that just sit comfortably cause nobody asked them to do some job for God. Well my Bible shouts at me and I cannot ignore it. The church is able to pervert the office of pastor as well as its mission (see seeker sensitive issue...).

[lee (lee)]

Jack used to complain at times that he was sick and tired of feeling like he was just being paid to be 'The Christian'.....one thing that we really like now that we are not 'in the ministry' is that we feel comfortable connecting with people and they with us.

Maybe some new adjustments will be made in the areas of clergy/laity relationships.

Or maybe I'm just too earthy to be 'in' anymore!

[lee (lee)]

Doris,
We never really wanted to be 'in' cause of the separation it causes, but the position often brings it whether its wanted or not!

You can find out more about this conference at www.congress2005.com (http://www.congress2005.com).

I've never been to it because I'm not so mainline and this is definately a mainline christian event. I thought it interesting that they are taking a look at the subject. It costs $100's to attend and draws 1000s of evangelicals from around the US.

[herroyalhighness (herroyalhighness)]

Not for nuthin' But God has actually always "been doing great things" OUTSIDE of organized religion of any kind....for centuries...millenia, even! I agree, Lee & Doris - being "in" certainly does cause separation. After finally getting out of TBS/GG and studying for months - years - outside of a specific sect, I am more astounded, more in awe of the magnitude of the Creator, the Universal Intelligence - GOD - than I've ever been before. I'm convinced that our purpose here is much more far-reaching than any organization (religious or otherwise) could ever hope to be. I'm NOT saying people should not join one or another church or group...I AM saying that my journey has taken a different path and I believe that I shouldn't try to force my spiritual beliefs on anyone else. However, I really appreciate good discussions that challenge what I currently hold to be true (like so many of the postings on Factnet do). Not sure exactly where I'm going with this...just felt like responding!

[herroyalhighness (herroyalhighness)]

Oh, can I get an "Amen" on that, Doris?!!!

Sometimes (and I believe that organized religion may be "the path" for some or might be for a portion of one's life, so please don't flame me!) o.r. can be an incredible distraction for one seeking the Truth...I speak from my OWN experience and DO NOT speak for anyone else.

[rjfernalld (rjfernalld)]

Everyone knows I am no fan of organized religion at all. I have been chastised so often for "fosaking the assembling" that I feel like to most I must be a downright apostate *LOL*

[herroyalhighness (herroyalhighness)]

rj - so, shake hands with another "apostate" - are you also a heretic? Great - must be doing something right!! (Okay, Okay...humor here)

[rjfernalld (rjfernalld)]

Lemme see...I have been called so many things....pagan, witch, heretic, apostate, backslider, bitch, evil, god hater, and ...this will really get you...I was ordained once 15 years ago...so that makes me an unscriptual heathen heretic as well. Not that ever preached or planned to...just disagreed that women shouldn't be pastors, so I finished and they offered me the ordination and I let them give it to me. Doesn't mean anything, except I wanted to make a point.

Bad RJ...evil woman RJ...(funny thing, I am a pretty good preacher *LOL*)I made the mistake of mentioning it on this board when I first started posting and I was nearly burned at the stake...no lie.

Then, because I don't go to church (I am a bit of a shut in due to severe autoimmune disease) I was burned in effigy over and over again...too funny really

[herroyalhighness (herroyalhighness)]

Yo! One thing - (that I'm sure many who have a stranglehold -- oops, I meant "a hold" -- on dogmatic doctrinal beliefs will surely be glad to define for me)- that always puzzled me and does to this day, is why good, God-fearing people believe the sin of judging others is okay, but the sin of believeing differently is not...? Hmm. My goodness...a woman speaking from the pulpit in this day and age and culture???? What next? Ya gonna give 'em the vote?

[rjfernalld (rjfernalld)]

surely not THAT *LOL*

[herroyalhighness (herroyalhighness)]

Oh yes...next thing you know, they'll be wearing pants!

[heather (heather)]

RJ I thank God for you. You are certainly my hero. Youve been the voice for so many and taken crap from so many but have never backed down. Keep up the fight!!

[rjfernalld (rjfernalld)]

Heather, I have you daily in my prayers and I know for sure God's got you in the palm of his hand. You've been through far too much at the hands of the leaders in DE. I pray every day that God will add his strength to yours...for I know it isn't an easy thing to be in your shoes right now. But your spirit seems renewed and that is such a blessing...*hug*

[british_sponge_bob (british_sponge_bob)]

Cool thread Doris, Spiritual abuse topic suits GGWO to a "T."

That confrence Lee brought up sounds like a winner. $100 admission, whose pocketing that one I wonder???

I'll check it out further.

BG

[maria_t (maria_t)]

Interesting reading Doris, thanks for sharing it. There's a lot to digest there. I'll probably print it out and add it to my collection of articles I'm starting on spiritual abuse. Gosh there's a lot out there!!

Forgot the title of that book by Ken Blue. The one you mentioned last week here at the house.

Maria

[heather (heather)]

Maria I think its Ken blues Healing Spiritual abuse phenominal book. When you read it you will swear Ken blue was sitting in the pew at Greater Disgrace. I think its a must read for anyone that came out or is coming out.

[maria_t (maria_t)]

thanks Heather...

Hey...we missed you Sat. nite at the fellowship...hope you will come this week!!
We can't wait to meet you!!

I do crack up at the Greater Disgrace World Outrage phrase..who started that one anyhow!!

Love ya sis,
Maria

(Message edited by maria_t on January 11, 2005)