Comments on: Gathering: But Not For the Better! http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html Christ-Centered Teaching for Christ-Centered Living Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:31:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Peggy http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-2#comment-2120 Peggy Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:04:28 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2120 Thank you Chip for these articles and all of you who commented on them. Being set further free from the mental torment that comes at people who are so called, "unfaithful" or "uncommitted" is no fun, but something I know God is faithful to walk with us through it all. What good gifts He gives us! He IS the gift!!! Thank you Chip for these articles and all of you who commented on them. Being set further free from the mental torment that comes at people who are so called, “unfaithful” or “uncommitted” is no fun, but something I know God is faithful to walk with us through it all. What good gifts He gives us! He IS the gift!!!

]]> By: Wynn http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-2#comment-2118 Wynn Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:30:10 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2118 The saddest part is that unbelievers and children seem to be the only ones that notice that Jesus has "left the building". Then there are those of us who knew something was wrong but thought we would be dishonoring God by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. People are so disheartened after training up a child "in the way they should go" and then the kids want nothing to do with organized religion. Parents think their children are rejecting Jesus when in actuality they were never introduced to Jesus but given 18 years of organized religion posing as Christianity. Most don't even seem to realize that gathering together in Jesus name has nothing to do with 2 or 3 professing Christians getting together in the same room. If Jesus' and His agenda are not given the preeminence it can't be His name we are gathering in. Unfortunately I've found that it's usually the pastor's "vision" that everybody is gathering together for. The people are usually always pointed to the "house vision" and rarely is anyone pointed to Jesus unless it's to whip the service into a frenzy. Thank you Brother Chip for being willing to say what many are not willing to say about the state of "the Church". The saddest part is that unbelievers and children seem to be the only ones that notice that Jesus has “left the building”. Then there are those of us who knew something was wrong but thought we would be dishonoring God by forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. People are so disheartened after training up a child “in the way they should go” and then the kids want nothing to do with organized religion. Parents think their children are rejecting Jesus when in actuality they were never introduced to Jesus but given 18 years of organized religion posing as Christianity.

Most don’t even seem to realize that gathering together in Jesus name has nothing to do with 2 or 3 professing Christians getting together in the same room. If Jesus’ and His agenda are not given the preeminence it can’t be His name we are gathering in. Unfortunately I’ve found that it’s usually the pastor’s “vision” that everybody is gathering together for. The people are usually always pointed to the “house vision” and rarely is anyone pointed to Jesus unless it’s to whip the service into a frenzy.

Thank you Brother Chip for being willing to say what many are not willing to say about the state of “the Church”.

]]> By: Mary Ann http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-2#comment-2114 Mary Ann Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:43:13 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2114 Melissa & Karen...I too am in the same situation but believe that God honors our submission to our husbands. My husband filled out a long questionnaire that was designed to pinpoint your spiritual gifts, along with the majority of our church. Upon completion of that along with attending four classes on membership & responsibilities, he signed his commitment agreement & was presented a certificate of membership. It is stated on there that he has made a commitment to protect the unity, share the responsibility, serve the ministry and support the testimony of this church for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He hung it on the wall above his computer desk where he also repairs computers as a side job. I tried a few times to fill out that thick questionnaire but finally tossed it out. I attended three out of the four classes on membership but never bothered to do a makeup of the one I missed. My husband was voted in by the board to become a deacon/board member and I am surprised that they haven't pressured him about my becoming a member. It may be that because I am involved in a women's prison ministry (not through my church) and also help out a blind woman since her husband's death over four yrs ago that they see me in ministry. In my recent birthday card, our head Pastor wrote in my card about that, so I guess I am off the hook? I will be praying for Melissa & Karen and ask that you pray for me as well. I am so thankful for this ministry, it has helped & blessed me more than I can say. God bless, Mary Ann Melissa & Karen…I too am in the same situation but believe that God honors our submission to our husbands. My husband filled out a long questionnaire that was designed to pinpoint your spiritual gifts, along with the majority of our church. Upon completion of that along with attending four classes on membership & responsibilities, he signed his commitment agreement & was presented a certificate of membership. It is stated on there that he has made a commitment to protect the unity, share the responsibility, serve the ministry and support the testimony of this church for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. He hung it on the wall above his computer desk where he also repairs computers as a side job. I tried a few times to fill out that thick questionnaire but finally tossed it out. I attended three out of the four classes on membership but never bothered to do a makeup of the one I missed. My husband was voted in by the board to become a deacon/board member and I am surprised that they haven’t pressured him about my becoming a member. It may be that because I am involved in a women’s prison ministry (not through my church) and also help out a blind woman since her husband’s death over four yrs ago that they see me in ministry. In my recent birthday card, our head Pastor wrote in my card about that, so I guess I am off the hook? I will be praying for Melissa & Karen and ask that you pray for me as well. I am so thankful for this ministry, it has helped & blessed me more than I can say. God bless, Mary Ann

]]> By: Michael http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-2#comment-2113 Michael Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:47:19 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2113 Chip, Thanks for getting to the heart of the matter. It is important for us to share our stories because it's all God's story don't you think? I served a congregation for ten years. There was numerical growth, many successes and it often felt like an atmosphere of grace. For the first time in ten years I received a ministry evaluation. All high marks. Then nine months after the evaluation, with no explanation other than, "You are a square peg in a round hole." I was asked to resign. We live in a very small town (2500 people) so it was extremely difficult to navigate this experience. However, we refused to fight back, become vindictive or lash out. Several months after the resignation we learned that influential leaders in the church thought me "too spiritual." Not sure what that means. The time in the desert for my wife and I has been extremely painful. It has been over a year now and we are healing--our good days out weigh the bad days. The LORD has ministered to us during this time. It has been through music (often "secular"), your writing, His Word, and friends who have been through similar experiences. I read the postings of people who prayed about coming out of the institution, struggled with it and finally made the break. I admire their courage and conviction. If I had not been asked to resign I would have never quit. However I can now honestly say that I am grateful to be out. One passage that brought me comfort was Jesus' own words, "They will put you out of the synagogue" (John 16:2a). It is wonderful to be out of the frying pan of man-centered ministry and into the flame of the presence of YHWH. May we continue to be "reduced to Christ." Peace. Michael Chip,

Thanks for getting to the heart of the matter.

It is important for us to share our stories because it’s all God’s story don’t you think?

I served a congregation for ten years. There was numerical growth, many successes and it often felt like an atmosphere of grace.

For the first time in ten years I received a ministry evaluation. All high marks. Then nine months after the evaluation, with no explanation other than, “You are a square peg in a round hole.” I was asked to resign. We live in a very small town (2500 people) so it was extremely difficult to navigate this experience. However, we refused to fight back, become vindictive or lash out.

Several months after the resignation we learned that influential leaders in the church thought me “too spiritual.” Not sure what that means.

The time in the desert for my wife and I has been extremely painful. It has been over a year now and we are healing–our good days out weigh the bad days. The LORD has ministered to us during this time. It has been through music (often “secular”), your writing, His Word, and friends who have been through similar experiences.

I read the postings of people who prayed about coming out of the institution, struggled with it and finally made the break. I admire their courage and conviction. If I had not been asked to resign I would have never quit. However I can now honestly say that I am grateful to be out.

One passage that brought me comfort was Jesus’ own words, “They will put you out of the synagogue” (John 16:2a).

It is wonderful to be out of the frying pan of man-centered ministry and into the flame of the presence of YHWH.

May we continue to be “reduced to Christ.”

Peace.

Michael

]]> By: judy ausink http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-2#comment-2111 judy ausink Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:25:47 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2111 Thank you, Chip. Your articles continue to bless me and my husband. I can't say this has been an easy journey, but as each day passes we see more and more what the Lord's purpose is in all of this. Thank you,Chip, for another great article that offers encouragement and blessings. Please continue to do what the Lord is leading you to do. May YOU be encouraged and blessed to know how many of us that you have helped. Prayers for you and your family. Thank you, Chip. Your articles continue to bless me and my husband. I can’t say this has been an easy journey, but as each day passes we see more and more what the Lord’s purpose is in all of this.

Thank you,Chip, for another great article that offers encouragement and blessings. Please continue to do what the Lord is leading you to do. May YOU be encouraged and blessed to know how many of us that you have helped. Prayers for you and your family.

]]> By: Lizette http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-1#comment-2110 Lizette Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:31:37 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2110 Love the article. I am one with you brother. The Lord is building His House. We just need to be willing to see and follow. Love the article. I am one with you brother. The Lord is building His House. We just need to be willing to see and follow.

]]> By: James Mal http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-1#comment-2108 James Mal Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:57:57 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2108 Dear Chip and Karla That exactly is the question I had been asking the Sunday Christians then they would say, Yes, but what about the fellowship then I try to explain to them what really is the Fellowship. I personally do go to a Church, when I say 'a Church' I mean any church, once a month. My purpose is to look for them who have the seeking heart,hungry and thirsty for His righteousness. The Sunday Christians are the most self righteous christians on the earth. At the end of the meeting, when I happen to shake hand with somebody. Their first question is have you been here before. I say. Not really. Then they say. were you blessed, did you enjoy the service". How negating and heart breaking is this question. Would I be blessed if I go to a Church for enjoyment. Blessed are those who mourn. And that is my blessing when I come out of that church building at the end of the service. James Dear Chip and Karla
That exactly is the question I had been asking the Sunday Christians then they would say, Yes, but what about the fellowship then I try to explain to them what really is the Fellowship. I personally do go to a Church, when I say ‘a Church’ I mean any church, once a month. My purpose is to look for them who have the seeking heart,hungry and thirsty for His righteousness. The Sunday Christians are the most self righteous christians on the earth. At the end of the meeting, when I happen to shake hand with somebody. Their first question is have you been here before. I say. Not really. Then they say. were you blessed, did you enjoy the service”. How negating and heart breaking is this question. Would I be blessed if I go to a Church for enjoyment. Blessed are those who mourn. And that is my blessing when I come out of that church building at the end of the service.
James

]]> By: James Mal http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-1#comment-2107 James Mal Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:57:57 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2107 Dear Chip and Karla That exactly is the question I had been asking the Sunday Christians then they would say, Yes, but what about the fellowship then I try to explain to them what really is the Fellowship. I personally do go to a Church, when I say 'a Church' I mean any church, once a month. My purpose is to look for them who have the seeking heart,hungry and thirsty for His righteousness. The Sunday Christians are the most self righteous christians on the earth. At the end of the meeting, when I happen to shake hand with somebody. Their first question is have you been here before. I say. Not really. Then they say. were you blessed, did you enjoy the service". How negating and heart breaking is this question. Would I be blessed if I go to a Church for enjoyment. Blessed are those who mourn. And that is my blessing when I come out of that church building at the end of the service. James Dear Chip and Karla
That exactly is the question I had been asking the Sunday Christians then they would say, Yes, but what about the fellowship then I try to explain to them what really is the Fellowship. I personally do go to a Church, when I say ‘a Church’ I mean any church, once a month. My purpose is to look for them who have the seeking heart,hungry and thirsty for His righteousness. The Sunday Christians are the most self righteous christians on the earth. At the end of the meeting, when I happen to shake hand with somebody. Their first question is have you been here before. I say. Not really. Then they say. were you blessed, did you enjoy the service”. How negating and heart breaking is this question. Would I be blessed if I go to a Church for enjoyment. Blessed are those who mourn. And that is my blessing when I come out of that church building at the end of the service.
James

]]> By: Glen http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-1#comment-2106 Glen Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:29:14 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2106 Richard, there is an excellent book available on the web entitled Custom or Command written by Stan Firth, a Scottish ex-pastor. It was written to explain to friends the Biblical basis of certain things they though he should or should not be doing. In his book he examines the scriptures concerning such things as worship, teaching and "assembling" together. I think you will find it to be encouraging and might even be useful to send to your interested friends who are so concerned for your spiritual welfare. Richard, there is an excellent book available on the web entitled Custom or Command written by Stan Firth, a Scottish ex-pastor. It was written to explain to friends the Biblical basis of certain things they though he should or should not be doing. In his book he examines the scriptures concerning such things as worship, teaching and “assembling” together. I think you will find it to be encouraging and might even be useful to send to your interested friends who are so concerned for your spiritual welfare.

]]> By: keith yale http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/gathering-but-not-for-the-better.html/comment-page-1#comment-2105 keith yale Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:27:34 +0000 http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/socwp/wordpress/?p=171#comment-2105 Chip, I have known you for many years and am in agreement with what the Lord has revealed to you concerning churchianity. I personnaly have challenged many pastors on their doctrine and have been asked to leave more times than I can count. God has just told me to leave Tacoma and move to Chorus Christi, then said nothing other than to go. It is in my heart and I believe my calling to be a pastor/teacher. Souls are at stake, teaching as this imparitive and church as we know it is wrong. I have laid that question before God many times and have challenged many of my fellow ministers with, what if we are doing it wrong, what if there is a different way. Your thoughts? Chip, I have known you for many years and am in agreement with what the Lord has revealed to you concerning churchianity. I personnaly have challenged many pastors on their doctrine and have been asked to leave more times than I can count. God has just told me to leave Tacoma and move to Chorus Christi, then said nothing other than to go. It is in my heart and I believe my calling to be a pastor/teacher. Souls are at stake, teaching as this imparitive and church as we know it is wrong. I have laid that question before God many times and have challenged many of my fellow ministers with, what if we are doing it wrong, what if there is a different way. Your thoughts?

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