Comments on: Why I Don’t Go to Church Anymore

By: Wayne Campbell

Wayne Campbell — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 08:13:52 +0000

Good morning from the sunny Caribbean all. Brother Chip may our Heavenly Father’s purposes in Christ continue to prosper in and through your labor of love for God and your fellow man.

All I would add is that it remains only as we keep on seeking and keep knocking that we continue indeed to find, we continue indeed to have The Door opened unto us.

I therefore pray and thank our loving Heavenly Father also that by and in His grace, that we all will allow the Tiller of the soil of our souls, the Word of Truth, Incorruptible Word/Seed; shared in love with each other, to form and fashion our souls into good soil (soil treatment) for the removal of thorns, stones, weeds and all other mental and emotional impediments to our growth in Christ-likeness. Help us all indeed Father to allow ourselves to be tilled by the Truth. And it’s guaranteed thus that we will not be either unfruitful or stunted in producing greater and greater yields of Agape/Love, fruit for each other’s mtual edification and enjoyment with the Father and the Son, in the power of the Spirit. Thank You Father for the one hundred, forty and twenty fold yields and increases of actual christlikeness in our daily living and being one with you and Your Son, our One true Head, Jesus the Anointed.SO BE IT!!! Blessings all.

By: Linda in CA

Linda in CA — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:30:18 +0000

Thank you, Chip, for sharing your spiritual growth spurt with us; it gives those you interface with a view of and hope for such a better and more worthy relationship with God in Christ. It also brought back not so fond memories in my life.
I realized back in the 80’s the Christ was within – but it was not an “in” thing with a lot of folks out here who, when approached, thot I was pushing new age doctrine. I look back now to see just how minimal beliefs were in the “churches” I attended. But – I too was minimal in belief: I knew Christ was within, but failed to understand the implications / the bigger picture and there was absolutely no one around who could help me to “see” or to “hear” better. I did not “feel” close to God and the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we need a fellow believer to help us. Certainly, there was no talk of dying to self. I was stymied, blind and in need of understanding.
In the late 90’s into the 2000’s attended a “church” that seemed to have some understanding. I had spiritual growth, but most of that was on my own; I was by this time being directed more by the Holy Spirit, but felt stifled when in a “church”. The issue was one I was met with in a couple of other “churches” I attended: I was pushed, goaded, manipulated and handled to volunteer, do this, go here, vote this way etc. I heard some of the folks there put the pastor on a pedestal after service one day and said a few words to the effect that the Lord is our Shepherd and we should not put man above the Lord, which caused the party to back pedal; but this kind of foul scent remained over the entire body in that facility. One afternoon the pastor was looking dismal as I approached him: I thot perhaps he was facing burn-out. Instead, he admitted that he was disappointed with the congregation, that they were not growing [or how he thot they should grow, like they should be “doing” more] and wondered why. When I better understood the principle myself to express it to him a bit later after leaving that facility for the desert, I wrote a letter. It was met with a few words written back. I was asked “not to judge too harshly”. The interesting part was they did change how they did some things at that “church”, trying to remove the pastor from that pedestal and changing some of the inner workings of the board etc. But, you cannot put new wine into old wine-skins. Little has changed.
Leaving “church life” for good was the best thing I could have done. Being in the desert can be lonely and painful, but only if one has not submitted to the Lord. I have lived in a desert all my life, first as a child: I was talked to, not with. I longed for real family life as a child. As a teen, I suggested that we attend a church as a family, but was told no. The Lord continued to tug at my spirit and soul as an adult. Thank the Good Lord that I finally reached the place where I depended on Him more than self, for in the desert these past almost 20 yrs, I have come to “see” and “hear” much more about the Lord our God than in the over 50 yrs before that. It is in the desert where we truly find what we are made of, what needs to be circumcised & what our real priorities should be regarding our relationship with God and Christ. It is a place of heat, cold, dryness and quietness minus the distractions, push and pull of organized “church” – the place I left because it I was very wanting spiritually. It actually sapped the spirit out of me to the point I felt cold, dissatisfied and empty.
Wherever we are to be or whatever we are to do, the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us. Presently, I continue to learn and intercede, having more understanding of the plan and purpose of the Lord. My thanks again to Chip, for his words read in one of his first books out in the late 90’s or so immediately resonated with my spirit, a witness to the path I was then on. May the Lord’s will be done in all our lives as we continue to submit to Him.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 21:53:23 +0000

There is a scripture Chip that mentions….FORSAKE NOT the assembling of yourselves together!!!!

By: Clare Kaegi-Watts.

Clare Kaegi-Watts. — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:00:41 +0000

Hi Chip. Once again, a great message of encouragement to ANY person who is having second-thoughts about where they are and where they SHOULD be. I left the Titanic also just on 20 years back, but as I had left a church 21 years before that and walked in a 21year wilderness believing that the pastor who had evicted me from the church all that long time ago was a true man of God and I was wrong for asking questions and wanting to find the God of Scripture Who was absent from his church. This time round I once again asked God, “Am I doing the right thing, or am I deceived and they are right….it was burying myself in the Word and in prayer, that peace came, and I knew that I HAD done the right thing. Looking back I see such deception that God had shown me, and set me free from BECAUSE I searched the Word, and knew God’s will and heart. The influence of Hillsong and Brian Houston was taking over the AOG church in Australia big time, and I ran from it. The whole of the “church” in the Western world has now chosen the way of the Titanic. She will go down while the band is still playing, the entertainment still going, and food being served and they won’t even notice until it is too late. They won’t exchange their expensive gowns and party clothes for life-jackets and life-rafts – they would rather enjoy their party-ship and suffer the consequences than brave the weather outside in the hope of being saved – the “it couldn’t happen to ME!….I’m too secure in my position and prestige, and I can BUY my way out!” syndrome. Rev.3:14-22 applies to everyone else, but them.
The freedom that Jesus promised is SO real! He said, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” FINALLY free to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Hallelujah! What an amazing, joyful place to be.

Thank you so much, once again for sharing, dear Brother Chip, and keep up the GREAT work. You encourage and inspire so many to keep their feet on that narrow and difficult path that leads to life! Bless you and Karla and the children.

By: Mario Alleckna

Mario Alleckna — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 21:17:33 +0000

Amen Brother! There is a reason why they also keep pushing the Old Covenant idea of the tithe (plus seed giving etc.). Churchianity is a very expensive man-made idea. No wonder they preach tithing with all that financial pressure that comes with running a “business” with a huge building, parking lot and lots of staff. Where do we find that idea in Scripture? The Apostle Paul said that we shouldn’t owe anything to anyone. He was a tent-maker. If they wanted him to stay in town and teach some more they might have given him a bed to sleep in and some food, and perhaps a pair of new sandals, that’s about it. Today the calling of a pastor is a career choice with a paycheque, an office, a secretary and a pension plan. What’s wrong with the first church in the book of Acts? NOTHING!

By: David Moot

David Moot — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:47:12 +0000

In reply to Chip Brogden. I have read both your response and comment of Mark. I agree the system itself is primarily self serving while suggesting it is all about the "Great Commission" Whether we subscribe to church membership or not let's agree that world will know we are his disciples because of one thing, His love is oozing out of us in all we say and do. Txt is hard to get the heart of communication at times, may I simply say that at times your broad sweeping statements sound harsh and judgmental, without sharing a meal with you and getting to know you I can not discern 100% the heart behind a comment. Let us all respond to his call as we work out our own salvation, let's do it together in a spirit of that preserves unity, celebrates diversity and blesses the Bride as she prepares for his return. Love your posts, love the chance to be challenged squeezed and test everything that I believe is re-presenting Him. Bless all who truly seek Him and may be bless those who truly need Him. :-)

By: David M Harvey

David M Harvey — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:33:59 +0000

Hello Chip, I have followed you for many years and as a former AG minister I agree with your assessment of current ‘Churchianity’

I had the opportunity to speak in every district of the AG empire….to many Discric councils and in over 2,000 AG churches in my 20 year slug fest. I tell you truly that of those churches….their were only about 6 (SIX)!! ..that I would have wanted my family to attend. I resigned my license in 1995 and began to speak in independent charismatic, Baptist and other independent evangelical churches… I found, sadly, that the situation there was exactly the same as in the Assemblies of God churches.

I cannot tell you the number of times, without fail, that I would speak at a church in a particular district… And then revisit that church three or four years later… And realized immediately that 80% or more of the people that I minister to just a few years ago we’re now gone…. (without fail.)

Recently I was invited to a prayer meeting… A sort of “kick off” for a period of prayer and fasting at a local evangelical church. I live in Southern California… And so it goes almost without saying that any semblance of healthy “church” has long since vanished. But on this particular morning when I attended, as a favor to a brother in Christ that I’ve been having communication with… This following message was broadcast on the multi TV screens that were positioned around the front of the sanctuary… I gave it to you as it was written….

__________________________________________________

“” BREAK GROUND AND COMPLETE OUR NEW KIDS AND STUDENT BUILDING IN 2020!!

2nd Chronicles 716 says,

“for I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.”

We are building a place for Gods Name to be worshiped and honored by students and children in our community. It is not just a building but is a Holy (set apart) Building because of its purpose. It will enlarge the Kingdom of God through producing growth in our church buy new people finding Christ.

_______________________________________________

Chip, this fellowship has about four services on Sunday morning… And sees a total of about 5000 people on a weekend… The prayer meeting was packed with people lifting their hands and singing videotaped songs… all very scripted and practiced. The young head pastor came out… Dressed in a sweatshirt and blue jeans… and gave his 10 minute sermonette….. I truly don’t believe the name of Jesus was even mentioned… Then he challenged his early morning congregation to begin in earnest prayer for 2020…

…… After reading the slide… I wept and then left… Heartbroken and angry that the kingdom of hell is so very good at what they do.

I remain you brother,

David

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 18:29:11 +0000

I came out of her. Free. I hear Him. I follow Him. I greatly love Him. I have not been in a church for years. But I have Church with Him all the time. I am free. And I am happy.

By: Chrissy

Chrissy — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 17:13:44 +0000

In reply to Gillian Sharp.

Hi Chip and Gillian

I was led very clearly to come out of the organised Church system and to stop observing various other religious traditions. I have been outside the walls of churchianity for around 20 years now but I did (of my own will) try to make a return but that did not work out and after 1 visit I knew it was a mistake. I am alone in my area but we can never really be alone because we are in Christ and spiritually connected to every other born again believer as part of the body of Christ on Earth. I don’t miss the organised religion and I do tend to believe it is a safer place to be outside than inside the organised religion as things are progressing in these latter times. I do have fellowship (communication and some prayer support ) online through various means (at least whilst that is still an option) but I do miss fellowship on a face to face basis to talk and pray with 1 or 2 others. Like you Gillian I am in a family where I am the only professing born again believer. I too live in the UK, Perhaps we could make contact Gillian my email is c.carlton703@btinternet.com

I am your sister in Christ Jesus
Chrissy

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 16:56:28 +0000

I love reading how the Lord has lead others in their flight from organized religion. As I was leaving the system around 20 years ago someone gave me an online book, written about a man, who was either a pastor or assistant pastor as he struggled with the truth as the Lord began to open his eyes to the evils of present-day churches and the need to come out of them. It was an online book.
In the story, the man kept running into one particular man of God who would teach and encourage him to take the next step in his separation from modern-day churches.
That’s about all I recall of the book, other than at that time, the Lord really used it to bring me to the point of being able to make a clean break from everything I’d held dear to me.
Just wondering if anyone knows about the book and where I can find it? I know the description is vague but if you’ve read it, I’m sure you remember it.
Thanks