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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ส.ค. 2022
- A follow up on my previous post. I was struggling to decide whether I should do another video but since the last one got the kind of reach that I did not expect, I thought I better clarify what I really mean when I made certain points.
#NotAContentCreator
#notaninfluencer
#NotBuildingAPlatform
#RealChurch
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Twitter: / jonathanngan
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Website: www.jonathanngan.com
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As a Christian myself, I resonated with a lot of what you talked about, especially about how institutionalised organized religion has become. In a lot of ways, I feel like the modern church has become like a 'spiritual business' more focused on getting more people to come to church but not deepening those spiritual relationships towards Christlikeness.
Pastor Jonathan,
I am so proud of you! You have finally put in words the stuff I see happening in churches. It's end times and our spirits are groaning for deep connections and authenticity - doing life together! You have my blessings!
One artist shared this - "God's glory is when man comes alive" . You have come alive!! Stay strong!
True
This really touched my heart. I've only gone to church 2x's since Covid. My perception of church has changed since this. My heart started leaning more toward getting closer to God, learning his word, reaching lost souls. I am not coming against the church, but I began to feel like I was going to a social gathering, and listening to motivational speaking. I begun to feel empty, feeling like something was wrong with me, because I was no longer excited about the layout, and the structure, in which the church was moving. I say that with all respect toward my church, but I am really seeking God, and not the emotional antics we are seeing today. I want to be a remnant believer, who loves God with my whole being. Thank you for making these videos. Be blessed my brother.
Never Say NEVER 😎 Justin Bieber
GOD bless you!
Sherry I think you nailed it. Church has become a show and entertainment with a sprinkle in of motivational words. Social gathering 100%. We are to be a community and extended family.
You basically articulated everything I’ve ever felt in my soul about the ‘modern’ church. Well said. Appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. Much love in Christ and thanks for your obedience to the Lord!
Yessss
Lets Go BRANDON ❗
Thank you your transparency. I’ve felt this for many years. I am a minister and held Bible studies in my home for years because there were so many people hungry for a deeper knowledge of the word that they were not getting and weren’t equipped to do it on their own. Needless to say I left my church of 25+ years and I’m having a hard time landing somewhere. Bible studies season has ended due to my husband’s illness so here I am waiting and looking. Thank you again. I’m so glad I’m not alone.
God bless.
I did the same thing February 2015 and have never looked back. I agree with you, people are the church, and leaving a building with 4-walls does not define my relationship with Jesus. My relationship is personal, a daily lifestyle, and is lived out by my words, behavior, actions, character, integrity, relationship and faith in Jesus Christ. God told me to leave my church to get more involved in my community, build relationships, and minister directly to people. I've been doing that ever since and I love it. Do not miss church at all, and spiritually my husband and I have grown so much.
I think not only do churches protect their name as an institution, but also many churches love God but do not love people or the individual. The consequence is the sin of only loving God but not people. Churches can hurt people to protect their brand/institution and having a love God only theology. "For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." 1 John 4
True, but they are Confused. If you love God = You love others. Cannot love God while hating others - that is self delusion.
We can't love God if we don't love people. After all, people r what God values most. Love our God, love our neighbours.
Some churches love numbers more than hearts
It's all about business, the love of money, power and the world. They must repent of thier idolatry they must be delivered from thier drunken stupor of drinking from worldly spirits.
TRUE
My realization about the points you are making occurred to me during the beginning of Covid. As a retired man I started my website related to evangelization after I stopped attending church, if you can believe it. I felt it was what God called me to. I also am a strong believer in the church, meaning the people. I came across the prophecy (promise) in Jeremiah 3:15, "I will give you shepherds who are loyal to me, and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill." I accept this promise every day. Please pray for me and my family.
Great verse!
@soulwinnersrus
Well said. Many years ago, when circumstances forced me to be separated from my "church" infrastructure, God had my wife and I grow in Him and re-evaluate our definitions of the expressions of our Christianity. For example, what is the mental concept we have of "church" (ekklesia) and how does it compare with the New Testament. Jesus said, "where two or more are gathered in My name, I am in their midst" (Matthew 18:20). It's funny, but starting the tail end of Covid, like you, my focus and inspiration has been turning towards soul winning. Blessings to you, brother!
Jon, you 100% not only heard from God regarding this, you shared the very heart of God. You have no idea how much this resonates, not just with me...but I'm certain with countless others. And I know God wants this message, HIS message, shared. Thank you so much for your willingness to step out and share.
Wow! I actually left God for 20+yrs and recently started to seek Him again and was searching for a ‘right church’ to go to and i reasonate what you say here abt church programs and very often overwhelming. Thus, during the last few times of my church scouting, commitment to the church activities are what stopped me from joining any of them thus far. Been praying abt it, and u popped up! Will continue to pray for God’s guidance on this. Thank you John. 👍🏻
Someone just shared your youtube in our group and I could not hold back looking for more. I got exactly here during corvid, stopped attending church and spending much time developing myself for the market. But I also tend to believe that there should be a new community for people like me, I have been attending one and we seek God deeply when we meet and God is available to respond to each of us, simply put we have divine experiences that is out of this world like supernatural encounters and so on.
Am so happy to listen to you
God have instituted the Church as His Body, I know the church leaders fail us but we are not to give up meeting as a church ! The Local Church is important to individuals as we are all interconnected as a Body !
Going to church these days seems like going to a rock concert. Lots of feel good feeling, little repentance.
Thanks John. Man, everything u have said are my questions n struggles i have except you have put it so well in words and so much clarity. Felt so much authenticity in your thinking. The rebel heart， the ned to know why etc are what made me sometimes doubt if i am a problem to church cohesiveness but hearing you say that makes me realize i m not alone. I know you are not giving a sermon but i from the two videos i wouldnt say i learn smtin new but i would say i got ignited, inspired ans encouraged. I wish you all the best and look fwd to know more abt the faith community thing you mentioned
Hi Jon,
Thank you for what you shared; it was very encouraging and reminded me of what the church and discipleship truly are. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead His people.
Best regards,
Ex-pastor wife from New Zealand,originally from Malaysia 😊
You spoke so many words that had been on my heart. Watching you from the USA 🇺🇸 . I look forward to your next video, you are a blessing. Praying for you to keep moving forward in Christ. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing again and clarifying points. God is using you, God is moving! It's time for the 'Church' to evaluate how God wants us to be The Church... His hands and feet! When God places it on your heart to share again, I look forward to continuing the journey.
Your passion for God and your faith are infectious. You are reaching far and wide helping people heal wounds inflicted by a church, intentionally or not. Helping us understand and it is okay to change course, take breaks to reset and be closer to God. It was my friend who shared your video and I can relate.
Keep going, God is with you. You have reached Scotland too.
Thank you for the update here. I know I did subscribe because what you had shared in your previous testimony hit home for me. I wanted to be able to follow just so when you did update as you have here, I would get it. I’m so glad your ministry is going well from what it sounds like. I completely understand you not replying back or messaging back. This isn’t your ministry field. I do find what you have shared, even in this video, to be encouraging. It’s encouraging that we are doing right. It’s encouraging that the one who is going to work every day & people seeing God in us in how we interact with others & even how we do our job is a whole ministry. It’s encouraging to keep doing this.
We are ‘the church’ & we are to take Jesus with us. It’s not supposed to be confined to the 4 walls we gather together in. The Great Commission is all about going. The mission field is not in a corporate setting for the majority of people, it’s where we are outside of those settings where we spend the rest of the majority of our time.
I will say also that I learned a while back that our ministry starts at home. It starts with our family & if we neglect our ministry at home, it will eventually effect our ministry elsewhere.
I get it. I get all that you have expanded on & updated on here. It’s all biblical or seems to be. It’s encouraging. Thank you for this update. I look forward to when God impresses upon you to share again. Until then, may God bless you in all your ministry.
i can relate to u. i left my church a few years ago bcos somehow God was speaking tomy heart like this..."are u going to spend the rest of your life sitting on that chair every Sunday morning? There's so much i want u to do." wow after that i began to hunger for God's word and i learned more abt the bible than all the years i spent inside our church. Now im ministering to my sisters and niece and nephews.
You're certainly not alone, brother!
Earlier this year, the Lord laid upon our hearts - my husband and I- to go on a retreat. It stretched beyond our expectations...till we realized that God wanted more from us. Not till we came to terms with divine leading to include going off the church as well. To think of the fact that my husband's newly ordained pastor after years of service. It's awfully strange. Yet with prayers and God's help through a wide range of convictions - yours inclusive- we're summoned the courage. We informed the senior pastor and the team. It raised questions of : why? were we offended in any way? were we discouraged in some way? (because our rented apartment is up for sale, and we only have hope in God for divine direction and help, financially and all ramifications, even with the fact that we have four little kids). But we explained as God would help us. And since then, we've enjoyed vast fellowship with God, and patiently waiting and trusting for His divine leading on what He hopes to bring out of it.
May God strengthen us all in this journey of truth! God bless u bro!
-Enny from Nigeria 😊
We should learn to appreciate little things and thank God for it. Sometimes little is enough to be thankful and grateful to God.
There is a lot of truth in what you say; most leaders do need to listen. It should also cause them to seriously consider whether or not their actions are in line with God's will. Your videos do a good job of explaining it. Although God may not yet have called you to be a content creator, please know that these videos are having a significant impact on many people going through the same thing you are. It's a lot to take in, but I hope you'll keep spreading the word about the revolution of making an impact where God has placed you. God Bless!
I respect your authenticity and being spot on not sacrificing the family at the ministry altar. How can we be spiritual leaders if we can't even love our closest ones. We may be talented, gifted and even annointed at work, what truly count and be accountable for will be our relationships and characters. In the modern society, churches, para churches etc are caught into performance driven leadership instead of character-driven leadership. What would a committee ask a potential pastor who applying into the job? Can he preach well? Can he perform this and that? Is he able to strategize and promote church growth and finance? The question we should ask first is about characters. How his family? What about his spouse n children?
However, I not sure why u have to leave ur church after resignation. Are u asked to leave? I resigned 11 years ago from being youth pastor. But I stay put in the church as normal member and eventually become the leadership team. I become a part of para church staff and also co started another ministry organization after I left church staff team... I put my frustrations, ideas that are too much for a traditional church into the new ministries outside church. But I never leave. My family and I still with the same church although we don't agree everything the leadership does. I never asked to leave. My organisations outside today serve back the local church needs although I was not spared with labels once when I tendered my resignation. Today my church supporting the ministries I have outside the church after years of faithfulness and staying united in spirit. I really not judging u but I want to tell those who are facing similar frustration like me n Jonathan, there are options and not necessarily only one way out. Like a natural family, church family can still be a place we disagree on some areas but not walk away. I disagree with my children and siblings some time, but family is family. Honesty, acceptance and commitment to stay together. Let church of Jesus Christ be full of inter generations, multi racial, multi socioeconomic status, diff political views still can live and serve together because the blood of Christ unites us. When we love one another and in unity, we are like treasure in the broken system, toxic environment out there. Then the world will know Jesus is sent by Father God and Saviour of the world. Sorry for such long message. Love, bro Edwin
Truth being spoken here.
Here are listed the qualifications for an elder 1 Tim. 3:1-13
There's a ministry my family and I attend a few times a week called Celebrate Recovery and we have a (free) dinner together and eat with one another, have a worship service, and after we break out into small groups to share what is going on in our life. This fellowship feels so amazing and than I go to my church home on Sunday and it's a totally different feeling. I stood in the hallway by our child care area with my kids and there was probably over 50-100 people to pass by me and only one two people smiled at me while everyone else avoided eye contact. I was shocked as I processed this in my mind. I had a goal to try to make contact with others and smile if they looked my direction and not even the pastor made eye contact with me. Just sad. At Celebrate Recovery it's the exact opposite reaction. I wish this ministry was in every church.
Hello friend Kevin,
I can attest to your experience with CR vs status quo church. I used to be a traditional pastor, who participated in CR meetings in one church, and attempted to bring CR into the church where I served. I know exactly what you mean . . . CR meetings were MORE (in every way) than what was normally offered. It was REAL. It was Christ and people.
May He continue to bless you anf your family along the work along the steps. One day at a time in His grace and strength.
Sincerely,
- Think Tank-
You continue to resonate what's inside of me! Modern ministry folks will not acknowledge your reflections because of their comfort, popularity and pay that they receive from the their ministry. God bless and may the Lord Jesus be glorified in your new endeavor!
I so resonate with everything you have said. Thank you for sharing and God bless you and family Jon 🔥🙌
Thank you Jon!! God bless you and your family! 🙏🏾🙌🏾
I'm glad that this was the first video of yours that I saw, rather than your other one. Thank you for your advice, and I pray for you and your community.
You are bold to share your beliefs which I have thought about many of them but did not dare to speak out openly. Thank you for your voice.
I fully agree with the above message. God wants us to have community with His people and His creation , which is not only meant to be in a building and confined within four walls. We will not forget to gather with the saints , however being in a church building 3-4 times per week can become so restrictive in what we allow God to do with our lives , our gifts and talents with those around us. We are the church to everyone we come into contact with believers as well as non believers. I fully agree with this message thank you Jon for this message many of us have the same message on our hearts but do not how to explain it.
Thank you. Just thank you. This is what people need to hear
Thank you Jon for putting this video out there.
Thank you for sharing so openly.....I stand with you on the notion and the possibility of devoted Christains and leaders who look good in the outside but is struggling quietly beneath that facade.. they may be already numbed that their hearts are not right with God.......I am humbled by God from the verse Pro 4:23 that indeed all issue of life or springs of life flows from the heart.....we have got to guard our heart with all diligence.
My heart is blessed hearing from you today and I pray that the LORD Jesus bless you with the wisdom and discernment like that of Solomon and the heart like David in this new journey which you have chosen.
Press on Bro!
I thank God for you taking the stand to be what he originally created for us to be. Taking a stand and evaluating ourselves to be the church in a dark and dying world that needs to see God working in our lives daily. 🙏🏽
Thank you Jon for sharing what God has been stirring in your heart. I personally also have sense the transition, and allowed God to shift me from the “old wine” mindset to what He desires. God is on the move, and He is perfecting His church. The old traditions are going to die whether we like it or not. Either we submit willingly: allow God to reform our minds to follow His leading or find ourselves in a rut in the end-it is our choice. But God desires that we listen to His voice and move into the new than stay in our old comfortable ways.
God will only pour His new wine into skins that are pliable and ready for His move. The fact remains that some churches will choose to remain in the old-, desiring more to be part of the status quo than His purposes. I am glad that you have shared this change plainly, and thank God for believers like you who have caught on to what God is doing in the church in this new era.
Your Welcome😎
Love this Jon! Very well said and so true. We can still serve God within a job change from traditional church to a secular job doing market place kind of ministry. It is necessary to meet together like you mentioned and can still continue to do that by attending church or meeting with believers getting in the Word and worship and relationship is so important. Thanks bro!
Jon, I thank and praise the Lord for leading you down this path. Your two video videos have truly inspired me to step out and be out in the community to share my faith journey with those who are lost. Since the age of 10, all I have ever wanted, is to be a blessing and show the love of Jesus to everyone. God is the one who brings about change in our lives, our hearts and minds. I just want to be obedient to His calling and let Him lead us all onwards to the next adventure. Thank you Lord. Lord, I pray for Jon that you will give him the strength to carry on in you. That you will give him the direction that You so desire for him. Lord, you are in control. You are awesome and majestic in all of your beautiful work. Thank you for my sisters and brothers who are already out there in the community and helping those who are struggling, lost and alone and bringing them the most glorious message of Jesus. Praise and all honour belong to You.
Thank you, John! I wish I could say all the things you just said. I felt like you just spoke for many people not just me whose going through a whole new level of spiritual journey. God bless you! 🙏🏻
Thanks for all the insights.. this is so validating! I sometimes question things too but im hesitant to ask..
Jon, please keep making sending videos. These videos are inspirational tools for our journey ahead. Thank you. God bless you and your family always.
Thank you so much. This confirms what the Lord has placed in my heart. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing. This has been deeply on my heart for the past several years. It puts words to what I’ve been trying to tell those close to me or those that have been around me. But they don’t get it. It has been a very lonely time for me because of that. I grew up being an MK and a PK.
what is MK & PK?
@Alvin Koh
It’s short for Missionary Kid and Pastor’s Kid
This word was powerful, thank you! Love from the UK🤍
Bro. John what you says are the will of God and biblical too. No matter what happens continue brother, we are not here to please every man but God. God bless you!
Brave and truth...better be a churchless than christless believer
You are blessed with divine wisdom from God. May God continue to bless the works of your hands,Pastor.🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing. You are right. You didn’t start a revolution. You just joined one. My family has been feeling this way for a long time and we are now exploring what church is and what I really resonate a lot with both you videos.
Simply: thank you and Praise our Lord!
Finally a 2nd vid! Looking forward to finish watching it.
Jon I am so glad you are saying this. God bless you so much for this message sent to us led by the Holy Spirit. Worship ing and serving God is so simple but we have made it so complicated. Thank you for where you are going. May God bless you always. Shalom.
I enjoy hearing your heart. Please do not stop!
God bless you Pastor Jon! I totally agree that we are not just called to serve inside the church
Well said Jon. Thank you be so authentic.
Hi Jon, thanks for your courage and conviction to share,
"And they devoted themselves to the 1)apostles' teaching and the 2)fellowship, to the 3)breaking of bread and the 4)prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved". Acts2:42-47
The early church DEVOTED themselves to study the Word and do Life together, practiced Communion and waited upon the Lord and came before Him in Prayers and Intercession. They didnt just meet once a week for a "service" and called it church. They met daily and often in their own homes and families, they had their jobs and influenced their workplace. their love for each other was so strong and deep they wanted to hang out Daily, open their homes for hospitality and shared what they had ! People will know when take the time to see them and genuinely love them, you cant fake that.
I believe the Lord is indeed reviving and calling us back love Him and whats real.
Amen and amen!
YES! Amen!
Good for you bro..., I am 100% supporting the way u r heading now. There are too many lost soul out there and they need God's love and your are the best and right person shall deliver Jesus to them and also more than qualify to answer most of the questions on Bible's study. Yourself also gain experiences on people out there in the real world and it is tougher to preach tho... We all trapped with technologies and human interactions become lesser and mostly not face to face even within families member or relatives or friends but mobile phones is the one talking to each other. Everyone just fall in love with it and almost can't live without it.
Jon: Thanks for sharing from your heart. Well-stated and true from beginning to end There are more people than we know who are echoing exactly what you are saying here. Many of us are tired of "church" as it is. At least here in the southern U.S., too many people have been "churched" and indeed it seems to have become old wineskins.
Jon, you're not a rebel. I agree with you---we must questions why some things are like they are in the institutional church. Many of us have a holy discontent, and I believe it has come from the Spirit of God.
I thank God for your life and for the overflowing love He has placed in your heart for the brethren as much as for the lost spoken in so much boldness...christianity is not an obligation but rather a lifestyle that reflects our relationship with our Heaveny Father through His Son Who is our Lord and Savior by the power of the Holy Spirit. 💞💖 For apart from Him, we are nothing and can do nohing.
Experiencing the power and presence of God on a daily basis regardless of what season we are in is what makes our life worth living. All glory to God!!!
People need this message. No puedes detener este canal. Muchos Muchos lo necesitan. Please!
Thank you for your humility... Learning together. Thank you for saying what you do . You are saying what many of us have wanted to say. Well balanced in all sides!
Anytime 😎
God wants a relationship with each person one and one to love and grow together with Him, and with each other, thank you Jesus. 😍
Right on 👍, as was your first video, a few
Months ago.
Keep Keepin' it REAL.
All Glory must Go to our Great Triune God
🙏🙌☝️ ❣️
Love this, maybe you may think about in the future discipling people to do this in the home . We have been praying about this for awhile. We long to learn to be the church to the world. We were so in church too so praying and seeking God on how this should look for us as well.
I am a Muslim but I love your insight.
I have a similar problem with institutionalized religion because somehow it makes people walk away from God and His true message.
So that I declare myself as a “man of God without religion” and focus only to learn what God tell to me to do in the Holy Quran.
I love to share God's experience with other people in whatever faith may be, I love to have a relationship with people just as humans without being limited by religion and just to work on how to make a better world together.
you must be an Indonesian, right❔❓
@@Booz2020 Correct🙂
@Yudi Ariante
Yehoshua whom Muslims call Isa did not offer religion but a way of life. I sense you are hungering for a relationship more than just an organization. Yehoshua is Whom you are seeking. He says be born again of the water and of the Spirit to see or understand the Kingdom of God. Turn your heart to Him, be baptized in the Name of Yehoshua HaMoshiach and you will receive the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues, this is the Spirit of the Lord. I challenge you to open your heart and seek the Lord, He will reveal the Truth to you.
@@shalombereshiyth Thanks, Brother.
I try to follow what Jesus (as well as Muhammad) says about God instead of making him (in this case also Muhammad) a middleman between me and God.
@@yudiarianto498 Yehoshua simply means that God saves . He was the Word of God made flesh. The Word or message from God is that we can have a personal relationship with God. He will dwell in all our hearts if we receive Him.
Thank u for sharing ur journey, would love to continue to more updates and inspirations
Thank u for the message n expounding some issues I’m experiencing now…hope u can have more videos…it really helps….
Many churches conduct loads of programs and activities. It's also true that many are encouraged to 'serve' aka take up positions as leader, committee and unfortunately juggling that with work, family etc is hard. Hmm, serving in family is also serving aka ministry! As for music 🎵🎤 and ambience erm... Youngsters are attracted to certain 'feel' and contemporary churches market in a way to attract them (consumer demand).
It's not easy but if God calls you have to answer. I also feel jaded when things don't my way. Thanks for the video reminding us that we answer to God. His will is perfect. We need to trust in Him.
So glad you made a follow up. Please make more videos!!!
Just love you Jon, that's the real deal. Thank God for you
You recorded the sincere video - God opened the door. Being popular does pay the bills… View Counts = Ads = Money to fund your new ministry!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Dear Pastor Jon I have missed your often deeo revelation sermons n really surprised of what transpired. Its so prevalent nowadays that ppl tend to worship man instead of God that the body of the church has been misconstrued. Definitely the body of the church is not confined to only 4 walls. I admire you for taking the boldness to step in the right direction which God is leading you ..Be richly blessed n the shalom peace be with you always.
Thank you Jon ! God bless you.
Churches can be quite often self-centred and selfish. Selfishness is often conveyed through I want you to serve and attend, but I care nothing else for you, only for the welfare of the Chirch. They are no different from the world,. The bible says this is a sin : Philippians 2:4
" Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." and also says selfishness is a sin
TRUTH........... I sensed , sensing and keep sensing and want to sense in my soul , body and bones too....And you putting it into WORDS is Just WOW! WOW!.
May YAHWEH BLESS YOU.......Love you and Thank you.....
Praise God brother! God bless you. Thank you.
Hey Jon appreciate your attitude and heart, this resonates with me so much, I also wrestled with these things for many years, was in a church organization was the senior pastor, so got the position and all that goes with that, well I left, I resigned my position 3 years ago, cause I struggled with more or less the same things, commercialised church, anyway just interesting to listen to your message.
Praise God ! Thank you Lord for using you to share this matter, Brother. Thank you Brother.
We must be available for God's purpose. Be obey and doing the works that God is calling us to do. Let God's Will will be done in our life, not our will.
"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow."
Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
Discipleship and live like the days in the Book of Acts.
This is like a second reformation : God is building his real church - a people not restricted to the church building/ walls & not giving all their time & finances to further the ‘golden calf’ - church is being out & about doing the Father’s business, doing what Jesus commanded & being lead & empowered by the Holy Spirit : thank you Jon for being sensitive & submitted to God to the encouragement of our faith 🌷
The work is really out there on the field. Church should just be a place of encouragement of each other and building the harvest we have gathered. True! lets move on from whatever has happened. So we don't get locked down in the past. Smaller cells groups is the call now. A place that can be an accountable system for everyone..
Wow John thanks, I feel d same 2, still praying 2 God what s my next move, trying 2 wean my husband out. I think this revelation s 4 d few who hv God open their spiritual eyes. Thank God 4 that I know that God will answer my prayer.
I am very much blessed... thank you...
I wish churches around the world have the thoughts same as yours...
Thank you for another great discussion. A Living sacrifice, as I am now seeing it, is about being set alight by the fire of God, where ever we are, whatever we do, I am reminded of the Burning Bush that made Moses turn aside, they don't see us they see God.
This is really spot on, Brother.
Thanks jon, God bless.
So good. We must worship God in spirit and in truth.
The books and podcasts by author Wayne Jacobsen may be a blessing to those of us commenting on here. (Books like "Beyond Sundays" & "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore" - that one was co-written). They are not anti-Church books, quite the opposite, but do challenge the mindsets around church institutions. They have certainly blessed me as I am figuring out how the "new wineskins" could look. I definitely agree that God is doing a "new thing" that, perhaps ironically, could look more like the early 1st century Church.
Great books! Highly balanced approach, not just trashing status-quo church to prop up the relational "model". Follow Jesus Christ! Meet and serve people. Highly recommend as well.
Many leaders, pastors, and churches nowadays don't really live out what the bible is teaching us, they focus on stage performance and building outward image rather than true character, they don't allow other believers to bring up anything might against God and swept it all under the carpet as though nothing has ever happens. They told you not to confront it because they don't want to disappoint other believers, this has become a legitimate reason for them to escape and continue to live a double life.
It's a sad thing but seems we just have to accept that, accept the leaders and churches are getting worldly and corrupted, accept not to confront someone who is sinning, and accept that as long as we all do what the church/ministry required and sin doesn't matter to God. There's nothing much can be done or changed because confronting with truth is not a way of showing Grace. For those whom the family member is a pastor or church leader who doesn't live out what they preach, it's true that it's very traumatising when you see a diff person in real life, instead of focusing on how different they are, the best way is to avoid service in same church/cell and keep telling yourself they're not pastor preacher or anyone who serve in ministry, they just like any normal person you know in your workplace or outside of the church. This will definitely make you feel better.
Thank you and God bless you🙏🏾
Our family has and is walking through all this our heart is broken on the church and it’s structure and such but still remain in faith. So much focus on branding and trying to be somthing
Please keep sharing your heart, we appreciate your thoughts.
Laying your life down everyday!!
I agree, alot has & is going on in churches, not all but most!
Strange that I got this in my feed. I have struggled with church attendance, but in a different way. I have attended a mega church to small church environments and I am everything from shocked, disappointed, and angered by what I have experienced. People are people and the friend making is no different between big or little churches. I can be as involved as I want or able to with no pressure. BUT, as I have grown in knowledge it caused me to question pastors about biblical doctrines and theology and find a GIANT disparity between agreement among the pastors in the church! I find it unacceptable that among the 11 full time pastors at the bigger church, none of them agree with each
other on any doctrine! They keep saying that all that matter is the Gospel message and getting people saved and in church. I can agree that the Gospel and salvation is indeed #1, but I find it unacceptable that it’s ok that once you are saved then everything else is up to you to decide and nobody is wrong? Unacceptable! Went to the small church, two pastors and THEY even disagree! Sorry, but I’m just done! I have found better preachers online and study on my own, right or wrong, I don’t like the church buildings anymore, they have nothing to offer that I can’t get at home. Maybe it’s my own journey or something but it’s where I am now. I desire a church that has leadership that is in agreement so that if I ask one pastor a question and then have more questions later I can ask any of the other pastors and not be told they don’t believe the same way. That kind of issue creates a lack of confidence in the clergy for me and I find no need for them. I know we are supposed to worship together, but I can’t find the right church house to do that in right now. Most never question their pastors on every doctrine and theological teaching, but if you do be prepared. Most people don’t care or barely know anything about the Bible or doctrine to cause them to ask questions. I hope God opens a door for me, otherwise I am happy where I am. Blessings.
Watching from Bloemfontein in South Africa.This is so true.When I was passing through hardship,my Pastor didn't bother to ask how I was doing,not even a call.When I went back to church,I was the sermon of the day.Then I decided to quit.Its two weeks now.
Don’t go to church for anyone but but to worship God Almighty, and don’t seek for anyone s attention, we are all called to love equally. If you have to leave church, leave because God is moving you out not anyone, until God decides it’s time and when that time does come for you, it won’t be influenced by anyones behaviour but the Spirit of God. Be well in Jesus Christ Name 🙏🏽🤍
Jon, it is a new begining, new pasture ... continue forth... - in the spirit of Abraham. Hands on the plow, no looking back. Divine Peace, bestowed and be restored.
At the end, Wheat or Weed - it will be revealed. And It the only thing that counts
Peace to you, again.
I appreciate your heart for people apposed to the institution of contemporary churches. But we the church are, like you said, always the church.. and the Lord’s day is special. God has always had guidelines and rules around how He is to be worshipped. His day is for Him more than us. Studding faithful church history would be an encouragement to you… even as far back as the Old Testament.
Well spoken spot it's Truth, let's let the Holy Spirit move people forward into new heights of Glory. Shalom.
Good sharing! I shared your sentiments! It’s very easy to differentiate and identify between d church being an institution and a church being a body of Christ, is when a person leaves the church. When d church is an institution, when a member leaves, very often, the person will be condemn, no love shown and zero grace. As compared to d church being a body of Christ!
Thank you 🙏 love to see more or love to know from you soon 👍
Genuine and authintic worshiper,thats what God wants