As a former pastor of smaller churches (under 200 members) in a progressive denomination, my path was/is very different. My epiphany came in asking: How do miracles become manifest? In asking that question I recognized I had long known and long denied the answer.
As a regional church leader I learned that few congregations invested at least 10% of their income in feeding the poor, clothing the naked (homelessness?), and freeing prisoners (medical debt?). In my own giving, I seek charities that do change the world for the better with at least 85% directed to their projects. Churches have over 90% invested in themselves. What if the funds for building and salaries had instead been invested in scientifically seeking a cure for cancer? How many lives might have been materially improved?
I am in a similar place. I was never a megachurch pastor or even in staff at one. I did attend Bethel’s ministry school. I left it all behind. Doctrine and theology are the worst things the church has ever invented.
This is brilliant 🙏. I’ll quote this in an academic paper I am currently writing on living philosophically „What constitutes church is relationships - with God, people, life, and the world. For me, "church" is everywhere, all the time, with everybody. The idea that church is a thing you go to is a colossal error. Church is not a noun, it's a verb“
I appreciate your honesty as it has served to cause me to reflect upon my own beliefs and behaviors as a Christian. However, I noticed you did not give any evidence why you believe Jesus would dispute essential scriptural doctrines. Among the list of reasons you listed to substantiate your claim are contradictions to scripture. Which can be a dangerous thing. Why do I say dangerous? I say it because we are dealing with eternal consequences.
The Gospels are the only eye witness documents we have to Jesus' walk here on earth and His teachings. A growing number of even agnostic and atheistic scholars attest to their validity. These eyewitness accounts contradict your claims about Jesus. You write of a different Gospel that is intended to lead others astray (Galatians 1:8, 2 Peter 2:1).
I am sorry you have had a terrible experience in the Church community. I agree we have lost our way in imitating Christ, but Christ is faithful in bringing us back. I wonder, however, what substantiates your new belief system? Is it Truth or experience?
One thing I find is that most church organizations are more likely to be a business instead of a ministry. I have not been to seminary or a bible school (I have studied the scriptures for over 50 years). I have because I dared to preach in scripture what most pastors avoid been kicked out of 4 such organizations. The one who run it like a business hate I John 2:15-17
Thank you for this. So much truth, honesty, and excellent theology (real theology - the complex chemistry of life with God).
I'm honored that you include me in your Substack tribe.
As a former pastor of smaller churches (under 200 members) in a progressive denomination, my path was/is very different. My epiphany came in asking: How do miracles become manifest? In asking that question I recognized I had long known and long denied the answer.
As a regional church leader I learned that few congregations invested at least 10% of their income in feeding the poor, clothing the naked (homelessness?), and freeing prisoners (medical debt?). In my own giving, I seek charities that do change the world for the better with at least 85% directed to their projects. Churches have over 90% invested in themselves. What if the funds for building and salaries had instead been invested in scientifically seeking a cure for cancer? How many lives might have been materially improved?
I am in a similar place. I was never a megachurch pastor or even in staff at one. I did attend Bethel’s ministry school. I left it all behind. Doctrine and theology are the worst things the church has ever invented.
This is brilliant 🙏. I’ll quote this in an academic paper I am currently writing on living philosophically „What constitutes church is relationships - with God, people, life, and the world. For me, "church" is everywhere, all the time, with everybody. The idea that church is a thing you go to is a colossal error. Church is not a noun, it's a verb“
Thank you, Jessica… for finding value in my work and sharing it with others.
That was so comprehensive and clear. Thank you for this. 🙏🏻 I have so many thoughts and so much to chew on.
Thanks, Heidi. I’m glad you found it useful. I appreciate you.
I appreciate your honesty as it has served to cause me to reflect upon my own beliefs and behaviors as a Christian. However, I noticed you did not give any evidence why you believe Jesus would dispute essential scriptural doctrines. Among the list of reasons you listed to substantiate your claim are contradictions to scripture. Which can be a dangerous thing. Why do I say dangerous? I say it because we are dealing with eternal consequences.
The Gospels are the only eye witness documents we have to Jesus' walk here on earth and His teachings. A growing number of even agnostic and atheistic scholars attest to their validity. These eyewitness accounts contradict your claims about Jesus. You write of a different Gospel that is intended to lead others astray (Galatians 1:8, 2 Peter 2:1).
I am sorry you have had a terrible experience in the Church community. I agree we have lost our way in imitating Christ, but Christ is faithful in bringing us back. I wonder, however, what substantiates your new belief system? Is it Truth or experience?
Wow! Thanks for this! It’s so good I need to read it over a few more times to commit to memory. Thank you 🙏
One thing I find is that most church organizations are more likely to be a business instead of a ministry. I have not been to seminary or a bible school (I have studied the scriptures for over 50 years). I have because I dared to preach in scripture what most pastors avoid been kicked out of 4 such organizations. The one who run it like a business hate I John 2:15-17
Interesting article and a fascinating perspective.
This is why I am an Orthodox Christian:
https://substack.com/@stevenberger/note/c-46163955?r=1nm0v2