Its one thing to have to struggle in the world but we would hope that our church would be a place of refuge, love, acceptance, encouragement.

Ephesians 4:15-17
15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

How on earth could this have happened in this church?

AChapman are you saying that it would be better for Ms. Cherrie to stay? what is your scriptural reference for someone staying in a Church where the leadership is unholy? I more see God telling us to move on! I mean, we are taught not even to eat with a person who lives like this.

Truly, leaving a denomination is not leaving the “CHURCH”, “THE BODY OF CHRIST”

I pray God delivers you from denominational bondage, thats what it is.

I also found AChapman’s comments to be personally offense, lending to the wide stereotype that all Christians are to be subservient to all powers, under all conditions, under all circumstances. I left two “non-denominational ‘churches’” in part because the “leadership” became intoxicated in its own power and did so to the irreparable harm of the congregants. To that end, AChapman and others need to examine themselves for, among other things, compassion and the discernment to decipher leadership according to scripture versus dominonism practiced among cults.

I’m assuming your post was relative to my story, “An Ungodly Silence”. I, too, was taught the ills of church-hopping and I was never looking for that Pastor to “rescue” me. On those points, I agree with you wholeheartedly.

But I not only disagree with, but am offended by, your surmising that I “left the church in the wrong way.” As the Shepherd under which all those members had placed the care of their very souls, I fully expected that Pastor to put a stop to those he allowed to serve in the pulpit and choir who were so blatantly and boldly practicing sins of infidelity, adultery, and physical abuse.

It was not that I blamed the entire organization for one Pastor’s actions and it was only after much prayer, many tears, and not a little anxiety that I left the COGIC. Why? Because I simply could no longer support and seed into an institution absolutely mired in traditionalism and legalism and what I deemed “patriarchal terrorism”.

But you’ll be glad to know I have definitely let the past go. I’m spiritually healthy, whole and healed and have been for years. I’m in ministry with a Kingdom-minded mentality that manifests itself in service and most of all, I’m happy with Jesus alone.

Yes, Bishop Mason paved the way for true holiness and quite frankly, I think he would be grieved to know how the COGIC has digressed. It sounds like you have developed that same cult mentality I witnessed and almost succumbed to myself. But I challenge you — no, I dare you to allow the Truth of the Word to set you free. I dare you.

(you can remove this post after reading)

GCMW: cherrie, send it to gcmwatch@yahoo.com and I will repost the copy you send. thanks for letting me know.