A link for the dechurched

[Willow]

http://www.dechurched.com/

[ex-shep]

Very valid link. Some group member's experience is so traumatic that stepping inside a building is too much.

I am reminded of the scripture not forsake the fellowship of others as it the habit of some. [Apologies if anyone is triggered] Shepherding groups like to run hog wild with this scripture and control mechanism. I can hear the "oh, brother, you are not in fellowship with the Lord" To which I respond "Oh, Brother!! :mad: "

I am that after 20 years I have found a church home. Of if it took me 20 years to find a church home for my liking, it does speak to pratfalls of spiritual abuse and subsequent reticence towards any commitment. "Oh, No I am not going through that again" I have certainly had to find alternate venues on Sunday morning. For the longest time, I just signed up to work.

Fellowship is important, but sadly a barrier for many. It was for me. Interesting think piece

[Willow]

I'm glad it was helpful. Unfortunately, it's not a mac-friendly web site and I was only able to get a couple of the links to work... I did find it helpful though.

[ex-shep]

It is good there alternate venues. There are times I certainly needed the,

[Pinkie Pie]

Thanks for sharing that link. Kind of puts it all in perspective. My favorite line of all the articles I was able to read so far:

"If (Jesus Christ) removed Himself, nothing would happen at all. Not all the good, nice, well meaning, well intentioned people, Christian or not, could affect a single, solitary, thing."

[Pinkie Pie]

Now having said that (I changed my "Avatar" by the way, everyone), the reason it helped me is because it really lifted my mood. (Thanks, Willow)

I have been SOOO discouraged about some STUPID junk going on among some of the leaders at my church over some STUPID OFFENSES blown WAY out of proportion. I am SOOOOO glad my Pastor has addressed it and is dealing with it. But that doesn't change the fact that I have been really bummed the past few months over it. The worst thing about it has been that the main players in the whole thing, are 2 people I care deeply about, and even though no one has put me in the middle, how can you not help feeling like you are in the middle of it???

I constantly have felt like certain ones are watching me, to see if I give any indication whatsoever of taking sides. And I have refused to act any differently with either of them. It has been hell though. So when I saw that quote, it was like, really the whole thing has become so serious and these certain leaders have started taking themselves so seriously, that it is really pretty funny to me now, because I realized (including MYSELF) that NONE of these people in my church - no matter how much I respect them or look up to them or appreciate them or love them - are who they are except for the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

So it was like, it just really calmed me down and got my focus back OFF the stupid way these people have been acting, and back on God, who has been the source of all the good stuff that has happened to me at my church, anyway.

Okay well thanks for letting me vent....

[Willow]

cool quote pinky... thanks :)