Bible Study groups

[betty]

I got a Christmas card from the vicar a few days ago with a church letter inside. It said that in the new year the whole church will be asked to read through a book (40 days to a purpose driven life I think but am not sure) We'd also be expected to attend a bible group and discuss the book and read a chapter a day.

I don't know - this may be okay, but it's sent me into a panic.

It's got me thinking that the church is trying to force us all to go through the same mould. Assuming we're all the same people, in the same stage of life and thinking, with the same trusts.

I'm so worried and I know my fears are because of the cult I was in. Fear of being forced to conform again, being ostracised if I object, being kicked out.

I've emailed the vicar and told her my fears. This will be the test on whether I can trust this church.

I know I'm making excuses, but I'll probably refuse to go along with it. I've already hinted that I would refuse in my email, now I wait to see whether I'll be kicked out or not. I'm sure it'll be just fine - just fear of the past repeating itself.

So afraid though that I won't answer the phone to the vicar, just in case she's phoning to tell me to join in, conform or leave.

[ninaspirit]

I got a Christmas card from the vicar a few days ago with a church letter inside. It said that in the new year the whole church will be asked to read through a book (40 days to a purpose driven life I think but am not sure) We'd also be expected to attend a bible group and discuss the book and read a chapter a day.

I don't know - this may be okay, but it's sent me into a panic.

It's got me thinking that the church is trying to force us all to go through the same mould. Assuming we're all the same people, in the same stage of life and thinking, with the same trusts.

I'm so worried and I know my fears are because of the cult I was in. Fear of being forced to conform again, being ostracised if I object, being kicked out.

I've emailed the vicar and told her my fears. This will be the test on whether I can trust this church.

I know I'm making excuses, but I'll probably refuse to go along with it. I've already hinted that I would refuse in my email, now I wait to see whether I'll be kicked out or not. I'm sure it'll be just fine - just fear of the past repeating itself.

So afraid though that I won't answer the phone to the vicar, just in case she's phoning to tell me to join in, conform or leave.


we would feel the same way - because of past experiences AND because it isn't right for anyone to set expectations on other people's spirituality. period. it may be an invitation but worded badly. ninas.

[Jerry]

Dear Betty,,
Type "Warren Group Tactics" into your search engine. This thing your vicar is involved in is NOT ok........
Love Jerry

[Carmen]

Hi Betty,

This is just my opinion, so take what you like and leave the rest.

If it is the 40 days of purpose book, be careful. I think that the book is used to get people into small groups, that may not always be disbanded afterwards. The groups already formed can turn into cell groups - like G12 cell groups or other types. They are set up for control, not edification.

Here a link to an article at a blog I found recently: http://www.challies.com/archives/000421.php

An excerpt: CHALLIES.COM
"Essentially, what Warren wants is the ability to run your church for seven weeks. He will start the campaign with a simulcast where he will cast his vision for your church. Then he will either preach or tell your pastor what to preach for the next seven weeks.......However, after the 7 weeks, we are now doing a series on 'Community' and next month we will be doing another campaign on Community based on the Book of Ephesians. Though Ephesians in one of the great books of the Bible, my experienced from another church we use to attend implemented the 'G12' cell church model, and for the transition they preached Ephesians prior to this 'change over' and in particular the chapter on the 'unity of the body'."


If they will be introducing that at your church, be watchful, watch for signs of control, of manipulation. If you see them, consider leaving that place.

Carmen

[Janice]

I got a Christmas card from the vicar a few days ago with a church letter inside. It said that in the new year the whole church will be asked to read through a book (40 days to a purpose driven life I think but am not sure) We'd also be expected to attend a bible group and discuss the book and read a chapter a day.

I don't know - this may be okay, but it's sent me into a panic.

It's got me thinking that the church is trying to force us all to go through the same mould. Assuming we're all the same people, in the same stage of life and thinking, with the same trusts.

I'm so worried and I know my fears are because of the cult I was in. Fear of being forced to conform again, being ostracised if I object, being kicked out.

I've emailed the vicar and told her my fears. This will be the test on whether I can trust this church.

I know I'm making excuses, but I'll probably refuse to go along with it. I've already hinted that I would refuse in my email, now I wait to see whether I'll be kicked out or not. I'm sure it'll be just fine - just fear of the past repeating itself.

So afraid though that I won't answer the phone to the vicar, just in case she's phoning to tell me to join in, conform or leave.

Been there, done that, READ THE BOOK!
I won't give advice, just share my experience....I Ran! Did not Walk to the nearest exit! :eek:

[Eleanor]

Betty,

Merry Christmas!

I have to agree with everyone who has responded to this.

Carmen has a great website you might want to view. Just click on her name and a drop down menu will appear.

I am beginning to believe that the Whole 40 Days of Purpose movement seeks to replace/displace/silence spiritual discernment in individual people.Just my own musings.

God bless you, Betty!
Love,
Eleanor

[Enochwar]

Betty,



I am beginning to believe that the Whole 40 Days of Purpose movement seeks to replace/displace/silence spiritual discernment in individual people.Just my own musings.

God bless you, Betty!
Love,
Eleanor


Well said Eleanor,

Betty, sweetheart....that 40 day of purpose is why I joined this forum...

Take all that will be said at your church that involves the "40 days" with a grain of salt....guard your heart...don't let your love grow cold..... pray and ask God for discernment and guidance.

Read Carmen's site ..... do as Jerry suggests....we have been there done that and will be praying for you...

What PDL/PDC says sounds right but keep your eyes open and watch for what fruit it produces...Guard your own heart and mind, please. :(

Enochwar

[mstar]

Hi Eleanor.

We were in our local "Purpose Driven" church for several years. There were some good messages on grace, but the agenda was to recruit and to keep the ones already working to keep on working. . . until they burned out. Then move on down the list to the next name.

don't walk, run