I am a Christian. And I’m leaving the institution of church.
First some clarification. I’m not disowning the true church, the body of Christ, the ekklesia (the gathering of other believers who desire authentic community and to pursue the purposes of Christ).
What I am leaving behind is the business of church – the institutional church. The buildings, and the committees, and the budgets, and the forced hierarchy, and the one-sided sermons, and the “services” that don’t really serve anyone.
This decision wasn’t come to lightly. It’s something we’ve felt calling us for awhile. Years. We’ve lingered in the church for so. long. thinking we could help it from the inside, get it on a better track. But all that effort has gotten us is ostracized and rejected.
So, we’re done.
And it feels. so. free.
Jesus and his truth set me free oh so long ago. But then the church shackled me into slavery again.
But no more. I will be free indeed.
I will be free in Jesus. Free through Jesus. Free to follow his teachings and become the person he created me to be. The person that’s been boxed in and dying a slow spiritual death inside of the institution created in his name.
I will be writing more about this in the future, trying to unravel it a bit for you guys, elaborating to help you better understand.
But for now I want you to know two things:
- I’m not mad at the institution (most of the time). I’m over it. I understand that they think they’re right about the things they do and the way they do them. There are a lot of good people inside. And they have good intentions. Unfortunately, we all know what those can pave the road to.
- I will still be gathering with other believers. I will still be pursing truth, and holiness, and peace. I just won’t be doing it in a traditional setting.
I am so excited about pursing God outside the confines of unnecessary tradition and structure, y’all.
And I’m glad to be able to share it with you. <3
-Jessica
Just happened upon your site yesterday and signed up to receive them via e-mail. This post heading caught my eye IMMEDIATELY!!! I understand where you are coming from. I’ve been in the same church for 36 years. Almost 2 years ago the Lord began doing a work in m that has changed my view of faith, church and Christianity completely. I will not be leaving my church right now. My pastors and a majority of my faith family have seen the need to move outside of the building and be the church everywhere that we go. We have a long way until everyone is on the same page, but it’s really a beautiful thing to be part of a body that wants and sees the need for this transformation. I look forward to hearing more about yours! Thanks for sharing :)
I get excited when people start talking about how God has been speaking to them the last couple of years. It really seems like we’re on the eve of an awesome turning of the leaf, so to speak. And I’m just glad to be a part of it.
So you are waiting for everyone else to catchup? Be careful, you may be waiting forever, I thought the same thing, but frustration began to set in and I was miserable. Follow the Lord, when he says to go – go and don’t look back.
God bless
No, I’m not waiting for everyone. I haven’t felt called to leave the body of believers that I’ve been a part of for 36 years :) However, I can honestly say that the Lord began shifting my faith along with a couple of people in my church. Since then, the leadership within my church has been graciously given some outstanding training. The ship is beginning to turn and I find it a privilege to witness! I know it’s not this way for many and God bless those of you who have to walk away. I believe that I can continue to worship with a family, even though only a portion of them are waking up to what the church should look like – there are also people joining our family who “get” it. At any moment, God may call me (and hubby) to step out of this faith circle and begin new in anothere community – for now we’ll stay and love on those who are still sleeping. God bless <3
I shared this with another blogger who wrote this post a few months ago http://dulcefamily.blogspot.com/2011/10/confessions-of-spanking-abolitionist.html
I thought you two wold enjoy each others work.
Onelove
Terri recently posted..Wordless Wednesday:Happy Birthday Daddy!
Oh yes, blogging is a small world sometimes! Love that post.
I wanna do this too!!!!
Judy recently posted..Still praying
Do it. DO it. ;)
After working in a church, I completely understand!
Amanda @ ThePelsers recently posted..Grace for the Good Girl – Chapter 14 and 15
It’s so relieving to hear people say stuff like that. Thanks.
I TOTALLY understand and if God called us out…I wouldn’t hesitate. Well, actually, I think He may be calling us out, we just have to wait and see — wait on Him a little longer for a clearer answer.
Two thumbs up.
Christin @ Joyful Mothering recently posted..The Gift of Being a Woman
We hesitated for 2 or 3 years waiting to make sure. Unfortunately confirmation kept coming from really negative instances from within the church. I pray that there’s freedom in your future, too!
um, so I’m a little so jealous. I keep asking my husband “why it feels like business” and less “fellowship” – less “coming along side”. We’re not there yet – but I’m so happy for y’all !!
Stef – Educating Layton recently posted..Heroes and Villains of the Bible – Review
I’ll be blogging about it more, but when it came down to it I finally said “Jesus doesn’t require this of me”. Following Jesus doesn’t have to mean being a part of the institution. We all know the building isn’t the true church, it’s just hard to actually abandon tradition and the people still inside who won’t understand.
Yes, I am with Stef. I really want to leave institutional church, but my husband isn’t ready yet. I’ll enjoy your future posts on this!
Joy @ Joy In This Journey recently posted..Get Naked: The Most Important Writing Advice You Will Ever Read
YES!! I have been dealing with the same frustrations myself in the last year and a half.
LaToya {Christian Momma} recently posted..God came to my house {dressed as the Orkin Man} Part 1
SO many followers of begun to leave in the last generation or so. It’s sort of exciting. I’m very curious what God has in store for his true church in the future. Cause things are definitely changing.
You are loved by a great big God who sees your heart’s desires and says – I’m in it. Praying you find the community of truth and fellowship that brings you closer to Jesus.
Can’t wait to see where this leads.
Jessica recently posted..Bible in 90 Days | Day 4
Thanks for being a listening ear, Jess!
Great post! As for me, I’m still not sure how I feel about the Church. Like you said, I don’t want to leave the actual Body of Christ. But I could go without all the church politics.
Travis Mamone recently posted..Praying for Death
The problems in the institution have brought me incredible sadness. I love the body of Christ. And I’m glad to be free to express myself in Jesus more fully now. Good luck in your journey, Travis.
Great post. My husband and I haven’t belonged to a church in over 11 yrs and the main reason was the hypocritical thinking of the church and many members. There was too much politics, stealing, one sidedness, racism you name it. Really its a church that sort of behavior is NOT supposed to go on. Our family believes in GOD and are Christians but we don’t believe in the organized religion part. Thanks for putting this out there.
Kathy Balman recently posted..January 3 in 30 Goals, New Years Resolutions and Word for 2012
It’s so encouraging to find other mature believers who’ve left the institution. It’s nice to have good people to be labeled “heretical” with, eh? :)
Jessica,
Wonderful post – such a hard decision. I know you have spent much time in prayer over this. I understand – I have left 3 churches – following God’s lead. In each case I see how I helped each church and grew in my faith.
Institutions are not easy. The “house church” even in Paul’s time had troubles. No place except Heaven is perfect.
God does speak to us – so if you heard Him say to move out – good for you. Moving out at this time – listening to God – is a step of a process. May He continue to build your faith, increase your trust and bless you.
blessings,
Jan
Jan Cox recently posted..AN AFICIONADO OF GOD
It was a hard decision, even though we desired it. It’s hard to know that you’re leaving behind a great many people who won’t understand or respect your decision. Thanks for the support.
Yes but you are called to follow Christ – not man. Do not listen to them – listen to God – you will find peace listening to God. You will find anger and stress listening to Man. I will pray for your peace in this decision, Jessica. Eyes up – focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Blessings,
Jan
Jan Cox recently posted..AN AFICIONADO OF GOD
I feel your struggle. Been there, done that, still doing that! My journey caused me to blog about the possibilities of a true Ephesians 4 Church of equipping the saints rather than alienating them! My blogs have been a 2 yrs. journey of almost 400 blogs on the topic.
I am convinced “relationship” is more important than “religion”. Relationship with Jesus; relationship with other believers in Jesus! The Church needs to ditch all this religion and go back to relationship, then we will come running to it rather than from it!
Amen!
Yep. We de-churched a few years ago from an overly institutional, er, institution. We were totally burnt out from politics and bureaucracy. We now attend a much more relaxed little fellowship that meets in the small-town community hall. My personal commitment is never to get involved in admin again–I will stick to interpersonal, unregulated ministry that arises from organic connections.
Cathi-Lyn Dyck recently posted..Interview: Meg Moseley, Author of When Sparrows Fall
You are saying music to my ears. :)
Your post really speaks of things I have thought about for some time. I love the idea of fellowship in the Church, but I am not a fan of the man-made institution. Sometimes I think that “following the Words in Red in the Bible” takes second place to what the ‘institution’ wants.
I want my children to love and follow God, and be around multiple believers, but haven’t found a place which really calls out to me. God has really placed on my heart to follow Him, but I don’t think it is necessarily going to be in a traditional setting. Glad to have found you!
HeatherB recently posted.." See Go Poops"
So many are burdened by the deficiencies in the institution. I know we can always say “no gathering will ever be perfect”. But, like a friend of mine recently said, if a bicycle’s broken, might as well get off and walk. There are other ways to travel the same road. :) Hope that you find a way to travel soon.
I’m glad you are still relying on community. This is huge. We can’t be “islands”. That’s why the Church is always referred to as the “body”, the people, not the building.
Like all things, there’s always messy in everything we do. Some mess is too ugly to stick around. Other is messy enough to want to try to give it a makeover. Sometimes it’s worth it… sometimes is not. There is no secret formula.
I really enjoy small group gatherings. More personal, less intimidating, well diverse and engaging. Keep at it and let us know how it goes.
Moe recently posted..On Following
Wouldn’t it be great if all of church was a small group gathering? :) Thanks for the support, Moe. Glad to know even tough New Yorkers like you have my back. ;)
Okay, you are the second blogger on my reading list to include a “leaving the church” post this week. We haven’t been in over a year, and I honestly don’t miss it. But I’ve been contemplating it a lot lately. I think I need to ponder this more, and probably will end up writing about it myself. Lots to think about. Looking forward to reading more about your journey.
Momma in Progress (Valerie) recently posted..Just One Word
It’s really interesting/frightening/exciting how many people are leaving the institution. Can’t help but think God is in it. It honestly feels like rats feeling a sinking ship.
I hear you. Check this guy out
Marketing God
The concluding video of my Van Impe/Rod Parsley series is my woodshed experience at the neighborhood church. Ouch!
http://www.youtube.com/marketinggoddotcom#p/c/F8AAB9C0083C2A9A/3/H_wycMymaz8
Marketing God
http://www.youtube.com
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Like · · Share · December 15, 2011 at 11:41am ·
I look forward to reading more about your decision. I have wrestled with church membership for most of my life. I grew up a Pastor’s Kid and saw more ugly in the church than anyone should see. Then as an adult I got caught up in ugly and again only from the layperson’s side. We continue to struggle with our current church commitments.
Stephanie’s Mommy Brain recently posted..How to Home School with an Toddler in the House
I hear you girl. My biggest thing is the cliques, totally wears me out. We have a home church. But we love the idea of home churchs, and family integrated churches. Rock on for Jesus! :-)
Jamerrill @ Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling recently posted..Public School is Not a Child’s Ministry
I’m fascinated by this movement friend. Can’t wait to hear more and see where it takes you :)
Brooke McGlothlin (@BrookeWrites) recently posted..I got a new camera lens! {some of my favorite Christmas pics}
What I really want is to see INSIDE of your new meetings. How does it work? I think I have an idea, but I need visuals. I’m so interested Jess.
Brooke McGlothlin (@BrookeWrites) recently posted..I got a new camera lens! {some of my favorite Christmas pics}
be careful the freedom you feel is not that of the fish who jumps out of the fishbowl. yes, the church has plenty of issues. why? b/c it is made up of people. broken people who live in a fallen world. not only that, but not all the people there who claim to be believers are! bummer!
be sure your reasons for leaving are biblical ones…not those related to differences due to generations, etc.
i know i speak from a different perspective than most happily reading your story. i was a pastor’s wife for over 40 years. i didn’t have a choice re the church i attended. we really had some doozies! people who couldn’t get along, who had had multiple splits, etc. there were times i didn’t want to be where we were…lots of times. but i learned that the only person i can really change is me! When I allow God to change ME, a lot of other things change as well.
I Jn. talks a lot about how the world will know we are christians. how is it? by the love we have for one another! anybody can love people they agree with! we are christians. we learn to love each other in the context of community where we can show the love of Christ to each other especially when we disagree.
We are to show the love Christ showed to us. We were no lovable. No Way! before He saved us, we were filthy, rotten sinners. that is our natural bent. we forget that. we forget that we aren’t always fun to be around.
budgets aren’t fun for anyone. there are a lot of elements from a church that really aren’t fun. mission isn’t, church discipline isn’t, even worship isn’t always actually fun. We need people who are different from us in age, perspective, and gifting to be involved in our sanctification. that is what the church is here for. we don’t just go to church for worship. it is also there for community, and mission, and outreach and in reach and all kinds of things. one thing it isn’t here for? our comfort.
you may have lots of valid reasons for what you have done. just be sure you aren’t running away from unpleasantness. you will never get away from that! not before heaven. our world is too broken…so are we. and we need Jesus to help us live the christian life…even in church:)
martha brady recently posted..SCANDALOUS GRACE MOTIVATES OBEDIENCE…
I understand why you feel the way you do. I have met many people lately who feel the same way and are doing as are. I hope God blesses you with whatever you choose to do for him. :)
Oh…this speaks to my heart. I’ve been toying with this idea for some time on various levels. So has my husband. But we stay. And we join committees. It doesn’t make sense! I hope to feel free someday too.
I posted a little about our search for a church in October. We’re also disenchanted with the traditional church. We felt God calling us to leave the church over 7 years ago. So we did.
It’s been a roller coaster! We still haven’t found where we are supposed to be. I feel like I’m wandering in the dessert!
I’ve looked for a home church or at the very least a small, family integrated church.
My question is, how did you get together people to attend your home church (it is in your home, right?) Was it other families from your traditional church? Or other believers who you met outside of church?
Actually I guess my REAL question is, how can one find a home church? I haven’t had much luck! I hear about them in far away places (Like Waycross! LOL) but I haven’t been able to find one near by.
Sonita Lewis recently posted..Word for 2012
One of the amazing things about leaving institutional church is that you realise that God manifests in relationships all around us. Once we stopped depending on the Sunday-based institution, we started connecting spiritually with people everywhere! Finding fellowship is effortless, because God has it all worked out according to our needs and desires.
Lauren recently posted..Elijah smiles
We are in transition right now, possibly leaving the church we have belonged to for over 16 years. I don’t know if we are totally done, but we are both at the point where we want to drop the expectations and politics and dive headlong into some deep relationships and face-to-face ministry. That is what ministry is to me- personal. Programs and systems have nothing to do with ministry. I am so looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
Dawn @ The Momma Knows recently posted..Bible in 90 Days, Threepeat
You are not alone so many of us have left what we call the IC and have taken the red pill. There is no going back after!!! Bless you. http://www.youtube.com/blazeman1 and also http://www.pimppreacher.com
Welcome to the Open Range!!
Rocco recently posted..If I Knew Then
This struck a deep chord in me. I’ve been telling myself that we need the fellowship of a traditional church. But we haven’t found the deep fellowship there that I want. I actually find that with my friends and family as we just do life together and worship Jesus in the everyday moments. I am so thankful for the way we can build each other up.
It is so sad that the church has failed in so many ways to be the way that Christ set it up to be. I am so very grateful to be in a church where Christ and God’s word is faithfully preached – no bones about it! Where do you live? If you’re near a Harvest Bible Chapel (http://www.harvestbiblechapel.org/ – James Macdonald started the first one in Chicago) I would encourage you to check it out.
Lauren recently posted..My Words for 2012
Thank you so much for sharing this Jessica. I really look forward to future posts about it. We left our church of 5 years last April after a lot of prayer and discussion. We briefly visited another church over the summer that was more community focused but felt constantly pressured to give funds we don’t have so we stopped going there too. I’m not currently self-disciplined enough to self-church myself, although I continue to try to work on it, and I’m feeling very lost in the middle so to speak. Still haven’t decided what I want to do…
Just wanted to let you know I have been out of the IC for almost six years now and I have so much peace. I think for me drawing closer to Chirst has been my focus and it seems to be keeping me going in the right path. http://www.youtube.com/blazeman1
I too have left church following God leading to start my own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. I believe some churches has stop helping people financially in these tough economic times. People are asked to give in church, but they are afraid to ask for help; sometimes knowing they will be rejected because of not having enough faith and not believing hard enough for God to help them. Our motto is “People Helping People” and we send all need request from individuals, directly to the vendor (e.i., mortgage/utilities company). We believe God’s heart is to help people, just like the book of Acts, no one had a need, because people helped one another.
If you want more information, you can go to http://www.illinoisblessing.org. Thank you! :)
I am SOOOOO 100% rowing the very same boat you are!!!! You wrote it more eloquently than I have been able to this past year+, but those same sentiments have lived in my mind & heart for a very long time! I wish you the very best of luck & ask that you please post about your routines & experiences…I could use the inspiration.
This is so awesome. Similar thoughts have crossed my mind. 7 years ago we left our long time church due to some hurt caused to the ministry I work with by the new pastor that was there…we were in a smaller / more relaxed church until about 2 years ago, when I felt God really telling me it was time to move on. We allowed the teenagers to stay because they enjoy their youth group (and it was no personal reason for leaving, just felt the tug) sooo….I dragged the 2 younger ones to churches for almost 2 years trying to “plug them in” somewhere. After along battle with hubby we are back at the “original” church we started at under a new pastor. On top of all this…having an adhd husband and 5 boys often leads to (many) Sunday morning struggles…where I have half joked that “momma nearly turns into satan on Sunday morning just to get the family to Jesus” So many struggles…that I began to tell Phil (hubby) that I was just going to start having church right here in our Living room. (not fully understanding that; that really is an option) ;)
We continue to go to “the church” and who knows….we may never take the type of leap you have (although I admire it) But after reading your post about the institution a few months back it really got me to pondering more. Maybe even my “place” in “the church” We believe God has been calling us into something, but haven’t been freed to share it quite yet!
We shall see….I am truly inspired, and while it may not call me OUT of the church…it most definitely calls me to be more active in pursuing Jesus IN the church, and sharing H!m and His goals for His people!
(I could go on MUCH more about this…but I won’t…lol)
Stacey recently posted..Goal 4~ Work from home
ahhhhh, the “church” the way it was truly intended to be. Love it! We, my 2 kiddos and me, have been on this path for almost 4 years; home-churched and fellowshipped with other believers, then started going to a building on Sunday’s again a couple years ago only to have them tell me that self-indulgence and the church building being better and nicer than most people’s homes was truly OK with God. Really?????? Not trying to justify my case, just know what God has called our family to do and it is, “seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” I’m signing up for your emails and look forward to hearing all about it.
Oh we dechuched.
Anita Ann recently posted..ROAR!! It was Thursday!
Excellent post. Truly.
My husband and I , through deep prayer, felt led to leave the church {as in building, not His people}. Our then-church family didn’t even notice we left. Some of them anyway. And our then-mentors in Christ? Told us flat-out we were going to go to hell for leaving the church {again, building — not His people}.
Some won’t get it. Some will judge.
But that was 7-ish years ago for us? We visit a church every now and again, if we feel led … …. and we, of course, fellowship with anyone we come across. But mainly? We homechurch. We’ve invited others, but so far it’s just us regularly. And I can’t even begin to tell you how much *more* I’ve learned about Him, His Word, etc since we left. Like you said, freeing.
I agree with Martha. And I think it’s scary the direction you and these others are going and thinking about going. If you are truly a Christian, then you desire to fellowship with others and to be a part of church family where you can serve, worship, tithe, further the kingdom of God and be held accountable. People aren’t perfect and we’re inherently wicked as the Bible teaches. I think there are churches out there that do drift further away than others because they are not Bible teaching churches. You have to be careful of this and the Bible warns us of this, especially in the last days. I would suggest maybe finding a church that teaches from the Bible always and where the congregation actually brings their Bible to church. I recommend Calvary Chapel and that you look for one in your area. Again, not perfect, filled with broken people that have problems, but we all do and we Christ followers have to stick together, serve each other and reach out to the lost. I feel sad for those that do not have a church home that teaches, edifies and holds them accountable. It’s not about what the church can do for you but what you can do for Jesus and for others. Right? I pray that we all don’t lose sight of the truth of Christ in these last days and fall away from the Church, like the Bible warns. Be on guard friends, the enemy is waiting to pounce and he works gradually and before you know it, you have backsliden and not in fellowship with Jesus anymore. God Bless
The direction we’re going in is more biblical. Church the way Paul and the apostles and early Christians of acts did it. It still serves all the functions of the church, and even more effectively, really.
“If you are truly a Christian, then you desire to fellowship with others and to be a part of church family where you can serve, worship, tithe, further the kingdom of God and be held accountable.”
None of that requires a “church building”.
“They worship me in vain, teaching human rules as doctrines” – Matthew 15:9
Sonita Lewis recently posted..Graphics: Verses for Women
You know what really gets my Goat is how folks think because you don’t go to a building you can’t have fellowship. WHAT? And truth be told nobody in church is being held accountable..That’s laughable. And then to use a bible verse that really look more harsh on your church building than folks outside the church. Teaching human rules as doctrines…sounds like the church to me. By the was quit calling the building the church….its not we are the church of the living God…he does not dwell in temples made by hands!!!…..Thank God For That http://www.youtube.com/blazeman1
I’m not saying you have to gather in a church building, but why wouldn’t you want to? You are essentially doing the same thing, just starting your own church it sounds like. You are leaving the church managed by others to start your own, whether its in your house or the beach, or a starbucks or wherever. It’s still a group that needs organization, leadership, money and ministry. If you are doing all those things that are done in a church building, then don’t you need some structure to make it effective? The early church was just that, the early church, and they were persecuted and didn’t have the freedom to gather like we do today in our country. If you want to start your own church, that is great. All I’m saying is I hope that you are teaching everything the Bible contains and serving others. I pray for your path in Jesus and that you don’t compromise anything for newfangled teachings that are becoming so prevalent. God Bless
The expense alone of the institution is a good enough reason not to do it. Imagine what “the church” could do for the kingdom with their money if they weren’t spending most of it on utilities and administration for an unnecessary institution. Just something to think about.
My husband and I have been thinking about doing this also. My only concern is my sons. How do you do it? I can’t wait to read more!! Thank you!
I’ll be writing about this more, too. A couple of years ago that was our concern – but what about the children? But we’ve come to realize that this is the best thing we could do for our children and that it really can work with all age groups together.
Jessica…I so support you and your family in this endeavor. Sounds like you and your husband are on the same page, which is a blessing. I’ve had to wait for my husband for a year before he finally saw what it is I’m seeing. Church politics did it for me. Our church provided a service and food for the homeless once a week (actually love that part of our church and enjoy going to THAT service more than with the non-homeless), but yet they didn’t seem to take care of their own. Still…I didn’t give up on church completely in support of my husband and we visited a few of them. The straw that broke the camel’s back for me was a Saturday morning where I had a traumatizing experience. Hysterical, I just got in the car and drove. Right next to the highway is a church we have visited so I pulled in, really needing somebody at that time. Finally finding a door that was open (although it was a Saturday there were about 7 cars in the parking lot so I knew someone was there), I was greeted by a young man – maybe 19 or 20, “Can I help you with something?”. Clearly, I’m upset, have been crying and I ask him “Is there a Pastor or somebody here I can talk to?” His response was: “No, not really”. I was floored. This is the Christian community today. People are critical of me, making excuses for the young man. I’m sorry. No. You clearly work there/do activities there, someone in need comes to your church doors – a church located RIGHT next to the highway where everybody can see it, and you treat me with that kind of compassionless attitude? Jesus is not in that church, I don’t care HOW many good programs you have. You can’t even receive your own. Unreal. Needless to say, I ended up at a synagog just a ways down the highway back the other way where a Rabi sat and talked with me for a good 30 minutes, letting me have a good cry with him. Pretty sad when a man who doesn’t believe in Jesus acts more like Jesus than the Christians. I’m so over it.
Sorry…I should say “this is the Christian church today” – I believe in the body of Christ still. I just don’t believe in the churches.
Hey Jessica, We did this over a year ago. Freeing- indeed! We are involved in a Hebraic Fellowship Group; rich and meaningful.
Pagan Christianity put into words much of what we’d experienced for a long while. I’ll be interested in your future thoughts on all of this!
Blessings to you. Lisa
Lisa recently posted..New Year’s Late Start
I understand that there are certain aspects of church traditions (the religiousity of going each Sunday and doing things over and over) and even viewpoints on culture or politics that don’t always represent each individual’s viewpoint. However, abandoning the “institutional” church is like saying to a marriage partner that rather than work on the marriage, you are going to abandon them and go your own way, rather than continue to work on the institution. It is creating yet another sect of an already denominated church that was meant to be one. Christ died for us as believers to become one for him.
We left 7 years ago too, and will NEVER go back to Church Inc.
We love, love , love the home meetings where people can be people and the body of Christ function without a hired pastor, without a formal “service” I cannot find in scripture, and without trying to extract offerings to support the overhead of a staff and building we used 3-4x a week.
Brian- you are using the same apologetic that I’ve heard for years regarding homeschooling. If the premise/vision is a life sucking force to begin with (sticking with the government school example) investing in order to change it isn’t gonna happen. In the same way, the church made a historical, fundamental change around 300 A.D. The primary vision- guiding philoshophy- is flawed.
Secondly, the analogy between marraige and the institutional church a dicey one because, while marriage is a sacrament, “relationships” with institutions are not.
I really believe that God is calling to the hearts of his people to create- not another denomination- but a movement of the heart (in much the same way homeschooling is) There is a grand difference.
Lisa recently posted..52/2012 Kick Off
Why do people worship on sunday. nowhere in bible.the sabbath is saturday. the sabbath was blessed,sanctified and made holy at creation, so its not just for the jews. creation was a few thousand years before there was ever a Jew. just another one of satans deceptions that the whole world does not see.
Lisa – I like the effort of meeting in homes, and even biblical worship there. Bible studies do that in a smaller way. But not the idea of leaving the “institutional church”. Because that means a group is leaving a body of -believers- who simply support meeting in buildings established for the large scale purpose of worship. It would seem odd if Christians cannot get together with believers outside their circle at the church building.
People leave churches all of the time. They move, they feel “called” away, etc. I’m not leaving the body of Christ. I’m leaving things that are but rules taught by men. Legalistic, business minded efforts that are so often lacking the very spirit of God. Jesus never asked me to follow him into an Institution – he just asked me to follow.
Brian- I love new, big, shiny buildings as much as anyone. But the passivity of most church members in those modern day churches, their inability to have a real true blue, dig deep bible study (besides watching a video and filling in the blanks) , the special status of the “leader”, the lack of accountability, the lack of mutuality, the walls that divide- how often do you go to a special event at a church “not your own.” Probably never.
There is a lack of organicness and willingness to get messy and make mistakes that is mandated in the N.T. that all prettied up and not acceptable in the institutional church.
Lisa recently posted..Home
God is there where two or more are gathered together in His name, so I am with not always making the church building the meeting place. But I would guess most churches started off small in peoples’ homes and then grew large enough that they needed a central meeting place rather than split and split, etc. And as you get bigger, not everyone can talk at once so you have to have more order – a designated speaker, or coordinator, etc. The need for organization comes with growth. Without it, the church (body of believers) cannot be one. While it is true we are all called to be one in following Jesus, and the Bible is our lamp unto our path, there was also the need for elders, deacons, etc. and those chosen to lead us who met certain criteria. The “institutional church” is merely a bigger version of a home church. Is there not a less traditional church you could better identify with who emphasizes fellowshiping more in small groups throughout the week and listens to your concerns and adapts a little? Disassociation altogether with no connection to a main group just seems to go against Christians becoming one in Christ
Brian – all I can say is that if God hasn’t opened your eyes to this truth yet, then nothing I can say will persuade you. It isn’t a choice made in rebellion, it’s an educated choice made in the will of God. But I understand where you’re coming from and five years ago, I would have said the same things you are.
I think you are on a great track but one issue I seem to find with this is that you end up doing the same thing as the institution you are leaving. Though good intentions still lead to a separation and revival of a different ideology closed off to the ideas of others. You should always be open to other church’s as institutions and focused on unifying all sects instead of separating from them entirely. I find that saying you are not a domination or “non-denominational” as we like to say is just saying you are not one of “them”. Paul said the opposite. He said he is all things to all people. He was all-denominational, lets be that.
That being said I think we should get out of the idea of the church as a place. We should be quick to shed cultural norms for the man of Jesus. I see some great things here and I hope you do it the right way and continue to focus on the church community.
God Bless!
-Garrett
Garrett recently posted..Update
Greetings brothers and sisters. Your testimony is sorely needed today. I blog about this as well. I’m thankful to God that he has set you and others free from the oppression of false religious systems.
Set Free Indeed recently posted..There is Sin in the Camp
I left the church, too. I’m back in a small group and I attend a (different)church on some Sundays. But, church is on my terms, now. I give a tithe, but not all to one church. God see’s my gift and I’m good with that. I won’t be on a committee or on the rolls or baking or washing. I will serve where I see the need. And they’re are just going to have to live with that. :)
Just read your article. Well done. There is an exodus happening right now. Many believers are leaving the “church” because, in general, it not longer is the “Church”. People are finding their faith in true fellowship, cooperating in communities of friends and brothers and sisters to serve and love each other, reach the lost and help the poor. Barna wrote about this in Revolutions as the next major trend in American Christianity.
Hi Jessica,
My mother sent me some links to your blog last night. Next month will mark our 2 year anniversary of “leaving church”. I could have written this post, it’s exactly, exactly what we did and why. I’ve not written much about it though, just this one post (http://www.justmalia.com/2010/11/thankful-for-house-church.html). And recently I was talking with another blogger who has has this on her mind, I told her our story and she encouraged me to write about it. Now reading through your blog and your story…maybe, just maybe I will.
I look forward to reading more about your journey!
That’s awesome, and I’m glad you were pointed my way. We’ve been blessed to have a house church community spring up quickly in the couple of months since leaving the institution, hope things are still going well with yours.
i just found your blog and the more posts i read, the more i like you. you put down what runs through my head. it started with the posts relating to the current CFA boycott/anti-gay issues, but i had to comment here because we went through the same thing and have yet to find anyone else that gets it. well meaning friends have asked if we’ve found a new church (we left three years ago) or when we think this season of taking a break will be over, and I’m weary of explaining that it wasn’t THAT church, but church in general.
I used to get so upset when I heard people talk about this subject. I could see the imperfections of the institution, but I could deal with it and was happy to stay where I was. Until circumstances lead me out of it. God took me on a journey out of the church building without my even realizing it. A year later, I understood so much new yet as old as the bible itself teaching that just opened my eyes to God’s grace apart from organized religion. It’s a tough road explaining it to fellow Christians who are “not there yet”, but I am encouraged by your post because it has been over a year since I regularly attended a church and yet I am closer to God in mind and spirit than I have been in my entire life! Praise God!
Sarah recently posted..Being Happy Where You Are
I get where you’re coming from. But, I think there is a better alternative. We as Christians need to be in the world (not hidden behind stainglass), but also surrounded with other Christians that can keep us strong in the faith. Your statistical odds of remaining in the faith solo are slim…we need the iron sharpening iron so to speak. My church meets in a high school, leaving behind the high mortgage payments and putting their funds to better use (yes, it’s a pain to set up each week, but it’s worth it). We are out in the community serving instead of having church every 5th Sunday (cleaning the high school from floor to ceiling, cleaning parks, adopting a city street and fixing up all the houses on that street). You can come any Sunday and get money for gas or groceries if you need it. Over 50% of our funds go back into the community helping the poor, orphaned, single parent homes, etc. We wear jeans instead of dress clothes, which is just the first step in dropping the pretense of “everything is perfect” and just being real with each other. Maybe you just need to leave the church you had been going to and start up or find a different church that focuses on what Jesus would be focusing on if he started up a church in 2012/2013. Just a thought.
I was called out April 1989 and my obedience paid off. I was persecuted, cajoled to come back, called the devil’s tool, but the Spirit of God never stopped ministering to stay focused, look not to the left or right. It was a period of total obedience and God always told me “let no man steal your crown”. So many reminded me of the word “‘….not forsaking the assembling of others….” but God countered it with “but if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law”. God unveiled a lot of his mysteries, it has been face to face (spiritually) with God. His clear word to me, among others, has been “ËYES HAVE NOT SEEN, EARS HAVE NOT HEARD NEITHER HAS THE MINd CONCEIVED THAT WHICH THE LORD HAS PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM” .You can find these words in the bible but what it entails can only be experienced after you have come out and you are having a one on one relationship with God, no intermediaries (pastors etc), no church programs. God told me who I am, His reason for creating me, corrected the wrong teachings I got in church, so much to talk about from 1989 April todate. God instructed me to record everything He told me, be it through the still small voice, trance, vision or dreams. The Holy Spirit has been my teacher. God Himself puts His words in my mouth, He orders every step I take and above all He assures me daily of His Presence with me everywhere I go. I live listening, obeying and trusting God. It has been a glorious walk and a beautiful relationship with God. When I was called out, God told me “you are a sign” and “you will encourage others” and “you will work for Me from a place of Rest”. Truly, who Christ has set free is free indeed, nothing can pluck that one from His hands.
I repeat, so much to reveal about this bride experience and much more. May God give the reader understanding. Garden of Eden is a state, a position in your Walk with God. Adam and Eve never paid tithe while in the garden, there was not pastor, just God with Adam and Eve before their fall, but you know what? Jesus Christ came, died to reconcile us with God back to that Adam & Eve state or position b4 the fall. Quite deep you may say
Not all are called out or led to leave the church (building) but those who are called out or led to leave must know that it is just another stage or level of your Walk with God. The difference is that in the church you have the pastors, teachers, etc. and the Holy Spirit to guide you; outside the church, you have God Himself in His entirety guiding you through the wilderness revealing Himself, His plans, correcting some false teachings that would hinder your walk with Him and establishing you in Him.
Jessica, a word of advice: Now that you are out, please make sure every step you take, including this blogging, is the will of God. Do nothing, no matter how godly it may look, without the leading of the Spirit. Outside the church building and alone with God, He hides you in Him, none to analize His instructions to you. Listen, Obey and Trust are the key words. You do not seek the opinion of others b4 you obey His voice. It is a time of testing and training to DEPEND solely on GOD and increased Faith in Him. God is faithful