Identification of ECC BOT with names

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[Greentruth]

Rebel, I agree to an extent that working side by side with the unsaved is the basic way I evangelize today. Friendship evangelism. Being a light.  But to coincide with people whose main objective is to discredit and destroy any Church is NOT productive or spirit led, as on this forum. You have members who have stated as much. Finding truth in a matter is the goal of  all ECC people I know, but what goes on here is detouring the process of ALL truths to be seen.  This forum is with speculation and manipulation casting a distortion of the truth by every means possible. Even an unbeliever would seethis as an injustice. Sure, a few more people’s names are visible, but assuming their hearts is so treacherous and misgiving. I would pray that this forum would give the results of the investigation to be worked through before attempting to manipulate it. Especially now that all parties have shared and it’s about to be delivered. This would be Gods desire I’m certain.

[OneOfMany]

Finding truth in a matter is the goal of  all ECC people I know, but what goes on here is detouring the process of ALL truths to be seen.  This forum is with speculation and manipulation casting a distortion of the truth by every means possible. Even an unbeliever would seethis as an injustice. Sure, a few more people’s names are visible, but assuming their hearts is so treacherous and misgiving. I would pray that this forum would give the results of the investigation to be worked through before attempting to manipulate it.

I think you are giving this forum a lot more power than it has. It is just a forum to discuss experiences with GCM. It has no power. This forum has no power to change anything other than the minds of those who read and learn from it and that is up to those who choose to read. This forum cannot destory a church. It cannot change a church. This forum cannot manipulate the investigation. This forum is not even part of the investigation.

[Greentruth]

Finding truth in a matter is the goal of  all ECC people I know, but what goes on here is detouring the process of ALL truths to be seen.  This forum is with speculation and manipulation casting a distortion of the truth by every means possible. Even an unbeliever would seethis as an injustice. Sure, a few more people’s names are visible, but assuming their hearts is so treacherous and misgiving. I would pray that this forum would give the results of the investigation to be worked through before attempting to manipulate it.

I think you are giving this forum a lot more power than it has. It is just a forum to discuss experiences with GCM. It has no power. This forum has no power to change anything other than the minds of those who read and learn from it and that is up to those who choose to read. This forum cannot destory a church. It cannot change a church. This forum cannot manipulate the investigation. This forum is not even part of the investigation.

I wish you where right in this one, but some are easily led away from anything with controversy, and this forums main objective is to try and influence ECC members, yet it spills over into any Church that members have connection with ECC members. And those that try and discredit God or the Bible find fodder on this forum, as I have seen even a few members here do as much

[OneOfMany]

Finding truth in a matter is the goal of  all ECC people I know, but what goes on here is detouring the process of ALL truths to be seen.  This forum is with speculation and manipulation casting a distortion of the truth by every means possible. Even an unbeliever would seethis as an injustice. Sure, a few more people’s names are visible, but assuming their hearts is so treacherous and misgiving. I would pray that this forum would give the results of the investigation to be worked through before attempting to manipulate it.

I think you are giving this forum a lot more power than it has. It is just a forum to discuss experiences with GCM. It has no power. This forum has no power to change anything other than the minds of those who read and learn from it and that is up to those who choose to read. This forum cannot destory a church. It cannot change a church. This forum cannot manipulate the investigation. This forum is not even part of the investigation.

I wish you where right in this one, but some are easily led away from anything with controversy, and this forums main objective is to try and influence ECC members, yet it spills over into any Church that members have connection with ECC members. And those that try and discredit God or the Bible find fodder on this forum, as I have seen even a few members here do as much

It is not your responsibility to silence those who you believe will lead others astray. God saves souls. God reveals truth. God acts to attain his will on this earth and in his people. People do not have that kind of power. This forum does not have that kind of power. This forum cannot discredit God or the Bible. Again this is simply a venue for those who want to discuss their experience while in the church.

[Greentruth]

I have seen and experienced different times where a negative or hostile group has destroyed years of work reaching out to the lost, but your right in one form of your statement, God does change the heart, and it is yet to be seen why He has allowed some here to have hard hearts. The ones who He allows Hard hearts usually don’t fare so well, and that is sad to me

[OneOfMany]

I have seen and experienced different times where a negative or hostile group has destroyed years of work reaching out to the lost, but your right in one form of your statement, God does change the heart, and it is yet to be seen why He has allowed some here to have hard hearts. The ones who He allows Hard hearts usually don’t fare so well, and that is sad to me

Again. This internet message board does not have that kind of power to destroy years of work reaching the lost. I am sorry that you encountered that kind of evil during your life. I think now I understand why you are so upset over a message board. But again this message board does not have that kind of power.

[Peace]

Oh but this forum does have the power to influence people. If it didn't, no one would be posting anymore.

I don't disagree that people have found support and healing here. I have stated very clearly throughout my posts that I don't think that is a bad thing and I have even experienced helpful refinement/rebuke/correction from taking some of the criticisms posted here, prayed over them, discussed them with my pastors and staff and have seen change! Isn't this what some people want? Repentance and subsequent change?

But I have also watched what I post below happen. I was directly hurt by this forum and things that were posted about me, my local church and it's leaders. I lost several close friendships because of this forum.

"I believe my friend was hurt, not by GCx as a whole, but by a few individuals in a few specific circumstances. They came to this forum to discuss those hurts (which I believe is completely fine.), but rather than being encouraged to work things out with those individuals, they were fed "evidence" of the GCx poison. I watched my friend essentially drink this forum's own version of "Kool-aid" and watched them cut ties with their friends, ask other friends to pick which "side" they were on, and make posts which were just downright hurtful. Many of us close to this person tried to make things right, tried to support them regardless of our differences, even encouraged them to find a different church. But any and all dialogue was completely shut down by the "evidence" they presented from this forum and we were accused of judging them, being defensive and trying to get them to come back.

Then, the really devastating part of it, they posted here about how they were shunned and lost all their friends. It was like a self-fulfilling prophecy, but the sad reality is they made the choice to have it be that way. Again, I'm not saying this is the norm on this forum, but it has happened and I felt it needed to be shared. There are always two sides to every story."

[Greentruth]

You are not aware that some are walking away from the Church altogether? You are not aware of the simple fact some have decided this controversy is more than they want to deal with, and even the much of what is said here is assumptions and manipulation, many will use it as truth, when in fact it’s not?  The Bible says it very clear, words cut like a knife. Probably the root of this whole controversy, words taken wrong at times. I have seen it and experienced it many times. That is why we are called to be careful with our words, and yes, Im guilty of using some words I probably should not have.

[Shamednomore]

GT, perhaps it is MD and the gc pastors who covered for him that are the reason for this “controversy”.  Perhaps you are twisting the whole thing to play victim and make “the church” the victim.  God and the church do not suffer when a church leader is held accountable.  You are manipulating the story. 

[OneOfMany]

Oh but this forum does have the power to influence people. If it didn't, no one would be posting anymore.

I don't disagree that people have found support and healing here. I have stated very clearly throughout my posts that I don't think that is a bad thing and I have even experienced helpful refinement/rebuke/correction from taking some of the criticisms posted here, prayed over them, discussed them with my pastors and staff and have seen change! Isn't this what some people want? Repentance and subsequent change?

But I have also watched what I post below happen. I was directly hurt by this forum and things that were posted about me, my local church and it's leaders. I lost several close friendships because of this forum.

"I believe my friend was hurt, not by GCx as a whole, but by a few individuals in a few specific circumstances. They came to this forum to discuss those hurts (which I believe is completely fine.), but rather than being encouraged to work things out with those individuals, they were fed "evidence" of the GCx poison. I watched my friend essentially drink this forum's own version of "Kool-aid" and watched them cut ties with their friends, ask other friends to pick which "side" they were on, and make posts which were just downright hurtful. Many of us close to this person tried to make things right, tried to support them regardless of our differences, even encouraged them to find a different church. But any and all dialogue was completely shut down by the "evidence" they presented from this forum and we were accused of judging them, being defensive and trying to get them to come back.

Then, the really devastating part of it, they posted here about how they were shunned and lost all their friends. It was like a self-fulfilling prophecy, but the sad reality is they made the choice to have it be that way. Again, I'm not saying this is the norm on this forum, but it has happened and I felt it needed to be shared. There are always two sides to every story."

Can this Forum influence people? Yes it can. But in the end people have to make up their own mind and are responsible for their own behavior! When I say this forum does not have power I am referring to the power to destroy the church or God or the Bible.

I don't think someone from Evergreen would read this forum and then leave the church unless what they read here was true for them.

I am sorry about what happened with your friend. It is in fact emotionally difficult for many when they leave and not going to church for a period of time is a normal part of recovery. Again I am sorry about your friendship.

[Greentruth]

Oh but this forum does have the power to influence people. If it didn't, no one would be posting anymore.

I don't disagree that people have found support and healing here. I have stated very clearly throughout my posts that I don't think that is a bad thing and I have even experienced helpful refinement/rebuke/correction from taking some of the criticisms posted here, prayed over them, discussed them with my pastors and staff and have seen change! Isn't this what some people want? Repentance and subsequent change?

But I have also watched what I post below happen. I was directly hurt by this forum and things that were posted about me, my local church and it's leaders. I lost several close friendships because of this forum.

"I believe my friend was hurt, not by GCx as a whole, but by a few individuals in a few specific circumstances. They came to this forum to discuss those hurts (which I believe is completely fine.), but rather than being encouraged to work things out with those individuals, they were fed "evidence" of the GCx poison. I watched my friend essentially drink this forum's own version of "Kool-aid" and watched them cut ties with their friends, ask other friends to pick which "side" they were on, and make posts which were just downright hurtful. Many of us close to this person tried to make things right, tried to support them regardless of our differences, even encouraged them to find a different church. But any and all dialogue was completely shut down by the "evidence" they presented from this forum and we were accused of judging them, being defensive and trying to get them to come back.

Then, the really devastating part of it, they posted here about how they were shunned and lost all their friends. It was like a self-fulfilling prophecy, but the sad reality is they made the choice to have it be that way. Again, I'm not saying this is the norm on this forum, but it has happened and I felt it needed to be shared. There are always two sides to every story."

I could say the same to you. The audacity to distort the truth thousands have lived at ECC. Some have experienced hurt at ECC in the SAME manner as proposed here, yet as a saved Christian we can discern the cause from the Church, our parents and ourselves without seeking to destroy one element of the whole truth. There is a strength of bitterness on this form I have never seen anywhere. It comes through loud and clear, trust me. This form will turn a few away from ECC, and Church as a whole, but most are just seriously grieved at the assault and damage they see being done to their Church.  If this is your goal, you are succeeding, sadly.

I will freely admit that there are many people, primarily men, who thrive in the GCx environment. For whatever reason, the top-down militaristic chain of command really works for them. For woman and children, however, it can be a nightmare (depending on how closely individual family units adhere to the church’s teachings). Like Shamednomore (thanks so much for your sharing your experiences <3), I had an intensive GCx upbringing, though much different because of my gender. Boys are taught from a young age that they are the voice of God on earth and are raised to be leaders. Of course there is plenty of shaming, shunning, and snitching that go on to whip you into GCx’s ideal of masculinity. However, some really embrace this role and, I think, sincerely do well in the church.

I’ve heard enough horror stories from women in GCx (e.g. the present MD situation, etc.) to know that women have it much worse. I find it hard to imagine that any woman “happily” living the GCx lifestyle could truly be mentally well. But maybe there are women out there who really do enjoy being submissive to their husbands, being sexually available 24/7, and cranking out kids as fast as their bodies will allow.  

Thank you for sharing this. It is what I have seen also. Actually a very good friend told me about this forum close to ten years ago, and the content. We disagree and struggled to even spend time together as we had, doing evangelism in different venues. But they left the Church and I don’t see them anymore. Just the simple fact of controversy led them away, which is sad for them, as I know they seem to always find some reason to dislike any Church they attend.  I always have in my mind,we will be judged my God to the same degree we judge others. And as I have said, I have confessed I used some rough language, but stand ready to give account to my Loving God

[Greentruth]

GT, perhaps it is MD and the gc pastors who covered for him that are the reason for this “controversy”.  Perhaps you are twisting the whole thing to play victim and make “the church” the victim.  God and the church do not suffer when a church leader is held accountable.  You are manipulating the story. 

Tell me whatI manipulated. Ihave only tried to share truth in what I see. I have tried to have compassion on those from this forum who have had bad experiences, and mostly called for patience in the investigation process, only to have it shoved back down my throat. I’m guilty of alliowing what I see anger me, and responded incorrectly, even though I know a few are very good at bringing that out in people.