New Church Attendee Questions

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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[JustCurious]

My wife and I relocated in-state to Des Moines, IA about 1 1/2 years ago and have been attending the Walnut Creek church in Windsor Heights for several months now. It is a GCC church. We found the church through much church shopping. The church that we left from our previous home was an Evangelical Free church (we loved it); however, we've found the E-Free churches down here are un-fulfilling. I've never been to a Baptist church and we've tried three but they weren't any better. We used to attend (for about one year) the Ames GCC church when in college and enjoyed it--our faith and knowledge really grew there.

The E-Free churches seemed to be too seeker-friendly where they watered down God's word and the congregation didn't seem very welcoming either. One Baptist minister was too full of himself as an entertainer that he wanted to preach to us one-on-one instead of having a normal conversation.  Another Baptist church was so big that they had a kid's fun area and a fitness center. The fitness center wasn't really for members but were advertised as a way to bring people to the church. We felt it kind of gimmicky and only felt we could use it if we had someone tag along. Another Baptist church had a great pastor and congregation but all the men wore suits and ties, the women dresses, and they only played hymns. I'm not totally informal but I don't like going to an interview every Sunday either.

So, my friend who attends a well-known theological seminary, had suggested the Walnut Creek church where he used to attend when in Des Moines. We have been attending it for a few months now and so far we enjoy it.

That being said, I am open minded enough to realize that every church has issues and I would like to avoid them now rather than later. Likewise, I also understand that some (Not All) who post on this forum would likely be more subjective than they should. So, after reading many posts, I would appreciate it if many of you would answer some questions/concerns I have about the church and about opinions that I've read so that I can make informed decisions. I found this site while searching for information about the pastors.

My Impressions

My first impressions of the church were this: Most everyone seems down to earth, friendly, and easy to talk to. I don't know about all but most seem like strong believers. The high school and college age students are noticeably mature and can look me in the eye when speaking rather than being slouches and un-discerned--I can't say the same for other churches we've attended. The pastors, through what I've heard and seen, are humble and preach no different than what I've seen in God's word. As I've stated though, I haven't been there very long and haven't heard it "all".

Other impressions that stand out is that I've been invited to Bible studies and a couple of family dinners. It does seem that we're being invited to a LOT of things which we've had to turn down a few, but I haven't seen anyone frown upon it either.

Questions

1. I've read a lot of posts that warn people about the GCC church but haven't heard of alternatives. Honestly, I'm tired of searching for churches. I'm not Catholic so that's out, the Church of Christ has become too liberal, and I haven't been impressed with the showmanship of Baptists. I've probably offended a lot of people here--well, sorry. FYI: I will consider all suggestions despite what I've written.

2. The GCC church has been labeled as a cult on this site. How so? I haven't been asked to drink any kool-aid and when you think about it, the twelve disciples were considered a cult in their day as well.

3. My most import question: What Bible passages/doctrines has the GCC church broken? Please don't refer to incidences of 70's and 80's but within the last 10 years please. I believe what the Bible says when it reads that all spirits should be tested by the word of God.

4. I've read complaints here that they choose people to be the leaders. Does that mean that if I have a desire for leadership, I would have to wait to be chosen rather than telling a pastor that I feel God is calling me? I personally know one person who left the church that wanted to be a leader. Knowing him as I do, I wouldn't want him to be a pastor of me anyway. That being said, if there was someone that felt led they should have every right to volunteer themselves.

5. Sometimes I have a sporting league on Sundays. Many times I've skipped church in order to attend. I have received no frowns but instead positive questions like, "How was it? Did you have fun?". How has your experiences been different?

There's a lot more I would like to ask but I'll stop here. Hopefully I was specific enough. Thank you for your time. I appreciate your responses and look forward to them. Thank you.

[AgathaL'Orange]

Honestly, you may not notice anything unusual until you attend conferences, retreats, or leadership meetings. It's very subtle until it smacks you between the eyes.

1. Ask them if any of their kids have attended college out of state (my guess is no). Ask them why their kids made the choices they made for schooling. Was it to serve the church or to follow personal giftedness and direction?

2. Ask them how they would feel if their children joined a Baptist, Lutheran, or non-denominational Bible church.

3. Ask them why they haven't attended seminary.

4. Ask them what TULIP is or why they aren't Calvinist.

5. Ask them to describe the GC stance on dating.

6. Ask them who the true Christians were in 1200AD.

7. Ask them if they ever rode a bus with an apostle.

8. Ask them why other people left.

9. Ask them what the Christian ancestry of GC is...

McCotter came from Plymouth Brethren who broke of off what that broke away from whom, etc etc. Have them trace themselves back to the Reformation. I bet they can't do it.

10. Ask them if Catholicism is a Satanic cult.

11. Ask them if they've ever reinstated the people who were excommunicated for being "divisive."

12. Ask them if they believe doctrine or loyalty is more important.

13. Ask them why there is so much baggage surrounding GC.

14. Ask them why they think people are mentally ill or depressed.

15. Ask them what they would tell someone to do who is depressed.



I'm sure the people at this church are nice people. It's the group think, history, and DNA of the movement that make it bad. The GC people I've met are sincere and truly kind as a rule.

[lone gone]

skip the other questions..... they aren't going to make you seem very intelligent in the listeners eyes.

 There is only one question that you need concern yourself with... and it's about the only thing that GCC churches can accurately be accused of being unscriptural...

Does God want you to commit to a local congregation for life?

If you ask that particular question point blank, the leaders will know you have been "talking to someone on the outside."    Figure out another way to lead to that topic.

Listen to the long time members, ask them what it is that has kept them at Walnut Creek  for so long.

[theresearchpersona]

Problem with some of those questions is in the time that's passed GC has become more subtle, or they'll give concerned people the verbally correct answers despite that over time and practically they aren't true evaluations of the GC Churches; while you're there you might not even be hit by much (if you're full grown), but if you have kids you can count on it if they're seen as what is often called "CORE" material, or just useful to different programs.

What we've seen here is systematic deceit; when I was in (and I've been to GC conferences, to different locations around the nation, etc.) I was constantly troubled, catching things all the time. There's also rarely anyone that's actually able to handle the word accurately: not long ago one of the leaders preached on 1st Peter where it says not to lord it over the flock with the basic message of "don't be horizontal with concerns", to never ever question leadership, and to "obey your leaders" PERIOD. I'm familiar with leadership training too, and from it how people are taught that, no matter, what, they must "trust God by obeying their leaders": one of the pastors that left a GC Church, his letter is on this site: he rebuked them for this, rightly stating that we're told not to trust men, and that GC is confusing the sheep about who is God, and who is not.

Because of lack of training GC also parrots whatever current evangelical fad is underway, public ones and private ones; leadership regularly teaches from its own ideas and experiences primarily over the word of God; and the Bible is often quoted to give the impression of being Scriptural, and perhaps the teachers think the are being so, but typically the totally ignore the passage's primary intent, or read a person on into it.

There are actually several pastors on this forum who'll probably be able to answer a lot of questions well: including men who tried to reason with GC's leadership. More than a few here thought that was possible...and the outcome was being treated like trash to trample upon; GC Churches actually define themselves as having their own vision, and if someone is not with it, leaderrship has been taught not to give those people any time because they have more important things to do. GC explicitly teaches that "concerns" (using "concerns" in the sense of disagreements of doctrine, even if provably false), if controverted (which the whole NT itself does) a la Jude 3, is doing evil, rather than obeying Jesus to test men's fruits (Luke 6) and watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing; it's fine, many times, if it's not GC or a group it's related to...not if it is GC or a group/idea it clings to. Not long ago they refused to rebuke men who began teaching that God isn't omniscient, because if He was so (as the whole of Scripture attests) He'd be unloving to know people are going to hell and not do anything about it: that's another, not the Biblical, God.

There's all kinds of stuff, and the reason people bring things up from the 70s, 80s, etc., is that the same issues crop-up; many of us here saw the same things, wrote about it independently, were wondering what was going on...and then discovered this site and found the same over and over and over: spanning decades. There's a "weakness statement" that leadership told many here they knew nothing about until this website came online...suddenly it was available to all...except you had to "give it back" at the end of the meetings in which you had no time to read it; men who were around when it supposedly represented all the pastors have denied its existence to people who heard about it and asked.

The difficulty with all this is that when trying to seek answers, repentance, whatever, we've received a lot of talking out of both sides of their mouths. When pleading with leadership that if it comes to obeying God or men, we've been told "but I must trust God by obeying my leaders", even when things are error.

People aren't here for being bitter, or trying to attack, etc.: I would love to see repentance and the men to actually confess, commit to learning doctrine, expose their false deeds and un-teach it; but that would be unpragmatic and contrary to GC-goals. The founder who claimed apostleship (strange since Paul said he was "last of all") and excommunicated all who didn't obey him, trained the national leaders who trained the current leadership etc., and they all refuse to expose him because they talk of the guy warmly, and how great he was: I've seen them giving out the guys tapes and books.

GC has "sociological ministry", and so they even teaching that "to divide over theology" is "sin". That's...more than dangerous; it is heartbreaking, because the Bible warns of men in sheep's clothing, deceiving and [themselves] being deceived, who are destroying themselves and their hearers; many of us have loved (and still love) those inside GC, but were shunned and dumped as soon as we showed any propensity to be Berean.

Anyway, I may dig-up some recent teachings and quotes, and sources, for you, and post them here.

[JustCurious]

Anyway, I may dig-up some recent teachings and quotes, and sources, for you, and post them here.

Thanks, I would appreciate additional information.

[wastedyearsthere]

I'm from the central Iowa area and I can tell you a good church is Cornerstone church in Ames.  They are planting a new church in Waukee called Westwind church.  I would check out this church.

I know of too many people burned from the church at Walnut creek.  I had a friend suffering from depression and the elder (Tim Rude) exhorted him to not step down from leadership but continue to serve.  This man was suicidally depressed.  He was made to feel guilty and ashamed by the pastors for taking time off from leadership.  I've had many friends who have left that church by abuse by the elders in dictating their private lives.

You will not see the legalism at first.  They are trying to get you "knit in"  as soon as you are being preened for leadership and have enough knowledge then it begins.  They have few expectations for those they call on the "fringe" except to get you indoctrinated and knit in.  

I would steer clear.  But I was in the Ames church for too long and it crippled my relationship with God and understanding of Christianity which I am recovering from since finding a good church (Cornerstone) and this support group.

[JustCurious]

I would steer clear.  But I was in the Ames church for too long and it crippled my relationship with God and understanding of Christianity which I am recovering from since finding a good church (Cornerstone) and this support group.

Thanks for the info; however, I've done the Cornerstone thing (and Salt Company) when I was in college and I'll keep my comments to myself about the church. I don't mean to disqualify you or attack your suggestion, it's just that Cornerstone has it's own issues that kept/keep me from attending. I still know a pastor there and have first hand knowledge of his immature and unethical behavior and it irritates me that the church knows about it but lets it slide--it's an issue big enough to confront. I won't go into it further because I don't want to start a "your church is worse than mine", I'm just stating that it seems all churches may have something/someone that irritates one person over another.

The issues aren't the same for Cornerstone as you're describing about GCC but they're; for me anyway, the same thing in different contexts.

Anyway, I'll have to attend a conference because it seems most people here are stating that it's at the conferences that speak the most. It seems the past Faithwalker messages are still online. I'll attempt to listen to those.

I'll ask this question to the pastors directly but do they, at GCC, tend to like pastors like John MacArthuer and John Piper or would they be against them? I've read on here somewhere that GCC isn't a Calvanist church. So, are they Arminianists? Please explain. Thank you. Hey, if John MacArthur would start a church where I live I'd sign up as one of the first members. He's awesome to listen to.

[AgathaL'Orange]

skip the other questions..... they aren't going to make you seem very intelligent in the listeners eyes.

Gee thanks!!  

I liked number 7... c'mon... that's a good one!!!  Have you ever ridden a bus with an apostle?

Of course the answer would HAVE to be yes!!  Or at least, well, I THOUGHT they were apostles at the time, but they really aren't!  And then ask them where the bus was going??

I thought it was funny.

[AgathaL'Orange]

skip the other questions..... they aren't going to make you seem very intelligent in the listeners eyes.

 There is only one question that you need concern yourself with... and it's about the only thing that GCC churches can accurately be accused of being unscriptural...

Does God want you to commit to a local congregation for life?

If you ask that particular question point blank, the leaders will know you have been "talking to someone on the outside."    Figure out another way to lead to that topic.

Listen to the long time members, ask them what it is that has kept them at Walnut Creek  for so long.

That's actually true though... that's a good question.

[Linda]

Welcome, Just Curious, I liked Agatha's questions, and have a few of my own.

What would you say if your pastor called the church his bride?

What would you say if you heard a pastor tell people to "give the controls of your life" to him?

What would you say if a pastor told your child to commit to your local GC church for the rest of his/her life?

What would you say if you went to an elder and asked him about some questionable doctrine that another elder was teaching and he wouldn't listen to the audio of the teaching because he said he didn't have to because he knew that elder's heart?

What would you say if you decided to leave and an elder asked you to agree to a two sentence vague statement to explain why you left and then to say nothing more if anyone asked.

What would you say if you learned that your church's association had a 13 page statement of error and apology, asked your pastor who is on the board of the whole shebang about it, and his response was that he vaguely remembered some type of statement of clarification, not so much apology and he offered to get you a copy, but never did. But, later, you found out that a well known cult rehabilitation center had been started by former members and got a copy of the statement from them?

All those things happened to us. Most of these things are not matters of preference, but of sound doctrine. Sadly, it appears we were misled by people we knew quite well.

When we started this process, there was no gcm warning. The error statement was hard to find. Interestingly enough, once it went up here, it magically appeared in a buried link on the GCC site.

All of the things I mentioned occurred within the last 4 years.

However, I think that you need to be a little more open minded about the 70's and 80's and understand that many of the leaders are wanting to get back to those days. It would be wise to not brush aside the past.

My 48 year old nephew is a missionary in Japan and has been working with cults for 25 years. He gave us an illustration on how to "fix" groups like this and likened it realizing that you have buttoned your shirt wrong. The only way to fix it is to unbutton your shirt all the way back to the button that you messed up on and then rebutton. There is a need to go back to the early days of this movement and fix things. I pray that some brave soul will have the courage to do just that.

[Linda]

Aggie, Number 7 cracked me up!

[AgathaL'Orange]

Here are the REAL GC answers if they didn't lie. I've written them based on my experiences.

1. Ask them if any of their kids have attended college out of state (my guess is no). Ask them why their kids made the choices they made for schooling. Was it to serve the church or to follow personal giftedness and direction? Their children most likely have all attended school nearby and picked majors that enable them to work in the church and are probably all serving with the church in full time or part time capacity.

2. Ask them how they would feel if their children joined a Baptist, Lutheran, or non-denominational Bible church. They would feel betrayed.

3. Ask them why they haven't attended seminary. They don't need it, the Bible says man's knowledge puffs up.

4. Ask them what TULIP is or why they aren't Calvinist. They have no idea.  I'm not Calvinist, I was just surprised that a lot of leaders didn't even KNOW what it was really.  Weird!

5. Ask them to describe the GC stance on dating. There is no stance on dating. (Yeah right)

6. Ask them who the true Christians were in 1200AD. Well they were secretly hiding out in house churches. Ummm. WRONG!

7. Ask them if they ever rode a bus with an apostle. If they were part of the Blitz with Dennis or Jim they did!!

8. Ask them why other people left. They didn't want to give their money or submit of course.

9. Ask them what the Christian ancestry of GC is...

McCotter came from Plymouth Brethren who broke of off what that broke away from whom, etc etc. Have them trace themselves back to the Reformation. I bet they can't do it. They don't know why they believe what they believe... where it came from, who taught what... they claim it all is a standard interpretation of the Bible... but HOW do they KNOW that?

10. Ask them if Catholicism is a Satanic cult. They won't admit this.

11. Ask them if they've ever reinstated the people who were excommunicated for being "divisive." NOPE.

12. Ask them if they believe doctrine or loyalty is more important. They believe Loyalty... they'll probably say doctrine. We've already established they don't really HAVE doctrine.

13. Ask them why there is so much baggage surrounding GC. We're just persecuted because we are a threat to Satan.

14. Ask them why they think people are mentally ill or depressed. Not in the word enough and are too focused on themselves. Not grateful enough.

15. Ask them what they would tell someone to do who is depressed. Read the word. Pray more. Meet with a mentor. Don't take meds. Don't see an unapproved counselor... if any at all.
_________________
Glad to be free.

[saved]

1. I've read a lot of posts that warn people about the GCC church but haven't heard of alternatives. Honestly, I'm tired of searching for churches. I'm not Catholic so that's out, the Church of Christ has become too liberal, and I haven't been impressed with the showmanship of Baptists. I've probably offended a lot of people here--well, sorry. FYI: I will consider all suggestions despite what I've written.

Finding a decent church has been difficult for my husband and me.  Ideally it would be filled with Christians seeking to mature.  We neither of us like "seeker" churches, and really want a chance to learn and grow.  And I need friends I can fellowship with, of course.

Some Baptist churches are simply awful... I have to hope that there are some good ones out there, but not the ones we visited or joined.  Their doctine seems OK, but the government (which is the antithesis of GCM's) was just as awful in its own way.

We attended a wonderful Lutheran church before we moved a few years ago that was absolutely fabulous... we were sad we our time there was so brief.  Through a long chain of events we are again at a Lutheran church... not as good as the one 400 miles away, but quite good.  They're large enough to have a lot going on, and a variety of services, including contemporary, traditional and folk.  Their doctrine is sound and their pastors well trained.  My husband particularly likes creeds and liturgies... not easy to blend with a contemporary service, but it can be done.  The downside is there are plenty of members who couldn't share the gospel, aren't trying to live for Jesus, and are mostly there for the children's programs or the social aspect.  

If we left this church I think we'd go to a Brethren church.  I have no idea if they have them where you are.  Like so many denominations there are a variety of Brethrens... reformed and not, etc.  But they seem to be a solid group of believing and witnessing Christians and the ones I've met around town seem solid and well balanced.  I know they have both contemporary and traditional style services.

A ex-GC friend of mine and her husband go to a Presbyterian church.  I've not attended many Presbyterian services but they seem doctrinally sound overall.  We lived near one which had a fabulous pastor, but it was the liberal arm of the Presbyterians (I forget which that is), and as we are extremely conservative we knew it wouldn't work.

My husband leans toward liturgical, so he's been interested in the Anglicans (Episcopalians) and Orthodox.  The Anglicans are far too liberal for us, and the Orthodox have too many beliefs that are really heretical (at least, in our understanding).  Lutheran has been a nice way to meet that desire of his (even though we're probably some of the most conservative members of our church).  

There are also a few church plants in my area... small, new Bible-based community churches.  One meets at our high school.  These may be harder to find, but small new churches are fun... lots of energy and no sense of being bound to tradition.  If you can find one it might be just the ticket.

Good luck!

[lone gone]

Question number 7 was a hoot!   and yes, I did ride on the bus with an apostle.... I even rebuked one!

hmmmm. maybe that was the beginning of the end. Maybe after I told Jim McCotter that his remarks were callous and insensitive he "cracked" and decided that no pipsqueak nobody was going to correct him again....

Maybe it's all my fault!

God knows I tried..... sigh.

(All typed while my tongue was firmly clamped in my teeth and with a smirk on my face.)

[Linda]

12. Ask them if they believe doctrine or loyalty is more important. They believe Loyalty... they'll probably say doctrine. We've already established they don't really HAVE doctrine.

Leadership:Elders and Apostles by Jim McCotter and Dennis Clark, page 31, 1984 and I quote:

Unity is the cardinal doctrine. Autonomy was a natural function. Yes it would be better, no doubt far better, to have a hierarchy or typical organization, etc. run with love, than to be a disunited people of God divided each into his nice own little autonomous church. However, the most united you can possibly be without setting up something that is foreign to the New Testament has got to be the best and most New Testament plan of action. The Lord Jesus' last prayer, all the goals of God, and the fullest purpose for your life will never be experienced without the greatest amount of unity. It is for that reason that New Testament plurality and autonomy should be practiced. Rightly understood it fosters unity.

May God give us a driving spirit of unity, a spirit that consistently burns brighter and hotter than all jealousy, envy, and selfish ambition put together. There must be unity at all cost. When believers divide over so-called doctrine, they are always trampling under foot the cardinal doctrine--unity.

There is so much wrong with that. Where to begin. According to Marching to Zion, it was this unity vs. truth issue that led to the first excommunication. It was an elder who said that unity was important but truth was more important. I believe that guy was excommunicated for life from the worldwide body of Christ.

Also, if McCotter believed so much in unity, where is he now? Why did he leave? The answer you will get is that he left to pursue business interests. But, last time I checked, you could run a business and be involved in a church at the same time.

What about the love and unity towards the people who question or leave a GC church. Many, with the gift of discernment, get shunned. That's not very loyal.

And, I love the part that says, "It is for that reason that New Testament plurality and autonomy should be practiced. Rightly understood it fosters unity." They think that if you do everything an elder tells you to do (in all areas, not just spiritual matters) that there will be unity. I think what they mean is "uniformity", not unity.

This is a movement that fosters division. They are only loyal to you inasmuch as you are loyal to them. That, is not unity. That is bullying.

In addition, they think their movement is special. They think they have something very different than other churches. A member of the GC board wrote this:

Brothers, I humbly tell u, God has greatly, greatly blessed this movement . Seriously, we are incredibly blessed and favored by God.  I love u men, let’s keep standing strong for what God has shown us and let the chips fall where they may.       
I tell u this is powerful, powerful stuff. We are not some crazy, half-baked movement. We have been entrusted by Almighty God with some tremendous, God-given insights that many in the Christian world are just discovering and many more may never experience.
O, that we will stay faithful and obedient to what He has shown us.” love ya, mark darling

This kind of talk is not unity talk. This is highly divisive and sectarian.

[puff of purple smoke]

3. My most import question: What Bible passages/doctrines has the GCC church broken? Please don't refer to incidences of 70's and 80's but within the last 10 years please. I believe what the Bible says when it reads that all spirits should be tested by the word of God.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

GC believes that elders above you are the ones truly capable of hearing from God. There are many cases of members, convinced God had told them to do something, being told otherwise by GC leaders. This happened to me on several occasions. The Holy Spirit is believed by GC to have a very limited role in the life of a GC non-leader, if any role. Your elders/authorities are to become your "Holy Spirit" for all intents and purposes. They become your mediator.

[EverAStudent]

Dear JustCurious,

What doctrines are held "in error" by GC at the present time?  That is a tough question to directly address.  GC churches are "independent" in their local teaching, but submit to a national board that indirectly controls their activities, but not most of their doctrines.  Therefore, the teaching at one church may differ to some degree from church to church.

As a general rule, the core gospel itself is well handled by GC.  They also foster closeness and fellowship.  They excel at evangelism.  

Weaknesses tend to center on "knitting in new people."  This euphemism hides the subtle doctrine of attempting to capture people into the denomination for life.  This is accomplished not merely by encouraging increased involvement, but by intimating that GC is the only church reaching the world for Christ "the right way" and that leaving is "settling for God's second best in your life."  

Elder rule becomes exagerated over time.  You will begin to realize that advice / counsel is worded in such a way as to imply that the elders have God's knowledge of your path which you cannot get from Him yourself.  This has at times become a less-than-subtle form of manipulation over time.

Due to an undercurrent attitude of disdain for hermeneutics (the disciplined study of the interpretation of the Bible) many Bible passages are loosely "interpreted" for the congregation, in ways that cannot be supported by a better knowledge of the meaning of the text.  This approach to Bible teaching has led (in the past) to denomination wide adoption of such doctrines as: modern apostleship, modern prophecy, every man who is spiritual must desire to become a pastor, pastors are to rule over the congregation, congregational members are married to the local church and to leave is the sin of divorce, etc.

The increasing level of control that is exerted over the individual member as time passes is the most uncomfortable aspect of GC membership.  Virtually non-existent at first, but it has been known to become oppressive with prolonged membership.  Hopefully this will not be true of your church, but it is better to be forewarned.

[MidnightRider]

Just,

I was in a GCx church in the early 1980s so you can discount my answers as much as you like. Maybe they have improved in some ways, or maybe not.

1. I've read a lot of posts that warn people about the GCC church but haven't heard of alternatives. Honestly, I'm tired of searching for churches. I'm not Catholic so that's out, the Church of Christ has become too liberal, and I haven't been impressed with the showmanship of Baptists. I've probably offended a lot of people here--well, sorry. FYI: I will consider all suggestions despite what I've written.

I began reading about Calvinism when I was in GCx and eventually left for a Presbyterian church. So my home-team response is to recommend Redeemer Presbyterian (PCA) in Des Moines, even though I do not know anyone at that church personally.

2. The GCC church has been labeled as a cult on this site. How so? I haven't been asked to drink any kool-aid and when you think about it, the twelve disciples were considered a cult in their day as well.

That label has been a subject of much discussion on this list. I have avoided it, but OTOH my experiences with the church were not as extreme as some other peoples'. Many consider a cult to be a group with a very strange doctrine (or doctrines). The complaint against GCx is not so much about doctrine (though there is some of that, too), but that they have sometimes asserted an inappropriate control over members' personal lives. You can read about some of the individual cases on this site and the GCMwarning site.

3. My most import question: What Bible passages/doctrines has the GCC church broken? Please don't refer to incidences of 70's and 80's but within the last 10 years please. I believe what the Bible says when it reads that all spirits should be tested by the word of God.

I think the heart of the matter is their interpretation of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

GCx was begun with the intent to reach every nation with the gospel in one generation. This was "God's will for your life" - to be part of reaching the world with the gospel. (No kidding. That is what they taught at their "God's Will for Your Life" conferences.) All of the Christian life became a subpoint under the main heading "Reaching the World". The church you should attend is a church that is trying to reach the world, and the only church like that is GCx, so that is the church you should be part of. Your choice of career should be the career that helps you reach the world most effectively. The person you marry should be the person with whom you can reach the world most effectively. Your friends should be the friends who can help you reach the world most effectively. The clothes you wear should be the clothes that help you reach the world most effectively. Maybe you shouldn't buy a house because you could have spent the money reaching the world. And so on.

In this view, doctrinal disagreements are a waste of time because they are a distraction from reaching the world. So just let your church leaders settle all disputes. Better yet, don't even have any disputes. Just stick to what they tell you. And beware of listening to non-GCx teaching because it will fill your head with divisive ideas.

4. I've read complaints here that they choose people to be the leaders. Does that mean that if I have a desire for leadership, I would have to wait to be chosen rather than telling a pastor that I feel God is calling me? I personally know one person who left the church that wanted to be a leader. Knowing him as I do, I wouldn't want him to be a pastor of me anyway. That being said, if there was someone that felt led they should have every right to volunteer themselves.

If you are in an average church, and you feel that God is calling you to leadership, you would go to your denomination's seminary and get a degree and look for a job as a pastor or assistant pastor or whatever. There is not a path to leadership like that in GCx. They don't have a seminary. You have to be recognized as leadership material by your elders in the GCx church. Then you will spend time as sort of an apprentice to them. What that consists of and how it is decided when you are ready to be a leader - I suppose that varies from place to place. In the early 1980s, important considerations would have been how effective you are at leading people to Christ and bringing them into the church, and your own loyalty to GCx.

I won't argue that GCx's system is altogether bad. But one concern about this method is that it is not transferrable. If you fall out of favor with GCx, or decide it is not for you, you have no degree or recognizable experience you can take elsewhere.

5. Sometimes I have a sporting league on Sundays. Many times I've skipped church in order to attend. I have received no frowns but instead positive questions like, "How was it? Did you have fun?". How has your experiences been different?

My prediction is that there will be no problem as long as you are a visitor. Once you are part of the church, that will change. So if the sports are important, ask them about it now.

[MidnightRider]

I liked number 7... c'mon... that's a good one!!!  Have you ever ridden a bus with an apostle?

Not me. But I was in a gymnasium with one. He had not declared himself an apostle yet. If he had, I would have asked for an autograph.   :wink:

AgLO, I thought your questions were excellent.

[MidnightRider]

[...]I did ride on the bus with an apostle.... I even rebuked one!

hmmmm. maybe that was the beginning of the end. Maybe after I told Jim McCotter that his remarks were callous and insensitive he "cracked" and decided that no pipsqueak nobody was going to correct him again....

You are braver than me. I just wrote him a letter.  

And lone, you have to tell us about that incident.