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Author Topic: Pretenders - False Prophets  (Read 10480 times)
Ghost
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« on: June 27, 2018, 04:10:31 pm »

2 Corinthians 11:13-15    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.   


Revelations 2:2   I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false


No matter how twisted the teaching, no matter how publicly shamed the church may feel over the exposé of an unethical leader, no matter how dark the days become, no matter how helpless we may feel in guarding gospel doctrine and preserving gospel-worthy lives, we have this great sustaining hope: Jesus knows how to rescue the godly.











                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
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JustGiveMeJesus
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« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2018, 05:14:18 pm »

Amen!! I’m going through some extreme sadness and depression as I’ve just left a GCC in Columbus, OH after 2 years of going. These versus really encourage me. Thank you.
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Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2018, 08:34:56 pm »

Welcome, JustGiveMeJesus!

We understand what a HUGE step you took, and what a roller coaster it can be when you first exit.  This is common. You may be experiencing a grief of sorts with the loss of relationships (often in GCC churches it is a unhealthy codependency on a person or group of people).  Too many have unfortunately gone through this process and been hurt and rejected by “friends” still inside the church.  That is actually a huge red flag of spiritually abusive churches.

I felt a thrill and a new lease on life when I left.  However, after a short while, my new freedom and peace of mind were interrupted here and there by doubts.  The words of GCx (GCC) leaders haunted me.  I vacillated between trusting my decision was right to wondering if it was wrong.  Even though in my gut I knew I did the right thing in leaving, underlying lies from over a decade of very oppressive and condemning teaching began battling against the truth I now accepted - that this church was VERY UNHEALTHY and used cult-like measures to “control” their people.  The mental conflict caused me anxiety and depression.  The burden became too much so it was necessary for me to get some intense and in-depth help.  

Hopefully, most people leaving GCC/GCx churches will adjust with a small group of friends who have also left, some good books on spiritual abuse, a good recovery group, and/or healthy Christian counseling on a regular basis for a while.  In my case I found I needed to check myself into a Christian treatment center.  It was an extremely helpful experience.  I began there to get a very healthy perspective on real Christianity as I was surrounded by believers who were from all kinds of denominations.  It was like a faith banquet there after I had been on a straw diet (often riddled with thorns and thistles in GCx) for so long.

This has truly been a journey.  I actually don’t regret what I suffered under GCx because it’s confusion pushed me toward learning the Truth about the truly mind-blowing news of the all-consuming Grace of Jesus.  It also enabled me to minister to others who are hurting with the wonderful comfort and confirmation I have received from God himself.

The “Essential Affirmations” topic under the Healing section may strengthen you and lift you up.  Saying affirmations like these is something I learned in the treatment center I had gone to.  It speaks to the core of your soul about who you really are and what you really possess in Christ.  These are the very matters that were robbed from us in GCx/GCC.

Identifying With You,

Janet




« Last Edit: September 17, 2018, 07:01:54 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
Huldah
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« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2018, 12:45:04 pm »

Hello, JustGiveMeJesus, and welcome to the forum. The members of this forum understand your sadness and depression, since we've been through similar things. Your feelings are perfectly normal, but please be encouraged that you won't feel this way forever. There is hope,  and it does get better eventually. If and when you feel ready, feel free to share more of your story.
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JustGiveMeJesus
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« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2018, 05:35:12 pm »

Yeah. It has been thrilling to leave that church. It felt so freeing - I felt burdens just lift when I decided I was done. I still feel that freedom, I just didn’t expect to also start feeling depressed, afraid and doubtful, too. When I decided to leave, I was like a blazing fire - I knew that that place was corrupt and God was blessing me by setting me apart from it. It seems that fire is now accompanied by anguish. Makes me think of David Wilkerson, talking about God baptizing true followers in His anguish so we can be His real hands and feet.

I do want to tell my story. I’m afraid though, that I won’t be vague enough, and people will find out who I am. The only reason I’m afraid of being found out, is because the past few days I’ve had a strange fear of demons getting me. I know this is not a flesh and blood war. It’s spiritual. I’ve been entangled in spiritual darkness and wickedness for at least 2 years now. Praise the Lord He has opened my eyes and set me on the right paths for His name’s sake!!!!! All glory be to Him.

I’m going to make my story brief, and let anybody ask questions if they want to know more.

I’ve known about the GCC for around 10 years now. I have 3 older siblings, 2 of them were in college around 10 years ago and they got into GCC then. They both met Tom short on their campuses and started going to GCC in their respective cities. They went to faithwalkers and invited my to go and I went 2 or 3 times back then and I went last year with my church. *side note* back 10 years ago is when I first heard Mark Darling preach... he gave me the creeps then.

Anyways, fast forward 10 years... no relationship with these 2 older siblings as they have immersed themselves into their churches and just didn’t keep in touch anymore. Made me really sad.

My younger sibling was diagnosed with a severe mental illness 5 years ago, so the rest of my family and I picked up and moved within a week, as the situation was dire. We moved to Columbus, Oh. Thus I eventually started going to a GCC myself, mind you one that one of my older siblings had been going to and now my younger sibling too.

The last 2 years, I and my younger sibling went to this church (my younger sibling still goes as he is not in his right mind and believes in the false hope there).

This younger sibling of mine has been on and off homesless the past 2 years, and it has been such a burden on my heart. I always do whatever I can to help him but I become very stretched and depressed as it is a huge burden to take on as a young woman. Whenever this younger sibling of mine makes emotional choices (most likely due to his mental illness) and ends up homeless, the burden falls on women (my mother, sisters and I).

So recently, my younger sibling found himself homeless again. And this time, I saw him and his situation through God’s eyes as I have been reading my bible a lot more and reading over and over again in the OT how God cares deeply for the homeless, orphans and widows, and He commands us to help them.

My church new about my younger siblings status, as he had been going to this church the last 2 years as well. Men would help every now and then, but it was far and few inbetween and the help seemed to disappear as “life” happened (marriage, kids).

Even my older sibling that has been going to this church for a long time now offered hardly any help because “raising 3 kids kept her hands tied”.

I grew more and more vexed. I decided to reach out to the entire church “for help” through the means of a group messaging app everybody in the church has. Our church has a group on this app that everyone in the church is a part of, an online bulletin board so to speak. I decided to reach post my younger siblings situation in this group message board so that everyone could see and be without excuse of “not being aware of his condition”.

God made it clear to me, in these last 5 years, my younger sibling has gotten tons of medical help... what he has never had in his life was Godly, walking in the authority of Christ, men. Men that would encourage him in the right ways.... Godly men that could do what none of us women could do, not matter how hard we tried...

I knew I would not get help, as my younger sibling has been going to this church for 2 years and hasn’t gotten any reliable help. I decided to post a message about his situation in this group message board to expose them. And it did. Nobody offered help, even a prayer to me. In fact, I got the opposite.

One of them men in the church, a homegroup leader actually, messaged me privately and told me that my brother has gotten that help from Godly men, he needed medical help... which he let me know was incredibly expensive so it was hard to get. So essentially, he told me there is no hope. It made me so angry.

I decided to leave the group message board, which shows to everyone that I am leaving that church. I was fed up, done. I wanted to make it known, once and for all, that they did not want to help my sibling, the least of these. Now I trust God. I took a stand against the corruption. Against all the self indulgence there... I do not see the body of Christ there... I do not see God’s hands and feet. I see people claiming they are Christians who just use he word and that “church building” as a means of upward mobility and status. A “look at me look at me”, look how well my family and I are doing” “look how much money we make”. That’s all I see.

My heart is BROKEN.

Also, I dated a guy from my church for the last year. I broke up with him. That is a whole other can of worms.  Embarrassed

I’m sorry if some of this was confusing.... it has been a very stressful endeavor for me. Very scary and all the while, I have never felt closer to the Lord.

Please ask questions if you have any. There is a lottt more I could add.

 I am so greatful for this forum and all the stories that have been shared. It has brought me comfort that I am not alone... as it can feel like you are the only one who sees any of this truth, because as for me, I am.
 
« Last Edit: September 17, 2018, 07:02:11 pm by JustGiveMeJesus » Logged
Ghost
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« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2018, 07:15:31 pm »

JustGiveMeJesus... you are a strong..courageous young lady...right now so many are holding you in their heart....Prayers for you..........Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
« Last Edit: September 17, 2018, 07:17:08 pm by Ghost » Logged
JustGiveMeJesus
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« Reply #6 on: September 18, 2018, 05:08:23 pm »

Thank you. I really need prayer. All I feel is so so so angry. I just feel like I hate everybody right now.
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Ghost
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« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2018, 05:55:09 pm »

JustGiveMeJesus........just be calm..take a deep breath..believe in gods goodness...kindness....praying you find peace in your heart and know all of gods love..compassion..that you may glow again...smile and share all the things inside you ..feelings..thoughts  ....joy..happiness and a thankful heart...hope there are some sisters in your area..who will just give you big hugs...heartfelt talks and cry with you..hold your hand and let you know you are not alone in your struggles...i love you..just as our lord in heaven does.......wishing you many new genuine friends who believe in you and can put a smile on your face and tell you that you are deeply and sincerely loved....God Bless you...
« Last Edit: September 18, 2018, 06:14:16 pm by Ghost » Logged
Huldah
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« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2018, 06:57:24 pm »

What a sad and complicated situation. No wonder you feel so stressed and upset. Do you have any support right now from any source?

I'm sure this sounds inadequate, in light of what you're facing, but, I will keep you and your brother in my prayers.

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JustGiveMeJesus
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« Reply #9 on: September 18, 2018, 07:36:55 pm »

Thank you. This forum has been very comforting - the responses I’ve gotten have almost made me cry, they are so genuinely loving and kind. I feel confirmation from God...

The biggest supporter I have is my mom. She’s been so understanding and encouraging, telling me scriptures and pointing out truth. I’m so greatful to God for her and you guys.

My heart breaks for anyone that’s gone this road with no support.  Cry
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Janet Easson Martin
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« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2018, 05:49:14 pm »

JustGiveMeJesus,

I love your name on here.  It is certainly not what we got at GCx churches.  They stole the purity of receiving from and seeking Jesus.  Galatians says that men try to take the place of Jesus in their rules and their “superior Christianity” dogma.  The word says they are adulterous in having us follow them instead of pure and simple devotion to Jesus.  They rob us of the SWEET simplicity of our personal relationship with him, and replace it with their own rules and tradtions which they CLAIM are from the Bible. They are NOT.  Leaving a church is NOT leaving Jesus, but they accuse those who leave their sect of abandoning their faith.  How manipulating and trapping!  They accuse those who criticize their erroneous teachings of being inspired by the devil.  How condemning and slanderous!

It seems heartless that no one has reached out to your brother, especially since he’s been at the church for 2 years.  Maybe it’s good after all no one did connect with him so you both could get out of there.  A caring pastor would try to help him by at least pointing him to resources to assist with his physical and mental needs, or try to set up an appointment with specialized counseling for him.  But, I would highly venture that they didn’t want to invest in him because the return would be slim especially at first.  Usually GCx’s (churches) primary focus is those who will increase the population of their church and do things to build it up.  They seem to spend little time and effort with those who don’t look like they will return them great profits.  I saw this first hand in my GCx church and have read here about such cases with those people in the body who are not slick salesmen for the image they want to portray.  They ignore those people, even though SCRIPTURE SAYS to treat them with greater honor because they are very necessary.  Their washing others feet in serving the people inside the church does not fit into their BIG agenda.

It’s so true what Huldah said, that your present struggle is temporary.  I have been VERY happy at churches I have found outside of GCx.  You need a church and leaders that actually CARRY OUT Jesus’ command to love each other and BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN.  They are out there.  

So glad you came here so we can encourage you and lift you up in prayer.  

Janet
« Last Edit: September 22, 2018, 07:16:31 am by Janet Easson Martin » Logged

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.        - Saint Augustine
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