Churches That Hurt - Part II

USGN Article - July 2001

Terry & Barbi Franklin

Written by Terry Franklin
 

I mentioned last month that there is a growing trend in American Evangelical churches: Pastoral leadership that seeks to impose a system of authority/submission that binds a person to an unhealthy relationship within a local fellowship, rather than releasing them to a life of freedom in their local body, as well as throughout the larger Body of Christ.

The pendulum is always moving. Often when an error has been discovered, there is an over-correction. For years we have had churches preaching a "cheap grace," glossing over sin, not speaking loving reproof into congregant’s lives. But now we have a gross distortion of the clear teaching of scripture — a pastor being given "divine authority" to speak beyond what the bible says, into areas of opinion; sometimes even overriding the domestic authority that God gave in the home between a husband, wife, and children.

These churches can be found in a number of denominations — many are independent — but they all move in a teaching (that flowed out of the Charismatic Renewal) known as "shepherding," that was widely denounced by every major Christian leader in the late 1970's.

Here are a few of the earmarks of these types of churches.

1) They don’t have fellowship with other area churches

2) The pastor makes a major emphasis about being referred to as "the pastor."

3) The pastor, or leadership, speak of a "vertical" relationship of submission, where "they have a pastor over them", ignoring the need for the "horizontal" relationship with other believers. (In fact, the word for "obey" in Heb.13:17 that says, "Obey them that have the rule over you...", actually means obedience "born out of trust." You obey or follow them, because they have earned the right because of their walk with Christ, not because of a title they possess.)

4) They speak of money, or prosperity, continually. God wants to prosper His people, but any teaching stressed constantly, to the neglect of other teachings on the subject, breeds distortion and error. (Also, wouldn’t it be nice to hear the "seed-faith" gang, which I happen to believe in, not infer that the financial gift should come to them, or their ministry.)

5) They instill FEAR: Fear of loss of salvation or the judgement of God if a person leaves a congregation, or does not obey the imposed authority of a pastor. Fear of losing friends because of excommunication (a common form of punishment within these groups.)

If you have been hurt by a church with some of these characteristics please contact us — we want to hear your story. Terry & Barbi Franklin, Heart For The World, P.O. Box 17247, Nashville, TN 37217.

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