I left the institutional church about 10 years ago. However, in my past, I was a full time pastor for over 25 years. But I just couldn't square up that model and the New Testament one. So now meet in a small home fellowship where everyone can share and be led more by the Holy Spirit.
Yeah the church took a hard five into the Trinity and they didn't care about one God Almighty and now have 3 Almighty coequal person and people get sold into a Trinity and I know it's pagan did homework on it, yeah that's what they want in church let them
It's the financial stuff for me. I could not believe it when it was announced that only 5% of our church budget went to outreach in our area. FIVE percent?! I am currently praying for clarity on the direction of moving towards having church in our home.
My wife and I literally just made the decision to leave the institutional church system. Our eyes have been opened to just how unbiblical the modern church structure is run. We have decided to just have church at home with our family as of now. We will continue to seek God’s will and to see what steps he will have us take in the future. But honestly as of now we are just going to rest in Christ and focus on our own fellowship with the Lord. Prayers would be appreciated 🙏🏽
I left four years ago. I found videos of those boasting of them spending thousands to make the worship band sound and look good. I can't stand that leaders spend more money making themselves and the building looks good than for those in need and struggling. One pastor boasted the money they took in but required to give more to help pay the double mortgage. In fact, they went to buy MORE BUILDINGS to create a "spiritual bistro". The church is nothing more than a spiritual corporation. The money goes to the building, bills, and extra to make them look more cultural to the world. The people work for the pastor, not God. They just use His name for their purpose. Go to church, enjoy the show, hear a sermon with no passion, give your money, go home. Same next Sunday. I want God and He is not there. He is there when we are alone with Him.
That is the actual thing some Christians do not get. I’m pretty sure that the actual point of Christianity is to go out and actually be the church. I’m pretty sure that’s what god meant.
I stepped out of church over 20 years ago, not because I lost my faith, but because I wanted to preserve my faith. My vision was to start a home church in the PNW. I found that so many people could not grasp the concept of church that didn’t have a time, a building, a pastor, children’s church, nursery….it’s been an extremely frustrating experience. So, 20+ years down the road, I find myself still unchurched, but growing in ways that I doubt I could have otherwise. Fellowship is wherever I can get it.
This is a very nice video. It took me years to get out of the false belief that one has to be "in the church" to be saved. This video is spot on with the fact that there was no such thing as a religious organization with the NT Christians as Jesus never established a religious organization but His spiritual body of believers in Him.
It’s been 10 years since I “left the building.” I’d been there almost 40 years. I didn’t leave my faith. I wasn’t disgruntled. I just wanted more of the real deal. What was this walk of faith supposed to look like? It’s not supposed to look like high school or a country club. It’s supposed to look like family & a support system of relationships. I spent about 6 years foraging for fellowship which looked like lunch with friends. I tried no less than a dozen times to try to go back to the building, but to no avail. We retired. Moved. Built a new home in a new town. Met new friends. I dug into the Word as never before and read the History of Christianity in order to understand where all the denominations come from. The Holy Spirit had told me that His “people were i need of sound doctrine.” I saw in Jeremiah that His people had “inherited lies.” I saw how much paganism / mystery Babylon had been incorporated into “churchianity” and how Scripture (according to Yeshua, John, Peter, James, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke) was the TaNaKah / Old Testament (not to throw out the Gospel accounts and letters which were later called scripture). Eventually (end of 2015) I found a home group (we are about 20) and have been there since. They know me. We have a relationship. They are there for me and I for them, and I still interact with other believers (who are not in that particular group). This walk is a walk of faith in Yeshua HaMesshiach / Jesus the Savior. It is a walk of truth and relationship with Him and fellow believers in His Spirit. It’s not about a corporation of big I’s and little yous. We are the Body of Yeshua. Many are content with their churchianity. Many are seeking a genuine walk. I’m still on my journey but more content than I was 10 years ago.
I got asked the other day, “have you found a church body to be part of yet?” I was absolutely amazed. As if I haven’t been part of THE BODY OF CHRIST, the real church, the moment I was born again. These people are so brain washed it’s crazy. I feel bad for them
Bingo this nailed it perfectly, on why I left an institutionalized Church and the stresses of Church Politics (my opinion) that went with to seek God’s Word in a more constructive and more welcoming setting, you are not alone, God Bless You and again THANK YOU 🙏
This really struck a chord with me.Yes take the building's with all that goes with them and let's have some home gatherings where we can really participate and feel truly included.God bless you.
I think many believers have gone through this. The early church was a family and were all close and all depended on one another, it wasnt about a place,a building and one man running the show with you just sitting there watching the show. The local church looks like nothing the early local church.
I am exactly where you were, where I feel lonely with my evolving faith and frustrations. I have all these realizations that no one else around me shares. It is so validating and feels so good to hear my own sentiments and thoughts being expressed by someone else. Thank you for stepping out and influencing the movement. I have known that I want to write and share since before I lost my religion. I had even considered doing my own version of this Ted talk. But yours is better!
Thank you for sharing. I have no been part of and institutional church for years now and my spiritual growth has advanced greatly. I do still meet with other believers on a regular basis and we all participate in interacting with one another.
If we only had the commands of Jesus, (less than 50 in the Gospels) we would not have religion, temples, sabbaths, reverends, titles, divisional names and doctrines, manmade rules, tithes, popes, grand buildings. We would love our neighbor, each other and love sharing the good news of Grace. Widows would be cared for, orphans adopted, abortions stopped, homeless sheltered, the hungry fed, heartbreaks healed. Be salt, shine light, wash feet! Hebrews 12:15
I read the book, spent 7 years in the assembly and met you once when you were a little girl. There is life, truth and true relationship with God waiting on the other side. We must be brave.
Guys, God's been teaching me this for 20 years. Or, at least, He taught me this twenty years ago and has been slowly expanding on it ever since. It's AMAZING to me to see this, and even the EXACT terminology me and my closest friends have come up with to describe it all. It's almost like a movemnet now and such an amazing thing. I can't wait to see it at large.
Amen!!! I began to realize this several years ago. We found the "brethren assemblies" who were meeting biblically but they were rare. God led us to one in South Carolina, we were astonished that we had found a biblical model.
Late to the party. Been going since 2010, but left in 2017. I started in a small, intimate school church that was more communal, but later joined in megachurches which indeed felt more corporate and impersonal. This video pretty much summed up a huge aspect of my faith journey in leaving the institutional "church" for good.
After Corona...we're now finding this talk to be very true for many. Pastors went online to still try and keep their flocks together and keep their Tithes coming in. Sad.
So intresting, to go back to the basics of spirituality and love instead of the business model of mass control, discrimination, fanatism and stereotipes, I love it
I am excited!! Saw the presentation... can only be the work of God's Spirit... I also share in the amazement that what Richard said to the audience was well received... it's far out from the usual... so I have to conclude that God spoke ... I am distributing the links to all my contacts... Last Days... the people = church ... back to Acts ...
Excellently explained! My eyes were opened while training to be a pastor and when I was asked to take it over I declined and the institution closed the church because they could not pay for a full time pastor! the church for many other reasons.
Wish I´ve found this video earlier. Thanks for putting this TRUTH out. After going to several institutional churches for many years, I understood this concept and started living under it. Thank God He now placed me in a church that understand this and does not have the humanly overloaded structures that have the Church of Christ without a real spiritual influence over society. Thanks once again. I will share it with some friends.
This was awesome. I grew up in an institutional church, bordering on a cult. Many of the reasons I left are the reasons you touch on here. A great talk that makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
i live in omaha nebraska...seems they are all institutionalized. i cant even bear the thought of going to another church, its more like a prison, where you sit, be bored, get up, leave. theres barely any time at for actual fellowship.
Generally, right on in your analogies. Eph.4:11-12 directs "church leaders" to equip the SAINTS for ministry. The meeting of the church in Acts 20:7-11, was a meal, shared by family, with spiritual emphasis. It was also not Paul "preaching" to them, but "discussing" with them (Greek word is the origin of "Dialogue."). We have meet this way for a decade, our ministry to the lost is not supported by denominations, but people committed to seeking and saving the lost. We spend 3 days in two different prison and work with a half-way house, too. Everyone has opportunity to participate. This IS God's pattern in the Bible, the institutional model is human wisdom, and dangerous to relationship with God (Mt.15:1-9).
Thanks for pointing out preach vs discuss. It's interesting to scan the English translations and see which ones go each way! Props to the NRSV for giving us "Paul was holding a discussion with them..."
Hi Bret, I know I'm a little late replying. I'm in N.E. Ohio. Can you share with me how the Lord guided you to start this? I've been struggling with going back to the IC.
Well done Richard! May God keep opening doors for you, and also for all to whom God is bringing fresh revelation about where the body of Christ is heading to next
Dear Richard; what a great talk, what a great work! Thank you very much for the opportunity to know you and work with you. You're one of the most intense and rewarding speakers I've ever coached!
Unless, someone has mentioned it already, the book Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola is an excellent starting place to understand how the church become this way. I to have been on this journey and did not attend church for much the same reasons, although I guess I didn't realise it at the time.
I'm one of those people who considers myself to be spiritual but not religious. I had a NDE over 40 years ago, and my life's outlook has changed dramatically over the past 40 years. But in a sense, this is an improvement of my outlook.
I very much appreciated this. I consider myself between deist and atheist. Because I want to let go of what I was indoctrinated into from the momebt I was born. But because of that indoctrination of the institution, I also can't let go. The thoughts are always in my head. I still cant fully explain my stance or feelings. But this really helped with my deep inner hatred for institutional gathering. I may look into finding community gathering instead of just being at an institution and not learning or growing a single thing. But instead to exercise what I do know and believe. I'd rather find what I believe myself than to rely on what I grew up with. But this helped me realize its okay to have some kind of faith while still being reasonably well, standing. Thank you
Wow, sounds a lot like Wayne Jacobsen “So you don’t want to go to Church anymore” and “Finding Church.” This is a great and simple presentation of a complex issue. A lot of people have come to similar conclusions; some of us were drawn to the house church model, but a model is not the answer. Although a church that meets in a home is prone to be more relational, it has the potential to operate under similar conformity based structures and pressures.
I can so relate to this. I came to Christ OUTSIDE of the institutional church and the Spirit plunged me into ministry right away. All my growth has been outside the institution. Then, I decided to visit the buildings. I had fun doing some church hopping and meeting the diverse body of believers, it's not bad but I've never felt the need to "join" or become a "member" as I know I already AM the church. The concept of the institutional church has always confused me because whenever I think of "going to church" it feels like it's taking me away from an active ministry and life in the Spirit. I don't want to become a complacent body in the pew nor be dependent on what someone on stage got out of their journey with God that week. Small groups of course make up for this since more interaction is encouraged, but I get waaaay more interaction and discussion through on line groups than I can at a physical church gathering because half the night there is usually spent talking about the food lol. I don't know, maybe it's a matter of different strokes for different folks. I know I am not the type that will ever join an institution but will likely remain a visitor with things to share.
I can relate to a lot of what you said! Early on, I felt guilt for not being a member of a church and the enemy would make up lies, pressuring me to find a church to belong to because that was how I needed to raise my kids. 3 years ago I gave in and we started attending a very small Baptist church about 2 miles from our home. It makes me cringe to go. Literally. Like, the fellowship is okay...and I like the small talk but that is all. Everything else from the sermon down to the last minute when everyone is leaving just makes my skin crawl. I have always had a huge problem with the preacher pressuring us in a very subtle and sweet way, to "tithe" our 10%, because if not, we are "robbing God". But I look around and nobody has that look of "Hmmm, this doesn't sound right, let me research it" on their faces like I have. Everyone jusy goes about it anyways and I'm fuming on the inside....angry that the preacher thinks this is right and fair! When I attend a sermon, I usually never get anything out of it except more things I find wrong....because it doesn't add up to scripture. I don't like how cliques have formed either. All the wealthy congregants stay together and the folks without huge houses, nice cars, and clothes tend to stay together. It's like high school all over again. Sure, the wealthy people act nice to the lesser fortunate but thats as far as it goes... Our Wednesday night bible studies are not even bible studies...our preacher reads from some book about how to grow the church. But I thought God grows His church... This is where I'm at right now....just really frustrated and pretty much done with "church". I wish I could find others like me who live closeby. But it is comforting to know I'm not alone.
I never understood the often said phrase "I am the church." Jesus said he would build his 'assembly,' or as most English translations say 'church.' Can a person actually say 'I am the assembly'?
Great video! Well done summarizing so many important concepts in such a short time. I hope many see this and are liberated to better follow Jesus into the world!
@GaryPeterson67 That's why we always need to pray, take a step back, and then have a conversation. Not just get caught up in the pretty presentation. It might work for some, but not everyone. And it might be something we can take a little something away from to get us back on course.
Some people in churches remind me of that movie, The Stepford Wives. Churches have tried to become country clubs. The only thing missing is a big screen TV showing the football game of the week. Probably soon to come.
For me, i use to think all the music and lights and "entertainment" of the church was the main problem. But thats not where i am anymore. The main issue is the passive and silent sitting for an hour while one man speaks. Whats going on with that?? "Church" should be about connecting with believers. Talking to eachother. Blessing eachother with our unique gifts. Loving eachother. Crying and laughing with eachother. But instead, you just sit silent and passively, and then pat yourself on the back and go home??
Well done Richard! I'm so grateful for your work and will be sharing this video with a lot of people who will be glad to find their own questions, experiences and longings so well represented.
I have the same perception of church- especially my 37 years as Roman Catholic. Methodist have a tradition of small group study for support learning and accountability. Its better but not perfect
I wish there were ways for like minded believers both in and outside the institutional church to connect and fellowship. The road is just as lonely for those who see the church building as described here, but remain for various reasons.
Therefore we are still in the early Church age. All believers now have access to the Holy Bible, and what it means and teaches is still a debate. I expect the Kingdom of God to continue to grow like the mustard seed, and things to improve over hundreds, if not thousands of years until 1 Corinthians 15:24 takes place.
I feel the same way as all of you commented below. I live near Olympia, wa. Does anyone live by me? I would like to connect with a community of believers close by.
I encourage anyone who resonated with this great message to look further. The speaker basically presented the problem but he didn't go on to give the solution (I understand he was under the specific constraints of the TED Talk format). The answer to the problem of the modern institutional church is the first century biblical model describe in the New Testament. If you are interested in learning more check on videos that talk about "House Church", "Home Church", "Ekklesia or Ecclesia". I plan on uploading videos soon to my new channel. Blessings
The church’s problem is that there so comfy in it’s self that they forgotten about the loss in 2 Peter 3:9 He’s patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance
Whilst I agree with the heart of what Richard is saying, he actually misses alI the benefits that the church and building has on the lost, the poor, the neglected, the widow and the orphan. The church I am at (building) we use the building as a place where everyone can meet, otherwise theres' no room in my house to fit in a 100 people....you've also got to be practical...I believe that there is a place for the Temple, Jesus visited the temple daily, the bible tells us to meet regularly and not to forsake the assembling of one another as some are in the habit of doing, and that isn't always practical to meet at someones house. I acknowledge that some of the mega churches go a bit far, and are way too much like a business etc, but they're reaching people, I guess in my view, it's what they do with the people who do give their lives over to God, do they get followed up etc, etc.... I know the community of people I belong to yes it's in a building, and we call it a church as it's where we meet, to listen and participate, and encourage one another, and we share a meal after. I know that my conscience is clear in what we as a church are doing in our community & the world beyond just our 4 walls. I think what Richard is doing is great, but there are benefits to both sides. AS long as he doesn't think he is better than anyone else. People should question leadership etc... and that's a great thing, but I believe in the global church and making a differen e in peoples lives. Praise be to GOD.
I didn't get the impression that he thinks he's better than anyone else. It sounds like your congregation is "doing church" in a good way, with your community meeting place. Obviously that model has benefits, or no one would have started doing it. I think Richard is sharing that there is an alternative, for people who have been burned by "doing church" the wrong way.
Good points, Anastasia Anastasia. If unchurching works for someone fine, but it's not for everyone. Additionally - per scripture - "And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple AND breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart." Acts 2:46. There's an either/ or mentality out there regarding this. Scripture more than hints it was both/and in the earliest days.
The ONLY way I can see the corporate church model justified is if it invests heavily in small home groups, and these groups are considered the primary focus of the church. Each Sunday morning, one of the small group leaders gives the message. NO paid staff. The "Senior Pastor" would serve for one year, and be elected by the Body. There would be lots of community activity: mercy ministries, something like Celebrate Recovery (from addictions), prayer walks, and evangelism would be going on in all of them. I have never seen this in action. Although a pastor of one church in Aptos CA said "If you can go to either our small groups or the Sunday service, but not both, I'd rather you go to the small group." And a famous evangelical church in Palo Alto CA has had no senior pastor since their pastor, Ray Stedman, died, and that's on purpose. Meanwhile, home fellowships not associated with any church are far more effective in evangelism, discipleship, and release into ministry than any church is.
I left the institutional church in 1997… been house churching with various groups over the years. Totally agree with your take on things. But not sure where you are getting your statistics on people who would house church…. 30 million?? Where are they?? When I talk to my fellow institutional church Christian friend about this, they give me the “oh that’s nice” and then continue on their way “going” to church. Even most of the folks I house church with are also part of an institutional church, and say to me, “we can do both”. Sure, but where are the folks that see the Biblical prescription for open meetings in the home, and see in Scripture what I see????
A book that really changed my life about 18 years ago was "The Harlot Church System" by Charles E. Newbold. God used that book (as well as other things) to show me what the institutional "church" system really was.
WE are "homestyle, the kind Jesus loves to visit" We challenge you to come out of Babylon and her divided denominated daughters, flee the dead altars of old covenants and worship with your family, neighbors and loved ones of the real family of God. 1 John 3:23-24
Sorry you had suffered abuse by someone in leadership. This should be unacceptable (regardless of denomination) because this doesn’t display the love of Christ. I pray for your healing 🙏🏾🙏🏾
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I left the institutional church about 10 years ago. However, in my past, I was a full time pastor for over 25 years. But I just couldn't square up that model and the New Testament one. So now meet in a small home fellowship where everyone can share and be led more by the Holy Spirit.
Yeah the church took a hard five into the Trinity and they didn't care about one God Almighty and now have 3 Almighty coequal person and people get sold into a Trinity and I know it's pagan did homework on it, yeah that's what they want in church let them
I start every New Year with this video, because it's critically important to my sanity. 😀
It's the financial stuff for me. I could not believe it when it was announced that only 5% of our church budget went to outreach in our area. FIVE percent?! I am currently praying for clarity on the direction of moving towards having church in our home.
I hope you find that clarity. The transition to simple or organic methods of church can be challenging, but it is ultimately worth it.
My wife and I literally just made the decision to leave the institutional church system. Our eyes have been opened to just how unbiblical the modern church structure is run. We have decided to just have church at home with our family as of now. We will continue to seek God’s will and to see what steps he will have us take in the future. But honestly as of now we are just going to rest in Christ and focus on our own fellowship with the Lord. Prayers would be appreciated 🙏🏽
I left four years ago.
I found videos of those boasting of them spending thousands to make the worship band sound and look good. I can't stand that leaders spend more money making themselves and the building looks good than for those in need and struggling.
One pastor boasted the money they took in but required to give more to help pay the double mortgage. In fact, they went to buy MORE BUILDINGS to create a "spiritual bistro".
The church is nothing more than a spiritual corporation. The money goes to the building, bills, and extra to make them look more cultural to the world. The people work for the pastor, not God. They just use His name for their purpose.
Go to church, enjoy the show, hear a sermon with no passion, give your money, go home.
Same next Sunday.
I want God and He is not there. He is there when we are alone with Him.
For some reason the audio is very low? Anyone else struggling to hear it?
I had to get earbuds to hear it
Snap! :)
same here. wasn't that low before
Mine was initially, until I increased the sound ikon on the video!
I'm hearing it clearly
Excellent!!! I’ve been out of the institutional church for almost 20 Years and YOU NAILED IT!
Do you do home church?
"The church is leaving the building". Yes!
"Go out into all the world and spread the gospel!" 🙌💯✊🙏
That is the actual thing some Christians do not get. I’m pretty sure that the actual point of Christianity is to go out and actually be the church. I’m pretty sure that’s what god meant.
That was so good! Yes we are the church, the body of Christ. It's not about a building at all!
I stepped out of church over 20 years ago, not because I lost my faith, but because I wanted to preserve my faith. My vision was to start a home church in the PNW. I found that so many people could not grasp the concept of church that didn’t have a time, a building, a pastor, children’s church, nursery….it’s been an extremely frustrating experience. So, 20+ years down the road, I find myself still unchurched, but growing in ways that I doubt I could have otherwise. Fellowship is wherever I can get it.
This is a very nice video. It took me years to get out of the false belief that one has to be "in the church" to be saved. This video is spot on with the fact that there was no such thing as a religious organization with the NT Christians as Jesus never established a religious organization but His spiritual body of believers in Him.
Well, the Institutional Religious Machine was Judaism
It’s been 10 years since I “left the building.” I’d been there almost 40 years. I didn’t leave my faith. I wasn’t disgruntled. I just wanted more of the real deal. What was this walk of faith supposed to look like? It’s not supposed to look like high school or a country club. It’s supposed to look like family & a support system of relationships. I spent about 6 years foraging for fellowship which looked like lunch with friends. I tried no less than a dozen times to try to go back to the building, but to no avail. We retired. Moved. Built a new home in a new town. Met new friends. I dug into the Word as never before and read the History of Christianity in order to understand where all the denominations come from. The Holy Spirit had told me that His “people were i need of sound doctrine.” I saw in Jeremiah that His people had “inherited lies.” I saw how much paganism / mystery Babylon had been incorporated into “churchianity” and how Scripture (according to Yeshua, John, Peter, James, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke) was the TaNaKah / Old Testament (not to throw out the Gospel accounts and letters which were later called scripture). Eventually (end of 2015) I found a home group (we are about 20) and have been there since. They know me. We have a relationship. They are there for me and I for them, and I still interact with other believers (who are not in that particular group). This walk is a walk of faith in Yeshua HaMesshiach / Jesus the Savior. It is a walk of truth and relationship with Him and fellow believers in His Spirit. It’s not about a corporation of big I’s and little yous. We are the Body of Yeshua. Many are content with their churchianity. Many are seeking a genuine walk. I’m still on my journey but more content than I was 10 years ago.
Strength in numbers my friend.
I got asked the other day, “have you found a church body to be part of yet?”
I was absolutely amazed. As if I haven’t been part of THE BODY OF CHRIST, the real church, the moment I was born again. These people are so brain washed it’s crazy. I feel bad for them
Going back to our roots, the church as a living organism is truly spreading her roots, excellent presentation Richard, thank you.
Bingo this nailed it perfectly, on why I left an institutionalized Church and the stresses of Church Politics (my opinion) that went with to seek God’s Word in a more constructive and more welcoming setting, you are not alone, God Bless You and again THANK YOU 🙏
This really struck a chord with me.Yes take the building's with all that goes with them and let's have some home gatherings where we can really participate and feel truly included.God bless you.
And every pastor: “that’s a lot of churches but not MY church...”
Jesus: “ahem.... your church?”
Jonathan!!! YAAASSS!!!!! SO true. Love the way you captured that hidden thought of current pastors.
lol
😂😂😂 Everyone and their mother thinks there's something wrong with the American church, but they all somehow think THEIR church is different/better 😂😂😂
I think many believers have gone through this. The early church was a family and were all close and all depended on one another, it wasnt about a place,a building and one man running the show with you just sitting there watching the show. The local church looks like nothing the early local church.
I am exactly where you were, where I feel lonely with my evolving faith and frustrations. I have all these realizations that no one else around me shares. It is so validating and feels so good to hear my own sentiments and thoughts being expressed by someone else. Thank you for stepping out and influencing the movement. I have known that I want to write and share since before I lost my religion. I had even considered doing my own version of this Ted talk. But yours is better!
this has been my understanding for a year now. I ve church hoped 20+ churches in a year. They are all the same.
Thank you for sharing. I have no been part of and institutional church for years now and my spiritual growth has advanced greatly. I do still meet with other believers on a regular basis and we all participate in interacting with one another.
If we only had the commands of Jesus, (less than 50 in the Gospels) we would not have religion, temples, sabbaths, reverends, titles, divisional names and doctrines, manmade rules, tithes, popes, grand buildings. We would love our neighbor, each other and love sharing the good news of Grace. Widows would be cared for, orphans adopted, abortions stopped, homeless sheltered, the hungry fed, heartbreaks healed. Be salt, shine light, wash feet! Hebrews 12:15
Well, mostly agree. But religion is not a bad word. Look up the definition. Neither does the Bible make it bad.
As it was in the beginning, so it will be in the end.
We're going back to the book of Acts
I read the book, spent 7 years in the assembly and met you once when you were a little girl. There is life, truth and true relationship with God waiting on the other side. We must be brave.
"Breaking out of the box", it's being called out of Mystery Babylon!! "Come out of her my people!!"
Guys, God's been teaching me this for 20 years. Or, at least, He taught me this twenty years ago and has been slowly expanding on it ever since. It's AMAZING to me to see this, and even the EXACT terminology me and my closest friends have come up with to describe it all. It's almost like a movemnet now and such an amazing thing. I can't wait to see it at large.
Amen!!! I began to realize this several years ago. We found the "brethren assemblies" who were meeting biblically but they were rare. God led us to one in South Carolina, we were astonished that we had found a biblical model.
great job Richard, "the church is leaving the building", love this
Late to the party. Been going since 2010, but left in 2017. I started in a small, intimate school church that was more communal, but later joined in megachurches which indeed felt more corporate and impersonal.
This video pretty much summed up a huge aspect of my faith journey in leaving the institutional "church" for good.
After Corona...we're now finding this talk to be very true for many. Pastors went online to still try and keep their flocks together and keep their Tithes coming in. Sad.
So intresting, to go back to the basics of spirituality and love instead of the business model of mass control, discrimination, fanatism and stereotipes, I love it
I am excited!! Saw the presentation... can only be the work of God's Spirit... I also share in the amazement that what Richard said to the audience was well received... it's far out from the usual... so I have to conclude that God spoke ... I am distributing the links to all my contacts... Last Days... the people = church
... back to Acts ...
amen, back to Acts where the ACTion is, Acts where people ACTually got saved.
This is a concept of the Church that needs to be spread like wild fire....🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥⛪
Excellently explained! My eyes were opened while training to be a pastor and when I was asked to take it over I declined and the institution closed the church because they could not pay for a full time pastor! the church for many other reasons.
A great talk for these times. I think God is shaking the box trying to get the church out.
Thank you so much for this video! The next someone asks me why I don’t go to church, I’ll just send them this video. You nailed it!
Wish I´ve found this video earlier. Thanks for putting this TRUTH out. After going to several institutional churches for many years, I understood this concept and started living under it. Thank God He now placed me in a church that understand this and does not have the humanly overloaded structures that have the Church of Christ without a real spiritual influence over society. Thanks once again. I will share it with some friends.
This was awesome. I grew up in an institutional church, bordering on a cult. Many of the reasons I left are the reasons you touch on here. A great talk that makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
So good! Love everything about this.
Find the face of Christ in everyone and be kind just like Jesus😊
i live in omaha nebraska...seems they are all institutionalized. i cant even bear the thought of going to another church, its more like a prison, where you sit, be bored, get up, leave. theres barely any time at for actual fellowship.
Generally, right on in your analogies. Eph.4:11-12 directs "church leaders" to equip the SAINTS for ministry. The meeting of the church in Acts 20:7-11, was a meal, shared by family, with spiritual emphasis. It was also not Paul "preaching" to them, but "discussing" with them (Greek word is the origin of "Dialogue."). We have meet this way for a decade, our ministry to the lost is not supported by denominations, but people committed to seeking and saving the lost. We spend 3 days in two different prison and work with a half-way house, too. Everyone has opportunity to participate. This IS God's pattern in the Bible, the institutional model is human wisdom, and dangerous to relationship with God (Mt.15:1-9).
Thanks for pointing out preach vs discuss. It's interesting to scan the English translations and see which ones go each way! Props to the NRSV for giving us "Paul was holding a discussion with them..."
Hi Bret, I know I'm a little late replying. I'm in N.E. Ohio. Can you share with me how the Lord guided you to start this? I've been struggling with going back to the IC.
It got to a point that God was calling me to come out of the institutional religious system that I was afraid of what He would do if I remained.
Well done Richard! May God keep opening doors for you, and also for all to whom God is bringing fresh revelation about where the body of Christ is heading to next
'[;P/.L4
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Hey bro you are soooo tee totally right this is not about about being famous or even being disliked in a big way it’s about the truth
Thank you so much for your talk. My own present feelings - succinctly put. So relieved that I am not alone.
Dear Richard; what a great talk, what a great work! Thank you very much for the opportunity to know you and work with you. You're one of the most intense and rewarding speakers I've ever coached!
Awesome, thank you for sharing!❤
Unless, someone has mentioned it already, the book Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola is an excellent starting place to understand how the church become this way. I to have been on this journey and did not attend church for much the same reasons, although I guess I didn't realise it at the time.
Pagan Christianity is a great book. Eye-opening!
I'm one of those people who considers myself to be spiritual but not religious. I had a NDE over 40 years ago, and my life's outlook has changed dramatically over the past 40 years. But in a sense, this is an improvement of my outlook.
Excellent presentation. The best I have seen on this subject. Well done.
wow, great point
I very much appreciated this. I consider myself between deist and atheist. Because I want to let go of what I was indoctrinated into from the momebt I was born. But because of that indoctrination of the institution, I also can't let go. The thoughts are always in my head. I still cant fully explain my stance or feelings. But this really helped with my deep inner hatred for institutional gathering. I may look into finding community gathering instead of just being at an institution and not learning or growing a single thing. But instead to exercise what I do know and believe. I'd rather find what I believe myself than to rely on what I grew up with. But this helped me realize its okay to have some kind of faith while still being reasonably well, standing.
Thank you
Many years ago, I read a book titled, "The Open Church". It opened my eyes!!! Should be a must read on this subject.
Wow, sounds a lot like Wayne Jacobsen “So you don’t want to go to Church anymore” and “Finding Church.”
This is a great and simple presentation of a complex issue. A lot of people have come to similar conclusions; some of us were drawn to the house church model, but a model is not the answer. Although a church that meets in a home is prone to be more relational, it has the potential to operate under similar conformity based structures and pressures.
I want to thank you bro you speak loud and clear I tee totally get it
I can so relate to this. I came to Christ OUTSIDE of the institutional church and the Spirit plunged me into ministry right away. All my growth has been outside the institution. Then, I decided to visit the buildings. I had fun doing some church hopping and meeting the diverse body of believers, it's not bad but I've never felt the need to "join" or become a "member" as I know I already AM the church. The concept of the institutional church has always confused me because whenever I think of "going to church" it feels like it's taking me away from an active ministry and life in the Spirit. I don't want to become a complacent body in the pew nor be dependent on what someone on stage got out of their journey with God that week. Small groups of course make up for this since more interaction is encouraged, but I get waaaay more interaction and discussion through on line groups than I can at a physical church gathering because half the night there is usually spent talking about the food lol. I don't know, maybe it's a matter of different strokes for different folks. I know I am not the type that will ever join an institution but will likely remain a visitor with things to share.
I can relate to a lot of what you said! Early on, I felt guilt for not being a member of a church and the enemy would make up lies, pressuring me to find a church to belong to because that was how I needed to raise my kids. 3 years ago I gave in and we started attending a very small Baptist church about 2 miles from our home. It makes me cringe to go. Literally. Like, the fellowship is okay...and I like the small talk but that is all. Everything else from the sermon down to the last minute when everyone is leaving just makes my skin crawl.
I have always had a huge problem with the preacher pressuring us in a very subtle and sweet way, to "tithe" our 10%, because if not, we are "robbing God". But I look around and nobody has that look of "Hmmm, this doesn't sound right, let me research it" on their faces like I have. Everyone jusy goes about it anyways and I'm fuming on the inside....angry that the preacher thinks this is right and fair! When I attend a sermon, I usually never get anything out of it except more things I find wrong....because it doesn't add up to scripture.
I don't like how cliques have formed either. All the wealthy congregants stay together and the folks without huge houses, nice cars, and clothes tend to stay together. It's like high school all over again. Sure, the wealthy people act nice to the lesser fortunate but thats as far as it goes...
Our Wednesday night bible studies are not even bible studies...our preacher reads from some book about how to grow the church.
But I thought God grows His church...
This is where I'm at right now....just really frustrated and pretty much done with "church". I wish I could find others like me who live closeby. But it is comforting to know I'm not alone.
@@FollowJesusNotMan Just reading this a year later, but no, sister, you're not alone.
I never understood the often said phrase "I am the church."
Jesus said he would build his 'assembly,' or as most English translations say 'church.'
Can a person actually say 'I am the assembly'?
Thanks for sharing this. Well done.
I have been called a heathen by a religious leader because I don't believe their way .I have found we all worship in different ways blessings to all
Great video! Well done summarizing so many important concepts in such a short time. I hope many see this and are liberated to better follow Jesus into the world!
I think it's really important to discuss church.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing this story.
just re-watched; amen, brother
I feel like a lot of churches and colleges likes to run their "operations" like a business but get the non profit benefits.
Love this!! Great job!
AWESOME!!!! He told my story!
Agree fully and this is really like opening a cage or box
Great! GREAT!Great!
That was great!
As a Torah observant Christian, I believe you basically nailed it on the head. Most of us have either left churchianity or are trying to currently.
Very good job Richard! I love it! "Change a few peoples minds about those of us who don't"
Denominations have it all backwards. We should be spreading the gospel. We will have an eternity to worship and praise God.
Thanks! ❤
Great presentation! Great message!
Love the comparison of how we define church vs. how we actually use the term church in our vernacular
Great job!
Not sure what he meant by having more "diversity" and "gender equality" at 8:34. Anyone?
@GaryPeterson67 That's why we always need to pray, take a step back, and then have a conversation. Not just get caught up in the pretty presentation. It might work for some, but not everyone. And it might be something we can take a little something away from to get us back on course.
Right on time!!
Some people in churches remind me of that movie, The Stepford Wives. Churches have tried to become country clubs. The only thing missing is a big screen TV showing the football game of the week. Probably soon to come.
Wonderful! Well spoken!
For me, i use to think all the music and lights and "entertainment" of the church was the main problem. But thats not where i am anymore. The main issue is the passive and silent sitting for an hour while one man speaks. Whats going on with that?? "Church" should be about connecting with believers. Talking to eachother. Blessing eachother with our unique gifts. Loving eachother. Crying and laughing with eachother. But instead, you just sit silent and passively, and then pat yourself on the back and go home??
So true.
Well done Richard! I'm so grateful for your work and will be sharing this video with a lot of people who will be glad to find their own questions, experiences and longings so well represented.
I have the same perception of church- especially my 37 years as Roman Catholic. Methodist have a tradition of small group study for support learning and accountability. Its better but not perfect
Thank u very much
The previous one had the same audio level please keep up
He's right ↑↑
That was a good talk. I really enjoyed that bro^^ God was certainly with you:)
I hope so, or he'd be non existent.. No person, place or thing is without God. As it requires this Intelligent life force to sjmply exist..
@@visionartstudio5330 lol yh....
I wish there were ways for like minded believers both in and outside the institutional church to connect and fellowship. The road is just as lonely for those who see the church building as described here, but remain for various reasons.
Therefore we are still in the early Church age. All believers now have access to the Holy Bible, and what it means and teaches is still a debate. I expect the Kingdom of God to continue to grow like the mustard seed, and things to improve over hundreds, if not thousands of years until 1 Corinthians 15:24 takes place.
I feel the same way as all of you commented below. I live near Olympia, wa. Does anyone live by me? I would like to connect with a community of believers close by.
I encourage anyone who resonated with this great message to look further. The speaker basically presented the problem but he didn't go on to give the solution (I understand he was under the specific constraints of the TED Talk format). The answer to the problem of the modern institutional church is the first century biblical model describe in the New Testament. If you are interested in learning more check on videos that talk about "House Church", "Home Church", "Ekklesia or Ecclesia". I plan on uploading videos soon to my new channel. Blessings
Richard. I’m just now seeing this somehow. Well done! It would be great to connect sometime. I think I trip to Nashville may be in order.
Love how you ended the talk. 🙂
The church’s problem is that there so comfy in it’s self that they forgotten about the loss in 2 Peter 3:9 He’s patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance
Whilst I agree with the heart of what Richard is saying, he actually misses alI the benefits that the church and building has on the lost, the poor, the neglected, the widow and the orphan. The church I am at (building) we use the building as a place where everyone can meet, otherwise theres' no room in my house to fit in a 100 people....you've also got to be practical...I believe that there is a place for the Temple, Jesus visited the temple daily, the bible tells us to meet regularly and not to forsake the assembling of one another as some are in the habit of doing, and that isn't always practical to meet at someones house. I acknowledge that some of the mega churches go a bit far, and are way too much like a business etc, but they're reaching people, I guess in my view, it's what they do with the people who do give their lives over to God, do they get followed up etc, etc.... I know the community of people I belong to yes it's in a building, and we call it a church as it's where we meet, to listen and participate, and encourage one another, and we share a meal after. I know that my conscience is clear in what we as a church are doing in our community & the world beyond just our 4 walls. I think what Richard is doing is great, but there are benefits to both sides. AS long as he doesn't think he is better than anyone else. People should question leadership etc... and that's a great thing, but I believe in the global church and making a differen e in peoples lives. Praise be to GOD.
I didn't get the impression that he thinks he's better than anyone else. It sounds like your congregation is "doing church" in a good way, with your community meeting place. Obviously that model has benefits, or no one would have started doing it. I think Richard is sharing that there is an alternative, for people who have been burned by "doing church" the wrong way.
I would suggest reading Frank Viola's Pagan Christianity, Reimagining Christianity, and Finding Organic Church
besides 100 people is too large a congregation. Think 20 people at most
Good points, Anastasia Anastasia. If unchurching works for someone fine, but it's not for everyone. Additionally - per scripture - "And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple AND breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart." Acts 2:46. There's an either/ or mentality out there regarding this. Scripture more than hints it was both/and in the earliest days.
The ONLY way I can see the corporate church model justified is if it invests heavily in small home groups, and these groups are considered the primary focus of the church. Each Sunday morning, one of the small group leaders gives the message. NO paid staff. The "Senior Pastor" would serve for one year, and be elected by the Body. There would be lots of community activity: mercy ministries, something like Celebrate Recovery (from addictions), prayer walks, and evangelism would be going on in all of them.
I have never seen this in action. Although a pastor of one church in Aptos CA said "If you can go to either our small groups or the Sunday service, but not both, I'd rather you go to the small group." And a famous evangelical church in Palo Alto CA has had no senior pastor since their pastor, Ray Stedman, died, and that's on purpose. Meanwhile, home fellowships not associated with any church are far more effective in evangelism, discipleship, and release into ministry than any church is.
I left the institutional church in 1997… been house churching with various groups over the years. Totally agree with your take on things. But not sure where you are getting your statistics on people who would house church…. 30 million?? Where are they?? When I talk to my fellow institutional church Christian friend about this, they give me the “oh that’s nice” and then continue on their way “going” to church. Even most of the folks I house church with are also part of an institutional church, and say to me, “we can do both”. Sure, but where are the folks that see the Biblical prescription for open meetings in the home, and see in Scripture what I see????
Brilliant idea for a background.
EXCELLENT! Thank you for your WORK! God bless you. Sharing this r/n!
Wow! I'm surprised that Richard Jacobson spoke in TEDx 😮👌🏻
A book that really changed my life about 18 years ago was "The Harlot Church System" by Charles E. Newbold. God used that book (as well as other things) to show me what the institutional "church" system really was.
WE are "homestyle, the kind Jesus loves to visit" We challenge you to come out of Babylon and her divided denominated daughters, flee the dead altars of old covenants and worship with your family, neighbors and loved ones of the real family of God. 1 John 3:23-24
I live in Chilliwack, BC. PM if you have similar convictions and would like to talk.
Was A Devout Catholic until verbal abuse by a priest
Sorry you had suffered abuse by someone in leadership. This should be unacceptable (regardless of denomination) because this doesn’t display the love of Christ. I pray for your healing 🙏🏾🙏🏾
@@phyllismoore1818 Thankyiu ! Yes, Not The Love Of Christ.bless you💙
I am a Done too!!