I dipped a year before the place imploded. Moved farther away and have never been someone that just 'follows' or gets easily tricked into echochamber/cult groups. I don't know why but I've always been aware of trying not to get stuck into hivemind group-think. I very much prefer being an individual lone wolf instead.
I too am a survivor of a monster who calls themselves a pastor. Fortunately i placed my faith in Jesus Christ rather than the idea of Christianity. This pod cast has helped me heal so much and realize I should feel no guilt in leaving such a diseased culture of a numbers obsessed religion. I’m blessed to be a part of a different local church now where the pastor values me as a person.
In thirty years of ministry I have observed that underpayment (or none at all) of clergy and staff is not something that unfortunately happens once in a while. In fact, it is pervasive. Here's an idea: if your "ministry" can only survive by exploiting people it doesn't deserve to survive. The end *does not* justify the means.
You are absolutely correct! It's insane how many people a church will burn and not think twice about it simply because they claim it's all a sacrifice for God's glory!
Tbf that's...kind of all of these congregations though. Try to explain what the difference is between a cult and a religion, and you'll realize that all of the ARC groups and megachurcrches are exactly what cults are defined as.
Great song at the end "I die a little bit more every time I abandon myself... Some people take till you've got nothing to give" Mark Driscoll Donald Trump Countless religious leaders Who benefits.... follow the $$
Lots of great coverage so far. Just started this episode. The jury is still out about how I feel overall. I will say the soundtrack to this podcast is probably the worst I've ever heard. I cringe and quickly fast forward every time a new song starts. I almost stopped listening because I was so annoyed by the poor selections.
What does "gifting" mean? The word makes no sense in this context. What gifts are bought, from where and to whom are they given? And why give gifts? Are they bribes to get people to come to church? Christian terminology is very strange.
I'm thankful for this podcast. We almost got on the Driscoll bandwagon. Fortunately, we smelled something strange and left.
I dipped a year before the place imploded. Moved farther away and have never been someone that just 'follows' or gets easily tricked into echochamber/cult groups. I don't know why but I've always been aware of trying not to get stuck into hivemind group-think. I very much prefer being an individual lone wolf instead.
I too am a survivor of a monster who calls themselves a pastor. Fortunately i placed my faith in Jesus Christ rather than the idea of Christianity. This pod cast has helped me heal so much and realize I should feel no guilt in leaving such a diseased culture of a numbers obsessed religion. I’m blessed to be a part of a different local church now where the pastor values me as a person.
In thirty years of ministry I have observed that underpayment (or none at all) of clergy and staff is not something that unfortunately happens once in a while. In fact, it is pervasive. Here's an idea: if your "ministry" can only survive by exploiting people it doesn't deserve to survive. The end *does not* justify the means.
You are absolutely correct! It's insane how many people a church will burn and not think twice about it simply because they claim it's all a sacrifice for God's glory!
Thank you for this in depth and thoughtful coverage
CS Lewis said that the devil would rather have a prideful Christian than a degenerate sinner.
As I listen to all of these podcasts, I get strong cult vibes from Mars Hill Seattle.
Tbf that's...kind of all of these congregations though. Try to explain what the difference is between a cult and a religion, and you'll realize that all of the ARC groups and megachurcrches are exactly what cults are defined as.
That’s what the goal of these podcasts are all about.
Ditto
Great song at the end
"I die a little bit more every time I abandon myself...
Some people take till you've got nothing to give"
Mark Driscoll
Donald Trump
Countless religious leaders
Who benefits.... follow the $$
Lots of great coverage so far. Just started this episode. The jury is still out about how I feel overall. I will say the soundtrack to this podcast is probably the worst I've ever heard. I cringe and quickly fast forward every time a new song starts. I almost stopped listening because I was so annoyed by the poor selections.
✅
What does "gifting" mean? The word makes no sense in this context. What gifts are bought, from where and to whom are they given? And why give gifts? Are they bribes to get people to come to church? Christian terminology is very strange.
Gifting isn't Christian terminology lol
I think it’s “christian-ese “ for the gifts of the Spirit referenced by Paul
Who benefits...
The only negative I have about this podcast is the very irritating intro song I quickly have to skip it every time