Those things said, my household members have received numberous text messages demanding an explanation why we left "the body".
Big red flag!
Your friends already know what you believe, they can share that with the other members. Besides, you didn't say whether the pastor agreed to the wishes of the church members to come and hold court of which you will be, naturally, found guilty. What would be the point? Undo duress is all I can think of happening at this point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Servetus
I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation, as well as some issues which I say at best are non-essentials, at worst are legalism.
You've also shown how you feel. You can only now be working toward a show down. Don't see getting past that.
Last edited by Pressing-On; 06-21-2010 at 09:34 AM.
I would take advantage of the opportunity to speak the truth in love. I would not appear in person, but would FOR SURE write those people that are contacting you personally. I would compose a letter to send to everyone. That way you have something that people can read word for word later when people misquote you.
Compose a letter that just states what you believe and why. Do NOT attack what they believe. If your church demands that everyone be in agreement, then you are explaining why you left without attacking or belittling the people that are there for not seeing things your way.
YOU will not cause a church split. If people leave because they agree with you, they don't belong there. In the long run, it is good for the church you left, because the people left are in agreement with them.
I recently voluntarily left a church over major doctrinal differences concerning salvation,
I truly believe if the members listened to the things I said it would bring about some extremely controversial issues regarding pentecostal doctrine.
I do not at all wish to cause someone to backslide, and that is my biggest concern.
Personally I would talk to the leadership in private,but if my views would hurt a local church,even you are correct,I would refrain some saying anything in front of the membership.
Ethics and being ethical are very important.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
I was asked to explain my views on some doctrinal matters in a local church ,but I did so in private.
I have not said a word to the members of the congregation,and will not do so.
And that's all I can say about the matter.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
I would say if one felt,like it was time to move on.Then I would leave it alone.
Just let that church be.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
Compose a letter that just states what you believe and why. Do NOT attack what they believe. If your church demands that everyone be in agreement, then you are explaining why you left without attacking or belittling the people that are there for not seeing things your way.
I remember in one church there was a person that left and wrote letters and sent them to people in the church. The pastor then publicly disfellowshipped him over the pulpit, saying that he was trying to pull other people away from "truth" through his letters. He became a church legend of sorts: "that guy that wrote letters against the church and was trying to stir up all kinds of trouble." People in the church became afraid of him and would avoid him at all costs, so as to protect themselves from his heretical teachings. He was viewed as lost.
I know each situation is different, and that just because one method turned out badly for one person, that doesn't mean it's not right for your situation. But I've seen how ugly these things can get, as I'm sure you have too. My gut says that you should politely and respectfully decline from any invitations to extend some type of an "explanation."
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"If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there."
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
OK, but seriously, you asked "Would You Do It". The answer, for me, is absolutely. If my former pastor invited me to speak to the congregation and explain why I left, I would do it, in a heartbeat. Just sayin'.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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