One of the Biggest Mistakes

[commonsense]

Control issues is an understatement.
I'm very familiar with two churches (different cities/states) that insist on never missing a service or you're backslid for sure. Nothing wrong with church attendance, but one should have the ability to make personal decisions without condemnation from the pastor and/or saints.

#1 A young married convert was bleeding heavily (female situation) and did not think she'd be able to come to church that evening. She called pastor to tell him and was told she had to be there. Same gal called another time due to horrible weather conditions and she had a long drive ; called pastor and he told her they'd send someone to get her----she couldn't miss -------
(Driving was very dangerous and her husband did not want her to risk it.)

Did I mention her husband was unsaved and saw no need to be a part of this church. This church did not allow any personal commonsense and you were doomed for hell if you missed a service..no exceptions.
Today she still serves God but it's at an AOG church and her whole family attends together.

#2 Every service reiterates attendance. You cannot miss and be saved.
A young girl does very well in school and wishes to continue doing so. If she asks to miss a Wed service due to a school assigment or whatever her father goes ballistic.( christianity at its finest).
Class project> to portray a famous person of your choice. She chose Aimee SimpleMcPherson. The final production took place on a church night.
Her dad would not go....can't miss church.; her mother represented family.
They bought the VHS tape and I viewed it long after the event. She did an absolutely fantastic job, but her dad missed it! To my knowledge he has never even seen the tape. Church comes before family. (again no commonsense allowed)

She's a senior in college and no longer attends a UPC assembly.

Yes, there ARE many churches that use power and control to keep you saved!


Regardless of what state I lived in;commonsense ruled in my decisions!