I started watching Jesus Revolution today. It’s so far pretty good, a little entertaining and touching (the introduction of Lonnie and friends into Chuck Smith’s church). The actor playing Lonnie must have watched videos.
My mom was born in 1942, but she lived in SFO in the late 60s and was connected with the slightly younger hippie culture until she was born again from her Michigan Reformed roots. She adopted me in 1974 and we attended Warehouse Ministries in the Sacramento area. They later affiliated with CC. It was the music and “come as you are.”
I’m still grateful for going to Lutheran school from 4.5-6th grades to experience “high” church, but to mention being educated about the Lutheran view of The Reformation.
I still feel a bit adrift abandoning by choice my local CC after about 7 years after they went covid protest and were fined over $1M, current suing the county over unconstitutional surveillance, not to mention spending close to $1M on campus upgrades (most of which I saw as unnecessary) just before the lockdowns. What’s a good use of tithes and offerings? Lawyers?
I made a few friends there, but always felt like an outsider being older and separated with little kids, rather than the nuclear family model Watching the movie reminded me of mission creep. I’ll own my feelings, though, and situation. Even so, it felt a long way from the “come as you are” from my youth in the 70s and early 80s.
New Victor,
I’ve been in SanJose 30 years and I’ve never heard of the local CC not having issues with something (although the COVID response was over the top). My neighbors who attend there are conspiracy driven and worship at the altar of the ultra-right. There are other great churches in our are. Try one!
I’m Reading the new book “The Great Dechurching” and really am drawn in!
I’d recommend it.
75% of the 40 million (estimated) who’ve walked away from churches in the US did so casually, just stopped going; 16%-25% left because they were CASUALTIES (bad abuse, etc). A fascinating perspective, with some rigorous survey data.
The former is 100% willing to come back; the latter probably won’t ever.
I’d also add, that secular right folks are leaving the church at 2:1 rates as the secular left (who many left a long time ago).
PxP has become a place to work out my ubiquitous issues
I was here near the beginning as Sola Fide. At the time I was a CC pastor and a bit defensive. My defensiveness was probably promoted by my insecurity. I didn’t want by neat and orderly theological life to be tampered with because I was afraid of where it would take me.
I was away fro PxP for a long time until a year or so ago I returned with a whole new attitude. I was not longer defensive but questioning. CC wasn’t as perfect an organization as I was led to believe. So, I began to move away from CC S.O.P.
I have share here, many of my questions and issues with you guys and have received exhortation, understanding, critique, guidance and help here.
I’m still working thru a lot of stuff- not ready to start a world wide ministry, or even a small home group. But I can say this:: “lord I believe; help my unbelief”.
At least it’s a place to start.
Thanks Michael, Alan, Josh, Captain Kevin, Mike Golden and the rest of you
listeningto John MacAutherer right now…..
I can recall when the bible was as interesting as a telephone book….
When I was born again (spiritually) it became ALIVE and POWERFUL…
IF YOUR faith is somewhat shakey, ask yourself, do you BELEIVE?
Em
I believe the Bible. But I doubt many of the interpretations and applications that have been preached from American pulpits.
The Bible doesn’t condemn doubt. Unbelief, yes but most of the great ones in the Bible experienced doubt. Aabraham, David, Elijah, Thomas, possibly even the apostle Paul.
I believe but there are areas where I doubt one’s interpretation of a passage. So I say, “I believe; help my unbelief”
I want to know the correct understanding of scripture as best I can. As a pastor, I never want to mislead someone
It’s a responsibility to which I feel compelled.
Hoppy, glad you made it back to the fellowship here. I find your questions and honesty, and those of others here, to be quite refreshing. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with answering, “I don’t know.”
It’s all yours today…
I started watching Jesus Revolution today. It’s so far pretty good, a little entertaining and touching (the introduction of Lonnie and friends into Chuck Smith’s church). The actor playing Lonnie must have watched videos.
My mom was born in 1942, but she lived in SFO in the late 60s and was connected with the slightly younger hippie culture until she was born again from her Michigan Reformed roots. She adopted me in 1974 and we attended Warehouse Ministries in the Sacramento area. They later affiliated with CC. It was the music and “come as you are.”
I’m still grateful for going to Lutheran school from 4.5-6th grades to experience “high” church, but to mention being educated about the Lutheran view of The Reformation.
I still feel a bit adrift abandoning by choice my local CC after about 7 years after they went covid protest and were fined over $1M, current suing the county over unconstitutional surveillance, not to mention spending close to $1M on campus upgrades (most of which I saw as unnecessary) just before the lockdowns. What’s a good use of tithes and offerings? Lawyers?
I made a few friends there, but always felt like an outsider being older and separated with little kids, rather than the nuclear family model Watching the movie reminded me of mission creep. I’ll own my feelings, though, and situation. Even so, it felt a long way from the “come as you are” from my youth in the 70s and early 80s.
Well, since it is Open Blogging, I’ll just leave this here regarding recent happenings: 🙂
https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547410
New Victor,
I’ve been in SanJose 30 years and I’ve never heard of the local CC not having issues with something (although the COVID response was over the top). My neighbors who attend there are conspiracy driven and worship at the altar of the ultra-right. There are other great churches in our are. Try one!
Thanks to Wenatchee for introducing me to Matiegka! I am listening to him now on Idagio.
Kevin H,
I’m glad you noted the beginning of hockey season for me… 🙂
John Scmidt, happy to have introduced you to Matiegka’s music. 🙂
I’m Reading the new book “The Great Dechurching” and really am drawn in!
I’d recommend it.
75% of the 40 million (estimated) who’ve walked away from churches in the US did so casually, just stopped going; 16%-25% left because they were CASUALTIES (bad abuse, etc). A fascinating perspective, with some rigorous survey data.
The former is 100% willing to come back; the latter probably won’t ever.
I’d also add, that secular right folks are leaving the church at 2:1 rates as the secular left (who many left a long time ago).
Lots to draw from that we discuss here.
PxP has become a place to work out my ubiquitous issues
I was here near the beginning as Sola Fide. At the time I was a CC pastor and a bit defensive. My defensiveness was probably promoted by my insecurity. I didn’t want by neat and orderly theological life to be tampered with because I was afraid of where it would take me.
I was away fro PxP for a long time until a year or so ago I returned with a whole new attitude. I was not longer defensive but questioning. CC wasn’t as perfect an organization as I was led to believe. So, I began to move away from CC S.O.P.
I have share here, many of my questions and issues with you guys and have received exhortation, understanding, critique, guidance and help here.
I’m still working thru a lot of stuff- not ready to start a world wide ministry, or even a small home group. But I can say this:: “lord I believe; help my unbelief”.
At least it’s a place to start.
Thanks Michael, Alan, Josh, Captain Kevin, Mike Golden and the rest of you
listeningto John MacAutherer right now…..
I can recall when the bible was as interesting as a telephone book….
When I was born again (spiritually) it became ALIVE and POWERFUL…
IF YOUR faith is somewhat shakey, ask yourself, do you BELEIVE?
Officerhoppy,
Glad to be of service…
Michael
Thanks for your patience with me
Em
I believe the Bible. But I doubt many of the interpretations and applications that have been preached from American pulpits.
The Bible doesn’t condemn doubt. Unbelief, yes but most of the great ones in the Bible experienced doubt. Aabraham, David, Elijah, Thomas, possibly even the apostle Paul.
I believe but there are areas where I doubt one’s interpretation of a passage. So I say, “I believe; help my unbelief”
I want to know the correct understanding of scripture as best I can. As a pastor, I never want to mislead someone
It’s a responsibility to which I feel compelled.
Officerhoppy,
It’s much easier for me to deal with someone with doubts than it is with those who are certain of everything…
Michael, good point!
Hoppy, glad you made it back to the fellowship here. I find your questions and honesty, and those of others here, to be quite refreshing. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with answering, “I don’t know.”
Officerhoppy, so do I….
too much pandering … IMNSHO