I remember making that statement a time or two myself!
Spiritual Abuse among conservative Anabaptist groups?
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steve-in-kville
Re: Spiritual Abuse among conservative Anabaptist groups?
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Sudsy
Re: Spiritual Abuse among conservative Anabaptist groups?
I am not close enough to any 'ultra conservative Anabaptist' church to comment on their leaders but I believe control issues can exist in the leadership of any Christian group. I have seen it first hand in Pentecostal, Baptist, Mennonite Brethren and Salvation Army churches I have spent time in. And it can become pretty ugly and results in negative ways to the furtherance of God's Kingdom.
Some leadership begin on the right foot but somewhere along their leadership path they stray and satan and/or their ego takes control and it can be quite shocking to respect some leader you had high spiritual regards for and then they begin using abusive means to see things are done their way.
I would be considered by some to be a 'church hopper' and I don't mind (various reasons for doing so) but I don't church hop because of leadership control issues and I have really enjoyed being able to fellowship with Christians beyond the walls of church denominations or groups. But for some church hoppers it is a quest for that church 'without spot or wrinkle' (which if this means perfect harmonious fellowship) doesn't exist. First impressions and treatment may seem that way but over time all the warts and blemishes of all groups of humans shows up. Sometimes what you find is initially so good but give it time and the sins of the saints, including the leader(s) begin to be more visible. And if looking for a pure church, none of us qualify to be part of one anyway.
For those who currently are enjoying a fellowship that seems like a little taste of heaven, enjoy every minute of it. I recall those experiences when they did occur and they were wonderful. For those of us who have some scars from abusive treatment we need to rely on God's strength to forgive and move on. Imo, best not to bring them up and relive the abuse. Jesus didn't promise us a life of non-abuse and we are given the Holy Spirit to empower us to move forward and not get stuck in the past. We dare not put our trust in man as we are all capable of sinning but keep our eyes focused on Him who knew no sin.
Some leadership begin on the right foot but somewhere along their leadership path they stray and satan and/or their ego takes control and it can be quite shocking to respect some leader you had high spiritual regards for and then they begin using abusive means to see things are done their way.
I would be considered by some to be a 'church hopper' and I don't mind (various reasons for doing so) but I don't church hop because of leadership control issues and I have really enjoyed being able to fellowship with Christians beyond the walls of church denominations or groups. But for some church hoppers it is a quest for that church 'without spot or wrinkle' (which if this means perfect harmonious fellowship) doesn't exist. First impressions and treatment may seem that way but over time all the warts and blemishes of all groups of humans shows up. Sometimes what you find is initially so good but give it time and the sins of the saints, including the leader(s) begin to be more visible. And if looking for a pure church, none of us qualify to be part of one anyway.
For those who currently are enjoying a fellowship that seems like a little taste of heaven, enjoy every minute of it. I recall those experiences when they did occur and they were wonderful. For those of us who have some scars from abusive treatment we need to rely on God's strength to forgive and move on. Imo, best not to bring them up and relive the abuse. Jesus didn't promise us a life of non-abuse and we are given the Holy Spirit to empower us to move forward and not get stuck in the past. We dare not put our trust in man as we are all capable of sinning but keep our eyes focused on Him who knew no sin.
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