Stumpmaster
Well-Known Member
Thankyou for relating your experience, Pearl. There seem to be seasons of growth with a congregation leading to a stream, and a stream to a movement, but sustainability of Biblical principles without the adoption of worldly models of corporatisation is a challenge for those called to lead the body of Christ.My church started off in somebody's home and grew from there as part of the Restoration Movement. Anybody was welcome to come to the gatherings but to join we had to do what they called commitment classes in groups of twelve.
Most of us had come from all the other more traditional church backgrounds but the classes were so that we could find out what the the church was about and so that they could also get to know us. The women wore head coverings and we were taught about 'authority' and were encouraged to talk to one of the four leaders before making big decisions. I remember when we planned to move house we went to talk to one of the leaders who discouraged it but we went ahead anyway and it was okay. It was a wonderful time with so many members that you had to get there early to get a seat in a 400 seater hall.
It was great for a while but there was some sort of falling out within the movement and it split and our bit became independent and less strict. Somewhere along the line I think they lost their vision for a while but our pastor has seen that and is now seeking God to get us back on track.
This warning was originally directed to the ekklesia at Ephesus but applies to many persuasions and denominations that look to earthly means for guidance rather than to God-ordained heavenly means.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.