Image by adamfg via Flickr
Our time at school in California was wonderful and hurtful all in the same breath. Our days were filled with classes and studies. At night we watched TV or went to the beach. Life was amazingly simple and friendships were created with ease. We enjoyed everything about California. The weather, the sunshine, and the freedom it offered. However, despite all of the incredible benefits we still felt like fish out of water. We couldn’t seem to fit in or find our place among the sea of leaders from around the world.
We were pastored by one of the founders of Every Nation and his right hand man was assigned to “disciple” Barry and me. We felt honored and nervous. It seemed as though we would never meet up to their level of expertise or influence. After all, they were wearing designer clothes and discipling famous actors and athletes while we were shopping the clearance isle at Ross and witnessing to college students in Long Beach. The pressure I felt on my appearance in Louisiana was magnified as we faced the seemingly elite members of the church each Sunday. I wondered how anyone outside of this crowd could ever feel welcome in a church so preoccupied with status. I left church each Sunday on edge. I wanted to see people reached out to, but instead I heard messages on becoming wealthy and influential. Any and everything that could be preached regarding prosperity echoed from the pulpit.
My heart began balancing on a fine line. Each time I searched for Christ within the lives of those in leadership I came up empty-handed. Instead of love I found expectations and rules or correction and condemnation. I felt alone in my discoveries…that is until the truth began to unfold. To say it was damaging would be an understatement. Barry and I sat in shock when we finally heard the news of all that had happened during our stay and after we left. As broken people started to share their stories of control and abuse things began to make sense…one heartache at a time. We hurt for them, we understood their pain and in the midst of it all, we realized we were in a similar situation. We felt trapped and silenced. My heart was aching and the more I searched for answers, the more I was rebuked.
I Absolutely LOVE Comments...