The following post was a comment on the LCG Breaking News: LCG Members Outraged After Weston Fires Sheldon Munson and Jason Fritts Over Masks concerning the power and control COG leaders succumb to when they start a church or take control of one. Of particular notice is the comment by Weston that those who attend different Feast sites (of other groups than their own church) are sinning.
COG leaders all resent the fact that some of their members visit other COG's and feast sites WITHOUT asking their permission. Most are under the false impression that they "own" the members and expect their loyalty.
The problem is the system. When a human organization is viewed as and labeled the "church" or "true church" and those who call themselves "ministers" come to see themselves as the only legitimate representation of said "church" or arbiters of "truth", it is no longer just a matter of personal conviction or belief in Jesus Christ that makes one a member of the "church". It has more to do with what club you are loyal to, or in some cases, which one signs your paycheck. In the case of LCG Gerald Weston is seen by those loyal to his particular club as a pope figure and his board of elders are his council of bishops. They give themselves different titles, but their perception of their own authority over the brethren is the same. One of the issues Weston addressed in his sermon was the idea of brethren visiting "other groups" for the Feast. This is seen as something sinful. Why? Because they would be making an independent decision acting in defiance of their Pope and his bishops, which of course is equated with "God's government", because he sees himself as the only legitimate representative of that government.
Once a man, even if he starts out as well meaning, decides to start his own "church" a different mindset begins to take hold of him. He takes possession of the organization he has started and begins to view those who choose to attend that organization as his "members" or "members" of the organization. The problem with this mindset is that it goes well beyond the biblical definition of a "member" because a "member" in the Bible is simply a member of one body, and that is Christ's. Romans 12:5 And Christ's body, assembly, or community is not synonymous with any human organization controlled by men. While members of His body might or might not attend a particular organization or even visit multiple organizations, that organization does not own those members, because those members belong to God, who has one body and places individuals in His body as He sees fit. Peter was told by Jesus to feed HIS sheep. John 21:15-17 That doesn't mean that Peter then became the owner of the sheep. He was simply supposed to be one of their caretakers. And as a fellow sheep, which he was, he was supposed to set an example of godly leadership, to serve among them, not rule over them. He did not become Chief Shepherd, Pastor General, Presiding Evangelist, or whatever other lofty title one might dream up. Those titles are exclusive, and only Jesus Christ can fill those shoes. Those who serve Christ in whatever function He places them in, according to the gifting he gives them are only supposed to be caretakers and servants among God's flock, which again isn't synonymous with any one human organization.
These gifts, which some view as positions of hierarchy, that we are constantly told give some men the right to elevate themselves over, lord or exercise authority over others are not for that purpose. Matthew 20:25-28 1Peter 5:2-4 They are supposed to be gifts and functions that build the body up and equip everyone to function, work together, and minister to one another, so that the whole body grows up together and becomes unified and cohesive. They are simply supporting ligaments,and other body parts,as we all are. They are not the head,which is Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16
Instead their use has been distorted and perverted to serve those who think they are in power. They have been used to browbeat, scatter, and confuse the sheep. They have been used to promote a club or "church" mentality of one following "Paul" and another waving the flag of "Apollos". 1Corinthians 3:3-11 Because again, the sheep are viewed as possessions of the institution, club, or "church", rather than possessions of God, who these people are supposed to be serving.
Concerned Sister
13 comments:
One of the issues Weston addressed in his sermon was the idea of brethren visiting "other groups" for the Feast. This is seen as something sinful.
When Weston was still on the WCG payroll, he visited "other groups" not just for Sabbath fellowship, but with the active purpose in mind of leaving WCG for greener pastures. I guess there is one standard for Weston, and another for everyone else.
The biggest threat to these "leaders " is freedom of information and free throught. To "quote " James Bond," History is not kind to men who play God".
"visiting other groups for the feast"
I am awaiting the transfer approval for the Yo Semites NP, FOT site.
Nck
Ha! What a joke. Your UCG Pastor husband Concerned Sister complained and whinged his head off to his cronies about my family, because we where going to a COGWA feast. He couldn't care less that we could hear him. At the table during Trumpets meal. His complaining made it unpleasant for us. Anyone listening to him would think he'd paid for our Feast.
Perhaps you're preaching should begin at home Concerned Sister.
Visiting other feast sites may not be an option. Most of the larger COG groups are scrambling to get other sites as they have cancelled several. They may limit the number(s) and if you aren't an active member, or registered you may be turned away at the door.
Thanks to the ministry, who have NEVER gotten along with each other, and who have divided the church "every which way to Sabbath", there are multitudes of groups and FOT sites, at times as many as EIGHT different groups in the same town.
This division has caused families... brothers, sisters, grand parents, uncles et al. , to be cast all over the COG map. Other than doctrinal fringe like prophecy or "who's in charge issues" , most groups agree on unclean meats, keeping the Sabbath, not going to ever burning hell forever and so on. In real life , how often are you going to be discussing things like "where is the wedding supper of Jesus going to be held"??
Grandparents want to take their grandkids to the zoo, families want to get together and laugh and have meals together and so on.
This is why many people go to other FOT sites beyond just their own denominational site, so that they can be with close long time friends or family.
Unfortunately, many leaders view the FOT as the ultimate "infomercial" and "sealing the deal", for their "flock". How dare you escape the organizational propoganda machine for even a moment!
The following on-line article in Psychology Today is well worth reading:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-mental-health/201801/why-authoritarians-love-religion
There is no mystery in situations like this. And, alas, there are no broad solutions. Just individual people having an an epiphany and deciding to pick up their feet and do something about it.
The greatest drive of any organism self preservation. So of course the ACOG leaders insist that their flock not mingle with other groups. After all, they might take a liking to some other crowd, and take their tithe money with them.
What the ministers should be saying is: turn your offering checks into us, then do whatever the hell you want.
Give your hearts to the Lord, as long as you give your pocket books to the preacher.
remember to include your excess 2nd tithe.
Anonymous 7:43... "So of course the ACOG leaders insist that their flock not mingle with other groups."
And therein lies the rub. It isn't "their flock". The flock doesn't belong to them. The flock belongs to God. The flock is scattered among different groups with different men who claim to be shepherds. No human shepherd can claim possession of a flock or member of the flock. They are only here as caretakers. And if the flock in their care begins to feel they are in danger or being threatened, they will scatter, some finding other pastures with other shepherds, and some simply trying to go it alone.
I do agree though, that a lot of the issues come down to control and money.
Concerned Sister
Concerned sister.
I wondered about that "flock thing." I some rural areas in I believe Tunesia I saw combined flocks of sheep herded by a hired man payed by the respective owners. The owners recognized their own sheep.
I dont know the bronze age practice in the Middle East. But why would the local rabbi or baker not own a couple of sheep joining abrahams larger flock to pastures while occupied with another job.
I dont know what religion may sprout from my musing about flocks. Its so hot I'm counting sheep.
Nck
All:
A curious thing...years ago we had the nerve to visit another COG's Feast Site. When my local minister (UCG/now CogWA) heard about it ...... his irritation with us was very obvious.
As he pulled me off the speaking schedule from that time on, he said two contradictory things:
* Yes, there are God's People scattered in multiple groups
* You have to be committed to (our) Organization
? ? ? ?
Interesting post by Concerned Sister..
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