When people discover my faith, one of the first questions they ask me is “What church do you go to?”
which there in lies the issue... at this point in my life, I do not belong to an institutionalized church. I certainly don’t claim a denomination. I am not your basic “Professional” Christian. I am a follower of Christ our Savior. Its Funny, as soon as I personally find out if some one is a christian I don't think to myself, "I wonder what church they go to?” or "I wonder which doctrines they follow". Im just pleased to hear they know Yahshua, known more commonly as Jesus. So let me share my Testimony…
I was attending a Non-denominational church after going through some major pit falls in my life. I was apart of the praise and worship team helping lead the body of christ in worship. while attending this church I posted Blogs on This very page “Wisdom By Failure” that fired up the congregation. The first one was called:
“The "BRIDE OF CHRIST" is NOT the CHURCH" (Click to View)
This had many of the members talking about it, some agreeing, some not sure what to say, but definitely got them talking. In fact so much so, the Senior pastor made sure to make mention of its presence from the pulpit that following Sunday. It was a doctrine he valued heavily. None the less it started the ball rolling. The next one was less controversial and more stating the illumination of “RELATIONSHIP > RELIGION" (Click to View)
This had many of the members talking about it, some agreeing, some not sure what to say, but definitely got them talking. In fact so much so, the Senior pastor made sure to make mention of its presence from the pulpit that following Sunday. It was a doctrine he valued heavily. None the less it started the ball rolling. The next one was less controversial and more stating the illumination of “RELATIONSHIP > RELIGION" (Click to View)
The next Bring up the Controversial topic of Christians and Tattoos called
"Soul Tattoo” (Click to View)
now understand, I look like someone who belongs “In a band” I guess you could say…hair and all. So this also made me stick out from a majority of the congregation. Many mentioning how refreshing it was to see that diversity on the worship team.
These 3 Blogs where enough to create anticipation of what I might say next. Church Gossip can be relentless and was a catalyst for rocketing my articles all the way to the Head of the church, to the guy sitting in back running sound. The Next Article would Lead to me being escorted out of the church.
This one was called PRESS TO DRESS. (Click to View)
In this post, Im bringing attention to the Fact that we as a "Church" where focusing to much on Image. In the post, I gave no mention of the church I attend or the member of which whom Addressed me with the complaint that my attire was not up to par. I discussed the practice of the “Professional” christian and what Jesus had to say about it. telling members to follow a pre set standard of dress code. I knew this post would ruffle feathers but i was assured by the Lord of its use. A seed will be planted no matter who takes offense.
PAUSE: being raised in a military family and having to relocate all the time exposed me to a new church every 2 to 3 years my entire life. I’ve been in little churches, I’ve been in congregations over 5,000 churches, I’ve been to Assembly of God, Church of God, Nazarene, Holy spirit Tongue speaking to no dancing thats frowned upon, revival churches, all of the churches…. Ive seen Religion, I’ve seen bondage, I’ve seen a Lot. I thank our heavenly father for blessing me with this and the wisdom received for it. It was time…YHWH was calling me out of the Building and into Him.
PLAY: I sensed in my spirit I would come under attack and was ready. As I walked into the church and approached the stage where we worshiped from, the pastor and his wife, who was also the praise and worship leader said ”We gotta’ Talk" and motioned for me to follow them to the back room. I Followed. Both were visibly upset, the wife shaking due to nerves. It was explained to me that it was felt that I owed her an apology because of how the post made her look. (which I made no mention in my article of who approached me) However this statement perplexed me, given that they did not see the irony in their words, the fact that the article was literally about focusing to much on Image, this was the very thing the article addressed yet they were blind to it.. I was eventually told I was no longer welcome to worship with them. “ I Asked why they were giving me their grievances instead of giving them to God?” I then pointed out how it would be better to glorify our heavenly fatherly standing on that stage together in Love and worship and not allow what others think to cause division” they ignored my responses with defending their decision. At this point I held out my hand which was still as a board and said “In christ we have peace, why is it my hand is not trembling like those who persecute me?” a blatant move to point out how visibly distraught both were, trembling with adrenalin. I was prepared for this move, so when I saw the vail was pulled over their eyes I removed myself. As I was making my way off the stage the other lead praise and worship pastor spoke up and said “Ill walk him out” as to ensure I didn’t stick around for the service I suppose. As I walked with him, he expressed his disappointment in me explicitly saying these words “How do you think that made me look?” given he had vouched for me to join the worship team. once again focusing on Image and how others will perceive him. He was so offended I had to remove his finger from my chest as he had let himself invade my personal space and physically press his finger to me. I was quick to rebuke his actions and pointed out his trespass. These things were witnessed by members of the congregation. They saw leadership behaving in ways that shocked them, a fire was started. I know for a fact…they have "Loosened up" on their dress code policy…hey its a start!!! a Seed was planted. We are uncomfortable with weaknesses because recognizing them means we are not enough. Each time he said, "My GRACE is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
So why don’t you go to a different church you may ask? Well I do... in a way...a biblical way...It pushed me to evangelize even more. Encouraging me to take a stand against the religious community. Eventually starting a Family Ministry of my own called "Mustard Seed Ministries Ink". I have been able to grow closer to YHWH through my ever growing relationship with his beloved son Yahshua more now, than ever. Ive been a Christian my entire life. I gave my heart to Christ at the age of six and never looked back. I have spent my entire adult life teaching scripture, encouraging others to hold on to God as they walk through the fire. As I have found myself walking through a season of trials—a season of losing dreams, my finances, my marriage, my "Church"—my faith has become my own. It has been a long, painful process, but I completely understand Job’s sentiment. As I look at my relationship with Christ today in comparison to what it used to be, it is as if I had only heard about him before. Today, I have tasted and I know that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)!
I LIVE MY FAITH. Christ is my Sabbath. Abba Father Willing, I up hold The Greatest of His Commands, Loving YHWH with all my Soul and Loving my neighbor as Christ loved us. Im glad the Institutionalized Church is there for the Lost souls who find christ because of it. But as for me, the Church has left the building.
