Another thing you guys didn't mention is shaming those who don't follow the rules. There is no or little grace. This leads to an environment of hiding and the lack of transparency that you did mention. No one can admit mistakes or struggles and get help. (And by the way, so glad you're back!)
this. this is what creates a pharisee environment where everyone is hyper concerned with appearing faithful and no one feels like their real selves or problems can be heard. you can't really develop as a person this way in an ifb church, this is why I left
One RED FLAG that I have observed, is the rampant nepotism that goes on in the hiring process. There seems to a three-layered buffer zone between the pastor and the church members: layer one-relatives of the pastor on staff; layer two-a common school or seminary among staff and other hired workers, such as Christian school employees; layer three-close friends of layers one and two. If you are a church member and not in any of these three layers, you are an outsider looking in no matter how many years you have been associated with that particular church. The other observation is that the congregations do not know how to appropriately vet a person being considered for the pastorate. I believe this is done on purpose by pastors seeking to solidify their power and influence over their little fiefdoms (i.e. keep the people ignorant). Most of these leaders that you are discussing on your channel and podcast most likely are not qualified to be in the pastorate if they were properly and biblically vetted before the congregation voted them in. Just because a big-time pulpit personality or the outgoing pastor endorses someone to a church, does not mean that the pastoral candidate meets the biblical standards in their character, ethics, and morals to pastor anyone. For example, how do they treat their family? Are they hot-tempered? Do they have financial issues, such as an extraordinary amount of debt? How is their testimony in the community? Do they have addiction problems or psychological problems? Have they been divorced and remarried, even when they were in the ministry? Do they have a tendency to secrecy? Do they show positive leadership by being an example to the congregation? Do they have a definite call from Christ to even be in the ministry at all? Too many of the pastors in pulpits today do not have a genuine call of Christ to be in the ministry. Most of them are "volunteers." They often denigrate those of who do have genuine call from Christ to be in the ministry. Moreover, many of these pastors tend to frustrate the power of the Holy Spirit working in the congregation to warn God's people of the unethical and immoral activities going on in the churches. If you have a pastor that constantly speaks about people who are "disloyal" and "sow discord" when there haven't been any known or suspected issues in the church to warrant such a discussion, that is a RED FLAG to get out, now. They are up to no good and they are getting in front of the potential exposure to thwart anyone from revealing anything they may find out or cause others to question the integrity of those who do speak up and expose the skullduggery once it is discovered. Another Red Flag that I have observed is a pastor who regularly makes jokes and comments about the intake of more money for the church, especially before the offering plate is passed, "Boy it sure would be nice if God would move on someone to write a check to pay for the building project," "It would be nice if the entire congregation would tithe, then we could do more around here." I am not saying the occasional reminder is wrong, but saying things like that, even in a joking manner, every service is a RED FLAG. Thanks for sharing. Interesting insights.
Yep 🎯 Church Pastor/Academy “President” His son-asst pastor/academy music director Pastors daughter-academy receptionist -Her husband-middle school youth pastor Pastors other daughter-girls volley ball coach Her husband-head youth pastor and asst pastor 2nd in command. Those 4 “men”…Pastor, his son, 2 son in laws…had ZERO accountability and used that power to intimidate, harass, and abuse kids 8-17.
Not all SBCs prescribe to a "Plurality of Elders" and many are no different from the IFB. No Church governance is perfect but an elder-led Church (plurality of elders) with an ultimate congregational rule is the best means to provide stability and accountability.
… I don’t think I’ve heard that but I’ve come to the conclusion that Protestantism is pretty much what they gaslight on Catholics. For example, they bash the Pope and hierarchy but then all the churches, even JN Darby’s Plymouth Brethren which claimed to have no hierarchy, end up with a supreme leader that no one can disagree with or else they’re excommunicated or even EXECUTED (see John Calvin and King Henry). It leads me to believe that many Protestant denominations were started by narcissists forming their own cults. Calvin, Luther, king Henry, Charles Taze Russell, Eli white, Joseph Smith, Torben Sondergaard, Creflo Dollar, etc. etc. etc.
I don’t see this channel as something that prevents abuse, or even brings awareness to abuse. I see this channel as a monetizing abuse. The best way to prevent abuse to teach men to be strong. Strong men don’t put up with abuse. They, instead, protect the vulnerable. Do you even lift, bro?
I believe making people aware of abuse...does prevent abuse. You may not find any value in what Eric does, but as a victim of abuse, I do. Maybe you haven't been abused, that's perfect. Those of of who have see the value and ... are intentionally parenting differently to protect our children.
@@barefootedtoyotas it grieves me that no one was strong for you to confront your abuser, and prevent that from happening. Maybe you can air your grievances on an episode here, but I don’t think the author would throw hands to save you. He probably wouldn’t even call the cops. But maybe he can make some quick cash from monetized views of your story….
Thanks for your consideration. I appreciate it. I don't understand why what this guy is doing annoys you. He saw that no one was speaking out and decided to speak out. Is he the guy that would fight someone physically? Probably not. But the guy who would beat someone up for their wrong doings also isn't the guy to listen and empathize with all of these men and women who gave endured abuse. ...I just don't get your point of calling him weak. I have watched every episode and I see no weakness. I see an empathetic human who is leaning in to others grief and intentionally standing with them. Sir, THAT is strength. Are you new here?
God is not religious and so should you not be religious. God wants relationship. As long as you look up to a pastor, preacher, teacher, evangelist, prophet, you will be disappointed.
Pssssh, Eric, why you always gotta be so empathetic & emotionally deep?! I'll bet it would take a lot for you to deliberately abuse anyone weaker or more emotionally ret@rded than you are. Frustrating that you don't prop up ham-fisted, grab it if I want it, then lie, lie, lie apery, but somehow you still have all the ball$...a real head-scratcher.
