I’ve been on this road too, similar to Nagmeh’s journey. I have another insight that the LORD has shown me about the American church…. It’s not just narcissistic pastors that are the problem. It’s American, ease and comfort, self centered Christians in general, that are the problem…and I am one of them! I realized that I was building my OWN kingdom (my family, my house, my job, my vacations, my lawn) and not Jesus’s kingdom! If we ALL take responsibility to build the kingdom of God, and not just complain about the leaders, then we would see what we’re supposed to see.
Nagmeh, you may not remember me but I had my seniors in highschool pray for you and for.Saeed's release. I'm so sorry, I had no idea you were in an abusive relationship. I stumbled on this video today. It's been over 10-12 yrs since I heard from you. Thank you for sharing your story. You remain in my prayers. I love your passion for the Gospel! I would love to hear from you!. I'm still teaching at Fr. Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, MI God bless you!
As I stumbled online, and Brant Hansen was on RU-vid today Dec. 7th, 2023. God has directed me to listen to you and Naghmeh Abedini's talk about many things. God took her away from an abusive relationship. And that is good for God has a plan for her. If she believes in God and follows what he wants her to become she will be much happier, and at peace. The problem is greed for money and recognition to boost these pastors, brothers, ministers, priests, etc. in the eyes of others. I call it as brainwashing into a belief of destruction. I could be wrong, but I do not think so. Stay safe, warm/cool, and blessings.
We will know the truth and the truth will set us free...the truth needs to be told. The enemy wants us to believe we should cover it...when the light exposes it, we can heal.
I always find it interesting that it's the church of Laodicea where Jesus says "I stand at the door and knock..." Wait, you mean Jesus isn't in the rich churches? He's knocking and requesting to come in. I love Nagameh's story. I relate to so much on a smaller level. I would love to thank her for speaking at the right time.
Such an encouraging interview, it is so great to see Naghmeh looking well and settled. It's never good to hear of women in the church being essentially demoted for reporting abuse but it is heartening to see that she won thru. "God has called us to peace." Appreciate very much both of you for staying true to the living Word. (I was totally fooled by the book curtain -- was curious what books were on the shelves...😳)
Nice work brother! Love hearing you in this format. Do more of these. Let me add one more thought: your effective “take down” of the modern US church is spot on, but it’s now past the point of being able to be fixed. 😢 like other things in large settings, bureaucracy exists to self-perpetuate, and those systems will fight to the bitter end to remain. You may remember that I was leading a house church focused like what you described from 1998 to 2016. So now I am even more on the outside of that bureaucracy, but I still now dozens and dozens of pastors in traditional churches. Many of them, the ones I know, will agree with your assessment, but it’s their “JOB” to do the other, the current. Yes maybe they should be braver to just walk away, but if they did, those churches would just hire someone else. The religious Christian world is a business, and the employees of that business NEED that job. They can’t quit. It’s a sad tragedy.
