In my journey through the world of church and ministry, I have encountered experiences that have left me astounded, disappointed, and even traumatized. The things I’ve witnessed within the church community were often unbelievable, prompting me to explore and discuss this topic in my book. So, why did I choose to delve into the often uncomfortable subject of challenging church situations? Let me share my thoughts on this topic.
Understanding the Motivation:
I wrote my book because I spent years in the ministry and saw how it sometimes operates in ways that can reflect cult-like practices. These experiences became unbearable, but I knew that the behavior of some individuals within the church did not reflect the character of God. I wanted to convey a crucial message: don’t let the actions of people in God’s house drive you away from your faith. God isn’t responsible for the poor behavior of those claiming to be leaders. I want you to be able to distinguish between the character of God and the conduct of people. It’s crucial to understand that people can act like they love God, but in reality, they might only be pretending.
Healing and Recovery:
So, how can my book help those who have faced challenging situations or disappointments in their church communities? I believe it can be a healing tool. It can help you recover from the trauma, insults, and hurt experienced in a place of worship. It can redirect your focus back to loving God instead of people. While there are undoubtedly good leaders in the church, it’s essential not to put your faith solely in human hands. Going to church is about building fellowship with other believers, not a guarantee of getting into heaven.
Overcoming S.H.I.T:
Overcoming the trauma and S.H.I.T. you’ve experienced in church starts with recognizing that God is not responsible for the actions of flawed individuals. Take the time to heal and ask God to bring that healing to you. Remember, the issues you faced were not God’s fault; it was the result of the poor behavior of certain people.
Navigating and Healing:
What I hope readers will take away from my book is the ability to navigate and heal from negative experiences in a church setting. My ultimate goal is to see people rekindle their relationship with Christ and God. Don’t discard God because of the negative experiences you’ve had in His house. Ask for healing and restoration, and remember that God is not responsible for the wrongdoing of individuals.
Addressing Criticism:
Have I faced criticism for addressing sensitive church-related topics in my book? There was one unfavorable review on Amazon when I first launched the book, but overall, I haven’t received much backlash. What I said in the book is true, and people know it. I’m expecting more appreciation from those who value the courage to address the issue of poor church leadership.
Maintaining Faith in Challenging Situations:
For those seeking to maintain their faith while dealing with challenging church situations, I offer this advice: focus on your personal relationship with God rather than the actions of others. Remember that the flaws of individuals don’t reflect God’s character.
Common Church Patterns:
In my research and personal experiences, I’ve noticed that churches often handle adversity or conflict based on the character and behavior of their leaders. When leaders have poor character, it tends to lead to negative patterns and conflicts, which unfortunately get exposed in the media. It’s crucial to assess a leader’s character, how they handle finances, their personal life, and how they lead the ministry.
Future Projects:
I’m excited to share that this book is just the beginning. I have a series of nine books planned, each focusing on the different areas where S.H.I.T happens. Church was my primary target because I’ve spent over 20 years in ministry, experiencing the unexpected and, at times, shocking. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from these other areas of life.
In conclusion, if you’ve experienced S.H.I.T. in church, know that your faith doesn’t have to suffer. Seek healing, refocus on your relationship with God, and don’t let the actions of a few individuals tarnish your connection with the divine. Remember, God isn’t responsible for the S.H.I.T. you’ve encountered; it’s the behavior of those claiming to lead the way.
