Concerns about churches & need helps
Q: I have been going to the same church for 8 years and it has been in my mind to look for a different church. Mostly because I have not found community and I have 2 children that I see the same happening with them. The other kids at church have their own groups because must if the church consist of a big family. Has anyone had a similar experience? I am afraid to make the wrong choice.
Also what things do we need to do to search for a new church. My friend has just left a tiny church where via email, the pastor has refused to release her from her duties . She left to go to the church of Passion Java in Maryland. (she follows his protégée Prophet Lovy but he was too far away) I read articles about indiscretions with Passion Java and women, and mentioned this to her. She got very defensive and said it was was "written by trolls" and I should not send the articles as "she would not read them". I am praying it all works out for her sake although there were issues with her old church and leadership.
A: Sometimes this happens in small churches. There is nothing wrong with 1. Bringing this to the Pastor for hope and correction w the church. 2. Searching for a new church; today it is hard because of all the things that need investigating well in advance of even visiting a potential one you finally find.
The below will help with the questions...
2. If your friend is unwilling to actually investigate then she is blindly following someone for reasons other than being Christian [Christ follower] who follows Scripture. Unfortunately the below will fall on deaf ears to her as she will seek only false churches & false preachers that are "ear ticklers", because it seems she is chasing the things of this world and not after the things of God. If she was open she would investigate a matter like a Berean. Pray for her.
Here's the info about church answers. It also includes what we need to know about church matters and related faq, what to investigate in a church before even visiting, what questions to ask before you even look at the sermons there (and various offerings the church has), but after confirming they hold to the basic "essentials" of Christian faith. If their Faith Statement has that but lacks any statement of standing on secondary issues that then it is a orange/red flag... bcuz they'll let in all sorts of unbiblical things and beliefs from modern culture (in the church, in the pulpit & in teachings there) that do not align with Scripture. Falsely claiming it is about unity when it actually isnt.
As far as church search yes there's loads of things we need to ask/vet/interview a church & pastor about today b4 we even visit it. In 2000 we could easily go to any protestant church; There was only 1 question we needed to ask (confirming they reject women "pastors"). Today it has gone far beyond that, and not only do we need to ask those questions but need to make sure they teach the "basic essentials" of Scripture as well. Too many false preachers and teachers and churches exist today. The other link will explain that more.
So go through the church search info in the link and grasp what you really need to be thinking about looking for in a church and asking as you interview the leadership there and can locate potential churches in the finder. Only 37% of pastors today hold to what Scripture teaches so you really do have to search well. Plus you cannot align yourself under the authority of a "church"... if it is actually run by Satan's children. It is that important.
If you live in EU/UK:
The church link is valid for everything noted "except" locating a church. I dont know that the links there have any suggested churches outside usa but might. You can look. Otherwise I would send you to this connection to ask about solid churches recommendations there. And pick the best one available within an hours drive.
https://www.livingwaterseu.com
info@livingwaterseu.com
+44 (0)1636 302230
I do not have any info on Africa or other countries but you might be able to contact some of the larger churches in reputable denominations in US/EU to get church recommendations, and to avoid entering a false church, since they know a lot of places and missionaries.
Next, theres no such thing as a "Prophet" today, just as theres no Apostles today. That is a huge red flag (and sad) that your friend was sucked into or fell for false preachers. But there are false converts in every church too (even Jesus mentioned it & NT clearly warns of it) just like false preachers and teachers. While this list is long it is not exhaustive but you can find more here about them. It is good to understand their errors so you do not fall prey to false teachings rampant in so called "churches" today.
On Prophets and Prophecy this clarifies there's no title like that today, but that prophecy is simply preaching what is already revealed in the Scriptures.
Likewise there were only 12 Apostles; Apostles were specifically chosen people to be with Christ in His lifetime to testify that they were ones who were with him and learned from Him.
If by chance you are having questions about women and roles etc the following will also help clarify from biblical perspective (stay open minded; it isnt what a lot of women have been brainwashed about but explains clearly and rightly you look at Scripture correctly).
Hope this helps.
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