I’ve resisted for a long time dealing with some things that have taken place. There are things that some do in the name of “church” (really pride, arrogance, and ignorance) that do nothing to build the kingdom and everything to damage their own credibility. Why would I address it - why not just let it go? We do, at C3, let it go weekly (sometimes daily), but every now and then it’s good to be reminded what Pharisees look like and how sinful and delusional their actions and words can be.
A young girl in our church went to a “Bible Study” with her grandmother last week at another church. At that “Bible Study” one of the pastors of the church proceeded to bash C3 and me. He told those present that he wasn’t originally going to speak on it, but had to share what was on his heart. I think the Bible says the heart can be deceitfully wicked and we need to be careful.
He told those present not to read my book, “Barbaric Grace” (a book that to my knowledge he’s never read - however I really don’t care if he reads it, it wasn’t written for him or people like him) and that we had destroyed a church and had stolen money. Of course, all of these are lies and accusations we’ve heard a million times from a handful of people who used to be a part of the church I pastored. There is no proof or merit to it, yet they continue to spread it. So why do they continue to focus on it? Well, they’re mad. They’re deceived, and they’re unhappy that the vision of C3 is being realized (a vision of connecting the community with Christ). That’s why.
It baffles me that some could accuse us of misusing money when their pastor did that habitually - they have no proof for their accusations, we, on the other hand, could have revealed volumes filled with documentation. It baffles me that they accuse us of being “immoral” in how we “destroyed a club” “church” and they have no proof for the accusations they make surrounding it, but, if we wanted, we could share volumes of proof of immorality and indiscretions from those they’re closely associated with. Proof they really wouldn’t have wanted to read because they can’t handle that much truth.
The bottom line is this is what happens when a church is built with disgruntled people. Their mission in life each week is to try to destroy what God is doing in and through C3. They have to. Perhaps they’re trying to distract themselves from the knowledge of the history of the ministry they’re now apart of. That’s why. It’s justification and rationalization. - this little girl that went to the “Bible Study” said she “felt trapped and wanted to cry…”
Honestly, I wish for these people that they would fall so in love with Christ and his mission that that would become their focus.
Of course, these handful of people will be upset that I addressed this - they will gasp as though the unthinkable has been done - someone has actually called them out and dared to reveal what they do and who they are. They think their suppose to be able to say anything and whoever they’re slamming should just take it and say nothing. Just remember, this post wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for your gossip and slander session “Bible Study.”
Finally, this pastor asked those present to pray for me that the blinders would come off and I would repent. The blinders came off a few years ago, THAT’S WHY C3 was born!
So, everyday I thank God for this ministry, smile, and focus on what God has called us to. I can’t wait for Sunday at C3!
