Christianity: Soul Survivor Church, Charismatic Evangelical Rant

It has been 13 months since I learned that I wasn't the only person that had an odd experience as a fee paying gap year student at Soul Survivor with Mike Pilavachi 25 years ago.
After speaking with countless victims of abuse from churches and christian organisations, those involved haven't wanted to speak with me.
I'm moving from looking at Soul Survivor to the entire Evangelical Charismatic and Church of England that threw a veil over the abuse those with responsibility were aware of.

[@lizzyumoh]

I'm really glad someone is discussing this. There are obvious questions that should be looked into such as whether any of MP's associates were involved in similar behaviour. But those questions won't be asked because presumably certain people in the C of E don't want a can of worms to be opened. Also, note that we have not had any apologies or recognition of poor practice from those with spiritual oversight of MP. They all seem to have vanished into the woodwork. On a different note, I did want to comment on your question "what good does the Church do?". Well, the main purpose of the Church as described in the new testament, is for fellowship of believers in Christ, worship of Him, and training in doctrine. Then the church members are supposed to preach the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ which brings us forgiveness of sins to others, who, when they believe are to baptised and then fellowship with the Church. My point is that the church primarily exists for the building up and equipping of believers, so that the gospel can be preached. Feeding of poor and widows as described in Acts, was actually the church providing for the less fortunate believers, not the general population. Churches seem to have lost this focus with the "Seven mountains mandate" teaching and the "purpose driven" movement, which have re-framed the church as primarily a vehicle for social change (which is actually only a secondary effect that the church may or may not have). The "good" that the Church is designed to do, is the preaching of the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit for the conversion of individual souls. The effects of this may or may not be immediately visible, but with time, if the Lord allows, will be followed by good works, but these good works are primarily personal qualities, (the fruit of the spirit) love, joy, peace, patience etc.

[@lizzyumoh]

Yes the silence has been deafening

[@DavidGrocke]

Oh, man. I only stumbled across you today from AU. I have no idea where you are at in life, but it's fascinating to stumble over something that does need a light shined upon it.
Although i disagree with your questions at the end, as here in AU we saw, took, and continue to take opportunities to support those struggling with church, cost of living, and feeding their families - i have no clue how what you experiences in your communities in the UK.
Awareness can, and will, lead to acknowledgement of your abuse. Continue to try and help others, and meet them where they are at. If they share or not publically, it will be facinating to hear more of your thought processes.
Anyway, rest assured that many far around the world are witnessing your story and the messaging of others who have been hurt from the previous centuries. Onwards and Upwards...!
Im looking forward to following your story...

[@SamHowson]

hey - good to hear from you David. My simple thought is, examining something is no bad thing. Have a great week and please do subscribe!

[@BellyWren]

And now Russell Brand is being welcomed into the flock. I've lost count of the number of narcissistic charismatic men with a conversion story that have been celebrated and platformed by the church with little to no oversight, accountability or safeguarding to the detriment of vulnerable people. No lessons learnt.

[@SamHowson]

What made you think of Russell Brand? Not sure he will be given much more than a platform to attract people 'in'. I think it's great RB is being open about his faith and speaking about it. The real danger are those that hide in the shadows, that manipulate and yes, are narcissistic, but pretend otherwise. It'd be interesting to see how he might change.

[@HankSemoreButz]

@@SamHowsonyou mentioned the “fall” of Christianity in this video. The problem with Christianity (especially in modern times) is that there is no Jesus. Without Jesus there is no Christianity. Without the gospel of Jesus Christ and a hosting of his presence in our lives there is no church…

[@SamHowson]

@@HankSemoreButz yes there seems to be a lot of that. What I cannot understand is how we, confused, messed up, self centred people can get in the way of the Eternal God. How and why are we getting all of that so wrong?

[@tinbiel7119]

Thanks for your posts. It really resonates. I love Jesus; but the church has left so many scars. Like an abusive relationship; coercive control, gas lighting, if your not in the in ‘demographic’, which changes depending on the brand of church your in, your tolerated but not embraced. I’m in a total spiritual wilderness and honestly I can’t see any way out.

[@SamHowson]

@@tinbiel7119 I'm sorry to hear you're in a spiritual wilderness. My recommendation is find people to meet with. What do you mean by 'demographic'?

[@andrewwilliamson7649]

Love the honesty. Sad that people have not represented Jesus as they should to you and others who have had similar experiences. Wanting to do that better than I currently do.

[@SamHowson]

Thanks Andrew.

[@peterbuchan3888]

I hear you. Love your honesty.

[@SamHowson]

✌

[@ryanhelsby4735]

There's an old book by Archbishop Michael Ramsey, called "The Gospel and the Catholic Church". It won't answer your questions, but it might raise some new ones

[@SamHowson]

Thanks I'll take a look

[@tomcourteney-hoare1421]

I suffered in two churches.Got no intention of finding a third.

[@SamHowson]

Stay well