My take - yup this is true. But as children of God really and truly going to heaven it’s better to “overshoot” heaven because you’ll still land in heaven. But if you fall short of heaven, you’ll definitely miss heaven! So, bear with all the controls directed to leash the sinful flesh rather than enjoy the liberty you desperately long for within the kingdom of God! Belonging to the kingdom of God means you have submitted to the rulership of the King of kings but represented by his servants - teachers, ministers, apostles, evangelists, prophets. Of course, there may be imperfect ones but that doesn’t invalidate the real servant leaders.
There's no overshooting or falling short...it's all through the righteousness of Jesus Christ or it's nothing. Our own righteousness is filthy rags. When we speak of Christian liberty, we are not talking about liberty to sin. We are talking about things scripture does not require. Submitting to the rulership of the King of Kings is one thing, the caution should be taken when "submitting" to the oppressive and crushing expectations of some earthly ministers trying to build their own little kingdoms. Healthy spiritual leaders can be very helpful in our walk with God and our Christian maturity, but toxic ones are to be avoided.
These video clips crewp me out. You do perfectly. I still have issues living my life after leaving that CONTROL GRID. We have family still trapped in UPCI. It is very difficult to speak to them because one of the key lines you always repeat is; "If my pastor is doing anything wrong God will take care of it."" Meanwhile thousands of lives are ruined because these narcissistic men and women claim the speak for God!
Living 20 years of this and finally out! I can’t talk enough about the grooming first, hook you in, then you believe it and trust all the leaders. Because of what God did in my life I looked at everyone like they could do no wrong. Yes, the gaslighting is real. “It’s not that bad”, “no it’s not that way”. My fear in death from this religion too. As much as I tried I couldn’t attain. And now I’m out, I’ve lost so many friends I invested in and I feel like I lost 20 years of my life with my family who isn’t in this religion. The people not in the religion you can’t hang around because they aren’t “saved”. It’s traumatizing, and you have anxiety from it. You parent in fear too. It’s something so hard to describe in words all the emotions and I won’t ever go back. It’s because of your videos I was able to be brave and start seeing the truth and knowing it wasn’t just me but there’s many who’ve experienced the same thing.
Same! This was exactly my experience for the last 35 years. I left 5 months ago because I just couldn't do it anymore. I know God is real and still want a relationship with Him, but I'm having a hard time fully trusting Him because He led me to this religion and I'm trying to figure out why and the purpose of it all.
It's no surprise that the upc or any one God Jesus' name church is experiencing this. I remember being gaslit in the late 90s by the pastor and the women who would defend him even when he was in the wrong I refuse to mention names or church locations. It's part of the reason why I don't attend any church at all. That said, the doctrine of one God and not trinity is one thing I won't compromise on bc I wasn't taught the doctrine of God, the apostles and prophets by men. God speaks and teaches. "If they can not obey the voice, then neither are they to obey my voice." Every form of government, religion, or institution can fall into Authoritarianism
Excellent!Excellent!Excellent Video! Good job Deanna! Thank you again for talking about and explaining the major abuse that happens in certain churches. My wife and i grew up in upci in California and no longer attend but my Lord we went through(and still do) a living hell leaving it. It elps so much to hear that others are out there going through the same treatment trying to search for genuine truth in scripture. May God bless you and your family.
I'm noticing the narcissism, the boastings, pastor/leaders being worshipped, and the tone deafness pastors display when addressing the sheep while teaching. They seem to live in an apostolic bubble made just for them and by them.. The pewsitter can't relate to them, because they elevate themselves to such a height we can't find common ground with them. Leaders have a great little kingdom of entitlements that they preserve for themselves only ..........as for the rest of us, we are to obey, submit, never question, tolerate their demands, lavish praise on them, rejoice when they let everyone know how blessed they are. We are taught to suffer through trials like good soldiers, yet they enjoy a tremendous support system amongst themselves (clergy) There's a great divide between today's shepherds and the sheep and the shepherds love to have it so. Thanks so much for addressing this.
"Brother, CONTROL YOUR WIFE" This was said from the pastor's mouth because of missed services. When we reminded him of his words, HE DENIED IT. It was time to leave, he actually lied to our face then turned it back on us Can't believe I lived in this for over 30 years.
Mike Easter is from Hampton VA. I grew up in Chesapeake VA and attended BWC. We visited his church and he came to ours and preached. My parents still attend that church and he comes to preach ever so often as Jack Cunningham is the Pastor at BWC. It's scary the things they preach and are not biblical, yes they use some and twist it. I'm praying for my family.
Excellent video! This spoke directly to me and I’ve experienced so much of what you’ve talked about and touched on. I feel so incredibly grateful to be on the other side of leaving the UPC and its effects. I have so many stories, a lot of past hurts from years in the UPC. So glad I now have a health relationship with God.
Everything said here is how I feel too. Thank you DeannaJo for taking the time to bring this out. I'm watching 10 minutes at a time and it brings out the questionnable preaching styles, especially the yelling.
I love the content of this video. Dr. Ramai’s channel helped me through my transition out of the UPC. First, I had to understand that I had been the victim of narcissists because I could not wrap my head around some of the things that happened; you cannot rationalize insanity. Her videos are a treasure trove of wisdom. These churches are a haven for narcissists and sociopaths, as they have a tendency to sacrifice rationale for overspiritulation with the most inane justifications. After my exodus, I was angry at having been deceived but I now have a wisdom I did not have before and can recognize it very easily. I am thankful for the grace of GOD for saving me from deceptive cults. In fact, I have a little PTSD and feel an uneasiness in my stomach when I think about attending one of these churches. Thank you for this channel, as I have found it to be a source of comfort over the past several years.
Great video, my former upci church was soooo controlling and manipulative and it was so tough because they were all family. They literally ran like a gang with our “First Lady” really calling the shots and she was so divisive and ran so many people off. They would always say things like “the Lord revealed this about you” yea right most of the “revealed” things were not even accurate. Pastor worship was reaI ! He told you were to work, who to marry and when you could travel. I personally heard the daughter in law of a pastor say “if David Bernard says something take it to heart because it’s basically like Gos himself said it” lol I truly pray everyone leave these false churches❤
Wow! That sounds like an insanely controlling church. I always chuckle and roll my eyes when they call their pastor's wife "the first lady." smh They love their titles and self appointed preeminence. David Bernard is just a normal person, prone to flaws and mistakes like the rest of us. His voice is not the voice of God. Their pastor worship is out of control.
It still blows my mind that people still fall for this. That's so true DeAnna that they use gaslighting and it's also true that if you tend to be a people pleaser, it makes it easier for them to control you. These leaders have narcissistic traits.
I remember being in the UPC church and an elderly woman sitting behind me sticking her knuckle in the crook of my back, and I screeched in pain, then look back and was chastising me for not raising my hands to worship. I was at a visiting church and didn't even know this woman. I had been feeling bad with fibro and stuff and couldn't even raise my hands, but the self-righteousness never disappoints.
You are so spot on with everything you shared. Those video clips were crazy & accurate representations. I was born and raised in that and can affirm the truth of what you are saying. I left in 2014 and have no regrets. I love God & have come to know what true life & freedom the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings!
Sounds like a church I was once in. A lot of twisting Scripture out of context. My wife and I went on vacation, we told the pastor where we were going, and he was mad because we didn't ask his permission. When I said we're adults, not kids, and don't need permission, we were considered rebellious and "living in la-la land". After a while of that, we didn't stick around for more.
I don't blame you! It sounds like an unhealthy environment. Too many high control churches treat their saints like children! I don't know why they would even want to control everyone's life, I do well to keep myself straight!
This was amazing! Thank you for taking the time to do all of these. It is healing in so many ways. Watching them the past 2 yrs has helped me realize I could rebuild my perception of Christ rather than giving up all together & becoming indifferent ❤️
Wonderful information!!! Thank you Deanna Jo!! I always felt that something wasn’t right and every time I wanted to leave my sister would report me to the pastor which was “Bro. Westberg.” You already know and I don’t really have to say anymore.
Thank you so much for your continued work in helping people to think critically, ask questions and study the Bible in an exegetical way. You are a true blessing. 🙏🏻🌷❤️
You spoke a lot of what we’ve been through lately with our ex pastor. We went to a Church of God church though. That pastor has been there 3 years but we’ve been faithful to this small church 22 years! We worked in soundbooth and pastor didn’t believe in working on Sundays. My husband worked two sundays a month. Pastor gave my husband 3 month ultimatum to change his job, hours or days to be more faithful to church and soundbooth. We gave pastor one month warning how we’re stepping down out of soundbooth. We left the church not long after stepping down this past Christmas. That pastor even preached that you won’t go to heaven if you don’t pay tithes. He even wrote up rules on paper for people to agree to, to sing in choir. 😮 Theres been several families leave over his controlling ways. We’ve told people there what has happened and why we left but they still go there. We go to several different churches and go where and when we want which is so freeing.
Hi there! I sent a comment to u a long time ago to one of your videos. I started watching some of your videos again. I haven't seen this one yet, but I watched the one on the Godhead. All I could do was shout, praise God and say, WOW! yes, WOW! I believe and think just like u. Scripture shows the trinity. The separation of persons, all coequal but One God Almighty. 1 in 3. 3 in 1. I never liked the haughty attitude that they had the great revelation of God and everyone else was going to hell. I just wanted to tell u, I am so in awe of how beautiful and wonderful your anointed words spoke such truth. U really are, I cannot Express how beautiful your words were. U must send this video to all the churches,especially every UPC in the world. GOD BLESS!
We thoroughly enjoyed this video! Your insights are spot on! I never considered gaslighting in church dynamics, but listening to you describe it, the definition is a perfect fit! Could’ve listened to another hour of it! Bless you, Deana!
Oh my goodness keep preaching this. I Was raised in this cult they took away my disabled brother all sorts of controlling. It’s sad too because these are the ones who try to look all perfect through works and on judgement day God will say I never knew you the saddest words to hear because they did not believe the truth and denied the Son of God
My pastor told me I dressed too sexy even though my skirt was below my knees,and the shirt buttoned up to my neck. He said, and I quote , Your built well. There were many instances where in the church I was taken aside . Reprimanded for asking the pastor if I could go to an Amy grant concert. I felt extreme bondage in the church. It made me hyperfocused on what I looked like. And made me self conscious of being a woman.
I grew up hearing that we should never be satisfied with our relationship with Jesus. I think that goes along with what you said about being set up not to trust ourselves, our own emotions. If you feel a calm and peace with Jesus, are you ‘where’ you need to be with him? I now know that I *can have a continual relationship with Jesus and not feel like I am *not supposed to feel ‘comfortable’ or satisfied or peace. I love the video clips. Disgusting videos, honestly, but added nice touches to this video.
I would just like to know if these preachers go back and look at their services when they just spew out stuff... do they really feel like this is from God? If I were not accustomed to this sort of service, I would never stop on this page to listen
It is something they seen so reckless about when they are behind the pulpit...I think some of them do think they are speaking directly for God so they never have any self reflection.
The only group I have found that seems to have no control over the members of the body is the local churches. Of course there are some who operate as elders, but are generally not appointed to not compromise the headship of Christ. It's quite impressive. Praise the Lord there seems to be a group of people on earth who do not take doctrine or traditions or clergy.
Telling a sister that her dress is revealing cleavage should be fellowshipped is one thing. It's not appropriate before God and this one can become a stumbling block. That being said, I've seen the elders make sure to point out that how we dress does not affect our salvation. I have never seen anyone shame a sister or brother for wearing short or jeans or skirts. I have only seen one time that there was an elder gave a word concerning our consideration before the Lord. We should follow the spirit. Generally it solves itself without actually being touched. Truly inappropriate words or actions may need to be dealt with for the safety and conscience of the saints. It is not a sin to wear shorts. I used to wear shorts to church, now I am convicted not to. No one told me I should or should not, just the desire to be one with the brothers. If you ask what we should wear, the first response is ask the Lord.
I am so sorry this was your experience in UPCI. I too have a background in this org. However this was not my exp. I am no longer part of upci . I simply found that I do not believe or support somethings like the clothes line but I had a wonderful pastor and staff and I cannot say it was a bad experience.
The very first issue Paul speaks to concerning the church in Corinth is that they are divided. They say I am of ... This is spiritual opinion and could even be abuse. But the main problem is division and a proper lack of headship. Christ is the only head. Whatever His word says is true.
Using scripture… “your foolish heart is darkened”, “don’t touch Gods anointed”, “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft”… such terrible misuse of Gods holy Word!
Yes.. must pay LG amt of money for The Man of God. I would not have enough $ for rent. I was not Obeying the Formal Celebration like the Very obedient members. They had services almost every day. We must go to church all day. We could eat quickly on a break. To do ushering...u must learn the proper phrases. I was saying Welcoming words..was Wrong. The bridges to the church were blocked...I had to drive far to another bridge. Was "late" for the Pastor and wife entrance. She was exhausted..he said talk to her..then don't talk to her. Because has her children and needs to sleep. He got a Helpful woman to serve the wife at home and at church. He had people blessing him with a lot of money. Visions of larger churches were the plan. I did not attend anymore...He said if u get blessed and leave..you will have troubles come upon you.
The messenger of the Lord (Jesus Christ himself) in the book of Revelation tells us that the church in Ephesus hated the work of the Nicolaitans (clergy/laity) but they also forgot to love God. The point here is that God does not approve of pastors in the modern organized Christianity. Who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus? There wasn't!
I love it I love the long hair I love the no beards etc… screams I love it love it says church members…Sounds like the governing body worships the standards/the way they were demonstrating their approach is misdirected/true we are a peculiar people but not in a dress code mode even Hollywood actresses wear long dresses long hair and 5inch heels looking like UPC dress code(aside the make-up) It’s our conversation In Christ that makes Christians peculiar…just dialoguing
Good documentation of abuse. But where’s God in it all ?.? Shouldn’t He stand up for the down trodden? I can see why so many , especially the young are leaving the faith in droves
Control is becoming a thorny issue in most churches. Church goers want to join a church but dislike any form of by-laws because they see it as control to high control. Every church has by-laws which must be observed unless it violates Acts 5:29! That’s the cap to obedience to by-laws, to pastors and to teachers!
If what you're saying is that pastors can make up any rules they want, and that the saints should obey them unless they are sinful, I would strongly disagree. There is no precedent in scripture for that sort of control. It's unhealthy. Christian leadership is about serving, not controlling. Too many pastors forget that. Mark 10:42-45: 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
@@ResponsibleFaith Definitely not “just any rule” is what I am saying. We are bible-reading, -studying Christians, aren’t we Deanna? Every “rule” or “bylaw”must be supported by and grounded on biblical texts or biblical principles deduced from biblical texts! I just mentioned the red flag to obeying a pastor or teacher in Acts 5:29. For example, a rule states that one must not drink even a little alcoholic or intoxicating drink. Only drunkenness is considered as sin in biblical texts such as 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:19. What biblical texts support this rule? 1 Peter 4:3-4 mentions drunkenness and drinking parties as different activities.
“Get on your knees & bark like a dog.” And he does it!! 🙄 Oh my goodness….😢
I've had that happen to me also. Not bark like a dog but sing the song for Gilligan's Island during a retreat.
Crazy right 😩
"There's no prize in heaven for having lived the most needlessly complicated life" ❤
That was such a good comment she made!
My take - yup this is true. But as children of God really and truly going to heaven it’s better to “overshoot” heaven because you’ll still land in heaven. But if you fall short of heaven, you’ll definitely miss heaven! So, bear with all the controls directed to leash the sinful flesh rather than enjoy the liberty you desperately long for within the kingdom of God! Belonging to the kingdom of God means you have submitted to the rulership of the King of kings but represented by his servants - teachers, ministers, apostles, evangelists, prophets. Of course, there may be imperfect ones but that doesn’t invalidate the real servant leaders.
There's no overshooting or falling short...it's all through the righteousness of Jesus Christ or it's nothing. Our own righteousness is filthy rags. When we speak of Christian liberty, we are not talking about liberty to sin. We are talking about things scripture does not require. Submitting to the rulership of the King of Kings is one thing, the caution should be taken when "submitting" to the oppressive and crushing expectations of some earthly ministers trying to build their own little kingdoms. Healthy spiritual leaders can be very helpful in our walk with God and our Christian maturity, but toxic ones are to be avoided.
Such freedom in not having to do everything in a skirt anymore :) Great video, friend!
amen!!!!
Amen
I love what you said, "placing debris on the path to Jesus".
I can’t believe I actually used to believe all this stuff 😂😂
same😂😂😂🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
These video clips crewp me out. You do perfectly. I still have issues living my life after leaving that CONTROL GRID. We have family still trapped in UPCI. It is very difficult to speak to them because one of the key lines you always repeat is; "If my pastor is doing anything wrong God will take care of it."" Meanwhile thousands of lives are ruined because these narcissistic men and women claim the speak for God!
Living 20 years of this and finally out! I can’t talk enough about the grooming first, hook you in, then you believe it and trust all the leaders. Because of what God did in my life I looked at everyone like they could do no wrong. Yes, the gaslighting is real. “It’s not that bad”, “no it’s not that way”. My fear in death from this religion too. As much as I tried I couldn’t attain. And now I’m out, I’ve lost so many friends I invested in and I feel like I lost 20 years of my life with my family who isn’t in this religion. The people not in the religion you can’t hang around because they aren’t “saved”. It’s traumatizing, and you have anxiety from it. You parent in fear too. It’s something so hard to describe in words all the emotions and I won’t ever go back. It’s because of your videos I was able to be brave and start seeing the truth and knowing it wasn’t just me but there’s many who’ve experienced the same thing.
Literally just describe my experience the last 29 years. I've only been out for a little over a year.
The relationship with my children is ruined and I cannot get things back to normal because of UPCI
Same! This was exactly my experience for the last 35 years. I left 5 months ago because I just couldn't do it anymore.
I know God is real and still want a relationship with Him, but I'm having a hard time fully trusting Him because He led me to this religion and I'm trying to figure out why and the purpose of it all.
This is why the UPCI is sometimes referred to as “the church with many popes”
Yes, I've heard David Bernard referred to as the UPC pope.
It's no surprise that the upc or any one God Jesus' name church is experiencing this. I remember being gaslit in the late 90s by the pastor and the women who would defend him even when he was in the wrong
I refuse to mention names or church locations. It's part of the reason why I don't attend any church at all.
That said, the doctrine of one God and not trinity is one thing I won't compromise on bc I wasn't taught the doctrine of God, the apostles and prophets by men. God speaks and teaches.
"If they can not obey the voice, then neither are they to obey my voice."
Every form of government, religion, or institution can fall into Authoritarianism
Excellent!Excellent!Excellent Video! Good job Deanna! Thank you again for talking about and explaining the major abuse that happens in certain churches. My wife and i grew up in upci in California and no longer attend but my Lord we went through(and still do) a living hell leaving it. It elps so much to hear that others are out there going through the same treatment trying to search for genuine truth in scripture. May God bless you and your family.
I'm noticing the narcissism, the boastings, pastor/leaders being worshipped, and the tone deafness pastors display when addressing the sheep while teaching. They seem to live in an apostolic bubble made just for them and by them.. The pewsitter can't relate to them, because they elevate themselves to such a height we can't find common ground with them. Leaders have a great little kingdom of entitlements that they preserve for themselves only ..........as for the rest of us, we are to obey, submit, never question, tolerate their demands, lavish praise on them, rejoice when they let everyone know how blessed they are. We are taught to suffer through trials like good soldiers, yet they enjoy a tremendous support system amongst themselves (clergy) There's a great divide between today's shepherds and the sheep and the shepherds love to have it so.
Thanks so much for addressing this.
"Brother, CONTROL YOUR WIFE"
This was said from the pastor's mouth because of missed services.
When we reminded him of his words, HE DENIED IT.
It was time to leave, he actually lied to our face then turned it back on us
Can't believe I lived in this for over 30 years.
was lied straight to my face in one of those high control meetings where i was told how all these people think i have strange behavior
They are filthy liers.
Mike Easter is from Hampton VA. I grew up in Chesapeake VA and attended BWC. We visited his church and he came to ours and preached. My parents still attend that church and he comes to preach ever so often as Jack Cunningham is the Pastor at BWC. It's scary the things they preach and are not biblical, yes they use some and twist it. I'm praying for my family.
Excellent video! This spoke directly to me and I’ve experienced so much of what you’ve talked about and touched on. I feel so incredibly grateful to be on the other side of leaving the UPC and its effects. I have so many stories, a lot of past hurts from years in the UPC. So glad I now have a health relationship with God.
We left but the damage done to my family only God can repair.
Everything said here is how I feel too. Thank you DeannaJo for taking the time to bring this out. I'm watching 10 minutes at a time and it brings out the questionnable preaching styles, especially the yelling.
I love the content of this video. Dr. Ramai’s channel helped me through my transition out of the UPC. First, I had to understand that I had been the victim of narcissists because I could not wrap my head around some of the things that happened; you cannot rationalize insanity. Her videos are a treasure trove of wisdom. These churches are a haven for narcissists and sociopaths, as they have a tendency to sacrifice rationale for overspiritulation with the most inane justifications. After my exodus, I was angry at having been deceived but I now have a wisdom I did not have before and can recognize it very easily. I am thankful for the grace of GOD for saving me from deceptive cults. In fact, I have a little PTSD and feel an uneasiness in my stomach when I think about attending one of these churches. Thank you for this channel, as I have found it to be a source of comfort over the past several years.
Great video, my former upci church was soooo controlling and manipulative and it was so tough because they were all family. They literally ran like a gang with our “First Lady” really calling the shots and she was so divisive and ran so many people off. They would always say things like “the Lord revealed this about you” yea right most of the “revealed” things were not even accurate. Pastor worship was reaI ! He told you were to work, who to marry and when you could travel. I personally heard the daughter in law of a pastor say “if David Bernard says something take it to heart because it’s basically like Gos himself said it” lol I truly pray everyone leave these false churches❤
David Barnard is their POPE!
Wow that really frightening and sad.😢
@@iw9338 very sad 😞
@@VictorianMaid99 right!! It’s unfortunate
Wow! That sounds like an insanely controlling church. I always chuckle and roll my eyes when they call their pastor's wife "the first lady." smh They love their titles and self appointed preeminence. David Bernard is just a normal person, prone to flaws and mistakes like the rest of us. His voice is not the voice of God. Their pastor worship is out of control.
It still blows my mind that people still fall for this. That's so true DeAnna that they use gaslighting and it's also true that if you tend to be a people pleaser, it makes it easier for them to control you. These leaders have narcissistic traits.
These type of churches are breeding grounds for narcissists and abusive people
These guys all had bad childhood's and they want you to suffer also.
Yes, many of them do have narcissistic traits. And some likely have full blown NPD. That can create such a dangerous dynamic for a Christian leader.
Thank you for continuing to bring the truth out to help people heal
I remember being in the UPC church and an elderly woman sitting behind me sticking her knuckle in the crook of my back, and I screeched in pain, then look back and was chastising me for not raising my hands to worship. I was at a visiting church and didn't even know this woman. I had been feeling bad with fibro and stuff and couldn't even raise my hands, but the self-righteousness never disappoints.
Wow! That is horrible! I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. What a miserable woman!
So why didn't the holy Ghost tell her you were in pain that day?
Church Police ?
You are so spot on with everything you shared. Those video clips were crazy & accurate representations. I was born and raised in that and can affirm the truth of what you are saying. I left in 2014 and have no regrets. I love God & have come to know what true life & freedom the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings!
Sounds like a church I was once in. A lot of twisting Scripture out of context. My wife and I went on vacation, we told the pastor where we were going, and he was mad because we didn't ask his permission. When I said we're adults, not kids, and don't need permission, we were considered rebellious and "living in la-la land". After a while of that, we didn't stick around for more.
I don't blame you! It sounds like an unhealthy environment. Too many high control churches treat their saints like children! I don't know why they would even want to control everyone's life, I do well to keep myself straight!
Fabulous new hair!! Plus…great video!! Very true.
Pressure to conform is so very real. Thank you for hitting it out of the park again with this video! 😅
So loved when the visiting preachers would gush and praise the pastor and family when he really didn’t need a bigger head
yes!!🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️and to watch the behavior of the leaders and their wives when the people from higher up visited😂😂
I was told once by the assistant pastor that I need to obey the pastor, even if it’s sinful, he will be responsible before God, I just need to obey!😮😢
Insanity!!!
Fantastic video! I’m glad I hadn’t ate yet when I watched it, those clips made my stomach want to 🤮.
I went through spiritual abuse several years ago and still have PTSD from it
I'm so sorry....I hope one day you'll feel free.🙏🏻❤️
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Great Video Deanna keep it up God definitely doesn't sound like my pastor lol 😂
Love your hair, Deanna Jo!
Thank you! 😊
Love your bouncy healthy gorgeous hairstyle Deannajo ❤Keep up the good work with “Responsible Faith”
Thank you!
Sweet! I wondered where the term ‘gaslighting’ originated!!
It's a pretty good movie.
@@ResponsibleFaith : it’s one of my all-time favourites! 😉
This was amazing! Thank you for taking the time to do all of these. It is healing in so many ways. Watching them the past 2 yrs has helped me realize I could rebuild my perception of Christ rather than giving up all together & becoming indifferent ❤️
I'm so glad to hear that! ❤️
It's important that I say this. U are worthy of great honor and praise!!! GOD BLESS U AND YOURS RICHLY!!!
This is very true 😮Dr Ramani is wonderful. Thanks 😅
Great video DeAnna!
Wonderful information!!! Thank you Deanna Jo!! I always felt that something wasn’t right and every time I wanted to leave my sister would report me to the pastor which was “Bro. Westberg.” You already know and I don’t really have to say anymore.
Ugh, yes! That was a very high control church! Sorry you dealt with that.
Thank you so much for your continued work in helping people to think critically, ask questions and study the Bible in an exegetical way. You are a true blessing.
🙏🏻🌷❤️
Thank you! ❤️
You spoke a lot of what we’ve been through lately with our ex pastor. We went to a Church of God church though. That pastor has been there 3 years but we’ve been faithful to this small church 22 years! We worked in soundbooth and pastor didn’t believe in working on Sundays. My husband worked two sundays a month. Pastor gave my husband 3 month ultimatum to change his job, hours or days to be more faithful to church and soundbooth. We gave pastor one month warning how we’re stepping down out of soundbooth. We left the church not long after stepping down this past Christmas. That pastor even preached that you won’t go to heaven if you don’t pay tithes. He even wrote up rules on paper for people to agree to, to sing in choir. 😮 Theres been several families leave over his controlling ways. We’ve told people there what has happened and why we left but they still go there. We go to several different churches and go where and when we want which is so freeing.
I’m sorry you went through this. I grew up in this denomination also. Glad you’re free ☺️☺️☺️🥳
It sounds unhealthy! I'm glad you left.
Hi there! I sent a comment to u a long time ago to one of your videos. I started watching some of your videos again. I haven't seen this one yet, but I watched the one on the Godhead. All I could do was shout, praise God and say, WOW! yes, WOW! I believe and think just like u. Scripture shows the trinity. The separation of persons, all coequal but One God Almighty. 1 in 3. 3 in 1. I never liked the haughty attitude that they had the great revelation of God and everyone else was going to hell. I just wanted to tell u, I am so in awe of how beautiful and wonderful your anointed words spoke such truth. U really are, I cannot Express how beautiful your words were. U must send this video to all the churches,especially every UPC in the world. GOD BLESS!
We thoroughly enjoyed this video! Your insights are spot on! I never considered gaslighting in church dynamics, but listening to you describe it, the definition is a perfect fit! Could’ve listened to another hour of it! Bless you, Deana!
Thank you! ❤️
Amen and amen! You're right on about everything!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thanks for informing podcast.
You're welcome! 😊
Oh my goodness keep preaching this. I
Was raised in this cult they took away my disabled brother all sorts of controlling. It’s sad too because these are the ones who try to look all perfect through works and on judgement day God will say I never knew you the saddest words to hear because they did not believe the truth and denied the Son of God
I have heard from a UPC pulpit that you can't be saved without a Pastor. BLASPHEMY!
I’ve got to watch that movie now! Another great video Deanna Jo!
I seen the grooming happened to all members of the church and the slander behind the members back… but it wasn’t any UPC location. It is wild!
My pastor told me I dressed too sexy even though my skirt was below my knees,and the shirt buttoned up to my neck. He said, and I quote , Your built well. There were many instances where in the church I was taken aside . Reprimanded for asking the pastor if I could go to an Amy grant concert. I felt extreme bondage in the church. It made me hyperfocused on what I looked like. And made me self conscious of being a woman.
Preach it! 32 years of that nonsense!
So well stated! Great video!
Thanks so much!
I grew up hearing that we should never be satisfied with our relationship with Jesus. I think that goes along with what you said about being set up not to trust ourselves, our own emotions. If you feel a calm and peace with Jesus, are you ‘where’ you need to be with him? I now know that I *can have a continual relationship with Jesus and not feel like I am *not supposed to feel ‘comfortable’ or satisfied or peace.
I love the video clips. Disgusting videos, honestly, but added nice touches to this video.
Imagine having a loving relationship where you are never supposed to rest or feel comfortable/satisfied. It goes against Him offering us rest.
Excellent video!!
I would just like to know if these preachers go back and look at their services when they just spew out stuff... do they really feel like this is from God? If I were not accustomed to this sort of service, I would never stop on this page to listen
It is something they seen so reckless about when they are behind the pulpit...I think some of them do think they are speaking directly for God so they never have any self reflection.
Thank U for the great video!
The only group I have found that seems to have no control over the members of the body is the local churches. Of course there are some who operate as elders, but are generally not appointed to not compromise the headship of Christ. It's quite impressive. Praise the Lord there seems to be a group of people on earth who do not take doctrine or traditions or clergy.
So true about the money too
Telling a sister that her dress is revealing cleavage should be fellowshipped is one thing. It's not appropriate before God and this one can become a stumbling block. That being said, I've seen the elders make sure to point out that how we dress does not affect our salvation. I have never seen anyone shame a sister or brother for wearing short or jeans or skirts. I have only seen one time that there was an elder gave a word concerning our consideration before the Lord. We should follow the spirit. Generally it solves itself without actually being touched. Truly inappropriate words or actions may need to be dealt with for the safety and conscience of the saints. It is not a sin to wear shorts. I used to wear shorts to church, now I am convicted not to. No one told me I should or should not, just the desire to be one with the brothers. If you ask what we should wear, the first response is ask the Lord.
In the UPC it’s not like that
There's an Indian movie from Kerala, India called Trance by Fahad Fasil. Represents everything 25:55
“APOSTLE PAUL WAS NOT APOSTOLIC!” 😂
I am so sorry this was your experience in UPCI.
I too have a background in this org. However this was not my exp. I am no longer part of upci . I simply found that I do not believe or support somethings like the clothes line but I had a wonderful pastor and staff and I cannot say it was a bad experience.
I'm glad you were spared a negative experience.
Fantastic video, coming from a former hater of yours I hope that means something 😅😂
Haha! The "hate" is understandable...with my "fake hair" and all! 😉🤣
The very first issue Paul speaks to concerning the church in Corinth is that they are divided. They say I am of ... This is spiritual opinion and could even be abuse. But the main problem is division and a proper lack of headship. Christ is the only head. Whatever His word says is true.
Using scripture… “your foolish heart is darkened”, “don’t touch Gods anointed”, “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft”… such terrible misuse of Gods holy Word!
Yes.. must pay LG amt of money for The Man of God. I would not have enough $ for rent. I was not Obeying the Formal Celebration like the Very obedient members. They had services almost every day. We must go to church all day. We could eat quickly on a break. To do ushering...u must learn the proper phrases. I was saying Welcoming words..was Wrong. The bridges to the church were blocked...I had to drive far to another bridge. Was "late" for the Pastor and wife entrance. She was exhausted..he said talk to her..then don't talk to her. Because has her children and needs to sleep. He got a Helpful woman to serve the wife at home and at church. He had people blessing him with a lot of money. Visions of larger churches were the plan. I did not attend anymore...He said if u get blessed and leave..you will have troubles come upon you.
It sounds like you made the right choice in leaving.
When I pray, the voice of God sounds like James Earl Jones. Either I’m following Darth Vader or living in Field of Dreams…
So true gas liteing
Well done!!
Yes I learned a lot from her too
This is all energy thats why they act same way at rock concerts.
People at rock/metal concerts are much more friendly in my experience
Speaking in tongues is the "Trigger Effect". You get so wound up you just start saying anything!
10:41 they cared for money tbh 😂😂😂😂
The messenger of the Lord (Jesus Christ himself) in the book of Revelation tells us that the church in Ephesus hated the work of the Nicolaitans (clergy/laity) but they also forgot to love God. The point here is that God does not approve of pastors in the modern organized Christianity. Who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus? There wasn't!
I love it I love the long hair I love the no beards etc… screams I love it love it says church members…Sounds like the governing body worships the standards/the way they were demonstrating their approach is misdirected/true we are a peculiar people but not in a dress code mode even Hollywood actresses wear long dresses long hair and 5inch heels looking like UPC dress code(aside the make-up) It’s our conversation In Christ that makes Christians peculiar…just dialoguing
Good documentation of abuse.
But where’s God in it all ?.?
Shouldn’t He stand up for the down trodden?
I can see why so many , especially the young are leaving the faith in droves
I think as the hands and feet of God here on earth, it's up to us as believers. That's exactly what I am trying to do with this channel.
👍🏾🙏🏾👍🏾
That’s Holy Spirit’s job to help you hear from GOD/pastor can’t be with you 24/7 …just dialoguing
Control is becoming a thorny issue in most churches. Church goers want to join a church but dislike any form of by-laws because they see it as control to high control. Every church has by-laws which must be observed unless it violates Acts 5:29! That’s the cap to obedience to by-laws, to pastors and to teachers!
If what you're saying is that pastors can make up any rules they want, and that the saints should obey them unless they are sinful, I would strongly disagree. There is no precedent in scripture for that sort of control. It's unhealthy. Christian leadership is about serving, not controlling. Too many pastors forget that.
Mark 10:42-45:
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
@@ResponsibleFaith Definitely not “just any rule” is what I am saying. We are bible-reading, -studying Christians, aren’t we Deanna? Every “rule” or “bylaw”must be supported by and grounded on biblical texts or biblical principles deduced from biblical texts! I just mentioned the red flag to obeying a pastor or teacher in Acts 5:29. For example, a rule states that one must not drink even a little alcoholic or intoxicating drink. Only drunkenness is considered as sin in biblical texts such as 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:19. What biblical texts support this rule? 1 Peter 4:3-4 mentions drunkenness and drinking parties as different activities.