tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post6454670323253380492..comments2023-02-14T06:23:54.154-05:00Comments on A Former Leader's Journey: Families and Toxic ChurchesBarbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357293290630832549noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post-19109135262407963412009-05-18T17:12:00.000-04:002009-05-18T17:12:00.000-04:00We too, unfortunately, are aware of this situation...We too, unfortunately, are aware of this situation. Alas we still have family attending our former "toxic" church making family gatherings pretty awful. Our eyes were opened to the control and manipulation and hope theirs will be too. EVERYTHING we did revolved around our former church and boy how our lives have changed since leaving (after 13 years) and attending a healthy church. We are free to come and go as we please WHEN we please and have rid ourselves of the "poor them" judgmental attitude or anyone not going to "our" church.<br /><br />Freedom, a true gift from Jesus, is a wonderful thing. These types of churhes keep you in bondage and you don't even know it.NeeNeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16703228949079994591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post-81406199451696830862009-05-11T22:21:00.000-04:002009-05-11T22:21:00.000-04:00I completely understand this mentality. When we "l...I completely understand this mentality. When we "left", one of the first things I noticed was how much more time I spent with my family...not just my husband and kids, but my parents and siblings. <br /><br />But most significantly was that our kids were small when we were in this, and the church was kind enough to offer childcare for every meeting/event/program. So my kids were in childcare there almost ever day for 4 years...and I realized I had passed off my primary responsibility their mother to other people, so I could prove my dedication to "the church".Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01067954787472463337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post-51185838721183814722009-05-11T21:42:00.000-04:002009-05-11T21:42:00.000-04:00Reminds me of the old days when I was a pastor and...Reminds me of the old days when I was a pastor and what I put my family through to meet the expectations of others. It is a pleasant thing now to be able to choose what I am involved with.glennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14924305177356310590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post-49268416345507338682009-05-11T18:56:00.000-04:002009-05-11T18:56:00.000-04:00Barb,
Since leaving the IC my wife and I have real...Barb,<br />Since leaving the IC my wife and I have realized how much we've missed by blowing family off in favor of "church" events. It was a bit more "forgivable" when I was in full-time ministry but still sad.<br /><br />I laugh when I think of the number of times I've seen church members praying for a lost loved one at a service while they're missing a family gathering where they could be expressing the Father's love in person.<br /><br />The church has hurt the family more that it has helped.Kevinhttp://www.kghart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246437973827092428.post-61800551905467452472009-05-11T16:56:00.000-04:002009-05-11T16:56:00.000-04:00wow... you have no idea how 'right on time' your p...wow... you have no idea how 'right on time' your post is for me... thank you :)Deb Ermterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05746559655896386476noreply@blogger.com