Church
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We are deeply grieved to hear about the mistreatment you and your mother have endured, especially from someone in pastoral leadership—a position meant to reflect Christ’s love, humility, and care for His sheep. The Lord takes such matters seriously, for Scripture warns that those who lead will face a stricter judgment (James 3:1). A shepherd who harms rather than nurtures the flock is not walking in obedience to God’s call, for Jesus said, *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10). Mistreatment—whether through harsh words, neglect, manipulation, or abuse—has no place in the body of Christ, where love, patience, and gentleness should abound (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
It is wise of you to seek the Lord’s guidance in leaving this environment, for He does not call His children to remain in places where their faith is stifled or their spirits broken. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples, *"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town"* (Matthew 10:14). While this passage speaks to ministry, the principle applies: we are not to cling to environments where unrepentant harm persists, especially when leadership refuses correction. Proverbs 22:10 reminds us, *"Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop."* If the pastor has been confronted (either by you or others) and no godly sorrow or change has followed, it is right to prayerfully withdraw for the sake of your spiritual well-being.
That said, we urge you to examine your hearts before the Lord to ensure this decision is not rooted in bitterness or unforgiveness, but in a desire for holiness and peace. Forgive the pastor as Christ has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13), not for his sake, but for yours—so that no root of bitterness defiles you (Hebrews 12:15). Then, trust the Lord to lead you to a church where His Word is faithfully taught, where the leadership is humble and accountable, and where you and your mother can grow in grace and truth.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this dear sister and her mother to You, asking for Your divine guidance and protection as they seek a new church home. Lord, You see the wounds inflicted by this pastor’s mistreatment, and we ask You to heal every hurt, replace every lie with Your truth, and restore their trust in Your body. Father, lead them to a congregation where Your Spirit moves freely, where the leadership shepherds with integrity, and where they can be discipled in Your Word. Give them wisdom to recognize a healthy church, and courage to step into the community You have prepared for them. Break any chains of fear or hesitation, and let Your peace confirm their path. We rebuke any spirit of division, offense, or discouragement in Jesus’ name, and we declare that You will use this trial to draw them closer to You and to a body of believers who will love them as Christ does. May Your will be done in their lives, and may they find rest in You alone. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
As you search for a new church, we encourage you to:
1. **Pray for discernment**: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a church that aligns with Scripture, where Jesus is exalted, the Gospel is preached without compromise, and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is evident in the leadership and congregation (Galatians 5:22-23).
2. **Test the teaching**: Ensure the church holds to the authority of Scripture and does not twist God’s Word to fit cultural trends (2 Timothy 4:3-4). A healthy church will preach repentance, holiness, and the full counsel of God.
3. **Observe the leadership**: Are the pastors and elders above reproach, humble, and servant-hearted? Do they welcome accountability? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9).
4. **Seek fellowship**: Look for a body where believers spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25), where you can serve, and where you are known and cared for.
5. **Be patient**: Trust God’s timing. It is better to wait on the Lord than to rush into another unhealthy environment.
Lastly, if the mistreatment you’ve experienced was abusive (spiritually, emotionally, or otherwise), we strongly encourage you to seek godly counsel or support to process what has happened. The Lord desires to bring healing and restoration, and sometimes this requires wise, biblical guidance from mature believers.
You are not alone in this, sister. The Lord is your Shepherd, and He will lead you to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23). Cling to Him, and He will faithfully guide your steps.
It is wise of you to seek the Lord’s guidance in leaving this environment, for He does not call His children to remain in places where their faith is stifled or their spirits broken. Jesus Himself instructed His disciples, *"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town"* (Matthew 10:14). While this passage speaks to ministry, the principle applies: we are not to cling to environments where unrepentant harm persists, especially when leadership refuses correction. Proverbs 22:10 reminds us, *"Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop."* If the pastor has been confronted (either by you or others) and no godly sorrow or change has followed, it is right to prayerfully withdraw for the sake of your spiritual well-being.
That said, we urge you to examine your hearts before the Lord to ensure this decision is not rooted in bitterness or unforgiveness, but in a desire for holiness and peace. Forgive the pastor as Christ has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13), not for his sake, but for yours—so that no root of bitterness defiles you (Hebrews 12:15). Then, trust the Lord to lead you to a church where His Word is faithfully taught, where the leadership is humble and accountable, and where you and your mother can grow in grace and truth.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this dear sister and her mother to You, asking for Your divine guidance and protection as they seek a new church home. Lord, You see the wounds inflicted by this pastor’s mistreatment, and we ask You to heal every hurt, replace every lie with Your truth, and restore their trust in Your body. Father, lead them to a congregation where Your Spirit moves freely, where the leadership shepherds with integrity, and where they can be discipled in Your Word. Give them wisdom to recognize a healthy church, and courage to step into the community You have prepared for them. Break any chains of fear or hesitation, and let Your peace confirm their path. We rebuke any spirit of division, offense, or discouragement in Jesus’ name, and we declare that You will use this trial to draw them closer to You and to a body of believers who will love them as Christ does. May Your will be done in their lives, and may they find rest in You alone. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
As you search for a new church, we encourage you to:
1. **Pray for discernment**: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a church that aligns with Scripture, where Jesus is exalted, the Gospel is preached without compromise, and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is evident in the leadership and congregation (Galatians 5:22-23).
2. **Test the teaching**: Ensure the church holds to the authority of Scripture and does not twist God’s Word to fit cultural trends (2 Timothy 4:3-4). A healthy church will preach repentance, holiness, and the full counsel of God.
3. **Observe the leadership**: Are the pastors and elders above reproach, humble, and servant-hearted? Do they welcome accountability? (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9).
4. **Seek fellowship**: Look for a body where believers spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25), where you can serve, and where you are known and cared for.
5. **Be patient**: Trust God’s timing. It is better to wait on the Lord than to rush into another unhealthy environment.
Lastly, if the mistreatment you’ve experienced was abusive (spiritually, emotionally, or otherwise), we strongly encourage you to seek godly counsel or support to process what has happened. The Lord desires to bring healing and restoration, and sometimes this requires wise, biblical guidance from mature believers.
You are not alone in this, sister. The Lord is your Shepherd, and He will lead you to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23). Cling to Him, and He will faithfully guide your steps.
We're really sorry to hear about the mistreatment you and your mother have been enduring. It's never easy to leave a church, but sometimes it's necessary for our spiritual well-being. We believe God is leading you to find a new place where you can grow and serve Him without the burden of mistreatment. As you search, remember that God has a plan and a purpose for you both. Trust that He will guide you to a church where His love, grace, and truth are abundant. Keep praying, and keep seeking. We're praying for you too, that God will give you wisdom, courage, and peace as you take this step. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
The Encourager
The Encourager
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
We want to thank you for allowing us the honor of lifting you and your mother up in prayer during this difficult season of transition. It has been our privilege to stand with you before the Lord, asking Him to guide your steps as you seek a church home where His love is reflected in leadership and fellowship. We know how deeply painful it is when those in spiritual authority fail to shepherd with Christlike care, and we have been earnestly praying for God’s protection over your hearts, His wisdom to lead you both, and His peace to guard your minds as you wait on His direction.
As a few days have now passed, we are eager to hear how the Lord is working in your situation. If He has opened a door to a new church family where you and your mother feel welcomed, spiritually nourished, and free from harm, we would love for you to share that praise with us. There is nothing more encouraging than seeing how God faithfully answers the cries of His people—your testimony could be the very thing someone else needs to trust Him in their own struggle.
If you are still waiting for clarity or feeling the weight of this burden, please don’t hesitate to post an update or even a new request. We are here to continue interceding for you, asking the Lord to make His will undeniably clear and to surround you both with godly support during this time. Remember, He sees the mistreatment you’ve endured, and He is a Father who defends the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Lean on Him, even when the path forward feels unclear.
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek Him first, trusting that He will never leave you without guidance. We are praying for His comfort to fill any gaps left by human failure and for His Spirit to lead you to a place where you can grow in faith and serve with joy. Keep holding fast to Him—He is faithful, and He will not let this trial be wasted.
We lift this before Him in Jesus’ Name.
As a few days have now passed, we are eager to hear how the Lord is working in your situation. If He has opened a door to a new church family where you and your mother feel welcomed, spiritually nourished, and free from harm, we would love for you to share that praise with us. There is nothing more encouraging than seeing how God faithfully answers the cries of His people—your testimony could be the very thing someone else needs to trust Him in their own struggle.
If you are still waiting for clarity or feeling the weight of this burden, please don’t hesitate to post an update or even a new request. We are here to continue interceding for you, asking the Lord to make His will undeniably clear and to surround you both with godly support during this time. Remember, He sees the mistreatment you’ve endured, and He is a Father who defends the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Lean on Him, even when the path forward feels unclear.
May the Lord bless you richly as you seek Him first, trusting that He will never leave you without guidance. We are praying for His comfort to fill any gaps left by human failure and for His Spirit to lead you to a place where you can grow in faith and serve with joy. Keep holding fast to Him—He is faithful, and He will not let this trial be wasted.
We lift this before Him in Jesus’ Name.
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