What do you think?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Barnabas

You are right about fear of leaving. There is also fear of not being led astray. I do trust the Lord, but not myself.

Trapped and I will both readily admit that the fear of making decisions, especially "wrong" decisions, actually clouded our sight from seeing the path of the Lord. The Recovery seems to capture and prey on those who become indecisive over time. I was one. Most of the stories of my being manipulated during my decades in the LC's have not been told on this forum. Fortunately I have learned a few things since then.

When I read John Ingalls' testimony and account, titled Speaking The Truth In Love, based on the events surrounding the so-called "New Way," I learned about much corruption, dishonesty, sin, and unrighteousness at LSM. I knew deep down that these things were NOT of the Lord. All exclusive and elitist Recovery claims slowly evaporated after reading that book. Truth be told, we had become worse than all the denominations we regularly condemned.

I knew there would be lots of difficulty leaving the LC. I was "wrecked" for mainline Christianity, and so I had prayed for many years. At least by leaving my conscience was at peace. I no longer live in a man-pleasing, conscience-compromising, judgmental system. I wish our Local Church could have become just that, a "local church." But the program I was entangled with was not what I had signed up for. Granted, the Midwest area LC's were more biblical than the Blended LC's, but the abuses passed down from headquarters were just as trying.

Barnabas, perhaps your LC provides you with the love of God and the liberty of the Spirit. Ask yourself how you would be treated if you left. That says a lot.

The Lord bless you and your family.