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

What caused me to leave the born again church was working at the New Wine conference. I saw a guy who looked just like mike even down to the clothes. Not saying it was him but I remember him as I found him so unfriendly. The whole experience at new wine was terrible. The staff I was with were lovely but the office staff were very snobby. The Christians who attended new wine were terrible. The verbal abuse we got was so bad that it turned me away from the born again movement. I'm still a Christian but 100% not involved in born again churches and those who are not speaking up. Doesn't shock me. I was abused at a church school and no one spoke up or protected any of us. Sorry but I have a very low opinion for happy clappers. Yet to meet one who was genuinely nice. Of course I've only shared a little of my experiences which includes bullying in churches. Your brave speaking up. Pity others are cowards.

@SamHowson

18 күн бұрын

Hey Jason, thanks for your comment. It's sad how the majority of people outside of church attendance/ membership look on it negatively whilst those 'in' are delusional about it's value. I think those of us who were involved in this kind of church we can help challenge the culture and encourage a move to something better. Have a great one.

@emmasimmonds3153

11 күн бұрын

I hear you. I too am in my 40’s and still regularly deal with fallout from some very manipulative behaviour i was subjected to from some charismatic churches when I was a child to my early 20s. Thank you for your openness.

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

25 күн бұрын

Thanks Andrew.

I hear you. Love your honesty.

@SamHowson

28 күн бұрын

✌

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

26 күн бұрын

Thanks I'll take a look

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

26 күн бұрын

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

4 күн бұрын

@@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…