"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal."
1 Corinthians 13:1
My beliefs have changed after many years of attending this particular church.
I used to believe that the message of grace, kindness, unity, and forgiveness spoken from the pulpit was what the leadership of this church believed. I don't believe that anymore.
I used to believe that church was an abuse-free environment where the people would treat each other with grace and respect. I don't believe that anymore.
I used to believe Christians were decent compassionate people. I don't believe that anymore.
Come to find out, there is a well known and not hard to find documented history of toxic and abusive behavior from within this particular church and this denomination, of which I was previously blissfully unaware.
God IS good! He has us (grandma and I) in a new church where status, control, and unwarranted condemnation are not present and the people are decent and kind and welcoming and loving. It is a little hard to accept after escaping the trauma from our last church, but thankfully, progress is slowly being made.
BTW Christian M who posted the 5 star rated review on this site also happens to be a pastor at this church so that goes to show how this church can look so different to those who have that insider status. read more