The Church Hurt
Testimonies
Many of us have been hurt by the Church. There’s the big hurts – someone in leadership was judgmental and rude, division over doctrine and practice, financial and sexual scandal. There’s the little hurts – you asked a question in a small group and were laughed at, you shared you don’t fully believe some doctrine and you are preached into alignment. For me, I was overworked, underpaid, and lived at the poverty line while doing exceptional, vibrant, and valuable work.
What’s the difference between those who remain and those who leave?
I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself. I remain because Jesus is my Healer of hurts.
Many New Agers are Church Hurt and “God works for good in all things” (Romans 8:28).
Ray
I was at a yoga retreat and had a profound conversation with Ray. Ray had just come from Temple and was excitedly sharing about how much he enjoys visiting the Temple, practicing meditation, and learning how to be a good person, have good relationships, and live a good life. He then shared how different it was from Church, "Church was so fear based, fear of Hell, you gotta do this, this, this, and this or else!"
I affirmed his hurtful experience and shared some of my own disappointments with the Church. I then felt the presence of God descend. It felt as though the Heavens opened, the Holy Spirit poured out, and my heart and eyes tunneled in on the moment with Ray. I witnessed my relationship with The Healer throughout the Church hurt, and His tremendous love for me and all of us. Ray and I are still in a relationship and continuing to have spiritual conversations.
Kelsey
In our quick, 20 minute conversation, we talked about many spiritual practices. She shared how she had recently visited the Church of Scientology and took a personality test. She talked about the energies around her crystals and what she's learning about tarot cards. She even stated that she "hated Christians" and told a story about how she visited a Buddhist Monastery, joined in the chant, experienced tremendous peace, and then, the Christians she came to the monastery with, made fun of the monks and their chanting.
That one experience with Christians made her never want to be like them.
I could tell Kelsey had a suspicion I was Christian. She also couldn't help but talk to me and ask questions. She's seeking Christ!
I affirmed her hurtful experience, “not all Christians do a very good job of following Christ, huh?” and then I witnessed my experience connecting with Christ, Divine Love, every morning. I said, “Christ living in me, helps me love with His infinite love and not my finite love.”
At the end of the conversation she exclaimed, "I think I might like the Church you guys go to!"
About the Author
Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.
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Nova is a pseudonym that signifies a new, bright star. If you would like to be invited to the private blog, see pictures from the field, and hear more stories, please fill out this short form.
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