Terrorism In The
Church
Take a stand against spiritual abuse!
Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your
brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of
sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore
you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
(1 Pet 5:9-11 NIV)
This is a long article about a very serious
subject. It is not directly related to the subject matter of this
website, so it is a fair question to ask, why is this article even
here? I have witnessed spiritual abuse and its consequences many times
but never dreamed it could happen in our little church. Silly
naïve me. When we began to introduce praise music into our worship
services we met with resistance that escalated into all out war. Let me
be the first to say that if a church decides it
does not want praise music in their services that is their prerogative.
Likewise, if one decides it will not use hymns that is their choice.
However, when
a small group within a body set out to purposely discredit or destroy a
ministry or an individual in order to maintain their control it is
spiritual abuse and it is by definition terrorism. Realizing this
prompted the following article.
Terrorism defined: The systematic use of violence committed
by a group in order to intimidate a population or government into
submitting to their demands.
Say the word terrorist and most of us immediately think of radical
Islamic fundamentalists. We think of those who killed innocent victims
in New York by crashing hijacked planes into buildings, those
detonating car bombs
in Baghdad, or the suicide bombers in the subways of London. The
madness
continues even today. They wage Jihad against all infidels who will not
submit to their religious viewpoint. The claim is this ‘holy war’ is
being
carried out in the name of Allah. I don’t mean to oversimplify the
issue
but the terrorists deceive themselves into committing the ultimate act
of
hedonism. The innocent are murdered in the belief it guarantees the
extremist’s
acceptance into paradise. In the final analysis it is not really about
the
glory of their Allah, rather it is about achieving glory for self that
motivates
their actions.
This article is not about car bombs or suicide bombers. It is about
terrorism inside the church and the selfishness behind it. Those who
cause a split or destroy a local church body are terrorists. Calling a
church split an
act of terrorism may offend you. Having seen far too many injured souls
left
behind because of these attacks leads me to say ‘get over it’. The loss
of
life, destruction, and sheer horror of 911 must never be forgotten,
watered
down, or cheapened. We must take the lessons we have learned from it
and
apply it to the war on terror wherever it is found – even when (or
especially
when) it shows its ugly head within the church.
There are two ways to deal with terrorism. The first is to appease the
terrorist. The second is to resist. A quick examination of each of
these methods reveals that resisting is a far superior method for
dealing with terrorism.
When terrorism is threatened the appeaser asks, “Why do they hate us?”
They look inward to see where change is needed in order to ease the
threat. The appeasers will blame themselves and will nearly
always let the terrorist off with little more than a slap on the wrist.
Even when force is used,
in dealing with terrorists, an apology and more giving in will follow
an
attack. The appeaser will constantly be coerced into compromising in
order
to maintain the peace. Except it isn’t real peace. It only has
the
surface appearance of peace. When the limits of either side are reached
the terrorist will strike. This attitude cost America 3,000 lives on
911.
In the church, appeasing will only lead to ineffective ministry or the
destruction
of the local body.
When terrorism is threatened the resister will respond quickly. The
threat will be met with an equal or greater promise. These are not just
words.
It will be backed up with action. For the resister looking inward was
done
long ago when core beliefs were formed. The response to terrorism will
be
based on those firm core beliefs. Peace is achieved through victory not
by compromising what is right. This attitude has cost America over
2,000
lives since 911. The difference is, in the first case, the lives lost
were
innocent victims, in the second they were soldiers who believed in
their
cause and chose to fight to protect the innocent on both sides.
Most Christians understand the need to stand up for core beliefs, so
how can there be terrorism in the church? First, not everyone that
attends
a local service is a Christian. Second, not everyone who calls
themselves
a Christian is a believer. There are some who can quote the Bible quite
fluently and hold high positions that have never had a heart
transformation.
Finally, and far more likely, there are those who are simply babes in
Christ.
They are carnal Christians. They may be twenty or eighty, age is
irrelevant.
It is a maturity issue. They simply have not grown. They behave in a
worldly fashion because worldly is what they are.
Worldly desires are self-centered not God-centered. Such motives are
ripe for terrorist behavior. When we come together for corporate
worship
our focus is to be on God. Because we are in a group setting we must be
willing to adjust our actions, attitudes, and methods to help others
worship
in the deepest, freest sense. Since it is all about them, this last
concept
would never enter the terrorist’s mind. They will control the
surroundings
to ensure their own comfort. Anyone who interferes with their agenda
will
be targeted as an enemy and destroyed if necessary.
What does terrorism in the church look like? The violence perpetrated
by the church terrorist is seldom a physical act. Far more likely it
involves a combination of verbal, mental, emotional, or spiritual
abuse. This is
still violence done by one group to control another. It is by
definition
terrorism.
Sometimes the abusers are in leadership. In such cases the potential
victims must decide whether to fight or flee. Experts recommend fleeing
but this will not save the unaware innocent victim. Many fervent
prayers
should be said if you feel inclined to take on the role of soldier
protecting
the innocent in such a church.
More likely is the situation where leadership is the appeaser and the
terrorists are running the church from the pews. There is at least one
of these terrorist cells operating in almost every church in town. It
is that small group of people who seem to always get their way on every
issue even though the majority have a differing opinion.
How do they get by with it? Christians are taught to prefer their
brother/sister, to turn the other cheek, and to forgive and forget.
That is not the rules this group is operating under. They will gossip,
backbite, backstab, coerce, blacklist, intimidate, gripe, complain, or
whatever it takes to get their way. Of course as long as the majority
will put up with it you will not
see them doing these things in public. It is all done in secret.
Publicly
they seem quite spiritual. No matter what they seem, these are
terrorists.
If a few in the body are hampering, intimidating, or destroying those
who are trying to do the Lord’s work, it is terrorism. If a victim of
abuse speaks out publicly about what is going on and it gets twisted
until the victim is the abuser, it is terrorism. If the motive behind
anything is
self-promotion, it is wrong. If control is used to prevent change in
the
church when the Lord is leading the change, it is terrorism. It is also
the pride of the devil speaking. Since the terrorists are mainly
concerned
with their own comfort they will spiritualize their pride however
necessary
to maintain their control.
Sometimes the abuse is so subtle it is hard to tell if it is abuse. How
do we tell when it is terrorism and when it is an honest difference of
opinion? In business and politics it is often said follow the money to
figure out what is really going on. This is often true in church as
well. The offering plate controls many churches. Cross the terrorists
and the money will dry up until they get their way. This explains why
Pastors and Leaders often
appease the congregation.
As long as ministry is being funded the terrorists can maintain their
agenda as well. Both sides appear to get their way. What’s the harm?
Try asking that question of the innocent victims who came against the
pew terrorists unaware. Ask quickly because you probably won’t find
them in your pews for long. Hopefully they will find a healthy church.
Statistically, it is just as likely that they will simply give up on
the church. Doesn’t it just make sense to be a healthy church so this
doesn’t happen in the first place?
A healthy church will deal swiftly and firmly with pew terrorists. A
healthy church will not allow itself to be controlled by the offering
plate.
It will trust in the Lord for its resources. The growing churches have
dealt
with terrorism or soon will. The dying ones most likely are not dealing
with the situation at all. They are simply appeasing themselves to
death.
Eventually there will be no one left in the pews but the enablers and
the
terrorists. This is not peace. It is not being true to the core beliefs
of the Church. It is not God’s will.
I believe the Lord is not concerned that we be comfortable in our pew.
Just the opposite is true. He wants us uncomfortable enough to stay on
the move. If a church is growing by leaps and bounds in numbers and
amount
of ministry being done we should still not be comfortable. We should be
at work building up the structure of the church to support the increase
in ministry. A stagnant church or one in decline must busy itself with
changing
its approach in presenting the truth. There are churches all over town.
If your church won’t change there is a church down the street that will.
It is easy to criticize. It is a lot harder to offer solutions.
If you currently find yourself in a congregation that is being torn
apart by terrorism, I know your pain from first hand experience. You
feel hurt and alone. You need to talk but there is no one to talk with
because no
one seems to understand. You can’t discuss this with your non-Christian
friends as it may keep them from coming to faith. If you did try to
explain
it to them they would probably go off on a God or televangelist bashing
tirade. When you talk to Christian friends it isn’t much better. They
just
tell you to get out of that crazy place. It’s not so simple. You have
invested
your life and your love in serving with this group. There is probably
even
a small part of you that isn’t totally convinced you don’t deserve some
of what is happening. You may even at times believe the abusers are
correct
in their claims and actions. Any of this sound familiar? Be encouraged
there
is hope!
The first thing you should do is run down to your local Christian
bookstore and order “The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse” by David
Johnson &
Jeff VanVonderen (Bethany House Publishers 1991 - 2005 reprint). This
book
will lighten your load like nothing else I have ever read on the
subject.
A friend and I stumbled on to this book when we were really going
through
it. He ended up buying a case and handing them out to family and
friends.
My copy was passed around. Invariably the borrower went out and bought
their
own copy to keep as a reference. I have no connection with the author
or
publisher and will in no way profit from your getting this book, but
you
will. Depending on how bad your situation is, this book may even save
your
life. This is a powerful book.
Next, do a reality check. Examine yourself and your motives. Is the
abuse something you have experienced your self or is this happening to
others? If it’s happening to others, have you actually witnessed it or
just heard them talk about it? Even if you think you have seen it,
check the facts.
Remember there are three sides to every story; yours, mine, and the
truth.
Appearances can be deceiving, especially when emotions are involved.
If it is happening to you, are you sure it’s terrorism? Could it be you
are just unhappy because you are not getting your way? Are you certain
yours is the majority opinion? Don’t assume – get the facts. If you are
the minority learn to compromise and get along. If you can’t go along,
consider doing every one a favor and leave. Find a church that agrees
with your view. If you don’t take this advice, be very careful you do
not become the terrorist in your church.
Christians come together on Sunday to worship the Lord, not to fight.
The church down the road may be the simplest solution to a terrorist
situation. As more people follow you out the door the sick church will
either repent and change or eventually die by their own hand. On the
other hand, sometimes the fight is the worship. What if Moses had not
taken a stand against the pharaoh, or David against Goliath? What if
the prophets had not spoken
out or the disciples chose not to preach in the streets? Sometimes the
battle is worship.
Leaving is appeasing unless you make it clear to leadership (in
private) why you are heading out the door. If the leaders are the
problem, go to
their leaders and explain the problem. Above all, pray the situation
and
the solution through. If you are leaving do not make a public
spectacle.
You will be stooping to the level of the terrorist if you go out
screaming.
If you stay and fight it will be a long, ugly, painful battle. Work
within the rules of your local congregation to bring about change. Work
within
the rules to change the rules where necessary. Convince the leaders to
take
a stand. If leadership will not join you or tells you to back down, do
so. At that point you will be free to leave. If they will take a stand,
see
to it all work slowly and calmly to bring what is done in secret in to
the
light. Encourage the slumbering majority to wake up and take a stand.
It
will be a lot of hard work. It will require you to pray without
ceasing.
You will be attacked. Make sure you walk the walk. Do everything in
love.
Keep your focus always on the Lord.
The terrorists feel a sense of entitlement and ownership. They will not
give up easily or leave quietly. At some point, probably right after
their secret plans are exposed, it will almost certainly get very loud.
Be prepared. Many will leave because they do not want to go through the
fire. Go to them and comfort them. If they will listen, explain what is
going on and ask them to help fight to free the congregation. You may
gain an ally. If they just need to leave, offer your blessing and maybe
suggest some healthy churches for them to consider.
I encourage you, confront terrorism at every turn. Try to keep the
confrontations private involving only small groups. Do everything
possible to keep the
battle out of the sanctuary. Do not manipulate in secret. Act
deliberately.
Inform all necessary parties what is going on. Remember, the battle
belongs
to the Lord.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in
the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not
against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high
places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(Eph
6:10-13)
Copyright © 2006 by Kevin
Sluder
All rights reserved
Links to some
of my articles:
Praise Band A little bit about how we got
started.
Our Continuing Journey latest updates.
Introducing praise music in an established church
This has become more of a history lesson of our struggle and our
mistakes
Blended Services Do Work! The experts
were wrong - We finally figured out how to make it work!
Come Let Us Worship And Bow Down The problem
of Idol worship in the church
Hymns Versus Praise Songs A humorous
look
A Little Musician Humor Lighten up!
Guitars! Jesus wants me to have a new guitar?
Terrorism In The Church Take a stand
against spiritual abuse.
Cool Links Some helpful resources
Guest Article:
Blended Worship - Good for the Body A
wondeful article by Pastor of Music Ron Man
