Letters From Leavers

I was a religious man for over 30 years. I served in “the church”, I tithed, I taught sunday school , I picked up kids in the bus ministery. I was busy for the Lord. But no matter how much I did, it wasn’t enough. I knew in my heart that there was something missing in my walk with God. When people would speak of their amazing encounters with God,(usually visiting evangelists), I would say Amen, but in my heart I would wonder why doesn’t He meet me like that. So I would do more, thinking that I wasn’t working  hard  enough.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             One night paster called a group of men together to pray for revival. We all kneeled at the altar and took turns praying. The first time around everyones prayer sounded the same “Forgive me God for I have sinned”,but about half way through the second time, the Holy Spirit said to me “There is no condemnation. All those sins are gone. The Son has redeemed you. Move On!  This was the first time God had spoken to me since I got saved in 1977! Well, it was the first time I   heard  Him speak in a very long time. My spiritual life changed begining that night. Father began to show me how much He loves me, just as I am. All that religious stuff I was doing was just filthy rags to him. I was trying to buy his favor.

I began to have trouble sitting through sermons. I chaffed at the religious obligations being piled on. “You must read this, you must go here, you must not think that.”  I believe the Jesus came to free us from the institutional church. His mission was not start a new religion, but to open the door to a relationship with Father. God doesn’t need a pastor to speak to his church, He has the Holy Spirit for that.

Needless to say, pastor was not thrilled with my revival and although he did not ask me to leave, I knew it was time to go and six months ago I did. Now when someone asks me where I GO to church, I just say I’m a free-range believer. You would be amazed at how many of us there are.  We meet in homes, worship God together, break bread together. God is moving outside the four walls.

If you have left the institution you are not alone. Even though it might not feel life it right now, you are in a good place. God has you right where you need to be. It may take a while but He will connect you with other believers. 

God bless you on your God Journey.