That is great for YOU. That is not everyone else's life experience. Yours is not perfect, resulting in any deviation being judge as atheist. Now, I believe that we are to be attached with a local church but only if that church is doing the will of the Lord. The sad, sad sate of affairs in this country is the vast majority of churches are not preaching the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ. Many are too sloppy agape, where anything goes. Many are too focused on this country, worshipping it like an idol. Some are word faith. Others are prosperity gospel. Some are hyper-charismaniacal. Many are a combination, and some are all of the above. True fellowship is with the remnant of believers who see Mattera's judgment here as spiritual bullying.
"11. You make a geographical move without hearing from God. I am amazed at how many Christians I have known since my conversion in 1978 who have moved away from the church God planted them in, only to waste years of their life floundering in a stagnant spiritual state. Before a geographical move impacts a life-giving church connection, I suggest you do the following: make sure you have heard from God in conjunction with the independent witness of other mature believers. Consult with your spiritual leaders. Make sure you are not being driven merely by money or convenience. Make sure there is another church in that new community that you have visited and sense a connection to. Make sure you do not burn any bridges if you make a mistake and must return"those who superficially make a huge geographical move act as a functional atheist." - Joseph Mattera
May as well conclude with more nonsense. Beloved, a geographical move is a major life event that should not be taken lightly. I agree you should speak to your pastor but not to ask the blessing Mattera seems to think is required. Maybe he can advise you on good churches in the area you are moving too. I have friends who took a huge step back in their walk after a move so he is not without merit on the concern. Unfortunately, Mattera believes in a false authority paradigm where it appears he thinks your major life decisions need his sign off. They do not. Of course the other glaring problem is to declare anyone who makes such a move without the full blessings of their church doesn't believe in God. I understand that Joseph Mattera believes in a certain way and not all of what he ascribes to is "wrong." How he handles it is. He violates the key verse. Let no corrupting talk come out from your mouth but only what edifies, giving grace to those that hear. There is no tolerance in Mattera's words, let alone grace. The sad thing is there were fair points throughout but presented in a completely unfair manner. As such it can be completely dismissed, as can Joseph Mattera.
Reverend Anthony Wade - September 2022
