"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 lives floundering in a stagnant spiritual state. Before a geographical move that impacts a life-giving church connection, I would 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 to which you sense a connection and make sure you do not burn any bridges in case you make a mistake and have to return. Those who superficially make a huge geographical move act as functional atheists." -- Joseph Mattera
My answer is the same as number one. Beloved the overall point is that this is how living in modern day churchianity leadership corrupts the thought process. I have read very fine articles from Joseph Mattera but this one does not make the cut. Quite frankly it is also unseemly to take the shepherd's rod meant for the wolves and instead beat the sheep with it. The truly sad thing is that there are good points buried in this article that are simply lost amidst the cries of pain from the beaten sheep. The key verses today expressly instruct pastors and elders to oversee their flocks without being domineering over them and by being an example for them. Not casting them to the curb with accusations that they are no better than those who do not even believe God exists. When I see a malnourished sheep I do not yell at them for not eating enough. I look at who is responsible for feeding them.
Reverend Anthony Wade -- June 30, 2017
