The church I speak of has developed a number of meaningful ministries, some unique, which only a handful of churches across the country can claim to emulate. Its congregants are a blend of different cultural groups making it welcoming to ALL. It has a culturally mixed pastoral leadership team who provide solid biblical teachings to its followers. The worship team is vibrant, comprising accomplished young muscians. Church growth is also showing a steady upward trend especially amongst young people. Thankfully they have many Godly, loving members, which is why many Christians find this a worthwhile place to expess their Faith.
I describe the teachings of the church as being left of center Christianity, flirting (at times) with biblically forbidden alternative social issues, especially if, whenever the Bishop visits. Sadly this church, like most Christian churches in South Africa, are micro - managed through embedded interest groups. This could be the reason why many Christians are leaving the institutionalised Churches for smaller home cells. Fewer and fewer churches will ever say outright that 'genderised' issues are wrong, lest it unleash a storm of protest. BUT dont get me wrong, I am not asking them to do so, altho they should, but merely pointing out an engineered change which is becoming more and more obvious within local and international churches. Therefore IF your Christianity is perceived as being right of center you will be seen as working against "social cohesion", whatever that means. Expect to be driven out from the congregation by means of inuendo's, various forms of manipulation, slanderous accusations, and finally shunned as you mingle amongst the church body. This happens in mainline churches, just as it does in cultish organisations such as Scientology, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. In my case as an activist for example, the church does not want to risk a potentially wider fallout by getting their "white dress mudied". Remember I have been driven out of this same congregation before, and only returned recently after an absence of many years, this after an invitation by a family member. Obviously the leadership never forgot and are focusing on me once again, so I think its going to be a rough ride.
Not so Mr.J.
When I was originally accepted as a member of the church, throughout my membership years, I never once challenged the leadership over any issue, even if I disagreed, neither a confidence of a member who confided in me. At no time was I ever abusive to congregants, or expressed my personal views to the laity as I have done in this blog. The reason why "provocateers" focused on me for was my support for the families of butchered farmers and their children who had been boiled in hot water, raped and dismembered. My crime was presenting this to viewers overseas, which incidentally, was a campaign which went beyond the pages of this blog. BUT if you're one of those Christians who thinks I am just a trouble - maker, know this that I have worked hard throughout my life, done my National Service, tithed, been supportive of the Church and its Godly endevours, helped those within the church AND wider society in many ways, ALL in JESUS' name. I continue to pay my taxes to a CORRUPT, HATEFUL, and THIEVING ANC government, all in accordance with JESUS' teaching, "give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's". Therefore you can clearly see that I don't owe anybody anything, including the church I am speaking of, only my lifelong debt to GOD.
Not so Mr.J
I also have this to say to the shady "provocateers" micro - managing this particular church, the moles and their ilk, who determine who are welcome, and who are not. I am visiting because I was invited by someone who is a member of your club, a righteous FRIEND who values my presence. Know this that I will only leave your church (CLUB) at a date and time of my choosing. Not yours. Therefore if you dont like that arrangement get a restraining order against me through a court of law. After every service, whenever the smell of coffee lures me, I intend to sit myself down for a cup of filter coffee and one of your fresh home made scones, which incidently I pay for, so your not doing me any favours.During this time concern yourself with the genuine needs of the church praying and showing love.
Not so Mr.J
Now my Blog has definitely ruffled the feathers of a few individuals. But in this blog I write what I want, the way I view life, because I can. The cream of South Africa, approximatly 1.5 Million souls chose to leave South Africa directly because of the issues I write about. I suppose they were also wrong? Now if anyone feels I have been slanderous, misrepresenting or lying about any particular issue in church or my blog, you are welcome to take me to one South Africa's Kangaroo Courts, or any other captured ANC Court. I wish you LUCK.
