Church Leader controlling members lives...Not sure what to do

Question, At what point does a church stop being a church, and becomes a cult? Also, could not all religions be considered cults of some nature or other??

what my mom and I have done when we were in the position where the pastor was asking too much of us. We found another church and small independent church. Yes Pastor asks everyone to help out and give to the church money and time, but it's not a requirement. If he says he thinks we would be good in some sort leadership role he mentions it once and lets us think and pray about it. I don't think you should give up completely, but church hop until you find one that is right for you.

Wow!! The pastor was insisting people give money like this, and not caring about if someone lost their home in the process? This is a shame. Especially when they bought the New cars to show off, it makes you wonder if they were really putting the $$ being received towards a New building or their own pockets. Personally, I do not blame you for wanting to get away from there, and refusing to be a member there anymore. It sounds like other things were controlling that Pastor other than God, and that will be on his head in the end. If you are praying about it, and really searching, I am sure you can find yourself a Good church to attend where the church and pastor will not be like this, and accept you there with loving arms as well. Wishing you the best.

Hi 3ddatawiz, Sadly, there are many out there that are using religion to their own advantage. Many evangelists have become very rich at the expense of those they are supposed to be helping. Some convince themselves that they are doing nothing wrong, even when they take money from pensioners who don't have enough to to live on to start with. My advice is to learn to be a spiritual person, not a religious person. Jesus taught us how to live, and that should be our main objective. We are to love one another, we are not to judge or condemn. I am not saying that you should not find another church, but look for tolerance, look for a church that talks more about living the golden rule than about the sins of others, or how much money you pay the church. Christianity is a way of life. Blessings.

To me a church is a group of people joining together because they have something in common. It is hard to find a real church any more. Most are a bunch of hypocrits miserable in their lives and trying to make everyone else the same. I find that I feel closer to a higher being up in the mountains than anywhere. I find many pastors, preachers and the like very materialistic and self promoting. I fear most of the churches I hear about now days seem more like cults than true churches. Sad but true.

RELIGION isn't a place for BUSINESS!?@!?@! It should be treated with respect and dignity. If a religion does those things you have mentioned here... why not stop joining it? Just a word of advice... PLS DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS KIND OF FALSE PROPHETS!!! They just want the money you'll be bringing in their pockets and not you nor the faith that they are teaching.

We have had the same problem in the past. I had given up on finding a good church too. We finally found one that we are all happy in but I am still wary of the leadership since I have been burned so many times. I still love God and still read my Bible so I don't feel like my faith has diminished. Not in God anyway. I guess in finding a new church you just have to watch for those red flags and put your' foot down when your' gut tells you something is wrong. Faith doesn't mean blindly following a pastor off a cliff.

I don't like pastors who speak as if God directly speaks to him. I don't believe there is no one who has a hotline connection with God. God simply does not speak like that to his children. I grant that one in a billion billion time he may do, but not so often. That's the way God works. He rather speaks to us through our minds most often, then through Word, his people, etc. But if the pastor seems insincere take him to task. Confront him with love and boldness. Of course, the last resort is to walk out of that church.

I agree with your parents. Keep visiting around at different churches until you find a church that gives you the spiritual food from God that you need. A church with a pastor such as the one you left is not right. That sounded like the pastor was in it for the money, not to preach God's word and see people saved. People should do the jobs in church that they do because God leads them, not because the pastor tells them. I'm sure you are frustrated right now, but just keep looking and the Lord will show you the church that he has for you. Just stay in His will. God Bless!!

A minister driving a Mercedes? Sounds to me like the "sacrificial vows" were going for something besides the building fund! Don't let this one person keep you from going to church. Talk with friends and relatives about their churches and find one that you like. I am sure that God will make sure that that man gets what he deserves. I am also sure that God would not want you to stay away from religious fellowship because of him.

You were part of a cult pretending to be mainstream. Any time a single leader makes demands of individuals like that, controls their lives, tries to shame them into compliance, they have crossed the line into cultism. As for the scammer leader you found, well - no one's exempt from sin. And, some find the religious to be particularly easy targets on which to prey...especially if it is a religion or a denomination known for its willingness to obey and/or trust anyone using the proper terminology. But, should you find another church? If you still believe, then I say yes. There is one somewhere that will help restore your faith in church in general. Just remember that even in the best churches, there will be hypocrites - Christians are still human. They are subject to failure as much as anyone. Maybe a non-denominational church is your best bet right now. I also like Assemblies of God, even though I don't believe every single thing they believe. For the most part, the people are wonderful and full of love for others. American Baptist is another good one. I would avoid independent or fundamental Baptist because they seem to have the most "cultish" behaviors.

Find another church. There are crooks in every profession. Just because someone went through Bible college or seminary doesn't mean they have a heart for God or that they do everything with pure motives from then on. Find a church with a servant pastor who loves his congregation and God. Find a place where you can serve joyfully and not be enslaved by coercion and the threat of public humiliation.

I dont believe that we should give all of our time to the CHURCH but only to Jesus. here is a future question that the pastor may asked you to move into the church and be leaders is this. Just say...I will pray about this because i dont sense in my spirit that is what God want me to do. If he does not like this....too bad. You and the pastor must have the same feeling or longing that you would be right for the leadership. Alays watch for when you have alot of money that they will pay attention to you the most when you tithe 10% like $100.00 to 500.00 every week, you will get attention from the leadership when you do this. Do you follow me? if you do not sense in your spirit that lines up with the pastor....then pray about it til you get the answer. If its no and if the pastor reacts in away where he kinda shun you....leave.

sounds like a cult to me.