The folks at Calvary Today are getting nasty comments from supposed Calvary church members. Interestingly, many of these commentators are “anonymous”. Look, folks, if you want to be taken seriously don’t hide behind an anon name, okay? It only shows that you guys are a bunch of chickens.
Here are some choice comments:
Many of us in Calvary has been very very patient with you - TTGs. all your shouting and screaming in AGM/EGM we still have kept quiet. Your actions and attitudes during church service, we still kept quiet. All your write-ups in CT and BC we still said nothing and hope you will come to your senses.
This Sunday onwards, you TTG will be dragged out of the church and thrown out. - Anonymous
Bloody moron! You win, Christianity loses! Judgment will come to the house of God! - Anonymous
I am very saddened by your (foolish) action by publishing our church issues in the newspaper.
It’s sad to see what damage you can cause to the House of God. - Think it Wisely
The comments from CT supporters are as heated, and I want to say two things:
a) It’s very natural to react in anger, especially since you’re being attacked by friends you thought were true brothers and sisters in Christ
b) It will do you no good to respond to these people, however, as they are blinded by fear that their world is being rocked and worship of the church as an organisation. Instead of responding in kind, say levelly: I note your grievience. But this is still our stance. Thank you for your input. (It’ll drive them absolutely wild, though :P)
I’ve been where many CT supporters are now. In fact, today I uploaded a number of my old posts on spiritual abuse so that somehow, it can help them. Some words of encouragement and advice:
1. If you’re in Calvary Church, and you’re reeling from the “war”, please read the Resources on Spiritual Abuse that I’ve compiled. You will find out that many organisations “self protect” by attacking those who dare to change the status quo.
2. Try to remove yourself “emotionally” and be a cultural anthropologist if you can. Note that this is herd behaviour at its peak. Don’t take in too much negativity.
3. Allow yourself to feel the gamut of emotions that you have. Very often, in our urge to be as Christian as possible, we hide our anger and grief while trying to appear understanding or “Christian”. Cry, tear up tissues, stomp your feet and scream at the skies if you want. Many also will tell you not to do these things because it’s not Christian. Say thanks but no thanks and talk to someone who understands. I would recommend talk to someone who has gone through this before. I’m here to talk to anyone if they need to - please email me at messychristian@gmail.com
4. Still, while you allow yourself to feel angry, do not allow yourself to sink into bitterness. That will destroy you spiritually and emotionally. To do so, you may have to do something that is very, very difficult: You have to forgive them. What? You can’t be serious! Unfortunately, I am. That’s one of the most important lessons I learnt when I came out of my bad church experience. Forgiveness is the key to your healing.
5. Brace yourself - you may not see the justice you desire in the time that you want. Unfortunate, but true. God, unfortunately for some of us, has a different timing when it comes to these things. He’s infinitely patient, always giving chances for his children to repent because He loves them so. But discipline does come for some, like Ted Haggard, who was forced out of his church and now struggles to earn a living. Should we gloat that they’ve gotten their come uppance? Being human we probably would, but remember, we too are sinners and are no ‘better’.
Here are some preachers who didn’t practise what they preached …
Let’s keep an even head despite this intense time, okay?
