My Experience with Jubilee Church

by Brandan Kraft

Introduction

Presented here is my previous experience with Jubilee Church and a short summary of reasons for leaving them. This has been one of the most challenging events of my life; but I believe I am better off having gone through it. My hope in presenting this story is that I might glorify Jesus and help edify His saints. I have replayed the conversations below many times in my mind, and believe to have accurately reconstructed the actual conversations that took place. Because this story is written from my perspective, I realize the possibility of bias is high. However, I firmly believe to have faithfully represented all parties involved.

Jubilee Church's website is - http://www.jubileechurch-stl.org/

Jubilee Church is part of New Frontiers International - which can be found online at http://www.newfrontiers-usa.org/ and http://www.newfrontiers.xtn.org/.

People involved with this account:

Brandan and Angie (Yours Truly!)
Bryan Mowrey (Brandan and Angie's cell group leader)
Rick Hein (An elder at Jubilee Church)
Sam Poe (An elder at Jubilee Church)
John Lanferman (The "lead" elder at Jubilee Church)

March 2000

My wife Angie and I grew up in and out of churches. In a sense, you could say we were in and out of the wilderness just as the ancient Israelites were. After a long drought of living without a church, and being relatively new to the city in which we were living, God gave us both a desire to belong to a local church. In my opinion, at the time, we were both babes in Christ and extremely naive. We really didn't have a good understanding of what "church" was supposed to be like, nor were we aware of what scripture reveals concerning this important subject. Irregardless of our naivety and "innocence" we decided to try church hopping. Through an associate of Angie's, we found ourselves one Sunday morning at Jubilee Church.

Summer 2000

Angie and I became "regulars" at Jubilee Church and found ourselves involved in more activity than we had ever dreamed. We were both very happy to be a part of a church full of friendly, godly, and sincere people. We both joined a cell group and began meeting our new friends throughout the year in their homes. We would meet to sing praises and edify one another. As we became more and more involved, friendships budded; and it seemed our lives were beginning to revolve around our new beloved church. Needless to say, we were thrilled to be a part of community of believers.

During this time, Angie and I attended the Jubilee Church "commitment class" and pretty much became "official" members in the church. I came to know Rick, one of the elders of Jubilee Church and met with him every week where he took me under his wing. He would spend many hours talking and praying with me. I am very grateful to him for this, as he introduced me to the study of biblical doctrine. He gave me an introductory paper on Calvinism, and like a sponge, I began to soak up as much literature that I could find. I learned so much about God and His sovereignty that summer, it was like a whole new world opened up to me. I began to delight in Scripture like never before and was continually amazed at the truths which were continually revealed to me. I continued meeting with Rick, but our discussions turned from biblical doctrine to leadership, accountability, and helping others. During this time, my friendship with Bryan, our cell group leader had also grown and we were involved quite heavily with particular projects and ministries together. Because of our new friendship, Rick felt it would be best for me and for Bryan if I started meeting with Bryan instead of Rick every week for discipleship. Bryan (around my age) was to be my discipler, and I his disciple. Bryan was a new Christian, but had much more experience in church life, as he had grown up in a church environment and been a member of Jubilee Church a lot longer than me.

My experience with Bryan was much different than my experience with Rick. Bryan really didn't want to talk about the Bible and God's truths like I did. While I was busy learning more and more about Scripture and theology, he apparently seemed more concerned with his role as "discipler". His concern certainly was noble because discipleship carries with it a tremendous responsibility.

January 2001:

One night after a cell group meeting, Bryan took me aside and started up a conversation with me:

Bryan: "Brandan, we need to talk, do you have a minute?"

Brandan: "Sure, what's up?"

Bryan: "Well, earlier tonight when you said something to Mandy, I believe it was very arrogant of you. I know we all deal with pride, but I think you have a serious issue with it."

Brandan: "Really? I didn't mean to appear arrogant. I hope Mandy wasn't hurt by my comments. I know I have struggled with pride most of my life."

Bryan: "Hey, it's something we all deal with. I pray for you every day, and hopefully it's something we can work out together."

Brandan: "Thank you for pointing this out to me. I'll try to watch my tongue from now on." *I was really worried at this point about Mandy's feelings, as she had just become a Christian.*

Bryan: *gives Brandan a hug* "Hey! That's what friends are for. Don't worry about Mandy, she'll probably forget about it. Feel free to point something out to me when I mess up too, ok?"

In my opinion, that was the pivotal point in my relationship with Bryan. The majority of our meetings from that point on would focus on my sins, and the pride and arrogance he continually would spot in my life. Also, on a regular occurrence, he'd admonish me for bringing up biblical theology with other people in the cell group. The reason he was so hard on me was because Rick and Bryan both agreed that I would make an excellent cell group leader, and this was their way of preparing me for this leadership position. I was naive, and unfortunately assumed that the best way for me to serve was to be a leader just like them.

Later that Winter, Rick told me that a year long theological training course would become available to all the churches within the association of churches Jubilee Church belong to. Since Jubilee Church was the headquarter church of the association, and Rick, John, and Sam (the three elders of Jubilee Church) would be teaching the course, I wouldn't have to travel far to participate. The course was for potential leaders within their respective churches, and since I had already begun training as a future cell group leader, I was informed that this course would be good for me to go through. I was given the impression that this course was to focus on studying and learning the Bible together in a friendly atmosphere. I immediately forked over the twenty five dollar application fee and received John's approving signature. Boy, was I excited! The only problem was I had to wait until October later that year to begin the program. I didn't want to wait until October to begin training so I increased the amount of literature I read and began studying several topics which apply to churches today.

Throughout this short period of study and questioning, God really opened my eyes to a lot of things wrong in churches today. He showed me plenty of things wrong with Jubilee Church, but I was reluctant to talk about it with Rick or Bryan. One of these subject I studied in depth happened to be tithing. Jubilee Church taught that we should tithe every week, and I made it part of my routine to e-mail my "tithe" every week through paypal to the Jubilee Church paypal account. I began noticing a lot of wasteful spending at Jubilee Church, and since I concluded through my studies that tithing is not a New Covenant mandate, I stopped the practice.

In April our cell group started meeting weekly at our new house which we had recently purchased. Angie and I were really excited to be able to serve the church by making our new home available to others. Hosting several people every week wasn't easy, but it sure was rewarding. It was a real privilege to join hands with several other believers and pour our collective hearts out to God in our very own living room. Bryan was still our cell group leader, and as soon as our group grew a little bit larger we would probably have to split up into two smaller groups.

August 2001

Finally after months of waiting my interview for the year of theological training arrived. I was under the impression that this was just a formality as I was being "groomed" to become a new cell group leader. Also, Rick had earlier informed me that this study course was ideal for me. Sam and Rick met with me in Rick's office, and the conversation went something like this:

Rick: "OK, well, as you probably already know, this training course is for potential leaders at Jubilee Church. We just want to make sure this course is right for you, and you are aware of the sacrifices you'll have to make. We just want to make sure you are prepared to make this commitment."

Brandan: "Right, yes, I'm really excited to be able to take this course."

Rick: "Ok, what is it that you would like to get out of this course?"

Brandan: "Well, obviously I want to learn more about the teachings of scripture. Also, I'd like to improve my communication skills so that I will be able to help others grow in Christ. I am hoping that this course will help me to effectively lead others in a group setting."

Rick: "That's good. How are you and Angie doing?"

Brandan: "We're fine. As you already know, we moved into our house in April and are excited to have the cell group meeting in our house."

Rick: "How is everything else? How are your finances?"

Brandan: "Our finances are fine."

Rick: "Do you think you will be able to afford the cost of this course (approximately $1200.00)"

Brandan: "Oh yes. I'd prefer not to pay it all at once, but throughout the year in payments."

Rick: "Ok... The reason I asked this is because I noticed you stopped tithing... Do you mind if I ask why?"

Brandan: "Sure, Rick, I kind of expected this question would come sooner or later. I don't think tithing is a biblical practice for a new covenant believer."

Sam: "But, Brandan, tithing is a biblical practice. Jesus told the pharisees they ought to have paid their tithes."

Brandan: "Sam, I was under the impression Jesus was telling them this because they were still under the Old Covenant. Tithing was part of the Old Covenant law. We are no longer under the law but under grace. We have a new law, one that is written on our hearts."

Sam: "Yes, but tithing preceded the Old Covenant and is in fact a moral law."

Brandan: "Ah, you mean Abraham and Melchizedek? How do we know that was a moral commandment and not a one time event?"

Rick: "Brandan, aren't you behind the vision of Jubilee Church?"

Brandan: "Yes, I believe I am."

Rick: "So why did you stop tithing?"

Brandan: "Because I don't believe it's a scriptural practice."

Rick: "Ok, well we could go around and around on this all day. Thanks for coming in for the interview and we'll get back to you soon."

Brandan: "OK, thank you. I'm really excited about participating in the year of training."

September 2001

A few weeks later, Rick said he'd like to talk to me and see how I'm doing. He told me it was nothing serious, but he asked that I meet him at his office so that we could go somewhere, grab a coke, and talk. I showed up to meet him, and I waited outside his office for about ten or fifteen minutes nervously waiting. Rick arrived out and said there was a change of plans and asked me if I would mind meeting with Sam and John also. I followed Rick into John's office. John sat at his large desk with Rick and Sam on each side of him. I was asked to sit in front of John, and I was caught completely off guard. I felt deceived, but didn't want to look like an idiot in front of the three elders by refusing to talk with them.

John: "Brandan, it has come to our attention that you're a bit independent. We've noticed that you like to study the bible and theology and come to your own conclusions independent of us at Jubilee Church. Are we accurate in our assessment?"

Brandan: "Yes you are. I have been waiting such a long time for this training program. I thought it would be best if I started on my studies early. Since no materials have been made available to me recently, I found my own materials by ordering books and reading stuff on the Internet."

John: "Don't you think this is dangerous, forming your own opinions independent of us?"

Brandan: "Hmmm, not really, but I suppose it could be. I haven't really given it much thought."

John: "When God saves a person, he brings that person into an accountable relationship with a local church. You are in agreement here, aren't you?"

Brandan: "Yes."

John: "We should be dependent upon one another to learn these things, and that is what this theological study program is about. Rick tells me you have decided tithing is unbiblical."

Brandan: "Yes, I don't find any evidence in scripture that tithing is a practice for new covenant believers."

Sam: "Yes, but tithing is part of the law."

Brandan: "Sam, I realize we talked about this last time, but I don't think you can pick which part of the law you wish to abide by. Aren't we under all of it or none of it?"

Rick: "I think Brandan has a problem with the word "tithe", don't you Brandan?"

Brandan: "Yes, I believe tithe means tenth."

Rick: "Ok, well when we use the word tithing, we believe it means giving each week."

Brandan: "I'm quite aware of what you mean. However, I see tithing as a ritualistic practice."

John: "Brandan, every Sunday you sing to God. Is this not a form of worship?"

Brandan: "Yes it is."

John: "Well when I write my check out to Jubilee Church, I am worshipping God. When we are saved, all of our possessions become the Lord's and by sacrificing our money, we are worshipping God."

Brandan: "That is fine. But if I don't feel called to give, I don't believe I should as I am betraying my conscience."

Rick: "Don't you want support Jubilee Church?"

Brandan: "Yes, I do. But why do I have to tithe every week?"

John: "Brandan, do you think we are your leaders?"

Brandan: "Yes."

John: "OK, so why didn't you come to us to discuss this earlier?"

Brandan: "Well, I didn't want to create a controversy. Tithing is a sticky subject today, and besides, I only see you once or twice a week. You guys are usually busy with some conference or flying off to some country for an important meeting."

John: "Brandan, we don't want your money. We just want what is best for you. Also, we are in an accountable relationship with each other, and we are also your leaders. If there is anything you would like to discuss with us, feel free to talk with us about it. Just give any of us a call, and we would love to talk with you."

Brandan: "Ok, thank you. I have so much I would like to discuss with you because I'm always finding myself challenged by what I read on the Internet and in the bible."

John: "OK, Rick has agreed to meet with you every other week so that you can talk about these things."

Brandan: "That would be great."

John: "You agree with us that you are independent and that the church is about dependence?"

Brandan: "Yes."

John: "I'm pleased that we agree here. However, this training program is about learning together with dependence on each other. With that in mind, we think it would be best for you if you didn't take part in this year of training. It's dangerous to study theology if you're not quite ready. I believe we can better serve you by asking you to wait."

Rick: "Brandan, we just want to try and stamp out your independence. We believe you are qualified for this training program, but think it would best for you to wait. Do you understand?"

Brandan: "Sure, I guess, whatever you think is best..."

Needless to say, I left that meeting totally devastated. I was feeling all kinds of mixed emotions. I felt like I had let down God by becoming this prideful independent arrogant know it all. I knew what the Scriptures said concerning tithing, but these men all had seminary degrees and had pastored in many churches for many years. How was it that our opinions concerning tithing differed so significantly? Why were they making a huge issue out of it? I didn't even want to bring the subject up! If they wanted to tithe, that was fine by me. But why was I expected to tithe?

When I informed Bryan of the meeting I had with the Rick, Sam and John, he was very sympathetic, but said he understood why they made this decision. We had a couple of meetings to discuss tithing and other issues I had with Jubilee Church. I printed out some articles for him to read, but he just continued to tell me how prideful and arrogant I was.

Bryan: "Brandan, you're just so prideful you can't even see where you are wrong. You know, pride is a sin that blinds people, and they just can't see that they are wrong. What makes you think that you are right and all of us are wrong about tithing?"

Brandan: "Bryan, I'm simply telling you what I believe the Bible teaches about tithing. I'm not trying to be arrogant or proud about it."

Bryan: "These papers (Tithing? : A New Covenant Look At An Old Covenant Practice by Frank Clarke Should Pastors Be Salaried? by Darryl Erkel) are the most arrogant pieces of writing I've ever read! I understand there are problems with the church at large today, but Jubilee Church is nothing like this!"

Brandan: "I'm sorry you think that, but I believe their conclusions are in fact Biblical."

Bryan: "Brandan, the Bible says you cannot lean upon your own understanding."

Brandan: "I know, that's why I have come to you to discuss this with you."

Bryan: "Then why don't you agree with me?"

Brandan: "Because your conclusions are not biblical."

Bryan: "You're so prideful you can't see past your own interpretations. Hundreds of scholars think tithing is biblical. What makes you think you know more about tithing than these scholars?"

Brandan: "Many scholars also think it's proper to baptize babies. What makes you think you know more about baptism than these scholars?"

Bryan: "Because God has placed me in an accountable relationship with leaders who will help me to know what is right. I trust in God to put me under the right leadership. The elders are right, you are too independent, and I can see why your application for the study program was rejected."

October 2001

I was so frustrated that I started attending the Sunday service sporadically. I felt like a foreigner whenever I showed up with all the people there. Week after week, Rick, Sam, or John would stand up about midway through the service and preach about giving back to God. Why speak about tithing every week, and not something else like sanctification, God's sovereign election, or even loving your neighbor as yourself? Why was this so important to them?

When the study program started, I was asked to house one of the students on the weekends these meetings took place. It was very hard and emotional for me to have to drive to the church building and see the dozens of people that weren't rejected from learning theology. I was jealous and selfish. It was hard for me to pick up a student and chauffeur him to my house to spend the night. Why was he good enough in the eyes of the elders to learn theology, and I was just good enough to house students? Why was I such a prideful know it all?

I started meeting with Rick every other week, and our conversations weren't like they used to be. Now he was becoming more like Bryan.

Rick: "Brandan, I'd like to figure out what makes you tick."

Brandan: *smiles* "I don't even know what makes me tick."

Rick: "I'd like to try to work on this independence issue of yours with you so that you can participate in the next study course possibly in a year or two."

Brandan: "I've been thinking about this independence issue you keep bringing up. I don't think it is wrong for me to be independent. Sure, I know God has called us into a dependent relationship with each other. But we are also independent. If I was completely dependent upon the church for everything, I would be taking and not giving. I think we should be interdependent... independent people dependent upon each other."

Rick: "I want to discuss tithing with you further. Since we are in a relationship, there is a certain amount of trust that comes with it. Don't you agree?"

Brandan: "Yes."

Rick: "Ok, so do you trust me?"

Brandan: "Yes."

Rick: "OK, I'd like you to start tithing again because I think it would be best for you."

Brandan: "Hmmm, let me think about that. I don't think that would be a good idea for me right now."

Rick: "Now Brandan, if you trusted me, you would be willing to take that risk."

Brandan: "Ok, I'll try it and see what happens."

Rick: "Good! I'd like you to try and open up to me next meeting. You said there are a lot of other things that are bothering you, and we can address them together."

Brandan: "Yes, there are many things about the church I'd like to talk with you about. It's difficult for me to tell you about them right now all at once, so I'd prefer to write them down on paper first. I am a much better communicator with the written word."

Rick: "Sure, that's fine."

December 2001

Reluctantly, holding true to my word with Rick, I sent my "tithe" in later that week. I was betraying my conscience, and was beginning to feel manipulated. Finally, after many months of thinking, studying, and praying, I poured my thoughts and feelings out on paper. Rick seemed like he was willing to discuss these issues with me, and I took that chance he had been asking me to take. After all, we were supposedly in an "accountable dependent relationship based on trust." I hand delivered my feelings and thoughts to him in the form of a letter which you can read here: My Letter to Rick Hein

I also e-mailed Bryan a copy of the letter, and surprisingly, he didn't totally dismiss it. He told me by e-mail that my vision for the church could coexist with Jubilee Church. He also met with me to discuss it and see if we could make changes together. I was pretty excited, and anxious to meet with Rick, as I was somewhat optimistic now.

Rick: "Hi Brandan. How are you doing?"

Brandan: "I'm ok, how are you?"

Rick: "Not so good."

Brandan: "Why is that?"

Rick: "I read your letter."

Brandan: "Oh, what did you think of it?"

Rick: "I didn't like it."

Brandan: "Why not?"

Rick: "Our relationship will never be the same. Your letter was very revealing. I don't agree with any of it."

Brandan: "OK, I kind of thought you wouldn't like the letter. I hoped to discuss the things in this letter together. I hoped that maybe we could work out these issues I have together. I hoped that maybe some changes could be made. Bryan told me that it was possible that my vision for the church could coexist with the vision of Jubilee Church."

Rick: "He was wrong. Your vision could never coexist with ours. What do you plan to do about this conflict? How can you keep attending Jubilee Church if your theology is so at odds with ours?"

Brandan: "Well, I know there are no perfect churches, and I was hoping that we could work on it together, and maybe make some changes."

Rick: "That won't happen. You were considered to be a part of leadership here, but now you're not. What are you going to do about the cell group that meets in your house?"

Brandan: "What do you mean?"

Rick: "Because you don't represent the vision of Jubilee Church, we can't allow it to meet in your house."

Brandan: "*gulp* I'm sorry."

Rick: "It seems to me the best solution for you is to leave Jubilee Church and find a different church that agrees more with your philosophies."

Brandan: "Rick, I've never been to, or heard of a church in this area like that. Also, on the surface, this probably seems like the best solution, but I'd like to work this out with you. I love the people at Jubilee Church, and don't want to break off from them."

Rick: "What am I going to tell my kids?"

Brandan: "What do you mean?"

Rick: "Our relationship can never be the same. How am I going to tell them that you and Angie are leaving? They really like you. They are going to be devastated."

Brandan: "I don't know. I thought we could discuss these things."

Rick: "What's there to discuss? It seems to me you already have your mind made up."

Brandan: "I love the people here at Jubilee Church. They've been so nice to me. I've learned so much here."

Rick: "You're isolating Angie."

Brandan: "I don't want to."

Rick: "Your letter made me angry."

Brandan: "Do you think I'm just seeking doctrinal purity?"

Rick: "Yes."

Brandan: "Do you think I'm just concerned about money when it comes to tithing?"

Rick: "It sure seems like it."

Brandan: "Did you share that letter with the Sam or John?"

Rick: "Yes, I showed it to Sam, and he thinks your interpretation is too literal."

Brandan: "What do you mean?"

Rick: "Just because you find houses in the New Testament doesn't mean its wrong to meet in a building."

Rick: "Also, I handle all the finances here at Jubilee Church, and write the checks out every week. Do you think I'm in it just for the money?"

Brandan: "No, not at all. I believe your intentions are good."

Rick: "Brandan, you will always be welcome at Jubilee Church, but I doubt our relationship will ever be the same. I hope you know what you are doing."

Brandan: *tears in eyes - hands shaking* "I don't want to leave."

Rick: "Well, our time is up. *gives Brandan a hug*"

Wow, how low could it go? How depressing could it get? Rick just used his power to take the cell group out of my house, and now informed me it would best if I left Jubilee Church. This was the worst feeling in the world. I wrote that letter in hopes we could work this out together in love. This is not what I wanted to happen at all.

January 2002

Bryan later showed up at my house on new years day for one final discussion with me.

Brandan: "Bryan, I just want to do what is biblical."

Bryan: "I do too. I understand that. But you can't trust your interpretation of scripture, because the bible says not to lean upon your own understanding."

Brandan: "I agree, so I lean upon the interpretation the Holy Spirit gives me."

Bryan: "You can't trust what the Holy Spirit tells you because you are blind."

Brandan: "But shouldn't I search the scriptures daily to see if these things are true?"

Bryan: "You should listen to Jubilee Church's interpretation."

Brandan: "You are being very controlling. You have hurt me over and over. You are not my discipler, but trying to manipulate me to make me agree with you."

Bryan: "I'm sorry, I don't want you to think that."

Brandan: "Well, you just can't tell me I shouldn't rely upon the Holy Spirit. That is cultic!"

Bryan: "Well, your pride is just preventing you from seeing the truth."

Brandan: "I'm tired of you harping on my pride. We all deal with pride, and so do you. You have hurt me and I warn you in love... Think very carefully before you disciple another person. What you are doing is not true discipleship but instead are manipulating and controlling me, and I won't allow you to do so any longer."

Bryan: "Brandan, I'm hurt also, I'm just trying to help you."

Brandan: "Look, I was hoping to work this stuff out together, but it seems nobody wants to."

After that meeting, Angie and I left Jubilee Church. Bryan contacted me once in March to see how I was doing and invite me to their cell group meetings. Rick sent me an e-mail to send us his love and see how we were doing. But that is all the contact we have had with anyone else who is a part of Jubilee Church.

Conclusion:

On the surface, it seems we are no longer part of Jubilee Church because of differing biblical interpretations. This is of course true, but I think the root of the problem lies deeper within. John Reisinger, a noted theologian wrote the following which I think applies to this situation, and no doubt many others like it:

When you cannot sit down with an open Bible and instruct as well as learn in gentleness, then your only recourse is angry name-calling, using the authority of "your duly authorized office of pastor".(Sound of Grace, When Should a Christian Leave a Church?)

Why didn't Rick want to work these things out with me? What harm could have come from sitting down with me and trying to hash these differences out together in love? Neither Rick, John, Sam, or Bryan would respond to my biblical interpretations with scripture. In each case, however, their response was to either critique my personality, or assert their authority as leader over me, which leads me to another point I'd like to make... Who do they think they are?

What right did Rick have to tell the cell group where not to meet? Who gave him the authority to not "allow the cell group to meet" in my house? The last I heard, Jesus was in charge of the church, and we are all priests in the body of Christ. I'm not denying the need for leaders (elders) within each local church, but am instead asserting that pastors do not have the authority to make these types of decisions.

Luke 22:24-27, (NAS), And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. (25) And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' (26) "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. (27) "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

In other words, Jesus taught that authority in the church would be like those of children and slaves. The New Testament never teaches anything about one believer having authority over another! We have authority over many things in our lives, even the demons, but never do we have authority over other Christians.

Another thing which is obvious to me now was Bryan's infatuation (even mine at times) with leadership and the tendency to elevate his leaders to a status which borders on idolatry. Again, I'm not denying we should afford our leaders honor and respect. The New Testament does assert that there are leaders in a local body, and they are in fact important. We are not to obey them mindlessly, but instead should enter into discussion with them and lend their advice more weight than let's say a new Christian we just met on the street.

You might think that I am bitter over this experience I had with Jubilee Church. It has been a depressing experience, this is true, but I am very grateful to God for opening my eyes to the truth and creating a path for me to escape. It's obvious to me now that even the most "orthodox" of churches can in fact be abusive and manipulative. Bryan's statement, "You can't trust what the Holy Spirit tells you because you are blind," was the final wakeup call I needed to escape this manipulative situation. Can you believe it? I am still shocked to know there is such a church which magnifies the sovereign grace of God, and yet is indeed abusive and manipulative. But in the end, I am thankful to have experienced this difficult situation. Doubtless, there are thousands of Christians throughout the world suffering under even worse situations. If you are one of these battered sheep, please feel free to e-mail me at bkraft@5solas.org and I'd be happy to talk with you as a friend in Christ.

Finally, I call Sam, John, Rick, Bryan and others like them to repentance. You know who you are. The "Our Way or the Highway" denomination is large and growing in numbers throughout the world. You will be held accountable before God for hurting Jesus and His people if you don't turn from your destructive ways.

Proverbs 27:5-6, (NIV), Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

1 Peter 5:2-3, (NIV), Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Update December 2002

After thinking about this ordeal in retrospect, I can still honestly state our experience with Jubilee Church was for our benefit. God used this experience to show me and Angie exactly how a church should not operate. Looking back on my experience, I can remember the flawed approach to evangelism, mix of believers with unbelievers in fellowship, unscriptural leadership, focus on leadership rather than unity, and many other problems that I was simply blind to at the time. I continue to praise God today, for He has led us on to safer pastures. We are now fellowshipping with a group of believers that are loving and true to new testament church practices.

Angie and I found ourselves without a church for ten months after leaving Jubilee Church. Although we were were bruised and battered, we trusted in God to bring us through the ordeal. Stepping out in faith and actually visiting a church again after being run through the mill was one of the most difficult actions we've ever taken, but it was well worth it. It was thrilling to see His providence manifested in our lives. We did manage to make contact with a few believers from Jubilee Church and share our story as well.

Discussion and Comments

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My Experience with Jubilee Church

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