Jack Porcello
Pastor
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Religious legalism is the manipulation of one individual or group of
individuals by another individual or group of individuals using religious
rhetoric. It is a real issue today, with so many people
in churches being taken advantage of and brought under condemnation.
Legalism, elitism, and manipulative tithing laws do much damage to individuals.
Much of the abusive manipulation in the corporate church today stems from
the desire to build large, powerful ministries or to bring others under
their control in order to maintain the excesses of the church business and its leadership. "Our Fellowship" provides the opportunity
for those who have suffered these abuses to participate in a community
free from their influences.
In cases of abuse or alienation, Pastor Jack Porcello attempts to lead those affected into freedom from legalism.
Pastor Jack is also available to speak to your group on the subject
of Legalism Recovery, and can assist you in starting a Recovery Program.
If you feel alienated from the church because of this undue burden
being placed upon you, please feel free to contact us. We would be
happy to talk with you.
Fellowship doesn't have to be like that.
Ministry abuse and legalism can develop control over people.
Some feel as though they aren't good enough unless they seek to obey unreasonable rules. However, we
can be set free from the power of legalism.
Signs Of An Abusive Or Legalistic Ministry
All policies set and decisions made by one person or a small elitist group.
Improprieties of church leadership are covered up, and those who question them are villified.
Suggestions from the members are ignored or dismissed by church leadership.
Nepotism employed in appointment of church leadership.
Undue financial requirements enforced upon the membership (tithing,
pledges, disclosure of private financial records).
Special preference given to the wealthy and powerful, and to those who
make large contributions to the church or church staff.
Church spending and salaries of church staff not disclosed in full detail.
Financial statements not openly shared with congregation.
Use of statements invoking guilt and shame to manipulate members to
contribute to the support of certain projects.
"Inner circle knowledge" ("deeper spiritual truths" revealed only to
those who are "dedicated to the ministry").
Special behaviors reflect "deeper spiritual experience" (e.g. speaking
in tongues, visions, prosperity, health).
Difficult conditions attributed to "spiritual weakness" (e.g. sickness,
poverty, doubt).
Church standing conditional to unrealistic behavioral demands (no dancing, no drinking, no smoking, hair length, specific dress, no card playing, etc.).
Constant feelings of anxiety and insecurity due to not being able to
abide by these rules.
Condemnation passed on all who disagree with the rules of the church
group. Use of scriptures such as "Touch not mine anointed,
and do my prophets no harm" to validate this belief is common evidence
of manipulative ministry.
Inability of church or ministry leaders to accept when they make bad
decisions.
Elitism ("our church [ministry] is the only true church [ministry]"
"no other group is as good as ours" "all other groups are dead")
If your experience with a church, ministry, or church leader can be described by any of the list above, and you are feeling alienated,
taken advantage of, or inadequate, you are involved in a legalistic situation. You may want to attempt confronting the issue with
church or ministry leaders, and try to reconcile the situation. If
that doesn't work out, you may want to consider finding another church
or ministry group.
"Our Fellowship" can help you. Whether or not you decide to fellowship with us, we'd be happy to assist you.
Abundant Life In Joy
So many today are walking away from fellowship because they have had
a bad experience with a legalistic church. Unable to resolve the
message they receive from their leadership with the joy of life,
they falter. If you or someone you know has had this unfortunate
experience, we would like to help you.
Some people seem to do well within the legalistic religious systems
that promote rule by one pastor (the so-called "Moses Principle"), "shepherding" (in which your personal decisions are made by a church leader for you), "covering" (the practice
of following religious teachers blindly), and other such practices.
Many others, unable to abide by these rules and doctrines, become confused
and feel inadequate.
We can meet with you and help you to become free from the bondage
of legalism. Contact the ministry office for details.
Remember, you can have peace and abundant life. The burden
of man is no substitute for joy!
Freedom from legalism and ministry abuse
People are often afraid to walk away
from situations where they are being controlled. The idea of change
can be frightening. These steps are designed to help the individual
caught up in this abuse.
Fellowship should bring peace and joy.
As we grow in our faith, we should be more at peace.
Mandated Control does not lead to peace.
Imposed unrealistic rules and restrictions lead to poor emotional
and physical health. Any imposition that leads to guilt and condemnation
(as opposed to conviction and repentance) is not healthy faith. Morality
and generosity cannot be mandated or forced. They should be a natural manifestation
of the influence of our faith upon us.
Legalistic doctrine requires embellishment of sacred texts.
False teachers attempt to add to sacred writings in the name of
amplifying or illuminating it. No specific requirements or proscriptions
are needed. Any attempt to force behavior or action through condemnation
or control tactics is contrary to healthy fellowship.
You are not the problem!
When an individual attempts to break free from abusive situations, they are often told that "the devil" or some other evil force has control of them, or that they are "sowing discord." The abusive element will try to convince the abused that leaving the ministry will make things worse, and that all the abused person needs to to is submit to the abuser's authority and all will be well. This, of course, leads to further abuse and manipulation, reinforced with guilt.
Those who abuse positions and power in ministry are the problem.
Many become involved in ministry to lord over others. Some
have been instructed poorly, and are in bondage themselves. Others
mistake personal convictions with divine guidance for the ministry.
In each of these cases, these are ministers who need help, not obedience.
It is natural to be angry in these situations, but remember that the anger
will subside as the healing process begins.
Remove yourself from the abusive ministry.
As we remove ourselves from unhealthy influence, we can live more
abundant lives.
Decide to be free from undue guilt and shame.
A conscious decision must be made regularly to choose abundant life,
not bondage. Each time feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation
arise, they must be met squarely with the gospel.
Seek to share freedom.
Offer liberty to those you know that are still in bondage.
Be gentle, and speak in love to them. Remember the bondage you were
in, and deal gracefully. Keep in mind that these individuals may find it difficult to cast off the yoke of legalism and ministry abuse, as it may have been the closest thing to stability they have ever known. Lead them to an understanding of
the truth, as it will set them free as it did you.
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