Planetshakers Blog Hiatus…
Firstly, thank-you to Mice, Amanda, assembliesofwhat, Grace, theoriginalmattyc, Jason Van Haaster, Grant and all of the others (there are so many of you!) who had positive and thoughtful input on and off this blog.
Your comments were the reason I kept the blog running, and I eagerly looked forward to hearing what you had to say.
Obviously I haven’t been blogging much lately.
The bible talks about guarding your heart…
At my heart, I’m an optimist. I see the positive potential for change. But there were always a handful of bad apples in the bunch – at Planetshakers itself, and visiting this blog.
For these people, change is looked at with skepticism.
Their “Christian” beliefs are so shaky that questioning is met with an almost hostility – almost to a point where they would say “God made it this way, so shut up and deal with it or go find somewhere else.”
The negativity gets to me…
I put church aside for a while…
And I put this blog aside for a while.
I haven’t attended Planetshakers, or any church, in months. And to be honest, the last few months have been some of the best months of my life.
I haven’t worried – worried faith, God, heaven, hell, purpose, direction, sin, worship, life, whatever – I have more confidence – I have purpose – I’m more fulfilled – I’m more successful at work (even being sent overseas to a $8,200 conference) – I have a better relationship with my girlfriend, my immediate family – and so much more.
I’m far away from God – but never felt closer to his promises of peace, wisdom and purpose.
Christians often talk about “filling a hole with Jesus” – that the hole is Jesus-shaped. For me, it was like I was trying to cram Jesus in there.
After years of a desperate search, perhaps he doesn’t want to be found. Perhaps I’m looking in the wrong places. Nobody has been able to tell me yet. I think most haven’t found them, or have fooled themselves that they have him found when what they have found is something inside themselves.
I may continue to search for the true and real God again.
I may continue to blog again.
I don’t know.
But in the mean-time, I wish you peace, happiness, success and fulfilment – however it arrives.
~P.S.I.
Hi PSI,
I encourage you to continue to fellowship with a group of Christians; as you would be aware it is God’s plan for Christians to grow together (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:11-16; Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25 etc.). God has designed us to work together and not alone. Although I don’t know your full story, I can understand why you’ve pulled out of PS. But don’t let that lead to a gradual falling away from God. This is a crucial time for you. I know several people who have left PS and haven’t continued to fellowship anywhere – and it hasn’t turned out well for them (spiritually). If I can be of any help, let me know. I’ll pray for you.
Peter.
Peter
November 23, 2008 at 9:06 am
Oh HI PSI,
Its so great to see your new post, I’ve been missing the blog.
So good to hear of what has been going on, sounds like many successes and blessings for you. Congratts.
I would just like to share, that I too took some months off from PS, and have just started to go again. It has been the most liberating and revealing time for me ever, in my Christian walk.
God really blessed me, and answered some prayers that I had been praying and believing for, for many years; it was like the flood gates opened, and I learned that Church has no walls, and that God will never leave me; our relationship is not dependant on my church/urban life commitments, how ‘good’ a christian I am, the company I keep, or the jargon I use….its all about my heart for him.
I am so thankful to God that I learned this, and that I took part in this blog, bringing intelligence into faith is not a sin, rather God has blessed my search for truth.
On returning to PS, it was quite odd how much of the preaching actually went against all that I just realised, like not being planted in church = your a lost backslider. But the Holy Spirit helped me to filter all that I hear in church and from fellow believers, to take what aligns with scripture and apply it.
He also taught me how to operate in His grace towards the leaders and some members of PS, that their attitude and judgements are human nature, He taught me to love them as brothers and sisters, regardless of what has happened.
Im not so suggestible to what leaders may say, judge and proclaim, I go to God for the truth and the answers, & I have become much wiser in the church environment.
I really believe the last few months has been an integral journey in my walk with God, I am a better person because of it, and my faith and reliance on Jesus has increased 100 fold, and to think….it all happened while I wasn’t going to church
I feel it is so bizarre, yet at the same time so perfect.
Church has become a part of my life and faith, not the be all and end all. Besides, there are plenty in my church who need it to be their life, and I hold no criticism for them and that need they have, but I’ve learned to draw the line on their opinions.
I have heard of many others in PS going through a similar experience of taking some time out, and gaining a better perspective on the church culture, and their relationship with God.
Not one of them has turned away from christ, rather they have grown as incredibly strong Christians that cannot be swayed and influenced by the culture man has perpetuated within the church environment.
Anyway, again…its great to hear from you, may God continue to enrich your life.
Do take care PSI, your voice is welcomed by many and has personally impacted me in a positive way.
I hope you keep posting, but I also understand if you don’t.
God bless you brother
Mice
Mice
November 23, 2008 at 1:29 pm
hi PSI,
I’m a foreigner who has regularly visited your blogsite to see the discussions and found it full of very good insights and legitimate questions of importance. However, of first importance is for each of us to maintain our faith and the hope that is in Christ that will be realised at His return. Keep following the Lord no matter what the day brings. It matters not the criticism you have received, nor whether the Planetshakers leadership changes or not because of what you have done (I doubt they will). Some have seen and heard that you do not know of – some who have been critical may also have been changed. The Lord knows your heart and the Lord will guide your steps. He has used you for a season but it may be that this season has finished and a new one begun. Press in to him and take Peter’s advice to continue in some kind of fellowship even if it seems shallow and those who follow are those who swallow. Many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord are not yet ready to ask the tough questions nor be willing to hear what God would answer to them. Yet, we must love them all the same. Narrow is the road that leads to life…. may we keep on the narrow path. The tares and the wheat grow together. The Lord knows this. The falling away has begun but let us not fall into despair because of this. The Lord predicted it would happen so let us take heart because he has overcome the world. Praise His Holy Name – the Lamb worthy to open the seven sealed scroll. Come Lord Jesus!
Yours in Christ
Mike
Mike
November 23, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hi PSI,
I commend you for your bravery to speak your mind over these recent matters for in essence you have spoken for those without a voice.
I wish you all the best with your spiritual walk and hope you figure out the things you’re looking for soon. I’d just like to share some things Ive learnt over the years. Firstly don;t put god in a box. Sometimes we look for things and expect god to work in certain ways, and in that sense wait for him but end up missing his call because it came in a different form.
Also, I think it’s important to continue to surround yourself in a Christian environment. The dangerous part is when we start to tell ourselves that we can strike it on our own. Granted we all need time by ourselves with god but we also need that firm spiritual foundation.
God bless.
And keep on blogging!
NY
NY
November 23, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Hi PSI,
Thank you for your honesty in being open and vulnerable with all of us.
This journey of life like a fingerprint. No two journeys are the same. Although the start point and the end are the same for all of us, its what happens in between that makes us who we are.
Only you can decide what is the truth for you. That’s the problem with swallow and follow. It only works for blind people who can’t see for themselves and it only works for them because they have no choice, they’re blind. But for those of us like you who can see, we need to decide things for ourselves. No preacher can tell decide for us, nor can any book holy or otherwise, nor can our friends, family, partner, bosses….nobody. It comes down to free will and your decision to exercise it which way you choose.
If you choose to stay a christian……I love you. If you choose to give away christianity for something else or even nothing at all….I love you. That’s what true christianity is about; unconditional love. You won’t necessarily find that in buildings full of people or in urban life groups or even in relationships. But you will find that in Jesus if you’re sincere and open to him and seek him with all your heart.
May God bless you on your journey whatever the outcome:)!
theoriginalmattyc
November 23, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Congratulations for stepping outside of the matrix to give your insights.
Do what you need to do to stay emotionally well, whether that be inside or outside of church.
Lance from Groupsects
Lance
November 26, 2008 at 12:10 am
Thanks so much for your blog, it has been refreshing to read the thoughts of many who are comfortable asking questions and analysing the church. The church is God’s bride but is not yet perfect, so continual reflection and altering of our course towards God is so critical (yet so rare).
There are churches out there in Melb who encourage you to think and develop your foundations on the Word and not on the words of man. I’ve recently moved from a large pentecostal church (not PS) and am feeling so refreshed at my new church each week hearing the Bible being preached without all the fluff I was used to.
May God richly bless you and protect you from internalising the criticisms that must have come your way. He is real and you will find him when you seek him with all your heart.
GV
November 26, 2008 at 9:29 am
GV i agree
PSI, PLEASE attend a church, dont go there coz ‘they got it right’ and dont waste your time trying to find one that is perfect in every way. it dont exist.
then again, who ever said church was supposed to be perfect? We are all sinners who need Gods grace, including pastors, so stop this. We are all on a mission to make diciples, not doubt, judge, criticize and discourage the church.
prayin 4 u
matt
(mattiuliano@hotmail.com
my recent post:I think you are a bit misguided. What is the point of all this? All it does is create dis-unity and causes more people (unbelievers) to despise Christianity. You need to get a life. No one is perfect. not one pastor, church, leader, musician, NOONE but Christ. This nonsense must stop. We are supposed to build and encourage one another in the faith, not sit back and judge.
matt
December 8, 2008 at 7:17 pm
let your life be about Jesus, not man
matt
December 8, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I’ve wondered where you got to
.
“There are churches out there in Melb who encourage you to think and develop your foundations on the Word and not on the words of man. I’ve recently moved from a large pentecostal church (not PS) and am feeling so refreshed at my new church each week hearing the Bible being preached without all the fluff I was used to.” SO agree with that.
One of the things I have learnt over life is that so many religons/philosophies are about us attempting to reach GOD. Perhaps PS is no different?
But Christianity is about GOD’s success in reaching us. This is something I have experienced and known in my life.
I am happy that you are you happy. But I pray that in giving up the “Search” for GOD, you would not close off your heart to allow Him to reach you.
Christianity is not about striving. It’s not about culture. It’s about truth and (I know some have hijacked this as a cliche) relationship- with GOD and others.
It’s about the Cross of Christ that reconciles us to GOD.
“The Cross teaches us two things. 1 is that we are significant, valueable and important enough that GOD would die for you. 2 is that your life is so riddled with sin and pride that unless GOD died for you, nothing you do or have would be of any significance, value or importance.”
I also encourage you not to close your heart off to eternity. This life passes away- I think one of the problems with culture/religion/etc. is that it focuses too much on NOW. If there is a GOD (which I believe there is) I sincerely pray that He will find you and that He will help you to keep an eternal perspective of what peace, happiness, etc. really is.
GOD bless you.
Keep dialoging on this blog if you wish.
Amanda
December 10, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hi.
I read your blog from time to time. Usually when I am freaking out about a horrid thing I hear about PLanetshakers and I am busy googling it.
Regarless I just read your last blog and don’t have time to read the other comments to see if they say what I say.
I will just say this.
I felt what you felt (in another church) for a long long time. I decided the best way to deal with it was to take a hiatus from church. I did this (sort of) for a year to two. (I attended different churches from time to time in this period)
So I won’t tell you not to do what you are doing. In fact doing this very thing cleared my head.
All I will say is this.
Jesus is not who he is often portrayed to be, and sometimes it takes a while to disect the rubbish you are presented from the truth. Take your time, but grapple with this until it becomes clearer.
It did for me.
In time you will feel better, I did and it sounds like you already are.
Just because you experienced planetshakers – doesn’t mean every church is like that! I finally found somewhere where i feel comfortable. They aren’t perfect. But they are a vast improvement and I feel happier and more confident.
So good luck to you. Just don’t take what they said as gospel – find your own truth and give Jesus another chance somewhere down the track!
- Felicity
Felicity
December 19, 2008 at 3:13 pm
[...] Don’t be a fool, PlanetshakersInsider http://planetshakersinsider.wordpress.com/2008/11/23/planetshakers-blog-hiatus/ [...]
Don’t be a fool, PlanetshakersInsider « GREED
January 1, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Cya Rodney B
Rodney B
January 19, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Hey,
I just wanted to ask how you’re doing. I’m not sure how much you want to write on this blog but I had you in my thoughts and was just hoping that you’re doing OK.
Amanda
January 23, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Hi Amanda – doing great. Really blessed (if that’s what it is).
Still haven’t been back to [any] church. The idea of heading back still repulses me somewhat.
Thank-you for caring
I really do appreciate that you would.
To people who have complained about their posts being moderated – that was an automatic moderation system… Today is the first time I’ve been back in months.
You were moderated because you used abusive language in your post or left a link – both get automatically filtered out.
PSI
Planetshakers Insider
January 30, 2009 at 1:21 pm
hey PSI. i’m encouraged by your willingness to blog your thoughts and feelings on this topic. i have much respect for something like this. it would be great to catch up for a chat in melbourne one time mate, to pick your brain on stuff. (i’m there for uni all year anyway)
keep writing.
Ryan
January 31, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Hai PSI!!! Good to hear from you & nice to know ur blessed. Miss u PSI
Just thought Id let you know that your stance with PS has effected some change, leaders on doors…Prayer with leaders after every service; I know its not much but its something, and certainly a hint that what has been discussed here didn’t totally fall on deaf ears.
Anyway, take care + bless you PSI <3
Bai
Mice
February 3, 2009 at 11:14 am
Lover or Prostitute?
The Question that Changed My Life
A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:
Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.
Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old—and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the importance of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, “An enterprise. That’s a business.” After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought it was self-explanatory.
Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha’s raised hand, “Yes, Martha.” She asked such a simple question, “A business? But isn’t it supposed to be a body?” I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, “Yes.” She continued, “But when a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?”
The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on Holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, “Wow, I wish I’d thought of that.” I didn’t dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.
Martha’s question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day. “When a body becomes a business, isn’t that a prostitute?” There is only one answer to her question. The answer is “Yes.” The American (western) Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don’t even know Him; and I mean really know Him.
We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing.
This should not be. We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ–that’s pretty intimate stuff. Are we lovers or prostitutes?
I was pondering Martha’s question again one day, and considered the question, “What’s the difference between a lover and a prostitute?” I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, “What would happen if God stopped paying me?”
For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me?
Would I still love Him?
I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to
be a true lover of God.
So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute? there is no substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.
I trust this challengers all of us and gives Mr Insider faith, that he is not the only individual in search of truth, a spiritual home and unconditional true love that God speaks about.
All the best
Steve
On The Outer
February 9, 2009 at 9:18 pm
PSI, that’s great, I’m glad
.
And Steve that was amazing.
Amanda
February 9, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Hey PSI, here’s a post by a religious blogger/counselor about ten signs of spiritual abuse. Thought I might share it here, coz it sort of relates.
http://richardmcchurch.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/s-of-spiritual-abuse/
Atlasya
February 11, 2009 at 12:56 am
There is always the option that what PSI is experiencing is a dawning revelation that the evidence presented to him (her?) isn’t what people in the Churches say it is. If it is what it claimed, then it is. But it isn’t what is claimed, then what is it? It certainly isn’t “The Truth” ™.
PSI, good luck with your future endeavours – don’t let those who have commented above guilt you into joining them in their own personal despair and failures of the system.
Ta
DD
DD
February 17, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Brother,
Despair over men but never over God.
In your quiet time, ponder over these words in 2 Cor 13:5: ‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?’
If you are indeed a sheep of His flock as evidenced by an unfailing desire to hear His voice and obey Him, then pray, seek Him, ask the Lord to lead you to a fellowship of believers with a passion for obedience to the truth.
Being disappointed with men is part of the walk of faith, it is integral in the process of maturity. God wants to strip away idolatry from our hearts, so that we do not worship men or church programs or music or fancy preaching or even we ourselves. We are to worship Him and Him alone.
Do not let the failures of Planetshaker be an excuse for you to thrown in the towel. Remember there is one true Planetshaker and His name is Jesus Christ. He died for you, His plans for you are good, follow Him with a glad heart.
My prayers are with you.
heimi
March 12, 2009 at 1:52 pm
PSI,
sorry to hear that disillusionment has caused you to switchoff (hopefully not for long!).
In a reflective moment can I tenderly suggest that you check out http://starfishoz.com.au/ – as an approach it might better fit what you have been searching for … Peter’s story links to http://simplechurch.lifeexpedition.org/downloads.php – I found this content brought me great hope – I certainly hope it might encourage you.
regards
The Doctor
The Doctor
July 17, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hey there fella!
Been reading your site… love it. Love the thought it has provoked and the comments it has attracted.
I’ve been attending a pretty people focused church, and yet have experienced a few similar things. I can’t help wondering if its the old “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
Sometimes God leads individuals, and sometimes God leads communities. When he does, he leads them individually always, and together sometimes. To defer our ethical responsibility to an organisation we employ to think on our behalf, is to fall negligent in our moral responsibility.
I felt Justin’s pain as I read his responses to the dialogue here, and watched a growing rift. My instincts suggest he was always closer to the planetshakers leadership itself than you ever suspected.
They want to believe their system has the capacity to hear you because they have chosen to be system men. But we are not system men… instead we sink or swim alone, before God. This is both our blessing, and our curse.
Sometimes it is too painful to hope that we may again find ourselves in a community of believers who can have enough in common to acheive things and find value together, and enough grace to accept differences as deep, and individual.
We must always struggle for the boundary of what we can, and cannot live with, and when we lose faith that the big ship will turn before the iceberg, its time to risk the jump.
Do we serve our church? or our God?
This is the definitive question. System men will tell you the answer is the same. Minions and henchmen will tell you the answer is the same. Free men serve God, and their noblest convictions, and know with deep personal dread, that power corrupts.
To live a life of true love, and seize only the power we need to achieve todays tasks, relinquishing it with the sunset… that is a difficult aspiration.
But it is the only logical challenge I can find in the face of our embattled humanity.
A Vineyard Christian
SomewhereElseInsider
August 24, 2009 at 2:04 am
Hey dude
Thanks for your blog, and for this post. I very much enjoyed reading your analysis last year. I hope things are well with you now! I find your move away from the church inspiring.
For my own reasons I had to make the same move you did, about the same time – late last year, after having (almost) never missed a Sunday in my life!
Ben
September 26, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Ben, good on you for walking away from a toxic Church culture (if that’s what you were in) but did you also walk away from GOD? (Not presuming you did, just asking.)
A Fa
September 26, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hi PSI,
Just wanted to let you know Ive been thinking about you lately; hope ur well mate.
Thanks for all you did with this blog during a really crappy and testing time.
If it wasn’t for your blog and ofc God’s awesome grace, I would not have come through that experience as balanced, healthy and wise as I have.
Its proven invaluable in still being able to enter PS without pain and judgment, to see clearly each week the various influences in operation, and it resulted in my heart being broken for my church over its missed opportunity’s under the blanket of denial; which= awesome prayer, beautiful forgiveness & sweet dependence on the Lord for all my needs.
I think its a testament to the benefit of your blog; your heart in the entire matter, and that God will always provide for His children….perhaps not in the ways expected or ‘approved by men’, but in His own ways.
Thanks again
With much love and gratitude,
Mice
Mice
November 18, 2009 at 9:01 pm