I believe one particular toxin is when you have people in leadership that are tyrants rather than servants. When otherS join a church that possess some gifts, they are intimidated and will attempt to diminish or not allow others to bring their gifts. It’s a big problem in the body of Christ. It’s quite discouraging. How do you settle these matters? I know Christ will eventually, but something needs to be done. Many see it but are afraid to say something. In most cases, it’s because they are “Family Churches” meaning they manage the operations of the church in all areas and have spies for anyone who they think will be an “Antitoxin” What should the “Antitoxin” do? What do you do? Leaving is not my desire…

Todd
Count me in as well. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. My ministry focus after 22+ years in pastoral ministry is helping keep pastoral couples healthy and ministry. I left pastoring sheep to pastor shepherds because of a call from God to do this, not because of being hurt in the ministry.
That is not to say that I haven’t had my share of toxic situations!
I look forward to the discussion that ensues and reading the book.
Charley

[How do you settle these matters? I know Christ will eventually, but something needs to be done. Many see it but are afraid to say something. In most cases, it’s because they are “Family Churches” meaning they manage the operations of the church in all areas and have spies for anyone who they think will be an “Antitoxin” What should the “Antitoxin” do? What do you do? Leaving is not my desire...]

HD - we should settle these matters by asking: “what does Scripture say” but many times, you’ll find that there is a “higher authority” than Scripture.  Anytime there is a higher authority than Scripture, there’s going to be a MAJOR problem.

I would suggest pray about it but don’t stay silent because of fear.  There are some things that don’t need to be addressed but the things that do (sin and rebellion) must be addressed so as to save the soul (1 Timothy 1) so they not blaspheme (deny Christ).

Ricky,

I work on a sliding scale. 

Actually, sometimes publishers do send me copies of books in hope that I will review them (hopefully favorably) here; but not this time… I actually coughed up the money for this book myself! 

To give full disclosure though… if you do buy it through my Amazon.com link, I think I get 2.5% (which I think works out to a quarter a book).  I think I’m up to $1.75 so far!  (that’s almost enough for a couple cups of coffee).

Hopefully, if someone knows one (or both of the authors), they can advise them of our little experiment… it’d be great to have them join in!

Thanks!

Todd

Hey Todd,

I just finished reading the book “Don’t Rock the Boat, Capsize it (loving the church too much to leave it the way it is) by Rick Bundschuh....I must admitt I couldn’t put it down....this book is really about how one out of the box pastor found a way to make his church live...it was very thought provoking and after reading about his church, it would seem to me that most of the issues stated above (why churches die) were kept to a mininal...I actually read two books this weekend....the other book I recommend is “Stories of Emergance” by Mike Yaconelli....have a great evening!
Kenny

I ordered it this morning, Todd.

Ok...ok...I was consulted about the book before it was written.  The names were changed to protect the innocent... Just kidding! 

I’m in if I can get the money for it from my wife.  Not sure where she’s going to get the money, but oh well!  I’m in.

I got the green light from the Lord to share.  I would join if the book used was the Holy Bible and the model was Christ.  I use to pick up the books and I wanted to go to Bible college, was excepted and had the money, but God closed the door and showed me that He wanted to teach me.  This is what Jesus taught: call no man teacher, etc.  I could add stories, but I won’t.  I would rather have people share the solutions that they found in Christ.  For me the solution was applying 1 Corinthians 5 and purging the leaven.  I belong to Jesus.  The husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church.  Christ is head of the church.  One church: one body. I think I want to see how Jesus handled it whatever the situation.  I promise it won’t be lukewarm but bright and blazing.  I love Him for it.  Jesus is the best.  I won’t trade Him for anything.

To Cory Kemp:

In Jesus mercy and truth have kissed each other (juxtaposed): sometimes this can be hard to see for it is a mystery, but it can be revealed in Christ.

I was dumbfounded when I stumbled upon your article, as I have recently become frustrated with some “issues” in the church. I look to buy your book in the next few days, but until then, I have one question: why do most women in the church these days dress so provocatively? I mean, I look around, and it’s like wannabe Paris Hiltons scurrying to get behind each pew!(no offense to Paris, by the way)It appears the church is slowly conforming to the world, rather than the world comforming to the church. HELLO LADIES!! We’re going to CHURCH to become closer to God; we should not wear clothing that might tempt some dude to stare at our breasts the entire sermon. That’s neither edifying our holiness, nor helping anyone else’s. Get it?

I’m in.  Bought the book, began reading it and suddenly revisited my previous church.  Thanks for the opportunity.

I was just thinking of an ex coworker not long ago who called herself a Christian and she would’ve been offended if I said “Good morning” to her.  Then again, she would’ve been offended if I didn’t!  Our pastor wrote a paper about this sort of thing not long ago and handed it out to the church members.  I don’t remember whether or not she gave a sermon over it, but one of her points was (and I paraphrase):  In order to dissolve an argument and make amends, the first thing you’ve got to do is give up your right to be mad.  In other words, die to self.  Or crucify that “old man” yet again!  Or, as I like to say, “Get over it!”

Todd I am in!  My father pastored a church
(in the deep south) and he baptised 3 black ladies who had given their lives to Christ by visiting our church, after that it was on!! the deacon board had a fit they wanted to fire him but they knew the rest of the church would have a fit so they just caused trouble at every turn, soon after God moved and he is now in a church (still the deep south) with a ministry more than he could have ever dreamed of, keep the faith God is good all the time and all the time God is good. I started late but at 39 I am now about to enter the pastorate, I have heard and seen most of the stories stated on here It makes me a little nervous. Its has to be God cause it sure ait me.

Looks like a good book.  I am a newly licensed minister...looking for a church.  This book should have some good wisdom.  You can have my .25 cents too!