word on wings ministries and publications

 

WOW is an independent  ministry providing assistance to people and pastors that are in a period of transition from religious organizational affiliation to  independent ministry or other ministerial alliances. In addition to this web site, WOW offers related books and short term support to transitioning pastors as well as a wide range of inspirational materials, tools and resources that appeal to the broader Christian community~

 

            David M. Wasmundt

LOVE LOOKS AS BEAUTIFUL AS A ROSE

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Jorja's Musings

Hmmmmm.....As I sit here thinking of writing my first "musing", my mind is running in many directions.  This could be because this is the last week of another year in Kindergarten for me.  (teaching that is).  It seems today, as I watched sixteen little lives in the making, that my body, as well as my mind was running in so many directions.  This has been quite a year as I not only was blessed to be with "my kids" each day, but I was so doubly blessed to pick up my grandson, Cole Michael McKinley Ferrell, each morning and share the ride to school where he would learn the ABC's, numbers, and so much more in the room across the hall from me.  I have to share with you that many times during the year Cole became the "teacher" and I the "student" on our daily journey to the magical world of Kindergarten .

There were so many times that I needed encouragement and Cole would come through with just the right words to make me smile, and make me check my speed, both on the car and also on my life.

There is something so trusting, so innocent and so sincere about a five year old.  He didn't care what I wore, what I looked like, what I had eaten for breakfast, or even how I smelled (however, of course, I always smell good)....he just knew that he CARED FOR ME . Many times I was reminded of a message that David preached about the importance of "becoming as a little child".  Luke 18:17 says: "These children are the kingdom's pride and joy.  Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."

I hope in the future musings to share some of the "lessons" learned that are helping me to remember..."I am the child".  HE is the Father and He just CARES for me...plain and simple.                   

Just one of His kids,  Jorja~

The Dangers of Spiritual Abuse

^{David M. Wasmundt}

Autocratic personality types have long brought physical and emotional pain to the undiscerning masses. We see spiritual abuse in the name of religion on the rise and it is clear that spiritual forces of darkness are aligning themselves to wreak destruction as much as possible and where ever possible.  Spiritual abuse, as in physical and emotional abuse has always been characterized by excessive control and manipulation of other people.

Spiritual abuse is harder to deal with because it is often cloaked with an exterior of morality and spirituality.  But underneath various coats of self proclaimed piety you discover a hidden agenda of control and domination.  The personality of the abuser can either be rigid or charismatic but the underlying thread of control is always there. 

For example, cultish groups that are headed by various "god complex" leader’s  with any number of titles that can also include sectarian pastors are guilty of dictating to their followers, including church congregations, everything they can wear, everywhere they can go and everything they can do for the most part.  Not only is this control unnecessary, it is dangerous as it can eventually produce a “walk off the cliff with me” mentality that with time doesn’t seem that unreasonable to victims who have been conditioned by years of this spiritual totalitarian ethos.

You may wonder why so many people fall for this kind of abuse.  One answer seems to indicate that when people come from dysfunctional family settings they often become easy prey for religious abusers who at first seem to offer them a sense of order, structure and security. Satan must delight in the many sincere people who have had their lives disrupted by authoritarian leadership.  The abuser may even offer partial truth as an incentive to support their teachings but as time goes by the “wolf” eventually comes out as they expose their dark side of control and domination.  Christ condemned the Pharisees who were masters at controlling people by adding their own preferences and traditions to the laws of God.  He told them, “In vain do you worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mt 15:9)  Many of these commandments of men evolve into spiritual and emotional impediments that are equivalent to heavy yokes attached to people who are searching for God. 

The bottom line seems to be that whether it be an individual, a pastor or an entire religious denomination, the manufacturing of unnecessary rules for the purpose of illegitimate control is nothing more than spiritual abuse plain and simple.  The irony is that those that are being abused are not serving "Christ" but rather the abuser who is having his or her need for power and control fulfilled while dispensing out a delusional sense of security to their victims.  For many trapped in religious affiliations, the church eventually becomes a nightmare of impossible demands and painful condemnation.  It is only when the pain of the abused becomes greater than the fear of retribution from the "abuser" will the spiritually exploited person finally seek a way out of the web of spiritual abuse. 

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