Billy Graham didn’t go to seminary, but look how God used him. He wasn’t a pastor or an official in a church or denomination, but he sure let God him.
Too many church leaders are grasping the throat of the body of Christ and not letting the Spirit speak through the members. Authority that needs to rely on titles, hierarchies, and offices isn’t true spiritual authority. The greater a person’s spiritual authority, the less her/his need to control or manipulate others.
Billy Graham didn’t tack a tacky title to his name, but look how God used him. He had no positional power in an institutional church, but he sure let God use him. Billy rejected formality if people called him Rev. or Dr. and said, “Call me, Billy,” and look how God used him.
To rise up and obey God, like Billy Graham did, is not rebellion against a church or pastor. It’s a normal part of spiritual growth.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Churches think sermons are. Listen to Jesus and do whatever He tells you. Don’t let church hold you back.
Bonus thought: If you’re pretending, you’re not living in the real world. Why not let go of your cover-ups and live in reality? Learn how to go beyond church as usual @ http://amzn.to/2CkW4Wb.