I’ve been called a whore and slave for piercing my ears and dying my hair. My own mother is brainwashed that she doesn’t realize how much mental abusive has been brought upon me. I was raised in a Pentecostal church. It’s taken me 20 years to have the courage to walk away from something that has brought so much pain instead of joy. Videos like this gives hope to me that I’m not alone and that I’m not wrong in thinking the same way. God is love. He wouldn’t treat people as this church does.

I grew up in a United Pentecostal Church. We were told we were going to hell if we didn't speak in tongues. My family quit when I was 12 and every friend I had there, my only friends because I couldn't be friends with non Pentecostals, they abandoned me. Shunned me. I walked away from God himself after that even though just a child. I'm now saved by Jesus and His sacrifice! Amen

I attended a apostolic/ pentecostal church since I was born. I was taught that the church was the way to God and without going to church I was some kind of rebel. While I was younger I would go to church with my parents and they instructed me to love music so I did. I eventually ended up being part of the worship team playing multiple instruments. When I was about 21-22 there was some pastor that went in and preached at the church I was attending. His message was that speaking in tongues is the true sign that you've recieved the holy spirit. At the end of the sermon he made everybody that hadn't spoken in tongues go to the altar and stand, close our eyes and say "I love you Jesus" over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. As people were saying this that preacher would go around pinning a small piece of red paper to our shirts in representation of the ones who had recieved the holy spirit. As I was saying this line I felt myself just stumbling on my words and ending up in a dry mouth but this man went over to me and pinned a little red tag to my shirt. In my head I would think this can't possibly be me speaking in tongues because I'm literally just saying one phrase over and over. When it was all over he rejoiced and everyone did aswell because so many people had red tags on them. This was one of the most idiotic, ridiculous, misleading, garbage that I have ever experienced in my entire life. This happens far too often and it's a hoax to get people to come to their churches. At the end of the day it's all a monetary gain. I remember I attended many church between the ages of 0 all the way to 25 and everyone required the members give 10% of their check. I remember I was talked to by the pastor because I was a drummer and playing in the praise team and he told me it isn't right that I am a worshipper and I'm not giving my 10%. These churches are all just means to make money. Please if you're reading this analyze the situation and don't be afraid to question. Don't feel alone If you decide to leave these places. God is with you nomatter where you are. Don't feel alone recognize the places are a cult that pray on people for monetary gain. My uncle was a pastor in one of these churches and he died and at his funeral they made it into a sermon asking people to come to Jesus and be baptized. His church was GIVEN away to some random person that didn't work for it at all. This made me realize that it's all about money. Please be careful everyone with these cultists

I left the assemblies of God pentacostal church in Australia, the pastor said to me when I left - You,ll never hear Gods voice again , no I will never hear your voice again! , I am still a Christian 38 years later, but must admit I am wary of church organizations now, so I dont belong to a church, but do visit an evangelical anglican church that my friend is vicar of ,thanks for your blog, many of us can relate to it, God Bless Tim

I was in the United Pentecostal Church from the 3rd grade until I was 23. Everything you're saying is the truth. I was so spiritually abused by more than one pastor I sat under and it has affected my whole life. I'm now 47 and still struggle with flashbacks to the abuse almost on a daily basis. I'm so thankful that when I left in 1996 I prayed with all sincerity of heart and read my Bible for months that God would open my understanding to what His truth was, and not what I had been brainwashed into believing. He did just that. When my understanding was opened to the gospel of grace it was the best day of my life. It was then I was truly saved. When I read that we could not earn our salvation by works all of the chains of fear, condemnation, and guilt were immediately broken. I was free. My relationship with the Lord is deeper and stronger than it ever was while I was in the UPC. I'm so thankful for the questions I started having that lead up to my courage to exit. You sure don't bring up questions to the pastor. They don't like that. He had no scriptural answers for me and I knew it was time to go. My husband was feeling the same way at the same time. Also, things were happening that didn't sit well with my husband and myself. The final straw was at a harvest (halloween) party when the pastor's wife and another lady came dressed as black women. They were white and they had used something to blacken their faces and any skin that showed and we're talking like Mammie from Gone with the Wind. We had a young mother who was black and a new convert that had been coming to church and she was there that night. She was hurt and my husband and I were shocked and in complete disbelief that they had done that. My husband spoke up to the pastor's wife and she put her finger in his face and rebuked him saying, " Get thee behind me satan" because he confronted her on the blatant racism. Needless to say that was it for us. We never went back and that young mother didn't either. This pastor and wife had just moved to where I lived at this time and took over the church. We had several black families in our church. I don't know what happened to the rest of them cause we stopped going. I will never step foot into another UPC church. From the age of 8 until 23 I was in fear of going to hell every single day no matter how hard I tried to follow all of the rules. No child should ever live with that kind of fear. Thanks for sharing your story. People need to be made aware of how bad it can be in the UPC. I have so many stories I could tell but I won't.

You don't know how grateful I am to have found your video. I have lived my whole life around evangelical Pentecostals. Most of the time, I was forced to attend their maddening services, their horribly loud crazymaking and disrespectful sounds. Time passed, I grew up, I moved to Spain with my mother in my teens and, thank God, I was able to get away and see things with more perspective and decide what kind of belief I wanted or if I really wanted to be part of a religion. At the age of 18, I fell back into the clutches of an evangelical cult of the assembly of God. From 18 to 23 years old, I continued attending, although I no longer believed in the bullshit they told. It's been 4 years since I decided to cut off all contact with neo-Pentecostalism and with too many legalistic people. Now I feel that I am prepared to know the true love of God in my life. Once again, thank you very much for your testimony.

The holiness Pentecostal Church is included. My daughter and I was so traumatized, that it has broken us and we're just trying to build our lives back

I began going to a Pentecostal church and I started seeing red flags everywhere.. Manipulation was rampant on getting new converts. I soon recognized this type of legalism completely denies grace and denying grace is denying Christ.. I now boldly follow Jesus in my pants and ear rings and love them all openly.. Praise God!!

Once you are out of legalism of pentecostal church, you feel like a giant rock is lifted off your shoulders.

Me and my wife left a Pentecostal Holiness church last year. The process was painful, and my family was left devastated. But allowing the Lord to perform spiritual detox is beautiful and rewarding. If you are in that process as well, be patient. God is much bigger than you could ever imagine!

It’s sad but not all Pentecostal churches are like this. My mom passed away in December and the church she was member at for a long time has a new pastor. Without hesitation he said we could have her service there. Mind you my mom had not attended church there for over a year and me not being a member not being in any church. It’s sad when churches do this but not all churches and it’s members are the same. That goes for every religion.

People in church say many times that it takes courage to live for God and stay in church. It takes more courage to admit to being deceived for many years and fight the peer pressure to step away and take breath of fresh air. If you need to crank the PA system up to 11 just to get people to run the aisles and yell and scream, maybe it's not the Spirit moving the service after all.

I spent 15 years in a Pentecostal church. It was truly oppressive. I am so glad to be free of the bondage of it.

The Pentecostal Church was forced on me as a little boy. It was terrifying. It was literally soul sucking. Thank you for posting this

I was raised in the Pentecostal church. Many of my fathers relatives are preachers, bishops, heads of churches. I used to be a Sunday School teacher and went to church most days of the week and my father impressed on us to not be a "part of the world". All claimed to be "Holy saints of the most high God". Before I was 10 years old I knew what it was to be punched in the face by an adult, punt kicked across the floor, whipped to the point of passing out and being kept from school for two weeks so nobody could see the swelling on my body from the wire whip that tore into my flesh. As a teenager the minister approached myself and a female friend of mine and said he wanted to talk about sex. I told him "no, we are just friends and are not planning on having sex so no sex talk was needed". The minister left but continued to push us to talk about sex with him. I complained and was told to not question the preacher. I told others the preacher was lying about things and they told me I can't say that. One day the preacher called me into the office, he smiled as he told me he was kicking me out of the church. A few minutes later the preacher went to the pulpit and told the church that I was an "emissary of Satan" and was no longer a member of the church. When I got home my father kicked my butt out in the snow, nobody I grew up with helped me at all, not even anyone from my family. I starved, fought to go to school, lived where I could. I am almost 60 now and looking back not one time when I was hungry or cold did anyone from the church or my family reach out to help me from the position they put me through. To this day the same people still call themselves holy.

I'm about to throw my phone. You have GOT to be kidding me. Did you go to my church and sit through every single sermon? My God! I remember being at noon prayer in my church and the Lord said clearly! LEAVE. I was so confused. This is where he saved me, this was suppose to be the church I died in. I fast prayed fasted prayed and the Lord led me to a real Christ centered church. I can't not tell you how happy I am now. How free and unashamed to invite someone to my new church less they be can a stank sinner. The grandiose mindset I have been delivered from. My God! Thank you for sharing! 8 months free!

Wow! I faded out of my Pentecostal church about 7 years ago. I'm glad to see someone else who experienced some of the same things I experienced. Thanks for sharing.

I really appreciate your honesty and truthfulness. I attend a UPC church at the time but I'm not in agreement with much of the mindset that exists in the movement as a whole. The pastor preaches good sermons and the people who attend there are very nice folks. I have seen what you are sharing go on in that movement, if it ever starts where I'm attending (for the time being).....I'm gone! It takes a lot of courage for you to do what you have done. I greatly admire you. God Bless you and order your footsteps both now and in the future.

I am so glad that you are sharing your story. I too belonged to the UPCI church for 25 years. I've been out for 5 years. It took a long time to heal from spiritual abuse/legalism. I put myself in Christian Counseling. I will say that I came across a a few exit UPCI testimonies, which lead me to a valuable website called Christian Koinonia Support Group ... which was AND STILL a very helpful website to me. I would read and view videos for hours and cry. I thank God for that website and people like you who share your story, to help others (and me). THANK YOU!

Totally agree with everything you talked about, have been through the pentecostal/evangelical system. I've recently left organized religion for good but will still pursue a bible-based relationship with God which will bring me greater joy. Was so sick of the legalism and toxic abuse. This is a world-wide problem.

I came out of a denomination called Free Holiness. And I can relate to so much of this. I had about 23 years invested before seeing truth enough to leave. And they are more hard core than this group he’s talking about in one aspect. They teach that after you receive the Holy Ghost, salvation, that you no longer sin. And if you commit one sin, you lose your salvation and can Never get it back. That’s correct: they teach that if you commit one sin after becoming a Christian, that you are forever doomed without hope. And they also believe it’s Holiness or Hell. All others are wrong. So glad to be out of that denomination 🙌🙌👏👏

Thank You For talking about this, ive suffered much at the hands of these people!! we that have suffered from these peoples abusive behavior need a support group really, as i travel and meet people from all walks of life I find that, there is way more people suffering from this, right here in USA

I left a UPC church in Oregon after 25 years... I grew up in it since a baby... leaving has been the best thing that has happened to me. Slowly God is setting my mind free from legalism

"You can't uplift God when you are in idolatry to the man in the church." That one sentence completely sums up everything you are talking about. I left the Pentecostal church back in 2003. It's been difficult sometimes to maintain my independence when my family thinks I've "backslidden" because I no longer adhere to the Pentecostal belief system. Thanks for your video!

After being set down for something my husband told the pastor, I was in the prayer closet, in pitch black darkness and my heart was broken. I then heard the Lord speak to me. After I heard what he said, I tested the spirit...The Lord told me...I am going to lead you out of here. I thought it was the devil! No, it was the Lord. He emboldened me and I faced the pastor and told him: If God didn't say it, I don't want to hear it and I am done listening to you. He was stunned. God will lead you out. I suffered so many things for so many years in the UPCI. If not for God leading me...they would have destroyed me. My entire testimony still breaks my heart to this day. I find myself clinging on to Jesus more than I did now. I was terrified of losing him if I sang the wrong song or didn't do something quick enough or if I had to say no to the pastor because I had something else I needed to do for family on a day they needed the church cleaned. I was young with 2 little babies back then. My son's are now in their 40's and they refuse to trust Jesus after all they witnessed. Lord willing, one day I will tell my entire testimony but, for now please understand that no one can take you out of the Father's hand. You were called by name and he know how to care for what belongs to him. Pray for everyone who has hurt you and give it to Jesus. He is your hope, and your defender. God bless and keep each of you and remember to listen for his voice. He will lead you out by your hand and set you on the true rock.

Thank you for sharing your story, I left the apostolic church a few months back. I was part of the church for almost 7 years. I got in when I was 18 and was sucked in so quick....when I started to realize that I did not agree with what was going on, I felt it was to late. I wasn't allowed to cut my hair/trim, dye my hair...was told I could not wear makeup, pants, jewelry, certain shirts, no hair dying, no pantyhose...some said no eye brow plucking...no movie theaters...going to a doc. Right away was not always recommended....was told that God needed to be given a chance to heal before trusting a doc...the list goes on and on..no missing any kind of church function..getting so much put on you........I felt so trapped and controlled. There was this constant fear of doing something not to their standard and being labeled a backslider. I got to the point that I decided that leaving and finding truth was more important than pleasing others....so much more can be said....I have a story to tell and hopefully in due time I will share it here on facebook in hopes to help others. I am still dealing with the mental manipulation that took place! :/ The constant mentality of the group that only they were saved and have the truth and everyone else is unsaved. I am so much happier away from it now. But seeing others that I used to go to church with still is hard...you know they are judging and looking at you in disgust. It's so hard!

I pretty much grew up in an Apostolic church. I had left for a few years and came back, but something was off. I just shrugged it off. As the years went by and I was seeking God more than ever, I feel as tho it was God showing me the transition the Apostolic church was making. Things that were preached about were now suddenly ok. Or it was twisted to fit the leadership, but the “ peasants” couldn’t do it. They would use scriptures like Acts 20:28 to justify having control over everything that I did. So finally I met this girl who wasn’t Apostolic, and they had a blast chewing me out and making little sarcastic comments every chance they got. And before I knew half the church knew. Then I started getting judgmental looks from all sides. One of the pastors sat me down and told me to break it off; and that if I kept pursuing this that I would backslide, become charismatic, and eventually lose my soul. That was when I knew this wasn’t right. That’s not how God works at all. Although I am thankful for certain parts of being apart of them. Because they truly did teach me to dig deep in the Word, and study it for myself. And I had a couple of great men there that taught me what I know now and help lay the foundation I have. However, it was time for me to move on and find true freedom in serving God. My wife and I are on fire for God and both of us are more vigilant than we have ever been...and it’s only gonna get better!!! In Jesus Name!!!!!!!

Left the UPCI , God opened my eyes through Galatians and Romans about the legalism, and He used the book of John to show me the truth of the Tri-unity of Himself, and has lead me into a little reformed theology

My family and I are struggling with this. We are thinking of leaving the church but fear being condemned. We love our brothers and sisters in Christ but feels like our standing with the church is more important than our relationship with God. For example, If we are not in good standing with the church then we are rebellious and certainly can’t be at peace with God.

When I left apostolic Pentecostal church they tried using fear. Pne lady told me "The blood of your family will be on your hands come judgement day"

I used to be part of OP Church also. i agree with all you said my brother in Christ. Thank God for his grace through Jesus Christ.

I appreciate this video. I'm going through this right now. I've finally had enough and left what's called the Church of God that says there not a denomination, but are. There so legalistic in many ways that they deem to be the True church and all else are decided and don't have the light. So manipulating and twisting of Scripture is just bad. I too could not invite anyone to the church because I would be at fault of leading them astray knowingly. My husband was so hurt and doesn't understand. But you touched on so many levels in which I can relate. I dispised this church and I knew I had to leave. I finally said no when I was asked to give up my wedding ring and earrings. Legalism is such a bonding road to embark...

Comparing this to Jim Jones of today. I have learned sooo much over the last couple of months. We have found a new church, and is so free.

It is like you are telling my story...thanks for being a vioce and sharing your experience. We left a UPC church last March (after a lifetime) and are for the first time, beginning to feel the freedom, liberty and Grace that comes when solely focused on Jesus Christ and him crucified...As I began to truly understand Grace, I realized how little of it is allowed in the Apostolic churches. Considering all their legalistic things that will send you to hell I formulated this question " at what point in the apostolic conversion does Grace take effect?"...when given the chance I ask this to many of the people we went to church with, and the answers have been rather amusing....keep up the good work... TK.

The time I realized the church was doing me more harm than good was when I kept my relationship with an ex boyfriend (who went to the same church) a secret because as a private person I didn't want the questions or all the eyes on us in fear that it would ruin it. I later went to the same school as them with a full ride (not because my ex went there) and when I went back to church I was shunned, called a sinner and a demon. I still go there from time to time I haven't gotten the will to just leave since I am still dependent on my family. I'm scared but videos like these give me hope that I can leav

I was saved and baptized in a Pentecostal church along with my mom and daughter which I feel it was God's plan for our salvation but after 3 years of their crazy ways of no wearing pants , makeup, just everything really made me think wait a second why are these people following man's doctrine instead of following Jesus. I was like all these people are fooled. I was astonished on how many mean people were in there and just a lot of jezebel leaders and it's ironic because they perceive a jezebel as someone who wears makeup because it says in the Bible she did her eyes but it's just the spirit. I felt like they were making not wearing makeup and not cutting their hair as an idol. It was just to much, thank you for sharing.

The Lord spoke to my heart and said when a believer identifies as their denomination, it is idolatry. They say, I'm a Pentecostal instead of saying I am a born again believer of Jesus, or I'm a child of God. Plus they teach traditions of men as if they are doctrine and mock grace. They basically deny the gospel for a works salvation. It's fear-based. When I broke free, I felt God for the first time in a very long time. It was so beautiful! He reminded me He paid the price so I wouldn't have to. He told me to rest in His love. I'll never forget that moment. I'm free. I'm saved. I'm loved.

I think of this in the context of Paul's life. He went from a religious zealot filled with pride regarding his religious pedigree and knowledge of the Law to pursuing Christ. Religion died and a relationship with God was born!! The Lord he persecuted in the name of religion BECAME his Savior. Paul is proof that there is a difference between religion and a relationship with a living and loving LORD. Praise God that He changed your heart. God bless you.

Wow, YES! YES! I experienced this big time! And I have been through it all! Oh my I'm so thankful and Blessed I left a particular church! I totally hear ya on this stuff! Thanks for sharing this! No Weapon that is formed against me shall prospher! and every tongue that rises up against me thou shall condemn. Amen! No weapon formed against us will prospher! God is greater than the lies of man.

It is good to hear truth about what goes on in UPC congregations . UPC Pastors have too much control over people's lives ..

I'm sorry you had this experience. I Pastor an Apostolic church and we do NOT have this type of ideology or culture. We realize that many "others" will be saved and that our appearance is not tied to salvation. I realize that many have been wounded, hurt, or even abused in Pentecostal churches, and I seek to rectify that as much as possible. Thanks for sharing your story, and if anyone else watching would like to hear about a Spirit-Filled church in the Apostolic faith that is NOT the way that is described here, please reach out. God Bless.

God bless you for your testimony. I have to say that I can identify with these things you have shared. I stayed 5 years in a toxic church where one man is the everything, no plurality of elders. He encouraged gossip about me. People spying on me. After so many years of manipulation and guilt trip. And it almost damaged my faith. I was called a sinner and not qualified to serve in the church. For a long time, I thought i was crazy and was the one seeing things wrong. The whole facade of holiness had basically brainwashed me. I have so many stories to tell. Maybe one day I will tell it. Now I experience the freedom and direct leading of the Holy Spirit, and not man.

So I have to admit, I laughed out loud when you talked about a man's car breaking down and the pastor telling him it's because he didn't pay his tithes. I dated a man in the UPC for two years and his mother said the exact same thing to him one time when his car broke down! So glad I found God's Love and grace afterwards. Thank you for your videos. I wish these would have been around when I left the UPC almost 20 years ago,

Thank you SOOOO much for these videos! I commend you for putting them out there. I wish they could reach everyone...especially those who are caught up in these types of churches. If you would be so kind, please provide advice on how I should handle the current situation I find myself in. My son has been attending a Pentecostal church that broke away from UPC. I believe it may be the same one you attended. He has been there for a few years now. Even though he knows I do not believe in how the Pastor and Bishop are running the church and I refuse to become a member, he continuously asks me to attend. Recently, it blew up because I didn't respond to his text asking me to come to a service. When asked why I did not respond, I told him the Pastor and Bishop dictate everything and I don't agree with them instructing people of their church to not be around/associate with people who have left the church...either voluntarily or involuntarily. I told him it is sad. He basically told me (via scriptures and in his own words) that I am being deceived because I attend another church and don't believe in what his Pastor teaches. There is much more to this, but you get the gist. Our conversations ended with him instructing me to talk to his Pastor about my "misconceptions" of him or he will not be around me. I have nothing to discuss with his Pastor and now my son has decided he will rarely see me. I have basically lost my son. I just wish he would open his eyes! How can I help him to see? Any and all comments are appreciated. Thank You!

My old pastor was preaching a funeral and bashed another minister/church during the sermon.

The big problem of the UPCI is over looked by most. The problem is they refuse to teach that when we are saved we receive the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ that we have by faith and not works. They teach that saving righteousness is attained bu our working with the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our life to become righteousness or holy as we walk with God. They don't teach that we are holy by what Jesus did when he died for our sins. They do not preach that we are saved by the imputed righteousness of Christ. They teach you are only saved if you live a holy life. This is impossible to do as long as we are alive in this flesh. God's standard of holiness is Jesus. We recieve that righteousness by faith in Jesus. They do not teach this. This is the fundamental teaching of Christianity they preach another gospel where you attain holiness by your human effort with the help of the holy ghost. This is false doctrine.

Hi, brother. I used to be heavily, heavily, involved with a charismatic Catholic group (basically Catholic Pentecostals) and I relate too much with these stories. I'm so sorry about what happened to you, and I want to pray for you on this. This is so courageous, and this was a breath of fresh air.

I'm just wondering why is it wrong for men to have a beard in the pentecostal churches? Where did that rule come from I think shaving it off looks effeminate

It was so nice to come across your site! God bless you for your work. I grew up Roman Catholic, and was even considering becoming a monk, but things just did not add up theologically. When I finally left, the big one Roman Catholics face is turning their backs on Jesus by turning their backs on the Eucharist. Well, Eucharist means Union, and to think that you have the right to "hold God hostage" by professing God in one breath, and covering up raping of children and lots of other man made doctrines of "tradition" as if this justifies it, is just plain wrong. Better to live in truth than to accept a lie, and that is my advice to many well meaning Roman Catholics out there. Leave and don't feel guilty. It is your duty to leave a corrupt church. I was a caregiver for my mother for 8 years, as she was paralyzed from a stroke. When she went home, they denied me a funeral, because they said she could have attended mass every sun, with assistance. We even had a dangerous steep driveway, which is dangerous for a person in a wheelchair, depending totally on the caregiver for her very life. No excuses, I was told. Luckily I found a compassionate priest who did a memorial "service" but no funeral. UNHEARD OF!! People can't believe it, but it's true. Talk legalism? Canon lawyers in the Roman Catholic church. "Sacred" Canons? Rules of Thomas Aquinas..I commend you on your work. When I was interested in the Trappists, only thing they wanted to know was how much college I have had. Not my life experience, or my heart, just how logical I could be. In my opinion, the Roman Catholic church is a system of logical theology, and that's all they care about....doctrine, doctrine, doctrine, and controlling you, your bankbook, and even your children, must go to Catholic school, or it's a sin. I now a happy Christian, a happy Episcopalian. God bless your ministry!!! Peace to all who read this...I've never experienced the Protestant abuse, but it's a real mind-warper! Even Eastern Orthodox believe they are special in God's sight, cause they are Orthodox. Concentrate on the teachings of Jesus.

I use to be forced into the religion. What you said about spiritual blackmail is so true though! I've heard that same get in the boat message too, and so many times in the church. Getting yelled at basically in every church service about how if we ever leave the church God will shun us. It's toxic and not right I'm so glad I left.

Once I really read the word with an open heart.... I saw this was creature worship and I was not worshiping the True God.. this changed my life!

I can’t believe how many things I can relate to that you mentioned. It’s just insane! Thank you Lord for freedom!

Just wanted to say thanks for this video. I have felt alone battling this in my mind for many years. Just knowing others have gone through this helps me to feel less alone in life. :)

Thank you for sharing. Please continue to speak your heart. You have helped me

EVERYTHING stated in this video is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH! I left the UPC church over ten years ago. There are quite a few reasons why I left. First is different beliefs in what was being taught as to how I felt. Second, I suffer with "complicated grief disorder." The minister told me that I may NEVER see my loved ones when I pass on, but that I will be too busy worshipping the LORD to even worry about them. That comment HURT ME BEYOND WORDS! I miss my loved ones BEYOND MEASURE!!! If these ministers think that they are helping people with GOD'S LOVE, THEY ARE ONLY HARMING PEOPLE EMOTIONALLY FOR LIFE!!!

Yes! Thank you for this, well said. This is exactly what God kept showing me, Idolatry... I'm hearing it a lot with different ones who have decided to leave, which is confirmation for me. Thank you for taking the time to post these blogs and to openly share your story, God bless you and your family!!

You are spot on!! Tattle on everyone and Pastor has to be right, always. Noone ever hears from God except for ministry. I waa told I was dragging my son and myself into hell because we were trying to help the youth minister's daughter from being abused by her parents who put marks on her, called her worthless. Out of the goodness of our hearts we were trying to help but they twisted it.

I'm just so glad I am not alone.

I am sorry for what the pastor did concerning your mother's memorial service. Very wrong, unloving and uncalled for. Not a Christian response at all- where was the love? He has built for himself a throne and a kingdom. SMH Yes, in an unhealthy church, the focus is on the church/group and/or the pastor. While a believer's focus should be on God, the teachings and practices of unhealthy churches help to bring about a change in that to where our focus shifts to them and we don't even realize it while it's happening. So many things we thought we were doing for God were in actuality for our church and pastor. You are doing a nice job on these videos. I like your presentation and attitude and they are very easy to watch.

I grew up Methodist, baptized Pentecostal (born again), married Mormon, divorced Mormon, married Catholic, went to previous mentioned services and Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and JW. Nothing seemed to click with me. I just went through the motions of being a believer. Then I started investigating more than the most recent versions of the New Testament. That's when things started adding up. The truth has been lost in translations, redactions, substitutions, editions, and cultural biases. We all must relearn from the earliest scriptures and religions histories if we are to find truth. Go for it boys and girls!

I appreciate what you do it is worth it and it makes a difference I too left a UPC church 3 years ago and a lot of what you say it hits home I think did we go to the same church? Because my former Pastor he said a lot of the same things your pastor said and no one can feel or know what we know only after they take the step we did I have come to that conclusion I have family thankfully In that particular church that still love me and we have a great relationship only because I talked to them before I left and I wanted them to hear it from me and know that I wanted them in my life, I knew that once I left that things would be said about me and if I left without talking to the ones I loved they could be sucked into that because of the loyalty they have toward the Pastor I was very respectful to the Pastor and he even acknowledged that but the mere act that I left was enough alone to make me an outcast to him and that church I’m sorry I went on and on but brother you helped me out a lot I appreciate your work

Clearly what a wonderful son you were - be proud of that.

I'm so glad we found the facebook group for those who've left the UPC!!!

I left the UPC in 2003 and was ostracized by my former pastor. He told me not to talk to any person in his church, even though I had made a lot of friends. It's been a struggle to acclimate to a non-UPC church. I think that's another sign of the toxicity of the legalism that they espouse. I'm so glad though, that I have left the organization and I have embraced the true power of grace, which has nothing to do with external standards. Thanks for your video. I'm sure it will help a lot of people

I was in a spiritually abusive Word of Faith mega church for three years and wish I would have left sooner. Most of the abuse occurred from other members I served in media auxiliary with who were close to lower level leadership, had been at that church longer than I and allowed themselves to be used in proxy of the pastor. So it was really coming straight from the head pastor towards me whenever I openly questioned or disagreed with something or someone. Not slander, not gossip, but simply had a difference of opinion or conviction about something, and in one instance was absolutely necessary to openly reject what came from the pulpit on a Sunday during conversation after service, due to strong biblical error. In retaliation, my having a disability was subtly mocked from both the people I served along side and the pulpit because I didn't go along with whatever and was excluded from certain things or shunned socially. Thinking for yourself isn't allowed there and is seen as a threat. Very cult like. I see a lot of parallels of spiritual abuse in Pentecostalism and Word of Faith.

Well Done Brotha... Thank you for this!

Brother your videos are really helpful since iam the only member in my in who left legalistic church.

So glad you left this horrible cult. What you're describing is happening in a lot of churches. So many preachers don't want to be shepherds, they want to be self-serving dictators.

“If you can’t be right you can’t be saved!, that’s the definition of legalism.” !BOOM! I had to hit pause on the video and let out a breath. Thank you for that.

God bless you! Thank you so much for this video! It has helped me tremendously!

I found the "oneness" type of pentecostalism and "holiness" pentecostalism generates and/or celebrates non-biblical extremes.

Thank you for sharing this video. I was a part of the UPC for half of my life. i was 14 when i joined and now im 28 and preparing to leave. i was gone for 6 months and went back because i felt alone and felt bad for leaving. now i want to leave for good but dont know how. but everything you said is spot on. hopefully i can leave the upc cult for good this time. thanks for sharing and have a blessed day.

I love your insight and gift of discernment , I'm a thinker myself , we are instructed to test everyone by there fruits , they were like the scribes and Pharisees, all commandments no Grace , All do and don't, the letter of the law that kills instead of the spirit of the law that is freely given and restores, watch out for artificial fruits IMITATING THE Holy Spirit that HAS no foundation, JESUS

Thank you so much for sharing- I'm currently in a UPC & it's so hard right now-

Unfortunately, sometimes we worship, praise and listen People in the church, not God thru Holly Spirit. But if we are looking for Him, He will guide us to the Truth, Himself. Amen. Pray for people around the world.

Not all pentecostal churches are like this. I promise!

Everything you talked about is what I did to innocent sheep. I was active duty and did preaching as a side job. I hurt good people for selfish reasons. I was fake, foolish and a false preacher. I split up families and became a very controlling leader. I am now reaping what I sowed. It’s painful and I deserve everything the Lord is doing to me. I thought I was a strong and courageous sergeant how knew God better than anyone. But in reality, I was a scared, weak and a pathetic person. I was a very self-serving man hiding behind a fig leaf. I have tears as I type this. I am so sorry for what I have done. I live in constant fear and anxiety now as I fumble through life. Some days it’s not worth living anymore. I am so sorry. So very sorry for what I have done and for those I have hurt.

The holiness dress codes Doctrine is adding to the Word, (which is Forbidden) and is based on "someones" (I don't know whos???) , private Prophecy of the scriptures. and FORCED on other people to obey, or be GUILTY and lapelled a heretic backslider 2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this that NO prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."...so called clothing dress rules..women take the brunt of it, controlled and brainwashed and taken advantage of by men in authority, and God sees it all, (they say you don't love God if you don't perform the standard and your backslidden. Satanic LIES, Dictators and very manipulative ), its much easier for a man to walk away than women, I told my husband you just domt understand, you give up 2 or 3 things , women give up 20 or more .We are the ones looked down on.

I go to a Pentecostal church I had a 35 year drug and alcohol addiction it was broken the day I walked into that church I simply take what applies to me in the moment please don’t judge me I’m still new but I’m simply saying I’m not where I was I’ve learned one thing everybody’s journey is different I respect that 💕🙏💕

If you are young and single, GET OUT! You will never find a spiritually-healthy mate in a UPC Church. You'll live in hell with a legalistic husband or wife, and Christ, the loving God that you follow and His Word, will be made a source of contention and divisiveness. Follow Jesus, not man, woman or preacher. It's never too early to leave. I had several warning signs, but being a new Christian, I relied on the "Wisdom" of others, That was a mistake. The more that I got into the Word the more I saw the discre;pancies between the true Gospel of Christ and Legalism! I've never regretted leaving, and I believe :God will restore the years that the cankor worm has stolen!" If you have a chance PULL OTHERS OUT! You will be blessed and so will they!

The problem with Pentecostal churches is the lack of serious biblical scholarship.

It is a very good video. I have paid tithes every week for years and my truck still broke down. The Pastor at the church you attended is misleading people to believe that if they pay tithes they would have problems. I give and pay tithes by choice. Not by obligation.

It’s a good thing you left because God’s real church is supposed to be under Paul’s gospel or ministry and we are under grace today. I hope you have your grace awakening like I have. I was in the UPC for 36 years and just left in August of this year-best thing that ever happened to me!!

Such as: if you can not make it here, you can't make it anywhere. That was said across the pulpit . When they are suppose to be preaching truth.

How do I join the facebook group for people who have broke away from legalistic churches?

I went to a Pentecost church when I was a kid. They didn't have anything against how long you sleeves were but didn't think it right for a woman to to wear pants. There was another church I went to they though you couldn't wear short sleeves. They do go on extremes about the way you dress. Why do they think God gets his money by causing a flat tire , or some little mishap. That is preposterous. We are not under the old covenant to pay tithes.

Beautiful presentation. Bless you.

Bro, what a coincidence. I accidentally came across your KZfaq. Everything you said, I saw in my former Pentecostal church. Thank God, I am out of there some tears back. Hallelujah

I am truly saddened that they treated you like this at your mothers memorial! I also got out of pentecostalism

All on point. I have so much respect for Bobbie, RIP, sweetest person. I hate how they treated her memorial and family. I attended VM's memorial even though i had left. He left behind a wife and 4 kids. They turned his service into an Acts 2:38 fire and brimstone platform. Disgusting.

At 2:00 A.M. in the morning last night, I had the realization that we were conditioned and trained to be, "Little, Pentecosttal Robots!" All of our actions or even possible actions were legislated into acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Afterall, we were "A PECULAR PEOPLE," and we had to look and act as "PECULAR" as possible, and definitely NOT fit into other churches or normal society. I encourage ALL young people and middle-aged people to explore other Charismatic Churches, for the purpose of discovering there is a "Normal" alternative to the UPC!

Focus on the ones still there. Is opposite what God tells us to do. You are suppose to go after the lost.

God bless you brother

Same happen at funeral of my sister. This is so sadistic, I never come back in that place or any other church

The UPC is a ministerial organization with many flaws. While any religious organization can argue that it helps ministers reach more people, it also becomes more legalistic because of its own "rules" to insure that all their ministers are preaching the same thing. UPC is NOT "THE CHURCH". No manmade organization is!! That is why their are many independent Apostolic churches. Churches that I have attended have never demanded tithing or anything else. The individual congregants had differing views on standards. The pastors preached modesty and temperant behavior, but each individual had to determine in their own mind and heart what that meant. One pastors wife cut her hair. Many women cut their hair, but wore it up or to their shoulders. No one ever preached or questioned coloring my hair, which I did regularly. Skirts were prevalent at church, but pants were worn casually or split skirts. Make-up was usually worn with a light modest touch. All churches, no matter what denomination, tend to take on the personality of the pastor. I think ministerial organizations lend themselves to that. Even so, not all pastors are like that!! Why didn't you leave earlier?? Acts 2:38 and the Apostolic doctrine in the Bible are not wrong simply because men want to be tyrants!! Do not lose your soul because their are hypocrites in the church. My Mother told me, " If the persons in front of me, behind me, beside me in the pew, are all hypocrites, and even those preaching, then I will go to be with the Lord alone". We are only responsible for ourselves! I love my Apostolic and pastor, but he is not my God, and I am not afraid to disagree and make up my own mind. The congregants you speak of have no backbone!

You're not alone. I was raised in the UPCI and remember so many times I was embarrassed. When I left, people who I thought were my life long friends and my actual family, cut me off completely. It's been 8 years since I left and I know who I am mor now than I ever have. The UPCI IS a cult. The people who stay have devoured the "koolaid" so to speak. If God exists, I can certainly tell you, He's NOT in the Pentecostal church. They breed narcissistic psychopaths that thrive on brainwashing the simple minded. I hope we find peace. Anger isn't worth it.

To add another layer to the whole legalism thing....let's remember the scripture says to not add new wine to old wine skins. I take that as preaching a mixer of law and grace...Law was and is for the unbeliever to bring them to Christ and Grace was and is given to the saved....we Jesus said narrow is the way to ever lasting light and wide is the way to destruction, he was ONLY TALKING TO UNSAVED PEOPLE THAT THOUGHT THEY COULD MAKE IT TO HEAVEN BY THEIR WORKS. That message was not a message to already saved people. Also Jesus spoke that in the gospels before he died on the cross and many people lived under the law at that time.

What is the best way to evangelize to people in cults like this. I’m worried as soon as I start talking to my new friend that the wall will come closing down and he won’t listen. Is it better to share these videos so he can see those who were once like him instead of feeling like he is being attacked from the outside? Any advice would be great because these people are heavily indoctrinated and therefore very defensive and reluctant to scrutinize their beliefs. I want to help them and not hurt them. Unfortunately some of their doctrine goes so far that it actually becomes a salvational issue.

3.39-3.57 I dunno what Pentecostal church u be going to but mine is nothing like that and I think you just had bad luck with church try going to a different one and see how it works

The UPC, Apostolic Holiness movement is an offshoot of John Wesley ideas ,a Methodist minister , the Holiness movement began in the 1840s. The Holiness movement is a new doctrine set of ideas...Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Britannica Encyclopedia .... Quote......The most important distinction of the holiness movement is the very concept of holiness that led to its name. It is the idea that Christians are empowered by a "SECOND WORK OF GRACE" (this is false doctrine people!!), that God accomplishes in a believer, "enabling an obedient life of devotion to God. Quoting....Holiness Christians seek to separate themselves from worldly values and influences as part of their goal of holiness, according to Britannica . They INTENTIONALLY TRY to be "Set Apart" as they resist earthly temptations........"The only problem is not one Christian in the New T. was ever "set apart" using clothing. Not one example . and in fact Jesus said, Not to judge by the Appearance. But use righteous judgement. John 7:24" There is NO "SECOND" work of Grace . This is false dogma.....And unfortunately for them clothing does not add one cubit to their stature and cannot make them Holy or unholy. Jesus said its ONLY what comes out of the HEART that defiles. "Not by works lest any man should boast.