When I explain what we are doing to other Christians, I am frequently faced with skepticism and sometimes even a bit of arrogance. After all, how dare any question what millions of people consider to be the Biblical way of "churching"? Sadly, some of the most passionate enemies we make are pastors and leaders of these institutions. To most Christians, unplugging from an institution that promotes its own agenda and brand of theology just makes sense. I guess when you have a career to lose, you can tend to get a little nervous.

I wanted to talk about some of these feelings of apprehension that many people have, stopping them from exploring what being the Church really means. It is my hope that it will help someone grasp what it means to unplug.

Obstacle #1: This is how it's always been done

This is actually the most absurd statement I have heard. Anyone who has taken time to study church history knows that the Church has changed the way it looks many times. From the earliest writings of the Apostles until today, the Church has morphed and changed so many times it can make your head spin. We've gone from small, organic groups to underground fellowships to major political movements to killing people who don't believe in Christ to declaring our independence from religion once again to institutionalizing and commercializing everything about Christianity. We went from sharing our lives together to selling prayer cloths. No, my dear friends, this is NOT how it's always been done. So, why are you hanging on to it so faithfully?

Obstacle #2: Someone has to lead (a.k.a Who is your "covering?")

This is also an absurd comment to make. The people of Israel had Moses in the desert. Israel then had the Priest, then the Kings, then the Judges. Finally, Jesus shows up on the scene and His disciples have him. But, then something amazing happens. In John 10, Jesus says,

Jesus abhorred people who tried to lift themselves to places of authority. Matthew 23 is dedicated to Jesus condemnation of the way that the Pharisees ruled God's people. But, when you read the chapter, you will begin to see a strange parallel between what Jesus condemned and what church pastors and leaders are doing on a daily basis.

One question to ask is, "Why YOU?" That is what I ask pastors and leaders who claim that someone must be in change. In a conversation with one pastor, he said, "Brother, if I was not here to pastor them, my church members would run around like chickens without heads." That does not sound like reliance on the Holy Spirit, nor does it sound like the pastor truly believes in the Christ of the New Testament. Apparently, God chose HIM to be the savior of that church, not Jesus.

I have one last word about the idea of having a "covering". This ridiculous concept is repeated over and over again by men and women who truly believe that THEY are qualified to be someone's "covering". They sell people into believing that the Bible actually calls for it. However, the Bible does not talk about the idea at all. Jesus clearly tells us that we have a covering through the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of God living within us, enabling us to obey Christ as if He were here with us. No human being or denomination can ever replace or supplement that. YOU are the temple. YOU are the priest and king. Only God Himself can "cover" you.

Obstacle #3: People need to be taught

Who is qualified to teach? Is it a Baptist pastor, or a Pentecostal pastor? These two individuals would have drastically different opinions. No Baptist pastor would allow a Pentecostal theologian to teach in his church. The Pentecostal teacher would also have quite a problem with the Baptist brother, no matter how many degrees and credentials he holds. So, what makes one qualified? Who decides that?

Obstacle #4: We need to have Praise and Worship time

What is true praise and worship? What does it mean to bring a "sacrifice of praise?" It's certainly not smoke machines, expensive instruments and sound equipment, or record label-ready worship teams. It involves you and me living a living of worship and extending true heart-felt praise every time God does something wonderful. You can't make that into a program or prescription. I have been involved in praise and worship for over 15 years and I can tell you that it's more about getting people excited and "ready for the Word" than anything that is glorifying to God.

We don't need "music time". This is another contemporary fabrication invented by people who are looking for ways to grow their church empires. Am I against Christian music? Absolutely not - I love it! But, the activity of institutional worship is not critical to your sustained faith. It is, however, important for keeping your attention and making the service more entertaining and engaging. It's all about presentation. Remember that when they sing the offering song and you happily place your hard earned money into the offering basket.

Obstacle #5: We don't know what to do

Congratulations! You are finally lost enough to let yourself be led! Allow the Holy Spirit to pastor you and teach you and your closest friends and family how to live as the church. No more formulas, building campaigns, board meetings, or fundraisers. You just have to focus on building each other up in humility, honestly, love, and openness. The Word will be your guide and God's Spirit will be your leader. Elders can help to keep order and consistency. Deacons can be decided upon to administrate anything that is necessary. But, the most important thing is for two or three to gather in His name and not in the name of some pastor or denomination with an agenda!

Obstacle #6: I would be going against the grain.

That is the best reason to unplug right away. If you are concerned with going against the grain of a contemporary culture that traps, imprisons, and sedates your faith, you have bigger problems than theological ones. You need to study the life of Christ and take his example. Oppose the commercialization of your Savior and move into what God has called you to. Begin DOING what He asked you to do instead of waiting for a pastor or church leader to give you a title. God did not call you to BE - He called you to DO.

On a final note, I spent some time this week reading through some critiques on Frank Viola's new book, Pagan Christianity. I was so disappointed at the arrogant attacks on Frank's character. It's amazing how someone can bring truth to the table and have his character and integrity attacked by so-called brethren. It's all they could find. Maybe I'll write a future article refuting one of their refutations.

Maybe someone will refute that, too. But, that is what makes being unplugged so great - accountability and debate. Hopefully, it will all lead to being guided by the truth of God and not egos because then we might as well just sit with our hands folded and listen to Joyce Meyers like good little boys and girls. Our ego can never compare to hers, so why even try?