Yes, let’s not be guilty of that.
Since I worked within the mainstream ECT system (so to speak) for thirty years I can’t fault anyone for staying as there is definitely a time to just be effective where you’re planted. Frankly I was surprised how it all came down for me. I simultaneously stumbled upon several people in great anguish over why God would create billions of people foreknowing the outcome of ECT and some in great anguish about parents, siblings etc. who had passed on while apparently unconverted.
When my daughter (16 at the time) began to fall into depression (and finally confided in me the reasons why) I shared with her what I’d always known about the final outcome and God’s ‘big picture’ plan for the ages. She dropped her head wept and said “I knew it… I knew it wasn’t true (ECT) but I thought I HAD to believe it.” Over the past year her life has been totally transformed.
Leaving the ministry was like dying. I cried profusely in my pastors office and could not even communicate my intentions till the second meeting because I couldn’t control the initial flood of emotions. I had worked w/him almost everyday for 20 years straight. I had lead worship at least 2 times a week for 30 years non-stop (sometimes up to 10 times a week with school/conferences/crusades). Also, I am in poor health with no health insurance (they added health coverage this year )
so now I’m unemployed and fighting hard to support my family doing whatever. Regrets? No - none. it’s something I had to do for conscience sake, a personal thing. Yes, I am hoping many follow suite, but that is God’s job to direct others.
Now: the fallout. Do not underestimate what happens to people who speak up about this. My leaders and church family were the best ever (and I’ve seen it all) but the backlash ranged from “I want to hear more” and “Wow, I don’t agree - but that’s OK” to “You are denying the faith” and “You are calling God a liar” and “You’re saying we don’t need Jesus”.
I have family members (close family members) dis-fellowship me. There is even conflict in my own household.
Some boycotted my staff going away party. The leadership got flack for not publicly denouncing me. I received phone calls saying “What are you talking about??? Why are we preaching? Why are we sending missionaries?” and the whole thing started really blowing up - so to keep the peace I stopped attending altogether. Some called with interest and a couple even called and confessed their agreement.
So, I’m not really so brave - I’m scared, I’m hauling scrap metal, I’m producing music in my studio and I’m literally hanging out with drunks, druggies and broken people in my small town. I see Christ in them. Many of them think God is unapproachable because no one has ever explained what He’s really like. I walked away from a secure job (everyone got raises this year too - sheeesh!!!) but I’m satisfied and my conscience is clean. I think my effectiveness with people is up 1000% because I’m finally being true to what I know about God. There are daily conversations and prayer. I do get still get ridiculed for my faith by some (some things never change!) but am more ‘in the ministry’ than ever.
Sorry for the long post - but I figured it would be helpful and interesting for some.