I think any congregation older than about a year and a half is already deep into traditions of men etc. Hard to prevent. Sigh.
Yeah..its hard to make yourself fit. I tried at first and just couldn't do it. God's people are a peculiar people, they just don't always fit. My take on it is this...the rivers of living water flow away from the throne of God, if you are going with the current you will move farther and farther away from God. Swimming against the current to move closer is harder and takes alot more effort. For that reason, I won't follow men, they go with the flow.
I just know I hate playing church and that most churches are into a bunch of stuff that Christ seemed to loudly decry when he walked dusty paths. I also hate phony and self-righteous arrogance in spiritual leaders. Sigh.
Most pastors seem happy to see me go after treating me worse than a dog because I dared to answer questions honestly about stuff they really didn't want to hear the truth about!
Wheee.
Good night.
Great meeting you. I look forward to more dialogues.