Encountering G12 – Your Comments
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Table of Contents
- Encountering G12 - Analyzing the "Cellular Vision" of César Castellanos
- Encountering G12 - The Vision
- Encountering G12 - The Encounter
- Encountering G12 - Conclusion; Authors; Credits
- Encountering G12 - Footnotes
- Encountering G12 - Your Comments
Previous: Encountering G12 – Footnotes
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Encountering G12 – Footnotes
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34 Responses to “Encountering G12 – Your Comments”
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November 15th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for a great article. I had heard that the G12 program was controversial, but did not learn the details until now.
I am going to show this article to my pastor. He knows another pastor who has expressed interest in G12.
January 11th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I’m concerned that many of the examples given as to why G12 is overly pressuring are atypical and do not represent actual teachings of the G12 leadership. It would be nice to see more of a consensus of what often happens at the encounter process for example than what has happened. As I’m sure we all know, there can be abuses among any Church, but I personally am weary of generalization – especially considering there is no mention of the doctrine that G12 believes in and the doctrine stated by the G12 website: http://www.visiong12.com is all biblical. Additionally, my understanding of this vision is that it is a Church growth strategy, not a new doctrine.
with best wishes and warmest regards,
Devin
March 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Wow!! I have a hard a hard time believing that some churches under G12 would do what the things set out in this article. I went to an encounter more than 4 years ago (although I did not belong to that particular church) and it did change my life dramatically. There was secret about where we were going. We are told exactly where we would be staying and given a phone number to leave with our family members incas eof an emergency. Nothing was taken from me or anyone else (I got to keep my cell phone and only asked to keep the sound off.) The extreme things described in this article never happened (tape recordings of abuse, etc.) What did happen was that I did in fact have a personal encounter with God and he called me into ministry.
Since then, I have participated in organizing encounters and serving at encounters and, again, none of these extremes ever happen. People are not asked to write their names on “clinicas” nor are they asked to carry it around. On the contrary, they are specifically told not to place their names on them as it is personal between them and God. No one is led through “regression” or told that they were not wanted at birth, etc. If this is in fact happenning in other churches, I would agree that it is a form of psychological abuse. In fact, it is not psychological abuse that is experienced but rather healing from the abuses received in the past. It is done in a loving and compassionate manner and I personally have seen hot it has changed hundreds of lives, as it did my own.
More than anything else, I believe the G12 is simply a structure for church growth and provides a method to reach out to others and bring them to a personal relationship with Christ and subsequently help them grow in their faith to become mature and effective christians, something most churches, unfortunately, fail to provide after a new convert receives Christ (after 1 weekend encounter and attending a cell group for a few months, I grew more than I had in 6 years attending church every Sunday from my conversion).
I do ope that the examples given in this article are not what is happening in most G12 churches that have adopted this model. For those are are engaing in this, I would question whether they are G12 churches or if they have adopted the name and have resorted to something that has never been part of the G12 model. I have read the book which teaches how to do an encounter and nothing contained therein even comes close to what has been described.
I hope this can clear any misconceptions peolpe may have about G12 churches. I can only state that had I experienced what has been described in the article, I would never have remained in the church. Had I not been told where I was being taken, I would not have participated in the encounter. Had I been told I had to surrender all of my things, I would have bolted from the conference. And had I been been subjected to such audio recordings, etc., I would have demanded my money back and demanded to be returned home.
March 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
There was a typo in my comment. It should state, “there was NO secret about where we were going.”
April 30th, 2008 at 12:25 am
My Russian speaking church in Chicago area (USA)is 3 years old and we joined G12 vision 2 years ago. I got saved 4 years ago and most of the people in church are first generation Christians in a tough for gospel Chicago area. That is all thanks to application of G12. While studying in school of leaders I also got my masters degree from good local university, have a good job and I’m a webmaster for website http://www.g12chicago.com. I formed and lead the cell group myself. Also I go to help at encounters.
There is nothing miraculous about G12 – it is a strategy and a plan, where everything clearly laid out. There are no secrets. Everybody can go to site, read the principles, testimonies, see photos from church and encounters, come to church and talk to actual people. I.e. it is all transparent. Vision motivates and focuses on bringing people to Christ and fulfilling their purpose in life, which is most important. My pastor cares about me and helps me spiritually grow. I do same for people in my group – call them, go out with them, pray for them, inspire and encourage them, teach them, help them. People from other churches whom I know – they don’t have it. I have interesting and filled life being “Sent” to the world to look for people for Christ.
My pastor has a pastor, who is in international G12 of Cesar Castellanos. My pastor is happy that he is not alone and has his leader.
What else can I say to advocate the G12 vision? Just don’t be unbelievers, but believers. Become Jesus Christ’s deciples and do work for Him in the way he showed it to do. God bless you.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Greetings!
Praise God for the work you are doing.My name is Paul mahendran and i am from S’pore. I am a Missionary and serving God in Mindanao ,Philippines. I was shocked to hear that there is another G12 that is also know as Encounter God’s Retreat which has become very popular in the place that i am at present. They have the same teachings of G12 but they are using props like a black Cross and also nails with red ink at the end.the nails are used to prick their palms until they felt the pain and to kfeel how Jesus felt the pain.Many churches are involved. I am against it and has taught to many who have attended this EGR seminar.They are against me too and telling that i am the only one that is against this teaching.I hope to hear from you to refute this teaching and which is the site that can help me so that i can bring the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please help me.
God bless
Paul m
May 27th, 2008 at 9:55 am
i want to read the 2nd part of this..
i’m part of a G-12 church, and i also belong to a 12.. i encounter some of the issues presented here. but i was shocked of the extreme cases. actually G12 is good. but i need to know G12 in view of the bible because i’m afraid we’ll be unbiblical.. but really it’s good. and oh, one feels pressure when the outward motivation is far greater than one’s personal motivation to WIN SOULS AND MAKE DISCIPLES!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Thank you for your article. I have been oppressed for two years in a G12 church and recently felt it was becoming cult like. Thank you for confirming my suspicions its good to know I’m not alone!
Praise God who gives us free will
August 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
I live in Yuma, Az., USA, where the G12 model is paracticed at a church called Generations. G12 Pastor, Rich Witmer and hench men, can be best described in Jude,–”For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4
G12, “the Vision”, the “method”, and belonging is merely idol worship.
Scripture is twisted to conform to the mission of their heresy. When any G12ers are encountered by myself or any other mature Christian, they are unable to reason or think on their own. When, so called, “leaders” are confronted, they regurgitate the man made undersatanding of “those in authority” over them, never what the Scriptures say. They can not and will not “reason” together. They are kept soooo busy, and directed as to what to read in devotions, they are not encouraged to take the time to “Search the scriptures”, to see if their teachers are teaching truth. The “leaders” make merchandise of the unsuspecting, living a jet-setting, sportcar driving, lifestyle, while those who are struggling are told, “they do not have enough faith, the have not tithed enough, their finances are cursed, or there is sin in their life.” THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD’S WORD TEACHES! –”And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:3– “In this life there will be struggles!”
God’s words will not return void, regardless if a jack-ass or these G12 heretics, speaks them. Witmer sends his skimply clad young girls to the Marine base across the road to lure the prey to Generations church. Castellono, Witmer and the rest of the apostates lace enough scripture to appeal to the seekers, then oppress them with method, at the threat of exclusion! This is man and man’s methods in “building the church.” This movement is simply a precursor and part of the woman (the apostate church) that is described in the book of Revelation 17.
Young people, FLEE!!, from this non-sense. The only souls and disciples the G12ers are intrested in winning, are those who “Submit to their athourity” and serve this demonic idol and their leaders. Jesus said, “Do not be called leaders; there is but one Leader, that is Christ.” Matthew 23:10 (NASB)
Jesus says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)
Follow Jesus, not man. Search the scriptures to see if what is being taught is true. Pray that His Holy Spirit shows you the truth, for the Truth shall set you free and you will be free indeed!
Be Blessed, Be Free!
Amen
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
I was involved in a church that has the G12 vision and to be honest I honestly don’t believe in this time of method because Jesus never had any strategies or didn’t need any. I am grateful that I am out of this church because I find that people in this type of church growth can bring alot of pride and they start smothering you and the leaders want to know everything about your life and they don’t mind their own business. I loved the people I met but I find this very unhealthy. We all need our personal walk with God and we should be not be taken by the hand at every move we make, how can we experience God when there is always a leader talking on this behalf. I woudln’t recommend it unless if you don’t mind be smothered of course. I believe in following Jesus only and not any kind of leader or whoever claims to be a leader. Jesus is the only teacher and he said so himself and he brought us the word as his teachings, why should man add to it. Its pretty complete if you ask me. The church are starting to be very cultish and money-grabbing. They want you to tithe your 10% and they make you into 2x the child of hell that you were before you knew christ, jesus said it and I became that way when I left. Thank God I am free and I will walk with God alone. Blessings!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
This is an e-mail that I received from Pastor Rich Witmer G-12 Yuma, AZ yesterday. Witmer sent this e-mail to me after I had written him with grave concerns of the G-12 church that I attended until recently.
Hi Jen,
3 Things:
1. I am in the Philippines for 19 days. We are meeting with 1,000s of pastors.
2. My son has an amoebic parasite and we have been with him constantly when we are not ministering.
3. You have confirmed my initial feeling about you: You are a rebel and an enemy of the Kingdom of God.
I will be at WOFC in October. If you are there, I will be glad to prophesy over you. You will not enjoy the prophecy. Problems in the Church can be fixed. Problems in your character will destroy your life. You are a rebel. I will be glad to forward your emails to Pastor Ryan to ensure that he knows that you are a traitor to the Body of Christ. Thanks for reading the books and ignoring the priniciples.
You obviously are only concerned about those things in your own backyard to think that your concerns go to the top of my priority list. Repent while you have a chance…..
Don’t go away mad… just go away.
Ps Rich Witmer
Mark 9:23
The experiences that I have had in this church are horrific to say the least.
September 14th, 2008 at 1:27 am
As Bob Dylan sang many years ago
How many years can a mountain exist
Before its washed to the sea?
Yes, n how many years can some people exist
Before theyre allowed to be free?
Yes, n how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesnt see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin in the wind,
The answer is blowin in the wind.
What will it take for others who have manipulated so many to the G12 dogma to see the error of their ways? many years ago there was the Shepherding movement, these people in my opinion are no different. Paul the Apostle had many detractors and opposers which he faced, one in Alexander in 2 Tim 4:14,15, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works: of whom do thou also beware (the King James Version “of whom be thou ware also”); for he greatly withstood our words.”
Interesting that Paul names him and shames. Today we are frightened by litigation to emntion those who may be causing us trouble and harm for fear of a lawsuit. Amazing then that Paul gives us a wonderful insight into his thinking, he may have forgiven but he certainly hadn’t forgotten. God warns the Israelites ‘ lest you forget’, the communion table is about remembering.
It would be irresponsible for me not to forget the harm and hurt that G12 has brought upon myself and family. I forgive their actions, ‘they know not what they do’ but lest i fall into the same trap i can’t forget, unfortunately the price of G12 was too high for me to pay.
G12 is not just another model, these people in my opinion are deluded meaning well, but not motivated by the love of God and if we have not love then we are nothing.
Phil
October 4th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
This is the name of the pastor Rich Witmer he is the G12 Coordinator in the Philippines..yes trully he is cult! so Pastor’s from Philippines becareful because you don’t know this Pastor. for more info here’s the website who he is.. http://www.generationscult.com
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Wow….I had no idea that this “movement” was so cultic in nature. My old church embraced this system in the late 80’s early 90’s and was consequently split into 3 different churches. The so called “mother church” no longer exsists. What is left…..is NOTHING. The 3 different churches that came out of this “movement” are nothing but irrelevant. The vibrant ministry that this church at one time had, is no more. I’m now beginning to see some real damage that has been done to the church because of this….and I’m very happy that I got out of it before it pulled me in. Unfortunately…there are still many trapped in this very dangerous cult. Thanks for your research on this.
December 7th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Hi my name is C.D. Smith im from Marina Ca (Monterey Bay) I was caught in g-12 for about 5 years and went to 3 so-called encounters. As I grew in my walk for God I started to see many unbiblical things within this movement, so i started praying for truth. I was seeing how this movement was based upon a extra-biblical vision and how scriptures were being perverted to make it work to their advantage. There is alot of manipulation and deception to get people to go to the encounters a tactic that is never seen in scripture, its based on emotionalism and experience then the SOLID DOCTRINES OF GODS WORD. I fear for the men in this movement and i fear for the followers as well. I pray that whoever is in this movement would leave and flee that heretic false sect.
December 29th, 2008 at 4:10 am
It is a very disturbing to see the results in 1,5 years as the G12 vision was adapted through the Russian speaking Church in Woodinville WA and had been exported to the Baptist Churches in Russia at Kirov Region. At first we went through the major split and still in the process of recovery. Besides the mental and spiritual damages that was caused by Encounter procedure, the second issue really concerns me the most. We have “encountered” a problem that is unheard of: It is a suicide rate among the Christians and those that were involved in Encounter. I am really looking forward to read a Part II where will be analyzed some of the movement’s problematic doctrines and practices in the light of Scripture.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
The G12 system is growing where I live, and I was in it a couple of years ago. I would like to see a sequel to this story. G12 seems to turn sweet little storefront communities of Christians into mass-production systems where peopel come out alike and my experience was a lot of pressure to give up critical thinking and individuality. I never went to the Encounter. Now I’m glad. I’ve found a church that values all the gifts the Lord gives us, including our uniqueness and rationality, and my real healing is happening fast. I miss my friends back there –they were closer than my real family — but I had to look for the real truth, and I’ve found it elsewhere.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:06 am
I had friends too that I loved very much but as soon as I left the church they haven`t spoken to me much nor have they called me. I had a leader who called me up and told me ”even if i don`t call doesnt mean that i dont love you” I said to myself ”its like that verse that says if you dont have love, you are just a sounding gong” I feel very sorry for them, I miss them but I had to sacrifice those friendships for real truth. I did feel pulled at times because I missed them but I knew better not to go back because I knew those were not Jesus teachings. I prefer losing many friends to keep my only friend: Jesus. I pray for their own deliverance, that one day God will open their eyes to the truth.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Iv been a christian for around 12 years and this G12 is the best form of outreach out there (i only found that out in April 08). Tell me, if we are not encouraged by the leadership (that God has placed in these positions) to tell people of Christ and what He has done for us and even better has got planned for us, then can we really be followers of Christ? In most work places they have targets to meet, so, at the end of their week or month they get their due monies – as Christians are target is it to prevent as many people as physically possible from going to hell (and yes there is a rush because time is very very short), our reward is therefore eternal far more important than anything else this world offers. Iv been on the encounter weekend and believe me none of that stuff happened on ours, the weekend changed my whole outlook on how we set ourselves up as Christians and as the result of that i have seen some of my family commit to Christ and a few of my friends who by the way go to different churches, not just mine. Ask yourself this: How many people am i gonna win for Christ this year – how many lives am i going to change and help. THE GREAT COMMISION says it all, we will ALL have to give an account to Jesus on how we portrayed ourselves, how we reacted to situations, what we said about others (including Gods leadership, whether we agreed with them or not), how did we serve others and im sure there’s more but read Matthew ch25 v31-46 sheep & goats, also Matthew ch7 v18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit (G12 vision), please read this final verse, it’s important that you know Philemon 1 v4-6. From the previous comments, guys do not tar everyone with the same brush, your expierences are something only you can work out but it still comes down to seeing the lost won, Jesus didnt die on the Cross for us to sit on our backsides patting ourselves on the back and letting someone else always volunteer, there’s a job to do and very little time to do it, whether G12 or local church we have a global goal, one common denominator, the Kingdom – and populating it. May you all (agreed or not) be blessed and recieve all what Christ has for you, in this world and the next.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:32 am
I have been attending the G12 church Generations for almost five years now and have seen how effective this vision is. Each member of the church gets one on one ministry with a leader. The church is now at 1,400 people. Thats amazing. How many churches can you say that have that many people in them and all members get one on one ministry. I do not think that G12 is the only way but I do believe it is the most effective way. Pastor Rich Witmer lays his life down for people to know Jesus and the type of car he drives should not be an issue. If my Pastor is going to preach about prosperity I sure would like to see it evident in his life. I dont want my Pastor to tell me that if I am faithful God will bless me while he is driving a pinto and living in a trailer. It is encouraging to know that through faithfulness to God I can be blessed too.
March 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
G12: Impostor/Pastor Rich Witmer of Yuma Party Pics:
Where The $$$$$$$$$$$ Really Goes:
John at generationscult.com has bravely documented the unethical/possibly illegal activity of one of g12’s impostor/pastors in the following
John says:
“I have collected various photos of Rich Witmer and his gang from publicly accessed Web sites. Their frequent vacations to various high-class resorts and locals should raise the awareness and concern of those they prey upon. If you have some photos that reveal Witmer as the charlatan that he is, please e-mail them to me at john@generationscult.com.
First, here’s Mr Greed (Witmer) himself, childishly excited about the new BMW he bought with church tithes.
One of many SCUBA-diving trips the Witmers treat themselves to.
Diving in Maui.
Another vacation … I think this is Las Vegas. Sin much? By the way, this is the “before” pic.
This is the “after” pic. Fake pastors (and fake boobs) on vacation. Who paid for those implants anyway? Hmm … makes one wonder. Tithes?
That hair is really bad. But the pool looks nice — and expensive. Obviously very high-maintenance.
Rich Witmer: An overweight Bully hanging out in Maui.
A mission to Bali? Or a vacation? Not hard to tell what’s really going on . . . Who paid for those implants anyway?
Found this on the Internet. Check out the text below the banner: “Our pastor, Rich Witmer, blesses us with an all-expense paid trip to the island paradise resort …” Who’s REALLY paying for this?”
See for yourself at:
http://blog.generationscult.com/2009/01/14/witmer-party-pics-where-the–really-goes.aspx
“Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Behold, I [am] against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.”
(Ezekiel 34:7-10)
Witmer; “Your Sin has found you out!”
March 25th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I’m from the Philippines and have been in an Encounter and after some time since then preached in numerous encounter weekends, and believe me I am shocked with the details seen in this article. There is an urgency for us Christians to preach the Gospel to others and make disciples (mold the character of Christ to believers) and the traditional way of the church just can’t do this. The great commission was given not to a select few, but for those who are one with Christ. I do believe some churches handle encounters differently and are doing it with psychological manipulations. But it only shows they were not able to catch the vision. Jesus changed the lives of people through His relationship with them and it is the same formula the G12 is applying. If the said details in the article are truly happening in some Encounter weekends, those people that are ministering there are in error, the encounter is done by the power of the Holy Spirit, not with psychology. And this is what has passed on to me by people with first hand information from MCI and Generations Church. Done by the power of the Holy Spirit, passed on through relationship. John 15:16
May 10th, 2009 at 1:00 am
i am from northwest community church which is in orlando Florida i didn’t want to write my name because of fear…. G12 is LIE believe me trust me they are brainwashing us or at least in Orlando is….people here makes them donate thousand of thousands of dollars.. this church comsumes lives take a look u have to have a cell group that takes an hour of your day or probably night which one could be working… another day in school of leaders… anoter day with you own cell another day at church u are spending to much time they brainwash people and they make those people manipulate you until u become brainwashed as well the church needs to condem this group they are using what is called post trauma they bring things that could have been minimun and make them a big dealand generates guilt… i remember on post encounter the pastor and the high cell leaders told us that by donating to their church we are gonna be rewarded like i said G12 IS A LIE they are taking advantage of the people the church to persue their own agenda
THEY NEED TO BE STOPED WE NEED TO STOP THEM BEFORE THEY BECOME A EVEN BIGGER FOE…
the bible states IN:
Galatians 1:10
Galatians 4:17
2 Timothy 3:6
2 Peter 2:3
2 Peter 2:18
Revelation 2:14
Revelation 2:20
READ IT! THATS WHAT G12 REPRESENT
May 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
It is sad to read all the bitterness from people who have left the G12. Winning souls is a believers duty. The Bible tells us that “he who wins Souls is wise” and the G12 is a strategy that helps us win souls. But like anything else it can be abused. It is unfair to condemn the all VISION. It is not a doctrine, the only doctrine for us is what the bible teaches. I have been to the encounter in fact participated at the encounters and none of the things written in this article occured. I got closer to God, my personal relatinship with God has changed and become intimate, i have learned to hear and obey the Holy Spirit and depend on him to help me bring the gospel to those who have never heard about it. I have helped people know Christ and I enjoy doing it. G12 is heard work it is not for lazy people. If you don’t like getting out of your comfort zone G12 is not for you maybe there is another strategy that can help you fulfil the great comission in Matthew 28:18-20. But remember the bible tells us that “there is life and daeth in the tougue” be slow to use it against others. God bless you as you find your way in Christ. B
June 4th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’m in a church that’s a part of G12 and I’m about to leave because I feel like there is a lot of people being controlling and so forth. I don’t feel comfortable being in that church anymore. If your church is about to be a part of G12 or anyone is inviting you to be in a church that involves encounters or School of Leaders or whatever or the church calls their Bible studies “cells”. Run away and don’t look back. I saw a lot of people hurt from G12 and I don’t want anyone else a part of this movement.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
the g12 is 10000000% percent cult people have to understand that once your brainwashed at those encounters thats it…your brainwashed theres nothing you can do or tell that person..im sure its a cult so anyone who visits a g12 church run or you whole family will be in danger this thing is so serious.i believe it the anti christ…god bless
July 1st, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I have been part of a G12 church for about 5 years. It is not all of this negative things that every one is talking about. I have been on several encounters and even tought at some. Basics of an encounter is this it is a time alone with God for three days. The whole meaning behind it is this, to bring us closer to God by dealing with our own issues that keep us for the perfect will of God. If there is unresulved sin in your life, unforgiveness, whatever it may be it is dealt with. After all is this not what Jesus did with his disciples?
July 7th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I was born in a religion where sabbath was strictly observed, I dont eat pork and any other unclean food according to scriptures. But I was hippocrite, though I dont eat unclean foods, the food that comming out from my mouth is not clean either, I speak violently, I have very bad habbits such as fornication, adultery, drunkness, smoking, drugs, etc. I critizise other religion and judge Sunday worshipper as a sign of a member of the mark of the beast, for a sign of the beast are those people who does not follow the commandments of God including sabbath (which is true). I tried several times to change my life to stop the vices but I always failed.
Recently, our church was closed by our leaders because of financial disagreements. Back then, God opened my eyes. I saw the grave abuse of the commandments of God by our leaders. We observe sabbath literaly but without God’s spirit and without love, I always after looking for sunset during sabbath so that I can do my natural chores and somethimes I do immoral acts even during friday night (which is sabbath already), and i observed that our pastors are only working on sabbath, in which other day than sabbath, they are just sitting in their house or in the office of the church. God made me realize that there’s something wrong.
when I was first invited in a cellgroup, my mind was full of doubts back then regarding the basic fundamentals of foundation for I understand that faith is nothing without works, thus if you have faith, you should faithfully sabbath since it is one of the commandments from the creation of the world for it is said in the Book of Genesis “God rested on the seventh day and blessed that day” and even our Lord Jesus Christ rested on Sabbath (black saturday) and there is no order or command from our Lord that the sabbath shall be changed to 7th day to 1st day. But then, the cell leader told me that salvation is instant while transformation is another process. That then, God opened my eyes and saw the real thing. I saw that while these groups don’t know how to observe sabbath, yet they observe sabbath literally and spiritually. Most students who have their cells also goes to schools from Monday to Friday, and during saturdays, they either sleep on their home or just go to their cells and during sundays they just go to church where they belong as a social gathering not as a day of rest. Thus, they did literally observe sabbath.
God is so good, He is a great Father, He is merciful and loving. I was arrested by God’s love. I experience literally the essence of the cross and the reason of the cross, the reason of our salvation, the expression of God’s love to us. Though I know ever since that our Master Jesus died on the cross for our sins but it never imprinted in my heart, its just on the mind, now, I know the reason of my existance, I am a property of God. I am His slave.
In no doubt, pastors, leaders, priests in other religion will get mad with this group for the remmitance of their church would be lessen.
Its just a caveat for our fellow brothers, don’t do focus on the name of the group or religion but focus on Christ for He is the only one who can save us. Do not exhault G12 or the name of your religion such us Born Again, Baptist, SDA, etc.. but rather exhault the Name of our Lord, our forever loving Master.
I pray for love and peace be with you all… God bless.
September 14th, 2009 at 3:22 am
I am Daniel Xu from Singapore. I attended a church that is in G12 Vision movement. Every year my church have G12 conference I have never miss out. My pastor is Ceasar international G12 pastor. After 8 years, G12 have brought many non-believers becoming believers in our church. The encounter is good for pre-believers and non-believers. The process is the encounter is great. Many have experience the love of God and power of God. Like every moment the each church there are problems in it when it is not handling it well. The network system, the appointing of 12 (mentor & mentee) and the discipling problem. The governing itself that separated into 24 nets is crazy and problem between it the husband and wife in difference network. Commitment and submission is a must in the Vision. When come to mission and church planting it is not in the picture. If your church is not ready to adopt this church growth structure and strategy, please do not just simply follow because of others people successful stories. Hurts and damages will be more!
September 19th, 2009 at 7:28 am
hi guys, i just want to challenge everyone to list down all the g12 movement teachings and compare it to what the Bible teaches us. If it is not found in the Bible then i believe it is not of the Lord. It is all your choice anyway, your faith, and your salvation… Just ask God for guidance…
November 13th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I recently had a few visitors here in Bolivia where I am a missionary for 18 years. I knew the pastor from where they came but did not know them personally. Upon arrival they began to share that they are heavily involved in The Walk to Emmaus. I had never heard about that. Within 1 month my household environment was completely destroyed and there was total division in my family. They were disrespectful toward me in my own house. Before I could get them out, they had begun to spread false accusations about myself and the ministry here. My family unit has been destroyed. Only God can restore! Now all of this has lighted a fire under me. I have been investigating G12 and The Walk to Emmaus (which are the same things)and I can see how they used manipualtion to bring destruction. Now I have set my face as a flint to go against this weapon of satan against the true body of Jesus Christ. I can see how the enemy is using it. This I know … what the enemy meant for bad, my God will turn it around and make blesings come out of this …somehow.
January 16th, 2010 at 12:36 am
My name is Levi, i live in New Zealand. I knew a church before it was introduced to G12, then things went ugly a year later, so i left. i attended Elim (friends were there) then things got ugly 1 year later, so i left.
I pondered why these things were happening. i witnessed people and entire famillies leave G12 Churches because of conflict with G12 Leaders. One leader said to me, ”your cell leader is your pastor”. i said, “no, Jesus is my leader, no one else.”
after this they alienated me.
Cults are all about Control and Control tactics. They fear man more than God, i fear for them because you’ve been misled. Anyways, to date, almighty God has been exposing more and more of G12 and conflicts.
Well, i never really was apart but i guess God led me to experience it and learn from it and to later preach against it.
Levi, Auckland, New Zealand
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
It seems a shame that the examples given to evidence supposed extremes are of churches that have adopted the G12 vision and not of the source. Take any initiative, however pure at the source, and somewhere down the line it will become contaminated or distorted but this does not prove any fault with the source.
With all such situations words taken out of context or part passages from books can be misleading – even the bible can be made to speak heresy if we are selective in our choice and commentary of verses.
Having been a part of a G12 church in the past I would be the first to admit that there is a high level of pressure and expectation placed upon the average church member, however in my opinion this is the more a result of getting things ‘the wrong way round’. What I mean by this is that passion, fervor and unction to behave in an ‘extreme’(within the bounds of scripture) manner in the pursuit of God and building of his kingdom, are undoubtedly the genuine results of encountering the overwhelming love of the almighty God.
However, to try to force or create this in a person, or for an individual to behave like this out of a response to expectation without the real encounter or ongoing, experiential, deepening relationship with their saviour will, inevitably, result in digression from what is pure, true and Godly
February 18th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I witnessed manipulation of relationships, and ‘blessings’ given to those whom tithed at Northwest Church, Orlando. Put the two together. It does not add up to Christianity.