Are you a part of a Pentecostal local church? Have you considered leaving the holiness-Pentecostal tradition? Have you already left? Have you reflected on a Pentecostal identity?
As a member and Ordained Minister in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) for decades the author reconsiders a Pentecostal identity through a prayerful investigation of the holiness-Pentecostal roots of the denomination as well as their Declaration of Faith and Doctrinal Commitments and both their presentation in the discipleship series, "Living What We Believe" and their use of specific Scriptures to confirm these as well as often used claims within the culture of the denomination and certain doctrine and polity papers. Through a detailed examination of the Scriptures, the author presents ample evidence that that Church of God has, remained faithful to the historical foundations of our holiness-Pentecostal roots and have, regrettably, continued to maintain them in the following ways: 1) Confused the clear nature and purpose of tongues in Scripture to support these foundations, 2) Fostered a two-tiered Christianity by dividing into "baptized" and the "unbaptized," 3) Replaced the clear mandate for decency and order with freedom and spontaneity in worship and 4) Elevated personal experience above the superiority of Scripture. These issues have caused a breach that needs healing and restoration. Included is a list of doctrinal questions that the Church of God either cannot adequately answer or the provided answers appear to contradict Scriptures.
After an increasing awareness that some denominational doctrines contradicted certain Scriptures as highlighted throughout this book and a willingness to examine Scriptures apart from the historical precepts, the author found support of these foundations to waiver and began to reexamine a Pentecostal identity.
Therefore, this book is primarily a personal manifesto acknowledging personal weaknesses in this regard and previous continued willingness to elevate personal experience and denominational doctrine and polity above Scripture. Secondly, this book is a personal plea and deep prayer that the Holy Spirit will indeed also convict the membership and leadership of the Church of God to restore the superiority of Scripture and realign those elements of the denomination that seem to oppose Scripture and elevate the historical above the biblical.
There has been a breach. There needs to be healing and restoration. Let the process begin with this presentation of humility and confession.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Hartschenko has been a part of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) for decades in New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. He has served the local church in various ways in children, youth and adult settings and has been an Ordained Minister since 2002. He holds a B.A. from Lee University in Pastoral Theology and Criminology with an internship as a prison chaplain. He also holds an M.Div. from Regent University in Practical Theology with an emphasis in cell church leadership and church planting. He is also a certified coach through Lifeforming Leadership Coaching and created a motivational gifting workshop. He had worked in regional jail settings since college and was a DCJS General and Firearms Instructor. Currently, he drives a truck and has served as a driver trainer. He currently resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife of 26 years, Holli. They have four children (Cassandra, Nathaniel, Alexander and Brianna) and three grandchildren (David, Aaron and Bethany).
For further information or questions about healing the breach, contact Michael at healingthebreach@yahoo.com.
In, Through and Because of Christ,
Michael Hartschenko M.Div.
