The reality is that these man-made shackles and precepts will drive you to self-destruction, leaving you to either blame yourself or give up entirely—dropping God or resigning yourself to be a shell of your former self, a puppet simply “keeping your head down” and obeying the MOG.

Take a good look at your local UPCI congregation. Observe the patterns of life and the fruit that emerges beyond the surface level. You might notice an “inner circle” around the MOG (often characterized by nepotism), individuals on the periphery who simply “keep their head down,” the same ‘AMEN’ and ‘RIGHT’ shouters during preaching, “on fire” believers celebrated for their zeal, and new people occasionally rotating in and out of the church with minmial long term growth of new believers.

The consequences of these structures are evident—particularly in the young people raised in these systems. The likes of which tend to follow a few predetermined routes:

  • Abandon ‘church’ entirely and openly indulge in flagrant debauchery (“poke your head up”)

  • Play the role in ‘church’, but secretly indulge in concealed debauchery (“keep your head down”)

  • Fully ‘submit’ to “the cause” of the UPCI/MOG and propagate the very systems unto their own children—With the added bonus of secretly indulging in debauchery as well! (become the head)

Unfortunately, most young people raised under these systems flow between these states throughout life—forever frozen in a tumultuous cycle because they were never equipped to move forward in Christ. This is the very embodiment of “dry bones,” as the MOG often warns as an admonition for not “performing” enough at the altar, not “adhering to standards”, not ‘attending’ enough, or not “giving enough”.

Experience, emotion, and expectation are the primary building blocks underpinning nearly every aspect of this doctrine; these components often take precedence over Scripture, receiving greater credence than the actual Word of God. Should a believer suggest that there is a contradiction between doctrine and Scripture, it is more likely that their interpretation is incomplete—because the doctrine embodies the truth. These undercurrents cloud the clarity of God’s word by encouraging reliance on fleeting emotions as the representation of God’s presence and direction, rather than on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit; Thereby fulfilling a self-fulfilling cycle of spiritual immaturity—for questioning the experience is the same as questioning God.

The truly tragic part is the majority of modern MOGs we are examining today have been raised under the same shackles of fear, experience, emotion, and expectation from a young age. This is a self-feeding cycle of hurt and abuse that must be brought under the full light of Scripture. These MOGs deserve God’s grace, mercy, and love just as much as anyone else. It is my hope that anyone that is still reading has not hardened their hearts or minds to our discussion today. It is not easy to look at our own behaviors, patterns, and short comings in a bright mirror—however this is where true healing takes place. If you believe none of this applies to your local congregation/leader, I urge you to please examine your heart and ensure you are not being blinded by fear in order to properly look straightly into this proverbial mirror.

Hebrews 5:11-14

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

ℹ️ Info

The writer is rebuking a set of Christians of his time for not maturing in the word due to becoming ‘dull of hearing’ when he was attempting to explain the designation of Christ as high priest. It is crucial to come to an understanding of “the basics”; as a necessary foundation before we can properly build up to greater complexities. By building this strong foundational knowledge for ourselves, we strengthen our ability to ‘hear’ and discern good from evil.

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

These patterns are not pure coincidence, nearly every church within these systems are guaranteed to exhibit these same patterns. So we must ask: is anyone actually being transformed through the renewing of their mind beyond emotional highs in a group setting?

More importantly—Are you?

Some of the following examinations may challenge long standing beliefs you have held for a majority of your life. Do not be afraid—remember: God is not afraid of you seeking to understand Him. If Christ laid down his life for us, how then could we possibly be afraid to lay down our pre-conceived notions, church social status, and the fear of “what will they think/do to me”? If you are afraid that this is the ‘spirit of Satan’ or confusion, disunity, deception—be not afraid for Scripture gives us instruction on how to properly test our own thoughts and intentions.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.

This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.