Witnessing to Holdeman Neighbors

       The cloistered and sometimes idyllic lifestyle of any “one true church” gives it members a feeling of social belonging and safety from the outside world. Because of these rewards, many members learn to be  happy with their lot. Why bother witnessing to a  member who seems content? Because (1) the distorted gospel of works for salvation leads to a Christ-less grave(Gal.5:2-4) and (2) the bondage of cult legalism is a life controlled by  fear of hell and fear of loss of family, friends, and mate for all who defect.

    All “one true” churches practice mind control to ward off defection from the group’s rhetoric. Members are taught not to question or  think for themselves but  have childlike, blind trust in the teachings of the group.  Scripture that contradicts their system is  ignored because they have been taught  the Bible is not for them to understand without the interpretation from the group.

    Things  also get confusing for the Christian trying to witness because cults do use the terminology of Christianity—though their actual meanings for the terms are different than those of orthodox Christianity. It is even common for Christians, buffeted by the realities and battles of life, to be attracted to what seems to them to be a haven of true humble spirituality.

     Ultimately, it is the Word of God that does penetrate and bring Truth.  But before members will give the Bible an unbiased hearing, often the only thing that cuts through the barrage of indoctrination is the genuine Christian life of the non-member.

   Though Holdemans believe true spirituality is impossible if a man shaves or a women wears pants or goes bareheaded,  there is something that catches their attention: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance—coupled with a warm testimony of an intimate and daily relationship with Jesus.

    Christian, speak often and freely of your personal faith in Jesus to your Holdeman or Mormon or JW friend. All “one true church” members will recite that they believe in Jesus, but their doctrines teach “another Jesus,” their conversions are often mere surrender to the group’s legalism, and worshipping that non-scriptural Jesus equates with allegiance to their organization. 

    If you would be a missionary to our dear Holdeman neighbors,  share freely  your daily, personal, intimate, joyous walk with Jesus Christ. Speak of the Holy Spirit’s guidance for obedience, and testify why His sacrificial death has saved you by faith through grace alone.

For Members

Love letter to the Holdemans:

Home

Introduction

Why We Left

Who is My Brother in Christ

An Unbroken Lineage of Unchanged Faith?

Holdemans Calling Their Forefathers' Doctrines Blasphemous

The Forefathers Calling Doctrine Held by the Holdemans Heresy

Public Apology

Why So Many Doubts and Fears?

What Must I Do to be Saved?

Poem

Conclusion

Whether it be of God and No Proselytes in Zion--a Re-examination:  (this is the original pamphlet sent to 2,000 members of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite)

Re-examination

 Scare Tactics

Answers to Myths, Fears, and Misapplied Scriptures

About the Authors

For Non-members

Origin of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite

What does the Church of
God in Christ, Mennonite,
really teach?

Holdemanism VS Anabaptism

Comparing the
"One True" churches

Quotes from Ex-Members

Witnessing to Holdemans

For Ex-Members

Scare Tactics

Answers to Myths, Fears, and Misapplied Scriptures

Breaking the Chains

The Sin of Obeying Legalism

Finding the New Testament Church

Should Christians Dress Plain or Should They Follow Christ's Example Who Dressed "Just Like the World"?

Quotes from Ex-Members

Links to Other Sites on Cult Recovery

Audio and Video Testimonies

Holdeman Transitions https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5MW1RniXGNfHPCR8GKkeAg/featured

Our Spiritual Journey to Jesus by Leona Nichols

Quiet Things, Quiet Places - http://www.quietthingsquietplaces.com

Coming Out of Deception and Spiritual Bondage by Weldon Koehn

Canadian Television Broadcast on The Purge of the 1970's

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