{"id":116,"date":"2023-07-23T21:10:12","date_gmt":"2023-07-23T21:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?page_id=116"},"modified":"2025-01-30T19:45:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T19:45:16","slug":"chbc-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/","title":{"rendered":"CHBC &#8211; home"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; bottom_margin=&#8221;50px&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; 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} #nectar-slider-instance-1, #nectar-slider-instance-1 .swiper-container { height: calc( 575 * 100vw \/ 1600 ); } <\/style><div  data-transition=\"fade\" data-overall_style=\"classic\" data-flexible-height=\"true\" data-animate-in-effect=\"none\" data-fullscreen=\"false\" data-button-sizing=\"regular\" data-button-styling=\"btn_with_count\" data-autorotate=\"2000\" data-parallax=\"false\" data-parallax-disable-mobile=\"\" data-caption-trans=\"none\" data-parallax-style=\"bg_only\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-full-width=\"true\" class=\"nectar-slider-wrap \" id=\"nectar-slider-instance-1\"><div class=\"swiper-container\"  data-tho=\"auto\" data-tco=\"auto\" data-pho=\"auto\" data-pco=\"auto\" data-loop=\"true\" data-height=\"575\" data-min-height=\"125\" data-arrows=\"false\" data-bullets=\"false\" data-bullet_style=\"see_through\" data-bullet_position=\"bottom\" data-desktop-swipe=\"false\" data-settings=\"\"> <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><div class=\"swiper-slide whitewash\" data-desktop-content-width=\"auto\" data-tablet-content-width=\"auto\" data-bg-alignment=\"top\" data-color-scheme=\"light\" data-x-pos=\"centered\" data-y-pos=\"middle\" ><div class=\"slide-bg-wrap\"><div class=\"image-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CHBC1a.jpg);\"> &nbsp; <\/div><\/div><div class=\"video-texture \"> <span class=\"ie-fix\"><\/span> <\/div><\/div> <!--\/swiper-slide--><div class=\"swiper-slide\" data-desktop-content-width=\"auto\" data-tablet-content-width=\"auto\" data-bg-alignment=\"center\" data-color-scheme=\"light\" data-x-pos=\"centered\" data-y-pos=\"middle\" ><div class=\"slide-bg-wrap\"><div class=\"image-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/whitewashfatcentered2.jpg);\"> &nbsp; <\/div><\/div><div class=\"video-texture \"> <span class=\"ie-fix\"><\/span> <\/div><\/div> <!--\/swiper-slide--><\/div><div class=\"nectar-slider-loading \"> <span class=\"loading-icon none\">   <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">Our Purpose<\/h3>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692554512040{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-387\" style=\"max-width: 60%;\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/bible2c-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694314382759{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The purpose of this website is to be faithful to biblical commands to walk in the light, to speak the truth in love, to expose wrongdoing, to invite repentance, to warn those in harm&#8217;s way,\u00a0 to preserve the witness of the church to a watching world, and to love our neighbors.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?page_id=140&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">Chapel Hill Bible Church<br \/>\nin the News<\/h3>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1695602699001{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-334 size-full\" title=\"Chapel Hill Bible Church Chapel Hill, NC photo credit: Chapel Hill Bible Church: behind the whitewash\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CHBC1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"884\" height=\"343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CHBC1a.jpg 884w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CHBC1a-300x116.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/CHBC1a-768x298.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692647152073{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Since September 2021, Chapel Hill Bible Church has been the subject of reporting in publications such as the Washington Post, Religion News Service, The Roys Report, The Daily Tar Heel, and the Wartburg Watch, a blog.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=1309&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">Thought for the Day<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738257478017{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2839\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dogwood.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"415\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dogwood.jpg 415w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/dogwood-300x273.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><span id=\"en-NASB-27645\" class=\"text Acts-20-28\">&#8220;Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.<\/span> <span id=\"en-NASB-27646\" class=\"text Acts-20-29\"><sup class=\"versenum\">\u00a0<\/sup>I know that after my departure\u00a0savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing\u00a0the flock;<\/span>\u00a0<\/em><span id=\"en-NASB-27647\" class=\"text Acts-20-30\"><em>and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse [distorted, twisted, corrupt] things to draw away the disciples after <strong>them<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/em> Acts 20: 28-30 NASB<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">When you have read this passage before, have you assumed that the &#8220;drawing away&#8221; was to incorrect theology?\u00a0 What if an alternative understanding is that <a href=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=972\">wolves<\/a> , regardless of their professed theology, can subtly cultivate loyalty to themselves in a way that &#8220;draws away&#8221; disciples from loyalty to Christ alone?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">How do you think mixed loyalty develops?\u00a0 How is it revealed? Can a member of a church community have mixed loyalty and not know it? How do you balance honor for your church leaders with avoiding the temptation to mixed loyalty?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">January 30, 2025<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1706896481689{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<div class=\"css-1rynq56 r-dnmrzs r-1udh08x r-3s2u2q r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-rjixqe r-16dba41 r-18u37iz r-1wvb978\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"css-1rynq56 r-dnmrzs r-1udh08x r-3s2u2q r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-rjixqe r-16dba41 r-18u37iz r-1wvb978\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<div class=\"css-1rynq56 r-dnmrzs r-1udh08x r-3s2u2q r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-rjixqe r-16dba41 r-18u37iz r-1wvb978\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"poetry top-05\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--more--><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Archive &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?cat=69&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">Multi-ethnicity<br \/>\nat Chapel Hill Bible Church<\/h3>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694311909389{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-893\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/multiethnic2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"697\" height=\"288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/multiethnic2.jpg 697w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/multiethnic2-300x124.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1699204049681{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Is it important to you to be part of a church where people of all ethnicities are integral parts of the body?\u00a0 If so, it&#8217;s likely that one of the first things you do when looking for a new church is to check out the staff webpage,\u00a0 and you&#8217;d be pleased to see multi-ethnicity on the staff.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">But what if you could go deeper and hear directly what people of color actually experienced at the church in their own words?\u00a0 You can. And not just from one or two people;\u00a0 multiple former insiders\u00a0 have believed it was important to tell their stories publicly about why they left Chapel Hill Bible Church.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?page_id=488&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">Use of NDAs<br \/>\nat Chapel Hill Bible Church<\/h3>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694305349718{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-888\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/dshortgraytext.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"315\" height=\"229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/dshortgraytext.jpg 315w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/dshortgraytext-300x218.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694323603423{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Imagine yourself in this situation:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Shock. You\u2019ve served faithfully on staff at a church you love. Yet you\u2019ve just been told you\u2019re being fired. Your mind is spinning. Why is this happening? You\u2019ve consistently had good evaluations. Is it because of the concern you brought up with the pastor? You may never be told. \u00a0You\u2019re losing your job, but this also means that your whole family is losing their church community. \u00a0And how will you manage financially?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So you\u2019re relieved when you\u2019re told that at least the church is offering you a severance package. But it includes an NDA. You\u2019ve never heard of one before, but as you read it, you realize that in exchange for the money you need for your family, you must give up your voice. The permanent silence required may even keep you from telling anyone that the NDA exists. It\u2019s a wrenching choice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">What would you do?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">* This is a composite sketch taken from very similar scenarios that have happened in churches and Christian organizations all over the country, including at Chapel Hill Bible Church.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;NDAs at CHBC&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=487&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;More about NDAs &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?cat=13&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\">Transparency<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\">at Chapel Hill Bible Church<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698969854723{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"padding-bottom: 0; margin-bottom: 5px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1412 aligncenter\" style=\"padding-bottom: 0; margin-bottom: 0;\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/640px-NASA_Unveils_Celestial_Fireworks_as_Official_Hubble_25th_Anniversary_Image1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/640px-NASA_Unveils_Celestial_Fireworks_as_Official_Hubble_25th_Anniversary_Image1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/640px-NASA_Unveils_Celestial_Fireworks_as_Official_Hubble_25th_Anniversary_Image1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 11px; font-weight: 800; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 2px;\">Star cluster Westerlund 2<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 8px; text-align: center;\">Photo Credits:\u00a0<a title=\"NASA\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/NASA\">NASA<\/a>,\u00a0<a title=\"ESA\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/ESA\">ESA<\/a>, <a title=\"Hubble Space Telescope\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Hubble_Space_Telescope\">the Hubble Heritage\u00a0Team<\/a> (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.stsci.edu\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">STScI<\/a>\/<a href=\"http:\/\/www.aura-astronomy.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">AURA<\/a>), A. Nota (<a title=\"ESA\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/ESA\">ESA<\/a>\/<a href=\"http:\/\/www.stsci.edu\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">STScI<\/a>), and the Westerlund 2 Science Team<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1699303235015{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<strong>God is light.<\/strong> <strong>God is love.<\/strong> (I John 1:5 &amp; 4:7)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201c<em>God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.\u00a0<strong><sup>\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and\u00a0do not practice the truth. But\u00a0if we walk in the light,\u00a0as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and\u00a0the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.\u00a0<strong><sup>\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and\u00a0the truth is not in us.\u00a0If we confess our sins, he is\u00a0faithful and just to forgive us our sins and\u00a0to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.\u00a0<strong><sup>\u00a0<\/sup><\/strong>If we say we have not sinned,\u00a0we make him a liar, and\u00a0his word is not in us.<\/em>\u201d\u00a0 <em>1 John 1: 5-10<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">People are created in the image of the God who loves them. He desires that we live in the freedom of walking in the light. The Gospel message sets us free from hiding, from trying to look different than we are. Because we are loved, \u00a0we are free to walk in the light without fear, admitting when we are wrong, and finding forgiveness and deep relationship with God and others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-bottom: 5px; text-align: left;\">\u201cTransparency\u201d is the word used in vernacular English in a way that reflects the Biblical concept of \u201cwalking in the light.\u201d \u00a0In posts to come, we\u2019ll be examining transparency at the Chapel Hill Bible Church.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=2255&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\">Analysis of Proposed Changes in Bylaws at Chapel Hill Bible Church<\/h3>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1717430804173{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3160\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ChapelHillBibleChurchbldg.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"884\" height=\"343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ChapelHillBibleChurchbldg.jpg 884w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ChapelHillBibleChurchbldg-300x116.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/ChapelHillBibleChurchbldg-768x298.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 884px) 100vw, 884px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Members of the Chapel Hill Bible Church will be asked to vote on proposed changes to the bylaws on June 5, 2024. The bylaw changes are significant and substantial and deserve thorough consideration by each member before the vote. Most crucially, members will have to discern how well the proposed changes align with Scripture.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>If you prefer to start with a simple summary of changes\u00a0 before reading through analysis, you&#8217;ll be able to when you click &#8220;Read more.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Scripture is always a good place to start analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em><strong>Now\u00a0at this time, as the\u00a0disciples were\u00a0increasing\u00a0in number, a complaint developed\u00a0on the part of\u00a0the\u00a0Hellenistic\u00a0Jews\u00a0against the\u00a0native\u00a0Hebrews, because their\u00a0widows were being overlooked in\u00a0the daily serving\u00a0of food.\u00a0<sup>\u00a0<\/sup>So the twelve summoned the\u00a0congregation of the disciples and said, \u201cIt is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.\u00a0<sup>\u00a0<\/sup>Instead,\u00a0brothers\u00a0and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation,\u00a0full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.\u00a0But we will\u00a0devote ourselves to prayer and to the\u00a0ministry of the word.\u201d<sup>\u00a0<\/sup>The\u00a0<sup data-fn=\"#fen-NASB-27099e\" data-link=\"[&lt;a href=&quot;#fen-NASB-27099e&quot; title=&quot;See footnote e&quot;&gt;e&lt;\/a&gt;]\">]<\/sup>announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose &#8230;. <sup>\u00a0<\/sup>And they brought these men before the apostles; and after\u00a0praying, they\u00a0laid their hands on them. <\/strong><\/em>Acts 6: 1-6 NASB<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This passage\u00a0 in which the first deacons were chosen and commissioned formed the basis for the governance structure of the Chapel Hill Bible Church. In this passage, you can see 3 separate spheres of authority: the apostles, the congregation, and the deacons.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">These three spheres of authority are reflected in the current Chapel Hill Bible Church Constitution and bylaws, with the elders filling the apostles\u2019 role&#8230;<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1717428609016{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=3182&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\">The Marks of a Wolf<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\">How to Identify Dangerous Spiritual Leaders<\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692583350705{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<a title=\"Unknown (Fish &amp; Wildlife Service employee), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 75%;\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\/512px-Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\" alt=\"Canis lupus tracks\" width=\"512\" \/><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692587331610{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Take a minute and ask yourself: What does Scripture teach about the characteristics of a dangerous spiritual leader? How well-equipped are you to recognize a wolf or false shepherd? How likely is it that you&#8217;d be fooled?<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=972&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">What is Spiritual Abuse?<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1699026112954{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-888\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bible-fractured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"315\" height=\"229\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1707009105662{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Spiritual abuse is a phenomenon as old as the Bible, but because the term is relatively new,\u00a0 people may not understand what it means. The ability to discern the often subtle dynamics of abuse can be especially hard for congregants who are in a church in which abuse has been alleged,\u00a0 leaving them unsure who to believe.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">How is spiritual abuse defined?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Several Christian writers from different perspectives have offered definitions.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=1460&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\"><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?page_id=681\">Resources<\/a><\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\">Understanding spiritual abuse<\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1693091100807{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-673\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/booksflatcrop-1536x833.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1694650445326{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">What exactly is spiritual abuse? Is it happening in our church? Is it happening to me?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Is spiritual abuse real or just modern <a href=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/connecting-the-dots\/resources\/bully-pulpit\/\">victim mentality<\/a>? Those words aren&#8217;t found in the Bible.\u00a0 True, but you also won&#8217;t find the words &#8220;Trinity&#8221; or &#8220;triune&#8221; in the Bible, yet we agree those words describe something real. The Bible contains many examples and descriptions of\u00a0 the phenomenon of spiritual abuse. And there are repeated commands to <a href=\"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/scripture\/marks-of-a-wolf\/\">beware<\/a> of the kind of leader who perpetuates it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">When abuse is uncovered in any organization, the smoke and mirrors of deception create confusion. When abuse happens in a church, not only is there the additional layer of spiritual abuse, but the smoke and mirrors will be comprised of seemingly biblical language,\u00a0 creating even more confusion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">People struggle to understand. What is even happening? This can&#8217;t be true&#8211;or can it? I don&#8217;t want it to be true, but what if it is? How do I know who to believe? Who can I trust? Help! But do I even want to know? It&#8217;s not my responsibility, right? Or is it?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Certain patterns of behavior are found across different types of\u00a0 abusive situations. These patterns can serve as recognizable landmarks to\u00a0 help you navigate your way through the fog. The resources recommended here reveal the patterns and expose &#8220;biblical&#8221; smoke and mirrors for the deceptions they are, guiding you as you seek to discern the truth in your situation.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Videos, podcasts, books, and more&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?page_id=681&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;disabled-column&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000; margin-bottom: 2px;\">TEMPLATE &#8211; NOT VISIBLE<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\">How to Identify Dangerous Spiritual Leaders<\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692583350705{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<a title=\"Unknown (Fish &amp; Wildlife Service employee), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 75%;\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\/512px-Canis_lupus_tracks.jpg\" alt=\"Canis lupus tracks\" width=\"512\" \/><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1692587331610{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Take a minute and ask yourself: What does Scripture teach about the characteristics of a dangerous spiritual leader? How well-equipped are you to recognize a wolf or false shepherd? How likely is it that you&#8217;d be fooled?<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=972&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;3px&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;disabled-column&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;2px&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][heading]\n<h3 style=\"color: #000000;\">TEMPLATE &#8211; NOT VISIBLE<\/h3>\n<h5 style=\"margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"><\/h5>\n[\/heading][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1699026112954{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-888\" src=\"http:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bible-fractured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"315\" height=\"229\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1707009105662{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Spiritual abuse is a phenomenon as old as the Bible, but because the term is relatively new,\u00a0 people may not understand what it means. The ability to discern the often subtle dynamics of abuse can be especially hard for congregants who are in a church in which abuse has been alleged,\u00a0 leaving them unsure who to believe.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">How is spiritual abuse defined?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Several Christian writers from different perspectives have offered definitions.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; color_override=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.65)&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Read more &#8230;&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/?p=1460&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-116","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=116"}],"version-history":[{"count":544,"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3370,"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/116\/revisions\/3370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapelhillbiblechurch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}