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 Introduction
to an Underground Church Introduction to an Underground Church Good Christians
have
existed in North America since approximately 1749, generally in
scattered, loosely linked communities. It has been our tradition to
worship in private homes. We do not build churches. Instead, we seek to
live simply, work quietly,
professing in our daily life our distinct expression of the radical
Good
News of GOD.
Traditionally we have been a 'Church of Silence'. In 1951 a compromise was achieved wherein the community agreed to alternating ten year periods when it would renew its public witness and expression. The last period of silence started in late 1997. The 2007-2008 period will see greater activity by the AGC in selected areas until 2017 when we return to silence and contemplation. We call ourselves
a 'New
Testament Church'. From a historical point of view we can lay a better
claim
than most if the "we were first so there" was our goal. In practice,
although
not always in name, our historical ancestors have witnessed since the
4th
century despite severe and cruel persecution. The most common reaction amongst people we meet (or the many more who have come to us from the old and current web site) has been a surprised "I thought you guys were all dead!" Understandable, but with the restoration of some unity within our fellowship we are anything but dead! As a result, we can in good conscience continue our refrain seeks to fulfill the Great Commission calling for revival and renewal in the universal Christian Church. GOD calls humankind to change the face of the earth before He comes - Cathars say to the Christian people - get with the program and get the job done. You may find us to
be both different and familiar at the same time. Our language may be
offensive to some. We try to be straight forward and up front. No one
can every accuse us of trying to con our way into your life with sickly
sweet statements,
waiting for the chance to turn you into some mindless money machine
spouting
memorized gibberish. A witless witness serves neither GOD nor the
church.
Persecuted in the Pre-Reformation PastMany
historians and
scholars of Church history regard the good Christians as the
catalytic forerunner of the
Protestant
Reformation. The "Good Men" as they were called in days before
political
correctness, are the spiritual descendants of those commonly referred
to
as 'Cathars', of whom historians have traced back to the days of the
early
church. However, we mark
the distinctive nature of our fellowship from the tenth and eleventh
centuries.
Branded as
"heretics" by the established church of the day (Roman Catholic) for
our uncompromising rejection of the Church-State union with the Roman
Empire, one of the most decisive moments in the history of the
Christian Church developed. For the first time opinions different from
those held by the Bishop of Rome could be declared acts of heresy or
schism, and thereby become punishable by state law, enforcement by
government police. The 'secular arm' of government stood at the
disposal of whoever could prove themselves 'orthodox' - or could bring
the greatest degree of pressure in Rome, center of the Imperial
government.
By questioning and
rejecting the beliefs held by the Church of Rome, especially those that
were related to building a strong, male dominated and exclusive
leadership not open to ordinary Christians, this posed a serious threat
to the now state supported church hierarchy.
Unfortunately,
this Established
church had the power to enforce its doctrine by the force of law and
state
violence. Good Christians have are pacifists. For this
reason,
and their total rejection of changes of Apostolic practice, the Good
Men
were considered expendable and were excluded from
participation on the full life of the "official" church. They were
removed from their
positions and forced, under penalty of death or long imprisonment from
conducting
their activities or worship in the open. Many fled to other parts of
Europe
or worshipped as carefully as they could in the privacy of their homes.
Good Christians spread the Word of GOD and the Redeeming Message of Christ throughout Eastern and Western Europe, especially in France, the Balkans, Italy and Germany, providing the strongest spiritual opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. In Western and Southern Europe the faith of the good Christians became the predominant spiritual expression. However, the Roman Catholic Church organized the 'Inquisition ' which was originally designed for the sole and only purpose of of eliminating by any means necessary the perfecti and all good Christian believers. Three centuries
and an
untold number of burnt bodies, destroyed towns and villages later the
Inquisition nearly succeeded. After such an excellent success, the
Roman
Church decided
to use the Inquisition on other enemies, both political and religious;
Waldensians,
Jews, Gypsies, Hutterites, Mennonites, Calvinists all were to
experience
devastating human losses at the hands of this olden times killing
machine. (We should note here that the Roman Catholic Church denies that it ever actually killed anyone during the Inquisition. It asserts instead that it was the civil governments that did the actual killing as deadly violence would be "unChristian". They neglect to mention that Roman Catholicism was the State religion and that 'heresy' was a fate punishable by death. All the Inquisitors had to do then was turn the accused over to "the secular arm for punishment" and by an extraordinary coincidence they were executed. The same was true when Roman Catholic armies approached a Cathar town. Led by Catholic Bishops, they did not have the authority to order massacres. They only had the spiritual authority to order the commanding officer to kill heretics. This they would argue, is not quite the same thing. Hence came the command, "Kill them all." Alive Today, Growing TomorrowDespite the
diaspora
that followed; remnants of good Christian faithful survived
in small numbers
throughout the centuries until the present day. The influences of being
an underground church for
much of our existence have in large measure shaped our development and
are
to be borne in mind when seeking to understand our distinctive spirit.
With over one century of varied, semi-organised ministry in North America behind us, and the recent union with six member fellowships, the good Christians have steadfastly resisted formal incorporation as a denominational body anywhere in the world. We do NOT benefit from the tax exemption schemes enjoyed by most churches and denominations. This follows from our views on the separation of Church and State. As we celebrate
800 years
of resistance and survival in the face of the Powers who rule this
world,
we are pleased at the solid level of growth taking place throughout the
world.
The Internet has sped this process quite considerably as more people
have
easier access to historical and scholarly information.
A United CommunityIn responding to
the
call of the Holy Spirit to come together in a restored, united
fellowship of believers, our community has had to modify its worldwide
- but simple - organization. It is an ongoing task that requires the
restoration of communication with scattered congregations and
individuals. In time, this will lead to a renewal of fellowship, and
the creation of opportunities to educate and train a
new order of evangelists and witnesses.
There was as well a need to recognize the unique expressions that persecution and historical isolation had developed in the overseas branches of the church. The process of
calling in the many scattered believers across the span of time,
removing them from the past chaos of an alien world, examining and
agreeing on the beliefs
that we hold in sacred trust, and selecting a common name for our
unified assembly
has been no easy task, and remains an exciting path every day!
MinistriesPlease read the Ministry GuidePublicationsPlease see our Publications GuideMembershipEntering
into
membership is usually preceded by a lengthy period of instruction and
preparation over several years, during which time all candidates are
expected to remain in
the world, fully in contact with family and friends. It is a sad
commentary that prompts us to say in these days of many counterfeit
Christians, that we do not employ any of the mind control techniques
well documented by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton. Indeed, we support
an outreach
for persons who seek information on cultic religious
movements. We also support and work with established and credible anti
cult organizations. Are we are cult? LOL. Nop. Just as we are the
"unchurch of disorganised religion" we are an anti-cult.
Please read Old Age Truth or New Age Cult. House Church MovementMembers are loosely
organized into house churches of 15 - 20 members where numbers allow,
and in association with a local pastor or elder. The celebrant or
president of each local assembly is selected by the local community of
the house.
There are house
churches of varying sizes throughout North America, Europe, Africa and
Australasia. Local practice varies as to if they are "open" or "closed"
for worship or other celebrations. We have a long history of separation
from the world.
This is not easily overcome.
Government and OrganizationOur
fellowship has an
"Episcopal" polity - and we say this carefully. Each region has an
overseer and a council of elders, whose chair serves for seven
meetings. Meetings are customarily held every three months. The elders,
acting in concert with local assemblies, presbyteries and sanctuaries
exercise general supervision of the Community and ministries as a whole.
In the past decade we have been increasing guided towards a restructured arrangement, and so to that end we have seen different experimental models based on the varied experiences found within the Early Church. However, a major concern has always been with that of centralization and the creation of a church government existing separate from the local community of believers. We are seeking moderation in our roles of stewardship and have found that the sharing of responsibilities among the greater community has at times been a strength; at times a seeming weakness of our movement. On the matter of exclusivity of orders, we have consistently refused to restrict - but not to exclude - the calling to orders. Pastoral service has always been open to any person who can claim and evidence a sincere call to serve as we uphold a priesthood of all believers. Many of our most notable witnesses for the Lord in past centuries were persons otherwise rejected by those more concerned with human doctrine or human judgment. We are more
concerned about sketchy people heading to us as a religious
hideaway for vain glorious ego gratification. The AGC employs a
rigorous and lengthy screening process for new candidates.
FinancesWhile
one of the
oldest fellowships within the Christian Church, we are sorely lacking
in the so-called "high profile" givers. Collections are not generally
taken at
worship services
except when the local community feels guided for special purposes.
There
are no charges or stipends levied for pastoral services or
instructions. There may be costs for some publications, but this is not
generally the
rule at all. Most of our people are the poorest of the poor, "street
people",
prisoners, students, the working poor. We are quite content if they put
that
money back to worthy use at home. If they are guided to make an
offering,
this is between the pastor or elder who visits them - usually once a
week
when possible.
We also do not solicit public donations. We do accept donations of money, but not more than $500 per year for any one congregation or ministry. We provide receipts, but these are not tax-deductible. Our ministries are faith missions, dependent - upon GOD - on the faithfulness of the Lord's people. Out of each dollar donated, 90 cents goes to the individual in the field ( who divides it between their upkeep needs and that of the local project), six cents goes to their local assembly and four cents for administration costs. Despite some
problems, we continue to reject the step of incorporating as a
tax-exempt nonprofit religious corporation. Instead, we have sought to
follow rigorous self accounting and consult regularly with Christian
lawyers accountants and professionals.
Doctrinal UnityThe restoration of doctrinal unity guided the preparation and presentation of a statement of beliefs more clearly articulated than those imputed to us by those who live by the doctrines of man. Equally, there was a need for a more precise definition of what constituted the lifestyle and beliefs of a Christian associated with our fellowship and our concepts of good Christian conduct. Because some members of the fellowship had developed their own "catechisms" the understandings and requirements were varied. As a result, we affirm in common the Apostolic faith we share with good Christians throughout the ages. Yet, we also admit a series of differences with some Christian bodies but not with all, and there are some areas where we stand almost alone, strong in our belief that the full exploration and restoration of those historic truths which will bring people to Acquaintance with GOD through the Word and Person of expressed in the Message of Jesus Christ. In many cases, this required the translation of the internal vocabulary of each member community into a contemporary understanding and phrasing so as to allow for an easier understanding by other fellowships and communions. Nor does this state that our position as being representative of other organizations claiming "Cathar" roots. Together, we work for mutual understanding of the GOD's guidance through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Then there is the matter of doctrinal evolution. The Lord sometime leads us to discernment of His will in a different manner throughout the ages. There are many people who expect our fellowship, if we are "authentic" to dress in dark blue or black robes, to preach the end of the world, to espouse exactly to the letter, every word and phrase of real and perceived doctrinal positioning attributed to the historical good Christians found in the various extant manuscripts or historical renderings available, regardless of source. Suffice to say,
our fellowship
does not easily understand such criticisms. We worship a living GOD, a
laughing, dancing
Jesus, not a dead man. The printed words in the New Testament , the
Sayings
and Teachings of Jesus Christ are our infallible guide to living. But
Jesus
lives today. Jesus speaks today. With faith, with knowledge, and by the
grace
of GOD, we can hear the voice of GOD within, and with discernment, we
are
guided faithfully to that which GOD wishes of us TODAY. To that end, we are unified in seeking to heal and
restore the people of GOD to their Divine origin. You may find additional information by reading our publication doctrine. Historic FaithThere is no one creed that can be presumed to be the creed among the good Christians except that which expressed within the New Testament, and all human creeds are subject to the Word of GOD. Accordingly, good Christians accept a wide variance of opinion based in the historic conviction that there is no creed but that based in Christ Jesus, rightly understood by the grace of knowledge.A number of confessions of belief are used freely within our community:
No belief
statement is
a complete and final opinion. We recognize the continuing work of the
Holy
Spirit who guides our understanding of the true nature of GOD. However,
they
are not in any way intended to add anything to the simple conditions of
salvation
revealed in the New Testament or faith in Jesus Christ.
For the the associate, there is no formal requirement of submission to any creed or statement of confession. Believers seek freedom from the world and service to humanity through worship, prayer, service and common friendship. Worship Please
read our
publication on
Worship and visit our Worship
and Praise section.
The good Christian seeks only to worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:20-24) Ordinances We
believe that the
ordinances from the Lord and are outward signs of holy things or
visible forms of invisible grace.
We believe in a baptism of adult believers. The Consolation of the Holy Spirit is the means by which we are received into the community of the people of GOD and confirmed in positions of life and service. This is preceded by a lengthy period of instruction, preparation and prayer. We practice rebaptism of those that come to us from other religious bodies. We hold the Supper
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the holy remembrance and thanksgiving
for the benefits we have received by His instructive presence in the
world,
which is to
be undertaken in faith and charity, so that we may eat of that bread
and
drink of that cup, as it is written in the Holy Scripture.
ScriptureCanonical Scripture The good Christians accept the New
Testament, correctly translated, as an authoritative body of teachings
expressing a
guide of life for "the many" (1 Cor. 3:1-4) For the "little flock"
(Luke
12:32) however, we read of another tradition. We acknowledge as
Scripture the Old and New Testaments. That together they portray
equally the relationship between GOD and man thoughout history, showing
the deceptive wiles of the false god Satan in his effort to separate
humanity from the true GOD. For the good Christian, we are all in
prisons, for the physical universe itself is one vast prison. Inside
each person there is the Divine Substance trapped within the bodily
shell. Thus humanity lives in separation from GOD and it is this
ignorance of true self which is truly a sin. The human species is
enslaved by both the physical laws of nature and the moral laws of the
Mosiac Code. Since the effort of the good Christian
is to restore the wholeness and unity of humankind with GOD, we reject
the so-called moral law of the Old Testament. Non-Canonical Scripture We
read in faith, for the edification of the people, writings from the
early church, based in the sincere belief that these represent the most
ancient source documents for the Gospel. These writings teach that
there is one GOD almighty, wholly wise and wholly good, who has made
all things by His goodness. Examples include the Gospel of
Thomas, The Didache and the Book of John the
Evangelist.
Witnessing The
Message of GOD is
that
His Presence and His Love are available to all who walk in His Way by
their
invitation of Jesus Christ into their lives.
The Message of GOD calls His people home. It calls them out of an alien world. When good Christians evangelize they are preaching clearly and without compromise the sayings and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel so as to combat apostasy in all its forms and guises. All humankind is crying for union, for Acquaintance with GOD, and all good Christians reach out to touch the spark of GOD created goodness within people from all walks of life. Elders and Evangelists depend on the fellowship of believers for support. They may be called from either gender, it is the sincere Call of GOD that is of paramount importance over our sometimes narrow human preferences. Generally, they
will travel in teams of two as did the Apostles (Mt. 10:1-7) with a
Senior and a Junior. Local
fellowships will support any evangelistic outreach in their area. For more information, please visit the Witness section. The Reality of Evil in the World Good
Christians
believe in
the reality of Satan as a malicious, chaotic power in the world; a
false god that
opposes the true GOD and enslaves the souls of human beings.
We believe that as Ruler of this world he has organized most of humankind in opposition to GOD and that GOD's community must exist apart form worldly entrapment as much as possible while still presenting the Message of GOD in accordance with our precepts. and practices. Religious Liberty The
good Christian
believes in religious liberty for all and advocate the complete and
absolute separation between Church and State.
One of our distinct characteristics is that we do not register with the government at any level, nor do we benefit from any tax exemption schemes as do most churches. We do not engage in any practice which may require us to act as agents of the government, including the collection of taxes. We reject spiritually, in complete sincerity, human government, which in not being subordinate to GOD's authority and laws is under the influence of the Prince of this world, and is prejudicial to the liberty of the Spirit and freedom of all good Christians and all people of good will. Cathars and Civil GovernmentAs stated above, the good Christian believes in religious liberty for all and advocates the complete and absolute separation between Church and State. GOD condemns the instigator of the sin, and the sin itself, but always leaves open the door of repentance to the sinner. This principle is applied by all good Christians in both their contact with and conduct before all representatives of government, including those of any law enforcement or regulatory body. None of us should exercise our competence to pass judgment on an individual who is employed with any level of government except in the most exceptional of situations as decreed by the Office of the Faithful. The historic position of the Christian Church has been to view this as a part of the classic struggle between illusion and reality. The System is controlled by illusion, not reality (just read the daily headlines!) and that System is a phony as the proverbial three dollar bill. Yet on the other
hand, the good Christian recognizes that the System has already been
conquered and
prays for the individual and personal redemption of all its members. We
allow
that while that
battle is won, the struggle is not over. We ask visitors to note we make distinctions based on
the legitimacy of the civil authority in question. For example,
the AGC has consistently stated that G.W.
Bush is an
illegitimate occupant of the U.S. presidency, holding, in our honest
opinion given by GODly discernment, no legal or moral
authority. As an illegitimate office holder, he cannot be
impeached, make lawful appointments, issue lawful orders,
or sign legislation into law. Another example is Robert Mugabe of
Zimbabwe.
What Others say about us "Its
call to purity
of life and committed spirituality in a day of moral and religious
laxity earned it
a place among those who have sought renewal in the Christian movement"
C.G. Oliver, Jr. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology "The moral
standard of
their lives generally compared favorably against that of the Catholic
clergy.
Regarded as both spiritually and socially dangerous, they were
condemned...and subdued with great cruelty." "People have often
wondered whether Catharism can...be looked on as a Christian heresy.
Was it not an altogether different religion? Catharism was Christian
inasmuch as the Cathars proclaimed themselves to be Christians, indeed
the only authentic Christians; inasmuch, too, as their rites reproduced
that of the primitive Church, and their doctrine was inspired by the
Gospel interpreted in a certain way. For instance, their basic prayer
was the prayer Christ himself taught his disciples, the "Our Father."
"...there are many
examples of Christian groups whose expectations of the Kingdom of GOD
and of the
Spirit has encouraged equality between men and women (Cathars,
Waldensians,
Quakers)." "A puritanical
movement ruthlessly exterminated" "They were
exterminated by the bloody crusades against them and the
Inquisition" "By the fourteenth
century, this bizarre sect was eradicated." And a touch of "reality" for those who prefer their "facts" from Roman Catholic historians: "These data and
others of a similar nature bear out the assertion that the Inquisition
marks a substantial advance in the contemporary administration of
justice, and therefore in
the general civilization of mankind...The large numbers of burnings
detailed
in various histories are completely unauthenticated, and are deliberate
inventions of phampleteers..." In Conclusion.... Judge
for yourself!
For Additional Reading
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( 150 ) Epistle
Apostolorum (external link)