The Church of The Apostles — Attraction in Atlanta

While attending a midweek service Dec. 6th 2017, I was blindsided by a particular prayer that seemed inappropriate for the time and place. Actually, I believe as a Christian, the words and abrasive tone of this man’s words (while praying) were offensive to anyone who did not share his view about our current president. Long story short, this Caucasian man was thanking and praising God for finally placing a man in the White House, who has integrity. He went on asking God to protect this great man of God from the evil opposition he’s encountering in Washington and that he accomplishes everything he was sent to Washington to do. I dare not hold the Pastor responsible for the actions of others, but I do pray that the leadership of the church (who were in attendance) will address this matter as soon as possible. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion and does things decent and in order. This president may be a great man from a worldly standpoint (in the opinion of some), but men of nobility do not conduct themselves in a manner that is not worthy of his/her calling and this man is totally out of character for the office of The President of the United States. This man has voiced his inferiority towards African Americans, Mexicans, Asians, Hispanics and everyone else, who do not share his view. Many women (even before his presidency) have been ostracized and sexually harassed, defenseless people who are mentally challenged have been ridiculed of by this man and he lies about everything to twist the truth and avoid being held accountable. Would the former president (President Obama) ever have made it into office, with any of these indictments against his character? I don’t think so, yet the current president’s list is even more extensive, but I digress. I know and understand that God will use whom he chooses to accomplish His will (evil men included) and Trump being in office, is no exception to the rule My hope remains in Him (El Shaddai), not in a man and no matter how we see thru our lens at life. God is sovereign, Holy and righteous and although He may choose to work from behind the scenes of life (as He did in Esther’s day) the end result will always bare His signature, and His signature alone. In closing, I pray that we as the body of Christ would show the world who Christ is according to scripture and no longer present a distorted view of Him. We have a mandate “let our light shine” to show the world that the God they cannot see, does in fact live on the inside of each of us. Only then can we continue the ministry of Christ, with EXCELLENCE and give...

I have been visiting Church of the Apostles since November 5, 2017. I have listened to Michael Youssef off-and-on since 2004. This review is by no means to discount the Great work that the church does. However, I feel compelled to address a disturbing incident that occurred during Wednesday night prayer on December 6th.

A Caucasian member stood up and prayed a prayer that I found disturbing. He thanked God that after decades a Godly Man of integrity was in the Whitehouse. He went on to say how he thanked God that on November 2016 we made history, and how pleased he was to have this Great Man of Integrity in the Whitehouse. He prayed that God would stop the evil that is rising against him in this city. He thanked God that this great man of integrity and great leader made the decision to move The Embassy to Jerusalem (I am glad that he made that decision; God’s will, will be done and history shows that some of the most evil men have been used to bring it about. It is in the Bible).

As a fellow Christian, I do not understand how anyone who truly loves the Lord; someone who is actively pursuing him can call this President, “A Great Godly Man of Integrity or A Great Man.” Some of his campaign and presidential speeches have clearly shown his distaste for Black People, Hispanic People, anyone who is Non-Caucasian. He has shown a lack of respect for women, anyone who has the courage to speak out against his hate. During one of his campaign speeches, there was a black man who heckled him, and he actually said, “I wish this was the good old days when…” – I as well as his followers knew what he meant.

Those “Christians/Evangelicals” who endorsed this man, need to examine their heart to see if they are really in Christ. To have a fellow “Christian” go on about this President the way that this man did was disturbing. This prayer was totally inappropriate and insensitive. Unless, you have been living under a rock for the last two to three years, you know about the controversial - hate filled things this President has said. When I see a church member who is comfortable praying such a prayer, I find myself questioning the people at the church. I wonder if I am attending church with people who have racist views/beliefs.

My prayer for all Christians is that the Lord Jesus will open our eyes to what is in our heart. If we find racist views or already know that we have racist views; I pray that we will allow Jesus to make us over, so that we can truly love each and understand that no race is inferior to another.

My one star rating is about the prayer –...

I began attending COTA in Oct 2010 and became a member in Spring 2011. I was initially attracted to COTA because of hearing Michael on the radio applying the word of God to contemporary issues without compromise. I was wrong to let myself be fooled into mistaking issues for the gospel.

A growing low-level awareness of potential problems grew to significant concern in the fall of 2014 when a class on "Spiritual Disciplines" was offered for women. This and other events confirmed that this was not a one-time aberration but a long-term trend, a commitment not to sound biblical doctrine but a willingness of pastoral staff, including Michael, to compromise in spiritual error.

Primary problems: Aberrant, unbiblical doctrine is not identified and taught against so the congregation is unprotected. Error must be exposed. The Bible is not systematically exegeted so the congregation is unprotected. Truth must be taught. Staff members (both pastoral and paid lay staff) endorse or use spiritually dangerous practices (ie: Lectio Divinia, Yoga, Aaron Keyes endorses John Crowder, a heretic). Emergent Theology and Contemplative prayer are either actively taught or passively endorsed.

I withdrew my membership in May 2015.

There are many there who are very dear to me - there are staff members who do all they can to be faithful ministers to the body ... they have my utmost respect. It is my heartfelt prayer that The Holy Spirit would quicken those who remain - both for their sake and for the sake of any who are influenced by COTA and Dr. Michael Youssef.

I could not recommend this church to anyone because of all of the above and more.

One option in looking for a local church is FIRE - Fellowship of Reformed Evangelicals. This is not an endorsement, just a suggestion. We must all be like the Bereans, comparing what is taught with what the word of God says.

Of note Google would not allow this to be published without using the star rating system - I wanted to leave that un-rated. I did not ever, nor do I now "hate" COTA (a one-star rating...