Atlanta International Christian Church — Attraction in Marietta

I started attending ICC because I had a friend who is member that knew I was seeking a closer walk with God and looking to grow spiritually. I appreciated the dedication to scripture and the enthusiasm of its members. However, over time, my experience has left me feeling disrespected, manipulated, and hurt in ways that I could no longer ignore.

One of the most troubling aspects was the lack of respect for personal boundaries. During a Bible study, I was pressured to share personal struggles in a group setting where I wasn’t comfortable. Even after expressing that I wasn’t ready to open up, I was told that this was something I had to do in order to live as a true Discipler of Christ. Instead of feeling supported, I felt judged and exposed.

In the same study, some of my struggles were brought up. Something I had privately shared with my fiend had been shared with others. Not only was this incredibly hurtful, but it also felt like a violation of my privacy. This wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a pattern of behavior that prioritized control and conformity over genuine care and understanding.

I also felt excluded from decisions about my spiritual journey. For example, my Discipler often sought advice about me from others about steps to be taken without including me in those conversations. This left me feeling like I was being talked about rather than guided in a way that respected my autonomy and input.

While I still believe in accountability and discipleship, I now realize those things need to be rooted in mutual trust, and respect. My time with ICC, unfortunately, did not reflect those values.

For anyone considering ICC, I strongly encourage you to do your research, ask questions, and make sure you feel safe and respected. If something feels off, trust your instincts. No one’s faith journey should come at the expense of their peace and boundaries.

Hi Marcel, thank you for taking the time to respond. I wanted to add some context to my involvement with the church because I believe it’s important for you to understand where I’m coming from.

I was deeply invested in ICC during my time there. I even invited my entire family to a service, and we filled an entire row. That level of trust and involvement reflected my belief in the church’s mission at the time. Unfortunately, the experiences I had with certain members and leaders left me feeling hurt, disrespected, and manipulated, particularly regarding how personal matters were handled and shared without my consent.

While I understand you may not recall everyone who engages with ICC, I believe it’s important for church leadership to be aware of how discipleship and accountability are being practiced by those representing your church. My concerns are not about individual mistakes but rather about a broader culture that prioritizes compliance over genuine care and respect for boundaries.

I hope my feedback helps foster a more loving and supportive environment for others. At this time, I’ve decided to step away from ICC to focus on my relationship with God...

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