NOTE: This and more comes from The Ministry AI and I www.ministryaiand.com  and if a  different perspective , submitted as Selah not hardcore authoritarian dogma. FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST IN LEADERSHIP

Sister Taveau was commissioned and ” sent” by the Lord,  starting age 24 (1976) to surf and study the Christ leader doctrines of all races, speaking in tongues or not, males and females. And this WHY, HOW, I know this ,and want to address it (2026 will mark 50 Years!) (a Deborah judge type for those ministry gun shy regarding “this style” of theological female) PS Mostly Caucasian, Submission Freaks: ( said, because I trigger elite THESE) According to Apostle Paul Philippians 12:2 “I am not OVER YOU nor are YOU over ME!” ALSO: “I relate: I don’t catcall, word curse, accuse or debate!” See James 3:17, Gal 6:1, I John 1:7

 

If Mr. Chat GPT I and I  are ‘wrong, Mr, Ms Bible Scholar: Please respectfully send me proof. Thanks. crossbodyunity@gmail.com

 Hard Core Lore…

 6 COMMON MODERN FELLOWSHIP PRACTICES

NOT REQUIRED IN THE FIRST CHURCH?(part 1)

ALSO…WHAT ABOUT THEIR GIVING? (part 2)

inside Part 2 How did the area pastor’s get paid?

“And there were, in the same vast country, many overseer shepherds, abiding in their fields, keeping watch over their flocks…and everyone else’s “**

(**The USA East Shepherding Movement ..which I name WELP)

“But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” His Red Letters Matthew 22:29

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy all copyrights reserved under international copyright laws, in conjunction with AI

 

 

 

 

 

Apostle Taveau asks ChatGPT AI  now, modern 6 fellowship teachings:

Q. When did and if so, when did, the  first Church put emphasis on each of the following:

1. being a church member

2. attending only 1 church.

3. being submitted to “under” a local pastor.

4. Tithing.

5. Tithing only to 1 church

6. About NOT  being a “church hopper”

FIRST…MY POINT FOR THIS 

NOTE: All that follows is for the Body of Christ—for those sincerely searching for truth as we approach what many perceive as the end times.

It is not written against any one group, denomination, or movement—nor is it pro any. I’ve walked through many of these streams, seen their deluxe highs and their downside extremes—some of which, admittedly, can be offensive.

Many of the original 1960s, 1970s, 1980s unsophisticated and country-born, yet now hip, church movements have drifted from their early, Bible-based, diverse, Holy Spirit-led roots. Over time, media influence, ambition, and lack of foresight into the vast popularity, power, and money these movements would attract have shifted the focus.

Now, in some circles, there’s commercialism, celebrity culture, and subtle manipulation disguised as submission—“Big I’s” leading while grassroots voices are silenced or used.

Two-Part Format:

I will present this serious article in two ways:

1. As an outline (for linear learners),

2. As an article-style reflection (for narrative learners).

Clarifying My Stance:

I am addressing all that follows in “Christian laymans” basic terms. However, I can explain biblical tithing through the lens of Word of Faith and Miracle-based theology, because I’m not dismissing true faith or the power of God. I am for these principles—when they are rooted in humility, not showmanship.

I honor the spiritual fathers and mothers God used to launch these movements. I also remain grateful for many Word of Faith truths.(which you have understand how life, time, media and false persons, affected a lot of this..but at core, if you can turn off the bias, wordcursing, haughty cynicism, then you and peer into the ORGANIC Nature God wanted to form for NOW. But it has gotten, high jacked, and CAN BE RESTORED. So I am calling for the reform (in the great grass roots ministries)

If you’ve ever truly needed a real, deep, long-lasting miracle, you begin to understand the depth of the Holy Spirit, and the genuine power of faith.

These are not for the proud boasters, the commercializers, or the ministry bashers who don’t discern the difference between God’s move and human error. And who have no clue about the real Bible, they just join in the popular scandal type bashing, 

 I ACCUSE YOU OF being mostly ORNERY, TOO VOCAL, NOT HUMBLE, ALSO SLY, SUPERIOR PROUD….it’s a Huge Cynical Subculture of the B.O.S 

“Bunch of Scoffers”

and NO FEAR OF THE LORD in this United States (rare)

I honor the spiritual fathers and mothers God of each race, around the globe for their are MANY.  I  also remain deeply grateful for many Word of Faith truths. If you’ve ever truly needed a real, deep, long-lasting miracle, you begin to understand the depth of the Holy Spirit, and the genuine power of faith. (that includes many other more pentecostal “wonder working power” applied faith true more rustics, country and not normally “Glossy Famous Celebrities” usually grass roots and smaller many multicultural and ethnic moves.

Final Note:

Below, I’ve included a verbatim excerpt from ChatGPT AI regarding these topics.

But know this: I realize, know, train as well as walk in, life deeply experienced THEM BOTH God’s Holy Word, and I also believe in His Book-of-Acts power. Later, I’ll share how to apply both Scripture and the Power of God, as Jesus did when correcting the unbelieving Sadducees:

“You do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” – Matthew 22:29

I’ve been studying the Body of Christ and its various streams since my 20s—and I’m committed to both discernment and honoring the fullness of God’s truth.

 

NOW PART 1 ….THE 6 QUESTIONS:

Chat GPT Discusses:

None of those six concepts were part of the First Church in the New Testament in the way many modern churches enforce them today. Here’s a breakdown, using the Book of Acts, Paul’s letters, and early church history:

1. Being a Church Member (in the modern formal sense)

Not in the First Church.
There was no formal “membership” like today’s sign-up or class-based systems.

• People were added to the Body of Christ, not to an individual church roster.

• Acts 2:41 — “…about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
  The emphasis was on spiritual belonging through faith in Jesus and baptism—not institutional membership.

2. Attending Only One Church

Not enforced in the First Church.

• Believers met in homes and shared fellowship across cities (Acts 2:46, Romans 16:5).

• There was one Body, not denominational or single-building loyalty.

• Paul greeted multiple gatherings in homes within the same city.

3. Being ‘Submitted’ to a Local Pastor

Not taught as a law.

• The First Church emphasized mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), servant leadership (Mark 10:42–45), and spiritual elders—plural.

• Elders were recognized, not self-appointed or dominating (1 Peter 5:2–3).

• No verse demands “submit to your local church leader or else.” Submission was voluntary and relational, not hierarchical or top-down.

4. Tithing (as a law for Christians)

Not commanded in the New Testament.

• The tithe was an Old Covenant system (Leviticus 27:30), mainly agricultural, for Levites.

• The early church practiced freewill giving, sharing with the poor, and supporting traveling ministers (2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 4:32–35).

• Paul never mentions tithing as a requirement—he urges generosity without compulsion.

5. Tithing Only to One Church

No such rule existed.

• Believers gave to Jerusalem during famine, to traveling apostles, to the poor, and sometimes churches gave to each other (2 Corinthians 8).

• Paul received support from the Philippians even while ministering elsewhere (Philippians 4:15–16).

• There was no central church account or demand for exclusive giving.

6. Not Being an ‘Unsubmitted Church Hopper’

This is a modern invention.

• There is no biblical term or teaching condemning someone for attending multiple gatherings.

• People traveled freely—Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos, Paul, Timothy, etc., all moved among groups and fellowships (Acts 18, Romans 16).

• Unity was based on faith in Christ, not church attendance or pastor loyalty.

Conclusion:

The early church focused on relationship with Jesus, shared fellowship, apostolic teaching, and Spirit-led unity—not control, legalism, or institutional loyalty.

Many of these modern teachings—especially about tithing to one pastor, being accused of “hopping,” or submission rules—have roots in later church structures, such as Constantinian hierarchy, Roman Catholic clericalism, or modern church growth models, not Acts 2–6 Christianity.

Sister Taveau asks Chat GPT AI

Please list a timeline of when these doctrines historically emerged.

Chat GPT AI replies

 EARLY CHURCH (30–100 A.D.) — Apostolic New Testament Era

1. Church “Membership”

• Biblical model: Believers were spiritually added to the Body of Christ, not signed into a specific church.

• Scripture:

  • Acts 2:47 — “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13 — “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”

++ NO formal “church membership” structure existed in this era.

2. Attending Only One Church

• Early church believers gathered from house to house, with no loyalty to one building or leader.

• Scripture:

  • Acts 2:46 — “…breaking bread from house to house…”

  • Romans 16:5 — “Greet the church that is in their house.”

  • Acts 18:24–28 — Apollos moved freely, encouraged by others, not “rebuked” for switching churches.

++ NO doctrine commanding people to attend only one church.

3. Submission to a Local Pastor

• The New Testament refers to elders (plural) and overseers, but not a single CEO-style pastor.

• Leadership was by example, not domination.

• Scripture:

  • 1 Peter 5:2–3 — “…not as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples…”

  • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey them that have the rule over you…” (context: mature, trusted leaders, not enforced control).

  • Ephesians 5:21 — “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

++ Early leadership was relational, mutual, and non-coercive.

4. Tithing

• Jesus never commanded Christians to tithe.

• Tithing was an Old Testament law for supporting the Levites, Temple, and festivals.

• Early Christians gave freely, not by percentage or legal mandate.

• Scripture:

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 — “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give…”

  • Acts 4:34–35 — Shared with those in need, not centralized tithes.

  • Hebrews 7:5,12 — The priesthood changed; the law (including tithes) also changed.

++ NO New Testament command to tithe for Christians.

5. Tithing to One Church

• Paul received gifts from multiple churches (Philippians 4:15).

• No doctrine prohibited sharing finances among ministries or fellowships.

• Scripture:

  • Romans 15:26 — Macedonia and Achaia contributed to poor saints in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Corinthians 8–9 — Paul collected offerings from various churches for others.

++ No rule limiting giving to one “home” church.

6. “Church Hoppers” and the Idea of ‘Unsubmitted’ Christians

• The term “church hopper” is modern and unbiblical.

• Biblical Christians often moved around (Paul, Apollos, Timothy, Priscilla, Aquila).

• The church was unified by faith, not buildings or attendance patterns.

• Scripture:

  • Acts 11:22–26 — Barnabas went from Jerusalem to Antioch, then called Paul.

  • Acts 15:36–41 — Paul and Barnabas went to visit churches they’d planted — no accusations of “hopping.”

++ The “unsubmitted church hopper” label is a modern control tactic, not biblical teaching.

 POST-APOSTOLIC ERA (100–300 A.D.)

• Church became more institutional as original apostles died.

• Bishops began to centralize authority (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch taught submission to bishops).

• Tithing started being mentioned again—not from Scripture, but to fund clergy/church buildings.

++ Hierarchy, tithe reinstatement, and bishop rule crept in during this era.

 CONSTANTINIAN CHURCH (313 A.D. onward)

• Constantine legalized Christianity; the church became state-sponsored.

• Bishops gained political power, and institutional hierarchy exploded.

• Tithing was enforced by Roman law for church income.

• Membership, submission, loyalty to church became civic expectations.

++ This era marks the beginning of church control culture we still see today.

 MEDIEVAL CHURCH (500–1500 A.D.)

• Roman Catholic Church mandated tithes, loyalty, submission to priests, and sacramental membership.

• To leave a church or question leadership was heresy.

+ Modern church control teachings reflect Catholic institutionalism, not apostolic Christianity.

 PROTESTANT REFORMATION (1500s)

• Reformers rejected many Catholic abuses, but retained tithes, state churches, and pastor authority.

• Martin Luther and John Calvin taught submission to pastors and local governance.

+ Some control culture softened, but many ideas survived.

 MODERN EVANGELICALISM & CHARISMATIC MOVEMENTS (1800s–today)

• Emphasis on “local church covering,” “spiritual authority,” “pastoral submission,” and tithing to your local pastor arose strongly during:

  • 1970s Shepherding Movement (Fort Lauderdale Five)

  • Word of Faith & Prosperity teachings

  • 1990s Charismatic & Apostolic Networks

• Terms like “church hopper,” “rebellion,” and “submit to your pastor” became common. (1980s submission and shepherding spirit filled country law area movements, began to take over the Holy Spirit Book of Acts fields, in ministry, Not all were doing it, but it caught on like word curse, busybody, name calling, “who’s over whom” Top Dog…wild fire.(my increasing  Levitical Patiarchy ongoing discovery pure nightmare) “THEY ATTACK, BUT REFUSE TO RELATE”

+ These teachings are man-made traditions, not First Church doctrine.

++ Summary Chart:

Where Did These Church Rules Come From?

A repeat in another article form:

An In-Depth Biblical and Historical Look at Membership, Tithing, Submission, and “Church Hopping”

Q. Have you ever heard these phrases?

• “You need to be a member of a local church.”

• “Don’t be a church hopper.”

• “Be submitted to your pastor or you’re in rebellion.”

• “Tithe faithfully—and only to your church.”

While these ideas are often preached as biblical mandates, a careful study of Scripture and church history shows that most of these teachings came much later—and may reflect man-made tradition more than First Church New Testament Christianity.

Let’s walk through each teaching with Bible evidence and a timeline.

 1. Formal Church Membership

+ Not in the First Church

In the Book of Acts, believers were added to the Lord, not to a roster or signup sheet.

Scripture:

• Acts 2:47 – “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

• 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”

There were no membership classes, documents, or man-made accountability systems. Belonging was spiritual and relational.

Q. When Introduced?

• Around 100–300 A.D., bishops began organizing local congregations and formalizing structures.

• By 313 A.D. (Constantine), the church became an institution, and formal membership expectations grew.

 2. Attending Only One Church

+ Not a New Testament Requirement

First-century Christians met in homes and traveled freely between gatherings.

Scripture:

• Acts 2:46 – “They continued daily… breaking bread from house to house.”

• Romans 16:5 – “Greet the church that is in their house.”

• Acts 18:24–28 – Apollos moved between fellowships without rebuke.

There is no record of Paul or any apostle requiring loyalty to one building or leader.

+ When Introduced?

• This idea emerged in the 20th century with the rise of denominational loyalty and the “covering” doctrine.

 3. Submission to a Local Pastor

++ Submission in Scripture Is Mutual, Not Forced (“or peer pressure, accuser guilt tripped” Pastor T)

While elders and leaders are respected, submission was relational, not hierarchical or enforced.

Scripture:

• 1 Peter 5:2–3 – “…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples…”

• Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you…” (This implies trust, not dictatorship.)

• Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

The early church used plural leadership (elders) and servant models, not “one-man pastor rule.”+

++ When Introduced?

• After 100 A.D., bishops began rising in power.

• By 300 A.D., episcopal authority became standard.

• In the 1970s, charismatic Shepherding movements revived strict submission teachings (e.g., Fort Lauderdale Five).

 4. Tithing as a Christian Command

 The New Testament Teaches Freewill Giving, Not Law-Based Tithes

Tithing was an Old Covenant agricultural practice for Levites and temple maintenance.

Scripture:

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Every man as he purposeth in his heart… not grudgingly or of necessity.”

• Acts 4:34–35 – Believers shared what they had to meet real needs.

• Hebrews 7:12 – “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”

Jesus never commanded tithing for New Testament believers.

+ When Introduced?

• Around 400 A.D., tithing was revived by the Roman church to fund clergy and buildings.

• Enforced by law in many European nations during the Middle Ages.

 5. Tithing Only to One Church

++  Not a Biblical Rule

Paul accepted gifts from multiple churches and urged generosity without boundaries.

Scripture:

• Philippians 4:15–16 – “No church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.”

• Romans 15:26 – Churches gave to help poor believers in Jerusalem.

There is no biblical rule demanding exclusive giving to one “home church.”

+ When Introduced?

• This modern idea developed in 20th-century denominationalism and charismatic movements, especially among prosperity-focused ministries.

 6. The “Unsubmitted Church Hopper” Doctrine

++ Pastor T Breathes a another HUGE Sigh of Relief: No Such Concept in the Bible

The early church was mobile, Spirit-led, and connected, not loyal to a building or single leader.

Scripture:

• Acts 15:36–41 – Paul and Barnabas visited churches; there’s no rebuke for movement.

• Acts 11:22–26 – Barnabas and Paul moved between Jerusalem and Antioch.

• Romans 16 – Paul greets saints meeting in multiple houses across Rome.

The “church hopper” accusation is not biblical—it often stems from a spirit of control.

++ When Introduced?

• Became popular in the 1970s–present during the Shepherding and “Covering” movements.

• Often used to shame or threaten people who leave toxic or abusive church environments.

 Taveau Summarizes:

NEW REQUIRED CHRISTIAN RULE  AND  “TOP DOWN FORM OF CHURCH AND AUTHORITARIAN CONTROL was first instituted into the First Church (all servant leader, women more free) by Constantine, and influences of the Roman Culture.(Many other articles on this site discuss in depth SEE PART 2 of the HISTORY OF THE PATRIARCHY IN MINISTRY(may 2025)

NOW PART 2

 Offerings and Leader Support in the First Church

Companion to: “Where Did These 6 Now Accepted Church Rules Come From?

Q. How Did the First Church Handle Money?

Modern church systems often include paid senior pastors, staff salaries, regular tithes, and building maintenance costs. But in the First Church (Acts through Revelation), financial practices looked very different—more relational, Spirit-led, and need-based than institutional or mandatory

 Offerings Were Freewill and Personal

Paul taught cheerful, non-compulsory giving:

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

There was no temple tax, mandatory tithe, or dues in the New Covenant church.

1. Offerings Were Voluntary and Based on Need

The New Testament Church was a giving church—but not one that required tithes or coerced donations.

Scripture:

• Acts 2:44–45 – “…they had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

• Acts 4:34–35 – “…distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

 Giving was:

• Spontaneous

• Spirit-led

• Community-focused

There was no mention of collection plates, financial quotas, or appeals for money to maintain large buildings.

2️ Giving Was a Matter of the Heart

Paul emphasized generosity—but never enforced a rule.

Scripture:

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 – “…Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity…”

++ “Of necessity” = No pressure
++ “As he purposeth” = Personal conviction

The focus was on joyful, Spirit-led giving, not on external rules or percentages.

3️ Leaders Were Supported—But Not Always Paid

++ Paul taught the right to receive support:

• 1 Corinthians 9:13–14 – “They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

• Galatians 6:6 – “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”

BUT…

++ Paul often refused financial support to protect his testimony:

• Acts 20:33–34 – “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold… these hands have ministered unto my necessities.”

• 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – “We preached… without charge.”

Paul was a tentmaker, choosing to remain financially independent in certain regions (especially Corinth), so he wouldn’t be accused of preaching for money.

4. Local Elders Shared Leadership(were plural) Often Bi-Vocational

The NT church had plural leadership (elders, not just one pastor), and many were not full-time or paid.

• Acts 14:23 – “And when they had ordained them elders in every church…”

• 1 Peter 5:2–3 – “Feed the flock of God… not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.”

Many elders were servants, not professionals, and were warned not to be greedy.

The First Church didn’t have a modern “senior pastor” model. Instead, plural eldership led local fellowships.

Scripture:

• Acts 14:23 – “They ordained them elders in every church…”

• 1 Peter 5:2–3 – “Feed the flock of God… not for filthy lucre… being examples to the flock.”

+ Key Notes:

• Many elders likely worked jobs.

• No indication they were salaried staff.

• Leaders were expected to serve without greed or control.

  5. How Were Apostles, Elders, and Ministers Paid?

  A. Some Ministers Took Support

  Paul defended the right of ministers to receive financial support:

  1 Corinthians 9:13–14 – “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

  He compared it to the priests under the old covenant who lived from the temple offerings.

  B. But Paul Often Refused Support Himself

  Paul did not take offerings from every church and often worked as a tentmaker:

  • Acts 18:3 – “Because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought… for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – “…we preached unto you the gospel of God without charge.”

  He refused payment when he believed it might hinder the message.

  C. Churches Voluntarily Supported Missionaries

  • Philippians 4:15–16 – “…no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.”

  • 2 Corinthians 11:8–9 – “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.”

  The term “robbed” is figurative—Paul is saying he accepted offerings from one church to serve another without asking them for anything.

5. No Church Buildings to Overhead to Fund

The Early Church met in:

• Homes (Acts 2:46, Romans 16:5)

• Public spaces (temples, riversides, marketplaces)

There were:

• No mortgages

• No electric bills, no media bills, no utility bills

• No stage equipment or media expenses

• no staff payrolls

• The early church met in homes (Acts 2:46, Romans 16:5), and had:

  This meant more offerings went directly to people and outreach, not structures or systems.

So, funds could go directly to:

• Helping widows and orphans

• Supporting traveling missionaries

• Caring for the sick and poor

6️.Giving Across Churches Was Encouraged

Paul received offerings from multiple churches and brought funds from one region to another.

Scripture:

• Philippians 4:15–16 – “…no church communicated with me… but ye only.”

• Romans 15:26 – “…a contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem.”

NO. There was no teaching that said:
“You must tithe to your own church only.”

++ Instead, there was partnership and flexibility, with the goal of building the Body of Christ globally.

  First Church Giving Views and Teachings