I was born and raised in a town of about 1,200 people. I came to the Lord at age 19 from a life of drug addiction and all that goes along with that lifestyle.
I designed this a couple of years ago
About 4 years ago I left the Institutional Church after discovering that it had no biblical merit for its practices and rituals.
3 years ago, I moved from Dallas, TX to Gainesville, FL to pursue Christ with an amazing group of brothers and sisters in Christ. Many would call us an “Organic Church” but we mostly take the title “The Body of Christ” or “The Bride”. We have no name, no building, no clergy. I suppose you could consider all of us, corporate, the clergy or “ministers”. We make decisions by consensus; we all mutually share in our church meetings, and we have a rich fellowship and community life. I thank my Lord for this! In February 2013 I moved to Nashville, TN to cast my lot as I did in Gainesville with the saints here.
For further details about Organic Church and why I left the organized church and why I believe that Organic Church is more in line with Scripture see my post, “A Former Skeptic: Why I’m Pro-Organic Church (Part 1)”
My passion, my desire, and my goal in life is to know Jesus Christ. I desire nothing more than to know Him, preach Him, express Him, and manifest Him by my life and my death (to self). Now whatever that looks like, I’m not sure of yet. But whatever it is, may He be supreme and “before all things” in everything!
I love reading, writing, and playing music now and then. My favorite authors are: A.W. Tozer, Watchmen Nee, Frank Viola, Milt Rodriguez, Jon Zens, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rick James, Len Sweet, T. Austin-Sparks, Ernest Hemingway, and Leonard Sweet.
I write about the discoveries of Christ I find through the Church, through daily living, and through what I read or hear from others. So feel free to join me in this wonderful journey with Jesus!
-Michael Young 2013
Tommy Donahue
June 30, 2010
Man you and I got alot in common, 7-22-10 makes 4 years since my commitment, like you I like to write read sing and dance, in Jesus that is! I have had similer experiences as you have with relegion vs. relationship, church buildings vs being the called out ones ekklesia that is. I would throughly like to befriend you my “on fire” apple of my Daddy’s eye brother in Christ! My names Tommy you accepted a friend request on facebook. God bless you Michael Young! Hit me back bro.
Peace-out
Tommy
Michael Young
June 30, 2010
4 years, that’s freakin awesome!! And yes, I love writing, danicing, etc. in Jesus. Good times.
Thanks for the kind words bro! We’ll stay in touch for sure. Always down for more friends!
God Bless you
Trina
September 17, 2010
Micheal,
That was AWESOME son!!! I am almost in tears of joy reading this tonight. You have GROWN SO MUCH in your committment to Christ and I am SO VERY PROUD of you!!! I KNEW before you were born that you were destined for GREAT THINGS!! Rock on Micheal Man… Rock ON!!! I love you!
Yo Mamma
Michael Young
September 18, 2010
hehe. Leave it up to mom to submit a lovey dovey comment on her son’s blog lol. Love you too mom!
You know, there’s something very holy about a mother’s prayer. I’ve heard several stories of mothers with deep faith and praying over their children before they were born and how faithful the Lord is to hear those prayers. It reminds me of…I think it was Hannah. The barren woman who prayed to the Lord for a son, and out came Samuel the prophet who was a judge over all of Israel, who then annointed David as king.
All that to say, a mothers prayer is very holy. Thanks all you praying mothers!
Bob
October 2, 2010
Michael, I regularly read your posts and those of Frank Viola, and I’ve read a couple of his books and several articles. I would like to learn more about the particular personal changes and blesses that you and others in your Organic Church have experienced in recent days. What practical difference is Jesus making in your daily routine and life experience? What did Jesus do for you or a friend of yours today? Please be specific, and may God continue to lead and to bless you in your walk of faith with Jesus.
Michael Young
October 4, 2010
Bob,
Recently the Lord has been disclosing how big and real He really is to us. We are all learing how the Lord lives inside of us and we in Him. “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
For me, I’m learning how important the church is to God. It’s not just a cool thing we do, but it’s His main focus. His bride, house, and body–the church.
Hope that answers some of the questions. What I post on this blog is what I’m personally learning about Christ. So if you ever want to know, just read the blog
In Christ,
Mike
Bob
October 4, 2010
Michael,
Thanks for this response to my question. I read the posts on your blog and will continue to do so. I know about Gainesville. My wife’s sister lives there, and my wife lived in Florida for many years.We have been there several times. It is a challenging cultural environment in which to experience the indwelling presence of Jesus. May Jesus continue to enable you to grow into his “bride”.
Bob
Ant Writes
March 12, 2011
Great blog man! I used to be a pastor but left the IC after reading Frank’s self published books about 6 years ago. Now I am no longer “clergy”, and I’m thinking of moving to Gainesville to join your organic fellowship since we’ve been in the desert for 6 years
. I added you to my blogroll.
Michael Young
March 15, 2011
I really appreciate that! Have you considered visiting? Let me know, I can send you an email with the address of where we meet.
Ant Writes
March 15, 2011
Yes..definitely…do you have my email?
Michael Young
March 15, 2011
WordPress tells me the email address of the person who comments. So I sent an email to that address that you use for WP. Let me know if you get it or not
Lisa L
March 31, 2011
I think you should keep writing Michael. Looking forward to your next post. I have been a fan of Watchman Nee’s writing for years. I’m sure you have a powerful testimony which will grow even stronger.
Michael Young
April 1, 2011
Oh I will certainly keep writing, Lisa.
I can’t help but write, it just kind of comes out of me. So for me to permantly stop writing would be like telling a tree to stop being green! lol
Thanks for the comment!
Ant Writes
April 1, 2011
He he, maybe you’ll be like me, diarrhea of the pen. (Uhh..keyboard?)
Bill Otis
July 15, 2011
You go brother! Toledo, Oh. body. – while you are there, look up Ryan Stokes, Alex Smith and Ashley Stoneking – all in their 20′s.
Adrian
September 21, 2011
Grace and peace.Keep reading those books especially Watchman Nee. Also take a look at Andrew Murray, Darby, Mackintosh, Gabelein, Kelly, Coates, Panton, Pember, Arthur Cunstance and other christian writers whose lives reflect their writings and viceversa. Be careful of theologians; do not get caught by mental traps or snares. Be simple. The pure in heart see God not necessarily the Bible experts. Also I recommend the assembly life by W. Nee. It is important to go back to the New Testament pattern of gathering. Feel free to write back. God bless you,
Michael Young
September 23, 2011
Andrew Murray is another favorite of mine. But I am a bit cautious when it comes to saying “beware of theologians”. Because I know a few really gifted theologians who are all about Organic Church…Jon Zens is one of them.
But I think I see your point. You’re saying (by my interpretation) to be careful of over-intellectualizing the Scriptures which can be detrimental. But as DeVern Fromke puts it, we must have a balance in spiritualizing things (the more mystical sense of revelation) and the intellectual (studying the Scriptures with our logic). There is a fine balance
Thanks for commenting!
Ant Writes
September 23, 2011
I’d have to second the comment about beware of theologians. They sit in their ivory towers, and really don’t know what’s going on. Sure, a couple are fine, (Jon Zens as well) but I harshly disagree with his view of Israel. He says Israel is just a piece of dirt.
Michael Young
September 23, 2011
Ant,
My thing is that if it weren’t for theologians, we wouldn’t have half the content or commentaries we have today. In fact, if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to have the insight we have into the 1st century. So they have their place. And to put all theologians on an “ivory tower” is to put brothers and sisters that you have never met personally in a bad light. That is how we have so much division.
And I personally agree with Zens. But I’ll let him defend his views on that one.
Ant Writes
September 24, 2011
Yes, and I agree, but I believe brothers in the trenches know a heck of a lot more than pampered theologians. I’m sorry if I’m a bit bitter. I’ve recently come across some major heresy that people are believing in that is taught by 3 highly praised theologians.
Jon Zens
September 24, 2011
Hi, Ant Writes! I think you are way overstaying the matter to say I regard Israel as a piece of dirt. In the responses to that blog-post, “Kiss the Son, Not Israel,” I repeatedly stated that Israel has a place in the eternal purpose in Christ. It seems like you are forgetting all that I said in those replies to various people. Further, in 1993 I wrote an article in Searching Together, “How Should Disciples View Israel?” I don’t think you could read that and walk away believing I view Israel as a piece of dirt. I think we would all have to agree that the Bible teaches, especially in Isaiah, that all the nations are like pieces of dirt before the holy Lord God!
Ant Writes
September 24, 2011
I agree with you there. I’ve been a little snarky the past few days, so I apologize if I misrepresented or misquoted you. Is there a copy of that article that I can read?
About my problem with theologians, I’m been bombarded by preterists (over 7!) and they are all saying major theologians are supporting the view. (I’m not even referring to Hanegraff)
So I’m going through sort of a theological malaise right now
Philip S.
July 8, 2012
Hi Michael! Mike Morrell and I really appreciate your blog, and think you’d be an excellent candidate for our Speakeasy Blogger Network. Do you like to review off-the-beaten path faith, spirituality, and culture books? Speakeasy puts interesting books in your hands at no charge to you. You only get books when you request them, and it’s free to join. Sign up here, if you’d like: http://thespeakeasy.info
You’re not on any contact lists, I promise; if you don’t respond, that’s it, and the invitation is open as long as you’re actively blogging. Hope you join us!
nathanodell
November 6, 2012
Great to have found you… I have a very similar story to yours
Michael Young
June 18, 2013
Nice! Praise God.
jesus culture music
June 6, 2013
Awesome! Its really awesome piece of writing, I
thank you, Michael!