A Pentecostal church embroiled in controversy due to its unusual teachings on “spiritual connections” and demonology.
Community Chapel and Bible Training Center, commonly known as Community Chapel, was an independent church founded in 1967 by Donald Lee Barnett in Burien, Washington. Originally starting as a small group in Barnett’s home, the church experienced rapid growth, expanding to over 3,000 members at its peak, with additional satellite churches throughout the United States and internationally.
Barnett’s teachings significantly diverged from mainstream Christian doctrine, particularly with his rejection of the Trinity, a fundamental aspect of orthodox Christianity which asserts the coexistence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one God in three persons. Instead, Barnett promoted a version of Oneness Pentecostalism, asserting that Jesus’ divine identity began only at his human conception, a stance that drew considerable controversy and criticism for straying from traditional Christian teachings.
Throughout its history, Community Chapel became known for various “spiritual fads” such as the “white room experience,” “pillar of holiness,” “singing in the Spirit,” and “spiritual surgery.” These practices were intended to deepen members’ spiritual experiences and intimacy with God but often led to confusion and division within the congregation.
One of the most controversial practices was “spiritual connections,” introduced in the early 1980s. This involved free-form dancing, initially solo and later with a partner, including members of the opposite sex who were not their spouses. Barnett encouraged these intense emotional and physical bonds, which included behaviors like hugging, holding, and kissing, claiming they were purely spiritual. However, this led to numerous issues of physical intimacy, marital discord, and allegations of sexual misconduct, as the practice frequently culminated in jealousy, marital separations, and significant emotional turmoil among members.
The controversy surrounding the church escalated with numerous legal issues, including high-profile lawsuits and allegations of sexual misconduct linked to the doctrine of spiritual connections. The church also faced severe scrutiny for its teachings on the demonization of Christians, suggesting that almost any problem could be attributed to demonic possession. This belief contributed to several tragic incidents, including multiple suicides and the murder of a young girl by her mother, a member of the church who believed her child was demonically possessed, resulting in her conviction and institutionalization.
By 1988, the internal conflicts and legal challenges had reached a breaking point, leading to Barnett’s ousting by the church’s remaining leaders. He subsequently founded a new congregation, the Church of Agape, in Renton, Washington. The original Community Chapel saw a significant decline in membership and influence, eventually leading to its dissolution.
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