Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by H Gang

The board members aren't that way. They are good men that were used of God to bring an end to the charade that was going on. The interim pastor is the District Supt and he too is a good man and will give good counsel to this board throughout the process. And the board won't do anything without the oversight of the District. TPC is incapable hands.

I hope this is true!

The first order of business is to find a way to stop the bleeding. The church members need assurance that everything is moving in the right direction, and a new pastor will be in place at the earliest convenience. Prayers for these good people!

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by TPCmusician

Inasmuch as this has unfolded and information has become known relative to money, inappropriate conduct, and other "rumors" flying around relative to a multiplicity of subjects - this has all become a HOT mess. One thing is for certain. I want to be in the will of God. My family is at stake. I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm not trying to "stand" one way or the other. I want to be in the will of God. Pray. Yes. But, Jesus said WATCH as well as pray; perhaps, too many of us were too busy praying and running aisles and didn't SEE what was right before us.

I've read the rhetoric about forgiveness relative to the perpetrator. This is not about forgiveness. It's about TRUST. It is hard for some to swallow that we sat and shared our passions, failures, vision with someone who was living such a reckless life. And if one can live such a lifestyle and take the pulpit preaching without conviction while living in sin what trust CAN one have at this point even IF there is repentance. THAT is why a bishop is to be BLAMELESS. More rides on his backsliding than merely when a 'pew member' does. It makes me question every "tongue and interpretation" that was uttered from his mouth, every "vision" of winning 1,000,000 souls (when we continue to move farther away FROM the city we're supposedly reaching)...it causes distrust and cynicism. Speaking of cynicism: I saw a picture of a shade-wearing, smirk grin bearing TB driving his BMW on a popular social media website last night. Maybe I misinterpreted and read more into it. The picture disappeared about 5 minutes later. Really? I thought his profile was deleted? Evidently, hiding it and 'fading in and out' at will. I looked at the picture and the man (for the first time in my life) with SUCH disrespect. Maybe it's time for a complete fresh start.

Bottom line, there is a church hurting. THAT is what's important. I left church headed out of town on business only to get a call while on the road to find out I no longer have a pastor. And to this point, only rumors. Others failed in the past and it was made known QUICKLY what happened. THIS happens, and NOW it's 'hush hush' and information given ONLY if asked. Really?

And MY issues? This is the SECOND time this has happened within this church's history. Who will the new pastor be? What measures are in place by the board to make sure this same type of financial malfeasance doesn't happen again? My family has given VERY liberally the last few years....for the kingdom. NOT for lavish lifestyles. NOT for the intention of paying salaries to some who do......nothing except have a certain last name. And speaking of salaries: people making exorbitant salaries...who approved them? The board? Public records show house loan amounts. You can't buy a home of a certain value UNLESS you make a certain amount of money. What the heck have we been financing all these years while THINKING we were supporting the Kingdom. WHOSE Kingdom?! And about this new church. When exactly is the building to begin?

We need more than prayer. The body needs answers. (And I KNOW I am not just speaking on my own behalf). I'm one who will say what others are scared to. Keeping unity is NOT equated with shutting up and acting like nothing happened while we just "pray".

G


Pray for me and my family as we seek the will of God. That's all that matters. HIS will in our lives.

Well said.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by returnman

I've said it before.......maybe in most churches this is not necessarily a pitfall but too much power and control for one man to have. The system itself with its lack of checks and balances helped this man keep his sin unrevealed. Family members given an "unknown severance". Give me a break. Every tithe paying member has a right to know what that was.

Nowhere does Scripture enforce the right to know what happened because you pay Tithes. This misnomer is really quite absurd because the Witch Hunt to find “WHO” is paying Tithes will never end, and, there are people who don’t pay Tithes that need to know what happened.

This whole Thread is becoming ridiculous. If this Pastor, Saint, Sinner, or whoever has sinned would confess openly, they would do the entire Congregation and the UPCI justice by just telling everyone what happened. If they don’t, the rumors will continue and the lies will grow, and people will remain confused.

Americans have become befuddled with the pain of Truth. Just say it, deal with the pain, and move on. This reminds me of marriage; when things go wrong people fall apart because they lack transparency. COMMUNICATION is an absolute must, and HUMILITY will lead everyone to the right equation. This works in every facet of life.

The Truth will make us FREE! Jesus Christ

[CC1]

Originally Posted by TPCmusician

Inasmuch as this has unfolded and information has become known relative to money, inappropriate conduct, and other "rumors" flying around relative to a multiplicity of subjects - this has all become a HOT mess. One thing is for certain. I want to be in the will of God. My family is at stake. I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm not trying to "stand" one way or the other. I want to be in the will of God. Pray. Yes. But, Jesus said WATCH as well as pray; perhaps, too many of us were too busy praying and running aisles and didn't SEE what was right before us.

I've read the rhetoric about forgiveness relative to the perpetrator. This is not about forgiveness. It's about TRUST. It is hard for some to swallow that we sat and shared our passions, failures, vision with someone who was living such a reckless life. And if one can live such a lifestyle and take the pulpit preaching without conviction while living in sin what trust CAN one have at this point even IF there is repentance. THAT is why a bishop is to be BLAMELESS. More rides on his backsliding than merely when a 'pew member' does. It makes me question every "tongue and interpretation" that was uttered from his mouth, every "vision" of winning 1,000,000 souls (when we continue to move farther away FROM the city we're supposedly reaching)...it causes distrust and cynicism. Speaking of cynicism: I saw a picture of a shade-wearing, smirk grin bearing TB driving his BMW on a popular social media website last night. Maybe I misinterpreted and read more into it. The picture disappeared about 5 minutes later. Really? I thought his profile was deleted? Evidently, hiding it and 'fading in and out' at will. I looked at the picture and the man (for the first time in my life) with SUCH disrespect. Maybe it's time for a complete fresh start.

Bottom line, there is a church hurting. THAT is what's important. I left church headed out of town on business only to get a call while on the road to find out I no longer have a pastor. And to this point, only rumors. Others failed in the past and it was made known QUICKLY what happened. THIS happens, and NOW it's 'hush hush' and information given ONLY if asked. Really?

And MY issues? This is the SECOND time this has happened within this church's history. Who will the new pastor be? What measures are in place by the board to make sure this same type of financial malfeasance doesn't happen again? My family has given VERY liberally the last few years....for the kingdom. NOT for lavish lifestyles. NOT for the intention of paying salaries to some who do......nothing except have a certain last name. And speaking of salaries: people making exorbitant salaries...who approved them? The board? Public records show house loan amounts. You can't buy a home of a certain value UNLESS you make a certain amount of money. What the heck have we been financing all these years while THINKING we were supporting the Kingdom. WHOSE Kingdom?! And about this new church. When exactly is the building to begin?

We need more than prayer. The body needs answers. (And I KNOW I am not just speaking on my own behalf). I'm one who will say what others are scared to. Keeping unity is NOT equated with shutting up and acting like nothing happened while we just "pray".

G


Pray for me and my family as we seek the will of God. That's all that matters. HIS will in our lives.

When I read your post I thought it reflected what my thoughts and feelings would be if I were in your shoes. You made excellent points about trust for those who think saints should just accept a quick "Oh, I'm sorry" and keep on going as if nothing happened.

Your point about the history of that church is the first thing that struck me when I heard of this pastor's failure. Of course in all fairness the incident with that former pastor was merely a "kiss" (LOL - and I have a bridge in Arizona to sell you). Lucky for him he had one of those magic name's in Pentecost that is a get out of jail card. He was probably the first case of "restoration" in the UPC.

I know church members must be struggling with all kinds of emotion and while they should not become bitter I absolutely can understand some righteous indignation at the things you mentioned like realizing a man was preaching and prophesying, telling people how to live their lives, etc while all the time he was himself involved in gross moral failure.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

COMMUNICATION is an absolute must, and HUMILITY will lead everyone to the right equation. This works in every facet of life.

The Truth will make us FREE! Jesus Christ

In all seriousness when was the last time you saw much humility in the ministry of old time Pentecost?

I see a lot more intimidation and arrogance than I do humility. Thankfully there are exceptions.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by CC1

In all seriousness when was the last time you saw much humility in the ministry of old time Pentecost?

I see a lot more intimidation and arrogance than I do humility. Thankfully there are exceptions.

Good point! But, we must return to Humility if we want real answers.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

Nowhere does Scripture enforce the right to know what happened because you pay Tithes. This misnomer is really quite absurd because the Witch Hunt to find “WHO” is paying Tithes will never end, and, there are people who don’t pay Tithes that need to know what happened.

This whole Thread is becoming ridiculous. If this Pastor, Saint, Sinner, or whoever has sinned would confess openly, they would do the entire Congregation and the UPCI justice by just telling everyone what happened. If they don’t, the rumors will continue and the lies will grow, and people will remain confused.

Americans have become befuddled with the pain of Truth. Just say it, deal with the pain, and move on. This reminds me of marriage; when things go wrong people fall apart because they lack transparency. COMMUNICATION is an absolute must, and HUMILITY will lead everyone to the right equation. This works in every facet of life.

The Truth will make us FREE! Jesus Christ

Scripture does not support the church model we have with 1 pastor getting rich off the saints either, nor building projects and fund raisers to support building projects etc etc.

But common sense says if you are helping to support the expenses of a local church you have a right to know how the money is being spent

[canam]

he may be restored as a christian if he wishes, maybe will assist someone in some supporting way,may go indy, but he will not hold license with the upc again

[Sherri]

I have a lot of friends/acquaintances who attend TPC. Please please please pray for this church congregation. I cannot imagine what they're going through. It's so hard to trust again after you've been devastated.

I think we should all be aware that even though we THINK we would never stoop to the low level that TB did, our hearts are inherently evil and it's not beyond any of us, if we let down our guard. But for the grace of God.........

As a pastor, these things really shake me.

[Sister Alvear]

so true ....so true....