[Tlswift2009]

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.

Wow!!! I really feel you on this matter and in this post/commentary. Your love, labour, and trust has not been in vain, because your intentions was/is towards supporting the work of the ministry, and the Kingdom of God-You have your reward, and yet forthcoming!!!