Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[Godzchild]

Just really cant get the picture to come clear.... JR would be Asst. Pastor of the new church founded/started...or however it came to be by DE? JR was never on the ministeral staff.........besides a wife who was rarely in a service? Did'nt know people who only ran the audio/video seldomly...qualified to be a pastor/preacher of any type....not in the UPC that is!

[Godzchild]

Originally Posted by Cindy

This is why this thread can't die.

Originally Posted by chad1957662

DE a former minister at TPC is starting a new church. DE background is that he is the son of a Baptist Minister from Jackson TN that received the HG at a bring your own friend service at TPC about 7 years ago. He was a right hand man (favorite) for TB (administrative, organizer), and you would see him on the platform, took trips to NYC, and other preaching points that TB had. Most every Sunday that TB was in town he would go with the entourage and place little placard where everyone was to sit, before TB and their family arrived. It has since been shown that all these meals were paid for by the church. He also co-chaired the Ministerial Association and enforced and enacted various projects that TB had. He also claimed to be a son in the Gospel, a Timothy if you would of TB. He frequently used the word "Apostle" for TB, and encouraged others to do so. His motive for leaving is that he was upset that the church board refused to honor a $250,000+ severance pay for TB and his SIL's that he helped negotiate (in a motel room meeting with CJ) at the time of TB resignation. He felt that even if they decided not to pay TB, that they should at least pay the SIL's.

He asked the UPC if they would allow him to open a church in Memphis, and he was told not right now. It is a bad time, and rumor has it, that he met with TB and was informed that TB planned to open a church in Olive Branch, MS and if he would wait a couple months, then TB would turn it over to him after it got off the ground. He decided not to wait or be involved in that church, and rented a building on Mendenhall in the Hickory Hill area of Memphis. He has taken several member that weren't going anywhere and faithful in attendance.

When told that all the ministers were being set down and being placed on equal level after TB left, he stated "I am called to minister, and if I'm not going to have a future here, then my family and I will have to do something else". He sat for two weeks in the congregation and then left to attend "Lighthouse UPC" in Jackson, TN with the rest of TB SIL's and wife.

He will now be able to minister, without having to sit down with the other ministers at TPC.

I did see pics on fb of the in-out and off and on "saints" ....just cant get a grip on the asst. pastor?????? whose wife was about as faithful as a snowstorm in mid Agust in Memphisreally

[Fiyahstarter]

Originally Posted by not4saken

There's nuthin wrong with a Business Statement at the end of the year, for the Church Members. However, tithing to me is a matter of principle. I do it because I get blessed in return. Once that money leaves my hand- it makes no difference what the leadership does with it- that's between them and God. I did my part. It's always right to do what's right- no matter what others are doing.

I find your highlighted statement mind boggling...but it must be what many others believe too else'n there wouldn't be so much corruption.

I, too, am firm in principle and believe in doing what is "right." Apparently, our definitions of "right" are different.

I'd rather use my 10%+ to hand deliver groceries to families in need; randomly pay someone's monthly mortgage payment who is down on his luck; send a check to a missionary; make someone's Christmas special; buy a less fortunate student at school a bag of new clothes; donate to St. Jude's; and the list goes on... Yes, I'd much rather do these things than give church staff six-digit salaries and fund extravagant vehicles, homes, trips, and even gifts for adulterous affairs.

Of course not all ministry is like this... but enough have surfaced lately that obviously accountability needs to be tightened. Church has become a big business.

[not4saken]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I find your highlighted statement mind boggling...but it must be what many others believe too else'n there wouldn't be so much corruption.

I, too, am firm in principle and believe in doing what is "right." Apparently, our definitions of "right" are different.

I'd rather use my 10%+ to hand deliver groceries to families in need; randomly pay someone's monthly mortgage payment who is down on his luck; send a check to a missionary; make someone's Christmas special; buy a less fortunate student at school a bag of new clothes; donate to St. Jude's; and the list goes on... Yes, I'd much rather do these things than give church staff six-digit salaries and fund extravagant vehicles, homes, trips, and even gifts for adulterous affairs.

Of course not all ministry is like this... but enough have surfaced lately that obviously accountability needs to be tightened. Church has become a big business.

I realize that it may seem like I wear blinders...I was raised in an old fashioned preacher's home, and giving was stressed and...giving to GOD was touted daily- and PRACTICED. And, I DO give to those in need
above and beyond tithing...that's just my reasonable service, right? I feel that when I give tithes out of a pure heart, to The Kingdom, God honors my sacrifice. It doesn't matter to ME what the Pastor does with the money. Honestly. I gave it to God. If Pastors want to be guilty of stealing from God- he will answer for his sin. as for 300,000.00 incomes and expensive cars? If I had the money- I certainly would have a nice home and a new car, you best believe THAT!! LOL *shrugs* Just my thots...

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by not4saken

I realize that it may seem like I wear blinders...I was raised in an old fashioned preacher's home, and giving was stressed and...giving to GOD was touted daily- and PRACTICED. And, I DO give to those in need
above and beyond tithing...that's just my reasonable service, right? I feel that when I give tithes out of a pure heart, to The Kingdom, God honors my sacrifice. It doesn't matter to ME what the Pastor does with the money. Honestly. I gave it to God. If Pastors want to be guilty of stealing from God- he will answer for his sin. as for 300,000.00 incomes and expensive cars? If I had the money- I certainly would have a nice home and a new car, you best believe THAT!! LOL *shrugs* Just my thots...

Would you keep giving if you found out that the Pastor was taking money meant for a building fund and using it as a personal fund?

[not4saken]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Would you keep giving if you found out that the Pastor was taking money meant for a building fund and using it as a personal fund?

Yes. Have done that very thing...God took care of that Pastor, AND He took good care of me for my obedience to His word. God blesses on principle. Period. What did I have to lose? Nothing. What did the Pastor lose? Everything. His good name, his reputation, and now..his mind- to altzheimers. Sad, really.

[Monterrey]

Originally Posted by not4saken

Yes. Have done that very thing...God took care of that Pastor, AND He took good care of me for my obedience to His word. God blesses on principle. Period. What did I have to lose? Nothing. What did the Pastor lose? Everything. His good name, his reputation, and now..his mind- to altzheimers. Sad, really.

Excellent post!

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by not4saken

Yes. Have done that very thing...God took care of that Pastor, AND He took good care of me for my obedience to His word. God blesses on principle. Period. What did I have to lose? Nothing. What did the Pastor lose? Everything. His good name, his reputation, and now..his mind- to altzheimers. Sad, really.

Reaping and sowing.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by not4saken

Yes. Have done that very thing...God took care of that Pastor, AND He took good care of me for my obedience to His word. God blesses on principle. Period. What did I have to lose? Nothing. What did the Pastor lose? Everything. His good name, his reputation, and now..his mind- to altzheimers. Sad, really.

This is true God eventually will execute HIs own judgment.

[Sister Alvear]

lifestyles in time catch up....