For those who want to know...RULES at my church!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

The concept of 'spiritual abuse' goes directly against the world view of those who believe in man-made "top down" view of religion. Meaning, pastor and his rules on top and the lay people on the bottom. That is simply "how it is!" to some. The pastor or organization will always be assumed innocent and the lay person will always be assumed guilty.

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

The concept of 'spiritual abuse' goes directly against the world view of those who believe in man-made "top down" view of religion. Meaning, pastor and his rules on top and the lay people on the bottom. That is simply "how it is!" to some. The pastor or organization will always be assumed innocent and the lay person will always be assumed guilty.

So, what is a good definition of spiritual abuse?

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Some of us have realized that the top bird doesn't have any way to prove why he gets to be the top bird other than that he felt like he should be...

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

So, what is a good definition of spiritual abuse?

If you start from the beginning of this thread, you will see it.

Originally Posted by Amos

These terrible people (The Oregon pastor and wife) probably would love to know how many thousands of words have been devoted to chronicling the depth of their depravity and evil.

I would just like to remind all and sundry that the testimony of backsliders is generally very slanted at best.

I know that isn't popular with the "Kill the Preacher" crowd, but it is true nonetheless.

All the info is coming from a pretty narrow source, and the pastor has no voice here.

Nothing personal against STS, but just a reminder that one side of any story rarely gives a clear picture.

Not once did I bash the pastor as a matter of fact I stated at how much I love them and miss them .......and as to backslidden...I am soooo tired of that being thrown out about anyone who does not conform to YOUR brand of salvation...I know you think you know it all and have all the answers and its your way or no way, and think this is all just to make the church look bad...

Well that is not the point...the point is I hope they wake up and put God first and let the pastor follow Him and help the congregation do the same...many things the pastor involves himself in is really none of his business...you are typically judgemental...not considering that it is all true...even if only part of it were true would be too much...but for me and all I have posted it was true in my church...

[Tawanda]

Maybe some with the big mouths here are brainwashed there selves.

Originally Posted by Amos

I guess I would need to see a comprehensive list of the "practices" in question.

I said most because I hate to use absolutes since they are so rarely accurate.

And furthermore, anyone who has the temerity to defend a pastor on this forum needs to be extremely cautious in his wording, because the barracudas will school around you and pick at any slight point of inconsistency in order to crucify and discredit the poster.

I have watched it enough to know how it goes.

What is so very interesting to me is there have been three people who have come to this tread and basically attacked those that have given their testamonies...and my friend all three have been judgemental and were just sure none of it could possible accurate...as to the list...my first post should get your started. I know its hard to come into a thread when its so far along and understand all that has gone on, maybe you would be wise to read all the posts though and it might give you more understanding, you see your attitude is why these things are going on in the church...if its about the pastor it can not be true! Becasue they are men of God and are above fault or any other bad thing.

Originally Posted by Amos

Mrs......

I realize that it will be very easy for you to take this personally.

I am not defending any particular practice of the pastor in question.

I am just saying that many are judging and making some oretty strong statements about the man based totally on the recollections of those who walked away from the church.

I have lived long enough to know that many times the perspectives of different people looking at the same event can be very different.

We are just getting one side here.

Also, it is a fact that people who "backslide" are very, very inclined to have extremely negative things to say about the church in order to vindicate their own actions.

That is human nature.

again if you were to read the thread or even comprehended what TheMrs said to you...there are 4 people in this thread from the same church...so you see it is not just one persons opinion!!! And it is not an opinion anyway it was what we lived...how is it you can judge what you don't know?

Originally Posted by Pianoman

This is true! Sometimes our recollections can be skewed over time! I'm not saying that the stories in this thread aren't true, but I would be interested to hear the other side of the story. I wonder how they would justify their actions!

I would like to know as well!

Originally Posted by Amos

Pianoman,

Honestly I am not trying to impugn anyone. I am not questioning the character of any of the recollectors; just wanting to point out that we see things from our own acute angle, and that doesn't always tell the whole story.

This Elder from Oregon has been absolutely dragged through the mud here. I have read some pretty hard statements made against him.

Before we render the verdict, we ought to remember that there are always two sides to every story.

As a pastor, I have been lied on once or twice, and had things twisted completely out of resemblance to the facts often enough to know it can happen.

Wounded spirits can alter perception incredibly. And some wounds are self-inflicted.

I belive you called me a backslidder I find that very judgemental about me and you don't know me....I can promise you I have NOT lied and I don't appreciate what you called me or inference that I have not been completely truthful....what happened to us will be burned into our hearts forever...