Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[Insider]

Your first bump in the road will be keeping your buddy Godzchild in check. GC seems to find humor in this tragedy, , , , somehow. [/QUOTE]

First, there is more than enough finger pointing that could be tossed around so we are not getting off to a very good start. All the snipping back and forth is not going to get the job done. We'll see exactly who is willing and who isn't.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Insider

Your first bump in the road will be keeping your buddy Godzchild in check. GC seems to find humor in this tragedy, , , , somehow.

Insider: First, there is more than enough finger pointing that could be tossed around so we are not getting off to a very good start. All the snipping back and forth is not going to get the job done. We'll see exactly who is willing and who isn't.

Oh, I'm not finger pointing. I reposted GC's own comments here. They are fact. If we can't deal with the simple facts and call a spade a spade then I have little hope for the rest.

So, to start with the simple questions.

1. Why would a person or congregation sit under a man who has no accountability structure around him?

2. How do you hold one accountable in their personal (and often secretive) lives?

And to ask again,
3. How is it that the loudest doctrine preached among the commoners is to follow God and not man, yet the commoners get bent out of shape, hurt, and are usually surprised when the man in their pulpit falls?

[Insider]

1. Why would a person or congregation sit under a man who has no accountability structure around him?

That is the million dollar question for sure. With me and my wife we trusted that the Pastor and the board. We assumed, wrongly, that there were accountability measures already setup. That is where we and others at TPC made our biggest mistake. We were as much to blame as the board members. In retrospect no one, of any church or organization, should assume there are accountability measures in place where you worship. As a tither you have the right to question the church ministry and board.

If the ministry is truly on the up and up they will not have any issues with you simply wanting to know that your tithe monies are appropriately being handled in Biblical ways. If they object then I would then demand it. Ask for a meeting with the Pastor and Board and don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. There were attempts by certain member to question authority. They were met with bullying and intimidation on several fronts. I say this to make a point. These are warning signs that there is trouble somewhere. Usually where there's smoke where there is fire.

2. How do you hold one accountable in their personal (and often secretive) lives?

This is a tricky one. You can't legislate moral character. As was in our case it will eventually come to light. We were blindsided. But there were signs and cracks. Nepotism is the first sign. I know there are father son churches that are legit and I am not saying that arrangement cannot successfully exist. I just know for me and my family I will never be a part of that type of ministry again.

Family and business, and that is what church is, a business, God's business, rarely co-exist is harmony. So I don't have the answer to this.

And to ask again,
3. How is it that the loudest doctrine preached among the commoners is to follow God and not man, yet the commoners get bent out of shape, hurt, and are usually surprised when the man in their pulpit falls?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I see your point and it is a good one. As with TPC there are those that still chose not to believe the mountain of evidence against our former pastor. Some of them have left and some have stayed and this is where a lot of collateral damage occurs. And this is the sad reality we are now facing. Thankfully most of us have come to terms with it and are moving on. You live and learn as they say.