This whole thing has been ugly, especially the last business meeting. My thoughts are that the people involved in the apparent silencing of the congregation should be silenced for the next business meeting. Certain members in leadership claim to be trying to restore integrity back to were it was when pastor Rogers was here. My question is: What has changed that caused the lack of integrity? Answer: Pastor alone allows a pedophile to stay on as a staff member for 6 more months. Sunday School teachers are leaving by the droves and my kids have a different teacher each week. Leadership still can't figure out what the problem is. I think leadership does know but no one wants to tell the king he is naked.
I have been member 27 years. Distressed and discouraged and knowing I need to get settled in a church to work for God, I requested transfer of my letter on April 1, 2007 to Faith Baptist. I am still praying but knew I had to get settled and could not go back and WORSHIP in the situation.
This is the first time to come to your site. I was so blessed to see a prayer (Intercession) tab. I had mentioned many times in conversations as WHY has no one called the church to fasting and prayer which should bring examination, repentanceand a turning of circumstances. I have NEVER fasted and prayed without seeing God's hand move. WHY have we been trying to do things in our power when HE is the only one that can change things at Bellevue. I wrote Gene Howard and also David Bishop and poured out my soul. The thing I HATE is that we hired a man to come in and FEED the sheep. He doesn't want to meet with the sheep on Wed. p.m. the regular feeding time of God's
flock.
We hired him....He did not BUY Bellevue to run it like a business HE OWNS. It is GOD'S business for him to feed and care for but with no shepherd heart, I guess he can't do that as the shepherd will go out and find the lost sheep and this ones runs them away and keeps on doing so but will not resign in the destruction. I have many friends still there but unhappy yet not wanting to turn over what they have helped to build and put money and tithe into for years and turn over to someone who doesn't care about GOD's church there but only self interest. I remain praying and hoping for those who are staying and fighting to save what we all love. I will join you in Fasting if there is anyone who will call a fast for the people of God.
If we know that God hates divorce, why isn't more being done to prevent a church "split?" We are all members of the family of God as believers in Christ. We only have a short time on this earth to obey our Lord. Our obedience shows God how much we love Him. Let us restore this relationship with honesty and humility in a great big "family meeting."
I forgive Steve Gaines in my Heart but the ruling elders are still self serving men.Money is the root of all evil.I agree haryy and bryan Fear a Real business metting....
Here! Here! I totally support having a VALID business meeting. It's time Steve Gaines and the leadership listen to our concerns about our church and about how they are pushing a "purpose driven" liberal doctrine on us.
Ps.51:6 Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom. I John 1:5-7 ...God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (NAS)
A second meeting is a simple temporary matter, easily addressed. Losing trust in our brothers has eternal consequences.
I don't want it said to me "you have forgotten your first love".
Tim Coggins said it well concerning many of the men of our congregation and leadership.
"These men have confused meekness with weakness and substitued power for strength."
