To continue with the update on the SLCC character in the saga of First Christian Church in Florissant, the fine and the eventual demise of St. Louis Christian College came unexpectedly. It saddens me not to see the iconic billboard announcing its location. I drove past that sign along I270 for about thirty years. I’ve…
Action and inaction create consequence. The Department of Education did not take lightly the failure of St. Louis Christian College to establish required standards and codes. Were you a student at SLCC at the time? Did you notice the violations? Do you have an update? I continue to ask. From the book: “Six years have…
I’m thinking of Ephesians 5:11 today in preparing this post. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Can we shine light on the churches and church leaders who minimize and re-victimize the abused? Is it possible to make your church safer by learning to spot and report predatory behavior?…
I’m grateful to Jake McDonnell for the wisdom in his open letter to FCCF and SLCC. From the book: “How does a leader react when they know people have been victimized? Gospel Approach: Leaders react with compassion, honesty, and love. As Jesus did and does, they seek out those who are hurting and call forward…
We sort out the evidence as we see it, but in the end we are culpable to choose the pastor under whose teaching we sit. I didn’t think too much of it until this experience. I’ve learned to review the Scriptural requirements of church leaders. More importantly, I’ve learned the impact of how those Scriptural…
Of all possibilities for a pastor/minister to step up and shepherd his flock, this was it for FCCF. It didn’t happen. The senior minister caved under the weight of his image and the desire for numbers of congregants. He could have opted for facilitating healing for the victims. My research pointed out one contact with…
I base my conclusion on my experience, along with documents, comments and interviews I have reviewed. You are welcome to form your own informed opinion. “My personal opinion from having gone through this experience is multidimensional. Steve Wingfield failed: • Individual members of his church, people who had contributed tithes and offerings since before he…
I come to this personal opinion based on observations, interviews, documents and comments I’ve reviewed. You are welcome to come to your own informed opinion. From the book: “My personal opinion from having gone through this experience is multidimensional. Steve Wingfield failed: • His church. He let the wolf through the doors. He did not…
My personal opinion, based on my observations, comments and documents I’ve reviewed. You are welcome to form your own informed opinion. From the book: “My personal opinion from having gone through this experience is multidimensional. Steve Wingfield failed: • His elders. He set himself above them and in total control of them. Judging from their…
Is it incumbent upon church leadership to prepare the flock? Is it incumbent upon church members to prepare themselves to know what to look for? Are hundreds of pairs of trained eyes more effective than those of the elders and deacons? Can we do better at fending off the potential of abuse within our church?…
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