I am baffled by this comment from the senior pastor, because it is opposite to his behavior in 2012 when three trustworthy individuals came to him to report their concerns. I joined the church around 2003 and wasn’t aware of a reported case, though that is not to say there wasn’t one prior to 2012. … Read more
Vague statements do not stand against arguments substantiated by documentation. Redirection from the main topic does not answer the issue at hand. Does questioning the platform of presentation disprove a valid point? Doesn’t it take another valid argument to come against it in a reasonable dialogue? Here’s my burning question. Shouldn’t I expect abject truth … Read more
The whistleblowers revealed their belief that the senior minister, as a mandated reporter, neglected to hotline Brandon M. after being notified multiple times of possible abuse of a minor. The case study, “Is it Enough?,” listed three people who had notified the senior minister. There is no incidence of which I am aware that any … Read more
The ‘informational’ meeting I attended occurred on April 8, 2015. The elders claimed they had done an internal investigation. Yet their March 17, 2015, certified letter to Professor Lay and Titus stated they “had not taken the role of an investigator.” What a difference three weeks made in their story. If an investigation had begun … Read more
I realized the choice before me was to continue supporting FCCF as it was, or to work for necessary changes. I had avoided conflict most of my life, which made this even harder. I could remain dormant or come out of my shell. I decided to stand for restoring the church to a format similar … Read more
Are we in the pews allowed to question church leadership? Are we, who financially support the operations of the church owed timely and truthful answers? I’m just asking. “To the FCCF elders: I’m writing to express deep concern for recent serious and public accusations made against the FCCF leadership. I read the open letter Kari … Read more
The dart that burst my ignorance bubble was the document, “Is it Enough?” I wasn’t the only one pricked by its impact. I was a deacon at the time it was systematically distributed down the chain of church command. The case study and timeline of events forced me to take notice and begin to ask … Read more
Churches generate programs in service to God’s kingdom — Sunday School, kids’ ministries, youth activities, missions, choir, VBS, outreach, small groups, recovery ministries and more. The larger the church body, the greater potential for more programs. I’m not saying that programs are bad, but do they keep us so engrossed in their operations that we … Read more
Life ticks off with its daily duties and nightly rituals, and I begin thinking it will always be the same. Then a rude awakening shakes me to my socks and nothing remains but memories of what was before. I certainly never expected the church I had attended for over ten years would splinter and fall … Read more
Is your church leadership transparent to the members? Do you know where your tithes and offerings go? Does leadership share the budgets for the year and seek approval for them? Are you aware of what transpires behind the scenes between the senior minister and the elders? Do your elders appear to be more of a … Read more