Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[SeekingTruth]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I'm so sorry for you and the rest of the saints in your fellowship, TPCmusician. Praying for you all.

I'm surprised to hear that your former pastor has not confessed his sins to the church body and asked for forgiveness but instead is asking for money.

Him asking for money is nothing new. There was always money being taken up in the name of the "building fund." I am so sad, that the money people gave with a giving heart and the hope that it would be used to reach unsaved souls in Memphis, was going for such vile and disgusting things. I cannot believe he hasn't shown any remorse for his actions. He really owes the church an apology. His sermons, his counsel, his "wisdom" that he's shared with me and countless others was all a lie. Truly, I am broken by hearing all of this.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Tlswift2009

That's some, but not my personal agenda. It is for the Pastor to nurture God's people that they may grow from the milk unto the meat of God's word. God's people are to be empowered by the Holyghost, and equipped for Kingdom service/ministry by the teaching and preparation of His word. I have NO problem with people disagreeing with me on any of their ideas-thoughts-pursuasions; I'm fully enlightened whereas what my calling and assignment is from my Master Jesus Christ, and I strive daily to fullfil my assingment; knowing to whom I MUST ultimately give an account too; so-no argument from me: I'M FOCUS ON WHAT MY BOSS {J-E-S-U-S}INSTRUCTS ME TO DO.

While there are many 'pastor's' out there nurturing the saints, there are also many who do not nurture the saints, but fill their own bellies using the saints. The bible does not say we must endure spiritual abuse from these type of men or women.

Like you, I am likewise enlightened what my calling and assignment from God is. The Holy Ghost is fully able and willing to teach those who put their faith in God.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

(I John 2:27)

[Not ashamed]

I am a former member of TPC, I was baptized in Jesus' name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in that church years ago when it was still Whitehaven UPC. TB was my pastor for over 15 years, he was one of the most influential mentors in my life for many years. Although I and my family now attend another apostolic church just outside Memphis, I have extended family and friends that still attend TPC. Viewing this unfolding situation, even from afar, has shocked me to my core and my heart hurts for the sweet saints at TPC. I thought I knew TB as a man of integrity and wisdom...knowing the confusion that I feel over this debacle, I cannot imagine the magnitude of what TPC'ers are feeling right now.

TPC folks here: know that apostolics all over the Memphis area (& beyond) love you and are praying without ceasing for you.

[Tlswift2009]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

While there are many 'pastor's' out there nurturing the saints, there are also many who do not nurture the saints, but fill their own bellies using the saints. The bible does not say we must endure spiritual abuse from these type of men or women.

Like you, I am likewise enlightened what my calling and assignment from God is. The Holy Ghost is fully able and willing to teach those who put their faith in God.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

(I John 2:27)

I AGREE with you 100%. I come from a terrible Memphis Apostle's manipulation, and abuse-it almost desroyed me, but my affectons were deeply rooted and anchored in Jesus; I was terribly wounded for many years, but God healed me, and I'm a man that practice, and exercise great discretion when dealing with God's sheep, and I've made it my business NEVER to abuse, nor injure God's people. I'm working on a book right now entitled, "Surviving Church Abuse And Betrayal". My wife and I despise abusive leadership towards God's people, and we will fight to DEFEND God's people from abusive pastors/leadership. Many, many Pastors start off well, but get lifted up, and far too comfortable with things in the church that should not be in their control: church finances should be handled soley by the trustees and/or deacon board. I believe that the Pastor should be given mtgs/reports on how the church is fairing financially, but should not handle the monies, plus-the IRS frowns down on this as well. Our job as Pastors is to FEED the Flock of God, and to be tendered and loving to them; even those that seems to have a little goat in them-this is our charge; to feed-nurture-pray for-uplift-encourage-reprove-etc; when we spend out time in our calling, and exercising disciplne in our lives, and truly remain trnasparent; then God will be pleased.

[Tlswift2009]

Originally Posted by Not ashamed

I am a former member of TPC, I was baptized in Jesus' name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in that church years ago when it was still Whitehaven UPC. TB was my pastor for over 15 years, he was one of the most influential mentors in my life for many years. Although I and my family now attend another apostolic church just outside Memphis, I have extended family and friends that still attend TPC. Viewing this unfolding situation, even from afar, has shocked me to my core and my heart hurts for the sweet saints at TPC. I thought I knew TB as a man of integrity and wisdom...knowing the confusion that I feel over this debacle, I cannot imagine the magnitude of what TPC'ers are feeling right now.

TPC folks here: know that apostolics all over the Memphis area (& beyond) love you and are praying without ceasing for you.

Amen!!! Good word of encouragement for God's people. Pastor Black is a good friend of mine, and I'm praying for him that God can reach and bring deliverance, and reconciliation in his life with God, and those involved; it may take some time, but God will move TPC on to greater heights and victories if TPC allow God to heal the church family, and I know the church will survive: "the gates of hell shall NOT prevail"!!!

[Tlswift2009]

Originally Posted by SeekingTruth

Him asking for money is nothing new. There was always money being taken up in the name of the "building fund." I am so sad, that the money people gave with a giving heart and the hope that it would be used to reach unsaved souls in Memphis, was going for such vile and disgusting things. I cannot believe he hasn't shown any remorse for his actions. He really owes the church an apology. His sermons, his counsel, his "wisdom" that he's shared with me and countless others was all a lie. Truly, I am broken by hearing all of this.

Remember, King David went over a year without repenting; God sent Prophet Nathan to help out in this UNREPENTANT heart of King David concerning the adultery and treachery of murder that David was guilty of. The bible talks about "bringing forth FRUIT {genuine} meet for repentance", Pastor Black may not be at this point yet; there's a lot of thing going on with him and his own marriage, and wounded wife, but when he is ready; it will be a very GREAT and SINCERE repentance. A JUST man falleth seven times, but he riseth up agaiin"; Pastor Black has all the opportunity under God's grace to be restored fully into the family of God, and in time be a GREAT soldier in whatever capacity God allows: this is God's call. God has given to us the ministry of RECONCILIATION; this includes fallen soldiers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; consider John Mark.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Tlswift2009

I AGREE with you 100%. I come from a terrible Memphis Apostle's manipulation, and abuse-it almost desroyed me, but my affectons were deeply rooted and anchored in Jesus; I was terribly wounded for many years, but God healed me, and I'm a man that practice, and exercise great discretion when dealing with God's sheep, and I've made it my business NEVER to abuse, nor injure God's people. I'm working on a book right now entitled, "Surviving Church Abuse And Betrayal". My wife and I despise abusive leadership towards God's people, and we will fight to DEFEND God's people from abusive pastors/leadership. Many, many Pastors start off well, but get lifted up, and far too comfortable with things in the church that should not be in their control: church finances should be handled soley by the trustees and/or deacon board. I believe that the Pastor should be given mtgs/reports on how the church is fairing financially, but should not handle the monies, plus-the IRS frowns down on this as well. Our job as Pastors is to FEED the Flock of God, and to be tendered and loving to them; even those that seems to have a little goat in them-this is our charge; to feed-nurture-pray for-uplift-encourage-reprove-etc; when we spend out time in our calling, and exercising disciplne in our lives, and truly remain trnasparent; then God will be pleased.

You have a good and godly spirit!

[Peacemaker]

That board is likely caught in between a rock and a hard place. Some people want to know everything that they know. Others probably don't want any information shared at all. The people who want to know everything will accuse them of covering sin. The people who don't want to know anything will accuse them of touching the Lord's anointed. The real job of a board caught up in a disaster is to try to keep as much of the people together, look for solutions to problems, and keep the church going at some level until they can get a long term solution.
Regardless of what decisions are made, they will be criticized.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Peacemaker

That board is likely caught in between a rock and a hard place. Some people want to know everything that they know. Others probably don't want any information shared at all. The people who want to know everything will accuse them of covering sin. The people who don't want to know anything will accuse them of touching the Lord's anointed. The real job of a board caught up in a disaster is to try to keep as much of the people together, look for solutions to problems, and keep the church going at some level until they can get a long term solution.
Regardless of what decisions are made, they will be criticized.

I see what you are saying, but if the board knew of sin and deception, and they STILL agreed to a severance, there is a problem here.

That is not a "rock and hard place" situation...that is coverup and payoff.

So now inquiring minds want to know why?

None of our business? Sure, but when someone, anyone takes bold stands against sin, or what they perceive to be sin, but is in reality hiding a life of corruption, they have put their own life on 'Front Street'.

A sinning pastor should not be given one cent to hit the road. His main concern should be the salvation of his soul and that of his family, and not about how is he gonna get by without the big pay check.


This is shameful on so many levels...

[Peacemaker]

A church is shaken severely when these type of things happen. Jesus stated that the only thing that preserves people when storms rage and the ground shakes is to be a person who hears and does the Lord's Word.

Making a decision during a storm is never wise. Hold onto the Lord, let the storm clear, and then people can make up their minds in a safe state.