Prominent Memphis Area Pastor Resigns

[triumphant1]

Originally Posted by deacon blues

He preached a lot at my home church when I was a kid back in the 70s. He was instrumental in leading my uncle to salvation which was nothing short of a miracle. I was baptized with the HG at the age of 8 when he was preaching a revival and praying with me in the altar. Bonifide miracles transpired in many of those meetings. I love LS. He made an indelible impactbin my life and in the lives of many that I love and cherish.

In the 80s he preached a sermon on angels at camp meeting and it was the first time I thought his preaching was somewhat odd. Then he came to our church in 1988 and preached this message on hair. We ate with him after church and asked questions because many of us on staff disagreed with it, but out of respect for him, wanted him to expound. It was apparent we didn't agree by the end of the conversation. After that meeting he never came back to our church after preaching there for more than a dozen years, literally hundreds of messages.

I began to hear how he began to cut different churches out, refusing to preach fornthem, and kept his circuit of revivals to only a select number of churches he had a relationship with (I suppose those churches that wouldn't question anything he preached). He even had a falling out with POA and the Manguns. Over what I do not know, but he used to be the final preacher at BOTT for many years and then suddenly he stopped preaching that meeting. Years later I think he preached there again, apparently the differences were ironed out. I don't know if he still preaches there anymore.

Last time I heard him preach was at Bethel Springs, TN at an annual conference held there. The message wasn't anything outlandish in my recollection. I approached him after service, he recognized me, smiled profusely and hugged my neck and showered me with kind words and love. He asked about my family and relatives. It was a nice reunion. I do love him. But I love Jesus and His Word more, and it saddens me to watch what this ministry has become and its emphasis on anecdotes and sensationalism.

Back in the 70s he preached a message I remember he said was, "Simply entitled, 'Jesus'". Those were the good ole days. Now it's hair, witchcraft, angels, manifestations, Bin Laden's wives, etc. It seems "Simply Jesus" isn't good enough anymore. It makes me sad.

Bolded part: back in the day I was in the LS circle. I can speak to the POA falling out:

LS and AM had a strong disagreement over Joe Beasley (I must use whole name here for a point of reference of historical accuracy and clarity.) JB was at the point of leaving the UPC over doctrine even though his dad was still district super and he was still a presbyter of the Atlantic district. AM and committee invited JB to preach BOTT in what appeared to be an attempt to keep him plugged in.

Problem being that LS was preaching for the conservative element of the New Brunswick district. Especially Ed Goddard. I was on speaking lineups with LS during those days in New Brunswick. Raymond Woodard was at EG's at the time as assistant pastor. Many of the LS HMH examples concerning witches and hair come from a RW bible study.

I digress. When JB was asked to preach BOTT it infuriated LS because of the apparent validation of his liberal position. Keep in mind that not long afterward the Beasley's were no longer UPC as the conservative element in the Atlantic district successfully voted conservatives in and the liberals out.

LS and AM had strong words for each other over the JB invitation and LS refused to go back to POA for several years. He has stuck to his word for the most part that he would never again preach BOTT…..

[StillStanding]

Concerning LS, I went to a camp meeting to hear him to see what all the fuss was about. All I heard was outlandish mystical stories. I wasn't impressed in the least. I wont waste my time to hear him again! Sorry!

Now...back to the given topic!

[returnman]

Originally Posted by Bella1

I SO AGREE with your statement!

Originally Posted by NotforSale View Post
Nowhere does Scripture enforce the right to know what happened because you pay Tithes. This misnomer is really quite absurd because the Witch Hunt to find “WHO” is paying Tithes will never end, and, there are people who don’t pay Tithes that need to know what happened.

This whole Thread is becoming ridiculous. If this Pastor, Saint, Sinner, or whoever has sinned would confess openly, they would do the entire Congregation and the UPCI justice by just telling everyone what happened. If they don’t, the rumors will continue and the lies will grow, and people will remain confused.

Americans have become befuddled with the pain of Truth. Just say it, deal with the pain, and move on. This reminds me of marriage; when things go wrong people fall apart because they lack transparency. COMMUNICATION is an absolute must, and HUMILITY will lead everyone to the right equation. This works in every facet of life.

The Truth will make us FREE! Jesus Christ

No where in my statement did I say that "scripture enforces a right to know anything". Sounds like a response to a political debate where words are twisted. Ok, anyone who is a member of the church has a right to ask. If for no other reason to help restore trust and faith into the leadership.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I don't hold LS in high esteem. I used to years ago

The down turn began when he preached a message that included a tabloid story of Ukranian Minors drilling to deep and hearing the crys of souls in hell. Then it was at another "singles" meeting he preached that hair baloney.

Is this the "sounds" you refer to?

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basic..._from_hell.htm

[tv1a]

To be fair TBN and Pat Robertson also fell for the minors screaming in hell scam. The person who made up the story publicly admitted it was a fabrication.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by triumphant1

LS and AM had strong words for each other over the JB invitation and LS refused to go back to POA for several years. He has stuck to his word for the most part that he would never again preach BOTT…..

How do you "for the most part" stick to not preaching at a place? You either have preached there since or you have not!!!! LOL

[triumphant1]

Originally Posted by CC1

How do you "for the most part" stick to not preaching at a place? You either have preached there since or you have not!!!! LOL

If I am not mistaken, he has preached at the POA and he has been in the BOTT pulpit giving his healing testimony since the great falling away… I guess I meant that he has not been back on the lineup of BOTT although I believe he has graced the pulpit….

I am so far out of the loop that I really don't know if he has in fact ever preached anything at the POA since the disagreement…but I think I heard somewhere that he was preaching there…

[Praxeas]

Another issue was the "degree" he "earned". What does a faith healer evangelist need with the title 'Dr.' anyways? I noticed this trend with the TBN crowd too.

Segraves is a Dr...and. theologian. LS is neither and he needs to stop pretending to be one

[Kevin1203]

Lets just say that the previous 99 pages count collectively as Exhibit "A" as to why I have converted to the original Roman Catholic Church. Hail Mary!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Kevin1203

Lets just say that the previous 99 pages count collectively as Exhibit "A" as to why I have converted to the original Roman Catholic Church. Hail Mary!

I hope you are kidding. No Christian organization has more corruption in its past and present than the RC church. It would be quite the stretch of the imagination to see them as better than the UPC in that department.