The “Eddie Long is obviously gay” Open Forum

Life is short, folks. None of us are getting any younger – and none of us knows when the Lord will see fit to calls us back home. My usual dose of minuscule patience is getting even more scarce these days.

As such, I find it necessary to cut through all the bull squeeze and innuendo that many ascribe to their discussions/writings/opinions, and more regarding Eddie Long.

Prayerfully, this will be my last article on Eddie Long and his homosexuality – there’s really nothing new to add here but this is my public way of answering the hundreds of emails I’ve received seeking my opinion. So, you want to know my final thoughts on the matter? OK – here we go…

Unless you’ve been in a cave for a while, you should know that Eddie “I’m going to fight these allegations like David fought Goliath” Long settled the lawsuit brought on by for men who accused Long of sexual coercion (among other things).

Yup – he settled for millions of dollars. Some highly placed sources also say the Eddie was asked to issue a private apology, but he upped the money offer instead and the settlement was agreed upon.

The lawsuit is sealed – and these guys can’t sue Eddie for the same thing again (although some are rumbling about other allegations from other men who could come forward at a later time). I know what the legal implications for a settlement are, and I’ve previously written about my thoughts on what a settlement “looks like” to the layman.

So to me, Eddie Long is a homosexual. Yup – it’s that simple, and that settles it.

He’s obviously gay, otherwise he would’ve vigorously defended himself (and his manhood, frankly) against such heinous accusations.

He would have fought to protect the reputation of his wife and children. He would’ve fought to protect those who still attribute some form of clerical respect and admiration to him (for whatever ungodly reason).

But he didn’t…instead he negotiated with his male “accusers” (I’ll just call them former lovers since I’m in such a frank and honest mood) for 6 months and agreed to seal the deal and never speak of it again. That’s the act of a gay coward who isn’t even man enough to publicly admit what he is.

He tucked his tail between his skin-tight biker shorts and sulked back to his “pulpit” where his evil arrogance won’t even bring him to mention anything about his settlement. In fact, this pimp is so brazen that he announces that he’s expanding his cult to Birmingham and Denver (RUN NOW, CITIZENS OF BIRMINGHAM AND DENVER!!!) – AND he’s even warped enough to seek $500-$1,000 from the few sheep he still has to help in the expansion!

I’ve written at length about all of Eddie’s evil – from his nuclear-level pimp money game to his mind-numb cult followers to his confirmed homosexuality (I won’t even waste time typing “alleged” anymore), so you can click here and re-read my solicitations for Eddie’s public repentance, calls for prayer for him and his followers and more.

Oh – and Creflo Dollar’s “sermon of support” comparing Eddie’s homosexual relationships with young men to a “wreck” did nothing but exacerbate tensions outside of Eddie’s cult:

Yup – the money-grubbing scripture twisting minstrel who thinks you can drill a hole to the center of the earth and hear people in hell actually defends his gay “brother”. I know – I fought my gag reflex while watching the video also.

So, no more scriptures from me concerning Eddie – or admonitions to stay away from his cult (why bother). The Lords will be done concerning him and his followers.

I will, however, surrender this thread to you for your comments, observations, etc. Maybe something you say will resonate more than anything I’ve said in the past. So – have at it, folks!

UPDATE 6/9/11: Well, Creflo had the video of his sermon of support for Eddie Long taken down (you can still Google it and find it out there somewhere). Interestingly, Creflo’s not even man enough to support his gay “brother in the Lord” once his taped message of support goes viral 🙄

Attention Ladies: Eddie Long Wants Your Men…

…and their money

Given the wealth of information I’ve shared on this blog about Eddie Long, there’s nothing else I need to say. So, feel free to comment in 3…2…1…

Related Posts:

• Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation
• If it walks like a gay bishop, and talks like a gay bishop…
• Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”
• “…above reproach…”

Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”

Please note, this blog is dedicated to exposing false gospels while presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ uncompromised. My goal is to present the true Gospel in such a way that the counterfeiters appear painfully obvious. This is not a blog dedicated to the downfall of Eddie Long, and I look forward to not dedicating so much time in feeding his ego – he just happens to be the wolf-de-jour lately.

That said, when my wife and I joined Club New Birth in 1996, the “theme” for the year was “Putting The House In Order”. This theme was in reference to Eddie Long’s sweeping power grab around 1994-1995. Eddie had been leading New Birth since 1987, and he grew tired of seeking approval from the Deacon Board – after all, he had been the pastor for 7 years…he shouldn’t have to answer to anyone.

Eddie summarily dismissed the entire Deacon’s Board and removed all structure of accountable from CNB – making himself the Chief – and appointed a “board” of minions to rubberstamp his proclamations. More than twenty years later, this board is still rubber stamping Eddie’s narcissistic cravings (even after exposure in a scathing Atlanta Journal-Constitution article from 2005 detailing Eddie’s lucrative earnings from his “non-profit” organization). Eddie revised the church’s constitution making clear that he was/is the Head Negro In Charge.

I clearly remember how Eddie bragged from the pulpit and preened about taking “control away from the Deacon Board” – under the guise of making leadership more transparent. What he did, however, was establish a fiefdom where all power emanated and rested with him and his hand-picked “amorbearers” and hangers-on. Certainly a Deacon Board should not control church operations, but the bible does specifically call for church polity (or government).

Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18 and more…). The Church is to be free from external authority and control (again, Titus 1:5), but two offices were clearly established to help maintain order: Elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:17 and more…) and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6).

In fact, if Club New Birth had any polity, they would deal with Eddie’s alleged sex scandal according to scripture (emphasis added):

1 Timothy 5:19-21 (New American Standard Bible)

¹⁹Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

 ²⁰Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

 ²¹I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.

So according to scripture – you know, the bible…that “thing” that Eddie’s club is supposed to use to govern spiritual matters – Eddie should be protesting his innocence FROM A PEW IN HIS CLUB – NOT FROM THE PULPIT! But what do you expect from an oligarchical pimpistry?

Eddie’s power grab is old history – I saw some of this firsthand.  After reading my community newspaper today recently, however, I was surprised to learn that Eddie revised Club New Birth’s articles of incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State in 1997 – declaring that the church was now a corporation whose purpose is “to receive and maintain real or personal property”:

No say for New Birth members

Talk this week about whether Bishop Eddie Long might step down from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the wake of the gay sex scandal that has dominated the airwaves, raises a single question.

If it came to that, who can make Long leave his church?

According to New Birth’s restated articles of incorporation, filed with the Georgia Secretary of State on April 14, 1997 – none of its 25,000 members.

In fact, according to those articles, New Birth, the corporation, has no members, and its purpose is “to receive and maintain real or personal property.”

None of its 11 Articles of Incorporation indicate anything about it being a church or propagating Christianity.

That is in stark contrast to the church – Travelers Rest Baptist – that it succeeded in 1984.

As a point of history for all you non-Dekalb County (GA) residents, Travelers Rest became New Birth in 1984 after some members left to follow Ken Samuels, the then pastor (Samuels now leads the gay-leaning Victory Church in Stone Mountain, GA). New Birth hired Eddie in 1987, and the rest is history…

Not much surprises me about Eddie Long anymore – including that dead racoon he now let’s ride atop his skull – yet this revelation blew me away. The article goes on to say:

Article 9 of the restated articles states:

“The purposes for which the corporation is organized are to receive and maintain real or personal property, or both” and “to use and apply the whole or part of income for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes” related to the corporation’s nonprofit status.

Article 6 reads:

“The Corporation hereby elects to have no members.

“Any action which would require a vote of members shall require only a vote of members of the Board of Directors, and no meeting or vote of members shall be required for this Corporation, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation or the Bylaws to the contrary withstanding.

“All rights which otherwise would vest in the members shall vest in the Directors.”

Conversely, other churches in the area include specific language regarding their purpose:

The Ray of Hope Christian Church has members, and no CEO. In its June 24, 1988, incorporation, it states that it is a “non-profit religious organization” formed to “proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Church in faithful response to God’s Will and purposes as revealed; to seek in all persons a faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, to serve the community of which it is a part; and to bring the Gospel message to bear upon society….and in all ways to seek to make known the love of God.”

So we already knew that Eddie Long is NOT a real bishop in accordance with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, but at least we can confirm that he is officially a CEO – and Club New Birth is nothing more than a company (that enjoys tax exempt status, by the way). Incidentally, this company is artfully skilled at developing managers to spread Eddie’s false gospel in satelite churches, essentially making Eddie a franchise owner-operator. This revelation completely aligns with an article in this weekends Atlanta Journal-Constitution explaining Eddie’s “branding power” and how the sheeple at CNB are more faithful to Eddie than they are to God:

Bishop Eddie Long | Brand pastor built fosters fierce member loyalty

ATLANTA — A billboard near an Atlanta highway reads, “Love Like Him, Live Like Him, Lead Like Him.” The motto refers to Jesus Christ, but the smiling face next to it is that of Bishop Eddie Long.

Long built a humble suburban Atlanta congregation into a giant TV ministry on the strength of his charisma and his interpretation of the Gospels, including the magnetic idea that the faithful will be rewarded with wealth. It’s a doctrine the architect and leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church embodies with his own luxury lifestyle, including a private jet, jewels, a luxury automobile and a mansion.

“It’s like the ‘in’ church to be associated with,” said Terry Belton of Charlotte, N.C., who has attended the New Birth church there with his wife. “You feel like you’re going to prosper by being associated with that church. A lot of people go there because of him. We went … because of him.”

Oh, it get’s better (or worse):

“Eddie Long is the embodiment of their way of life, the pathway to their salvation,” said branding expert Goldie Taylor, who lived for years in the neighborhood where New Birth is located and has watched the church’s phenomenal growth.

“If something happens to negatively impact the power of the brand that is Bishop Eddie Long, you have to ask yourself, where will New Birth be?” Taylor said. “If they can’t believe in him, what can they believe in?”

Now call me stupid – but I thought the point of attending church was to express your belief in God and worship with other believers…oh wait, I forgot – Eddie told the State of Georgia that CNB IS NOT a church…forget what I just wrote. I always knew that Eddie was a master marketer, so the fact that he leads a “corporation” makes more sense to me now.

Now, slowly read this tidbit from Carlton “The Heretic” Pearson – I told you, Pearson and Long run in the same circles (literally and figuratively):

“He’s top of the line, one of the best at it,” said Bishop Carlton Pearson, a friend of Long’s for 20 years. “He’s a tall, muscular, well-spoken, handsome black man with power and influence and authority. It’s very intoxicating, both for him, and for those who drink from that same spiked fountain.”

I’m trying to suppress my inner 3rd grader, otherwise I could crack jokes about Pearson’s attraction to Eddie…I’ll just leave his quote with you for a moment… 

Alas, the sheeple of CNB will more than likely stand by their embattled CEO, as dutiful representatives of a company are apt to do:

Whatever comes of the lawsuits, members of New Birth may be inclined to stand by their leader because of how he transformed their church, which Spelman College professor William Jelani Cobb called “the spiritual equivalent of Yankee Stadium.”

“To say that you’re a member of New Birth has a certain cachet,” Cobb said. “When you see the plain size of the grounds and the campus, if you’re one that believes in this idea of God’s elect, that’s the most compelling argument that they must be teaching a valid gospel.”

So sheer stadium size is an indication that Eddie Long and wolves of his ilk are “teaching a valid gospel”? No, it’s validation that Eddie and his ilk are speaking what the tickling ears want to hear.

Thank God through His Son Jesus Christ that He is exposing this wolf (and other wolves) as true enemies of the Gospel of Christ. I ask that you prayer for the people of CNB and that the Lord remove their delusion long enough for them to flee this “corporation”. 

Related Posts:

• Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation
• “…above reproach…”

So, Eddie Long IS NOT Involved In A Scam? Say It Ain’t So!

***STORY UPDATED BELOW ORGINAL ARTICLE & ORIGINAL POST TITLE AMENDED***

Now I’m beginning to see why Eddie Long donated $1M to his alma mater. In addition to pimping God’s sheep, it appears as though Eddie Long hosted a non-accredited extension of his alma mater at his megachurch, and now the “graduates” of the school have garbage degrees: 

25 students got no-good degrees from New Birth campus

By CHRISTOPHER QUINN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/11/08

Twenty-five students who attended a satellite program of North Carolina Central University at Bishop Eddie Long’s Lithonia megachurch earned bachelor’s degrees that are not recognized by the school’s accrediting agency. A school spokeswoman said 39 other students were in the program earlier this year when it was shut down. Long and the school, in Durham, started the satellite campus four years ago. They closed it in June after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools learned of it, reviewed the program and refused to sanction it. All extension programs have to be approved by SACS for degrees to be recognized.

Tom Benberg, chief of staff at the Commission on Colleges at SACS, said any degrees earned in the program at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, “would not be a degree from an accredited operation.” Long released a statement saying the church has partnered with various education programs to hold classes at the church. “Regrettably, the university did not seek appropriate approvals at that time prior to launching the program. Last month [SACS] denied approval for NCCU to continue the program offerings at the New Birth site.”

What was Eddie and his colleagues trying to do, start their own Friend International Christian University (a/k/a “Pimp U”)?

What a minute…Hmmm…what a coincidence. Eddie announces that he’s “giving” $1M (in direct violation of Matthew 6:1-4) on a Friday, and the newspaper writes this investigative report on a Monday. Of course, Eddie had no idea that this report was coming out – and he gave that money from his heart right?

Right?

Later in the article, we see (my emphasis in bold):

A SACS report said the program did not prove that faculty was qualified or that it had adequate library and learning resources. The program was unable to measure whether students were adequately leaning the subject matters and it did not provide an adequate financial statement from the program.

No financial statements from the program? Yup, that sounds like an Eddie Long “business arrangement” to me.

Click the title to read the article in it’s entirety and pray that the Lord would restore the students who were scammed by their association (even indirectly) with Pimp Long.

Let this be a continued lesson that Eddie Long is a snake pulpit pimp – and he should be avoided at all costs.

***UPDATED 8/12/08 – 9:30AM EST***

The Raleigh News has a more extensive look at this NCCU & New Birth deal, and the details seem to support Long’s claim of ignorance relating to the accreditation for NCCU’s extension at his church:

NCCU operated Atlanta campus

UNC system never approved branch run near Atlanta

Eric Ferreri, Staff Writer

DURHAM – For four years, N.C. Central University operated a small satellite campus at a suburban Atlanta megachurch run by a university trustee, offering a series of programs that were never properly approved by university system officials.

The program folded this summer after running afoul of the university’s accrediting agency, and campus officials are now trying to figure out how to take care of about 50 students whose college careers have been interrupted.

With the demise of the small campus, dubbed the New L.I.F.E. College Program and housed at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., questions arise why a North Carolina public university created an out-of-state branch campus 400 miles away.

“I can think of no justifiable reason why the former NCCU leadership would have completely ignored and failed to abide by the appropriate approval process in creating this program,” UNC system President Erskine Bowles said late last week in a statement e-mailed to The News & Observer. “Such action is contrary to all university policy. To say the least, it is very disappointing. We are working closely with Chancellor [Charlie] Nelms and his new leadership team to examine the various academic, legal, and financial questions associated with this Georgia-based program.”

So, the state university system is trying to rectify the situation. Click the title to read the article in entirety, and you’ll see how the former Chancellor (James Ammons, who is now running things over at Florida A&M) isn’t responding to inquiries – and is hiding. The article also states that the degrees earned through New Birth’s extension of NCCU are valid and will be recognized. That’s good news for the students who earned them.

Also, it looks like Pimp Eddie has some cover on this one:

Long’s role in the creation of the NCCU campus at his church is not clear. It is not clear whether NCCU’s Board of Trustees was ever told about or voted to approve the New Birth program. There is no mention of the program in the minutes of any trustee meeting in 2003 or 2004.

Kay Thomas, the board’s current chairwoman, said recently she has no recollection of being briefed or voting on the program, but added that her board doesn’t routinely approve specific distance education programs.

“I see no problem with it,” Thomas said. “The idea is to get people certified for jobs, even if they’re not North Carolinians.”

Also, we learn through the article that the faculty had reservations about the extension program, but it was pushed through anyway:

A UNC-system official said the program should have been vetted.

“It should have been presented to the [UNC system’s] Board of Governors as a distance learning program,” said Alan Mabe, the UNC system’s vice president for academic planning and university-school programs. “We don’t have any records of it being presented.”

It was discussed, at least briefly, by NCCU’s Faculty Senate. The debate was contentious, recalled Kofi Amoateng, a finance professor who headed the faculty in 2004.

“It was not an easy approval; it was a close fight,” he said of a faculty vote on the program, adding that the relationship NCCU would have with a church gave some faculty members pause. “I was not very happy. We never thought it through. We needed time to study, but it got pushed through.”

We also learn that New Birth (and Eddie Long) didn’t make a lot (if any) money on the deal:

It doesn’t appear that the church reaped any windfall. Students paid $888.57 per three-credit course, which was more than the going rate for an in-state student at NCCU but less than a nonresident would traditionally pay, Phifer-McGhee said.

From those revenues, NCCU paid the church $120 per student per course taught, Phifer-McGhee said. UNC system officials confirmed that is the proper way to administer an out-of-state program. The church provided classrooms, equipment, offices and administrative support, helped recruit students and instructors and, on occasion, videotaped courses and sent them to NCCU for evaluation, according to the 2006 memorandum between NCCU and the church.

So what we have is a perfect storm of inept university administrators, a program held together with toothpicks and bubble gum, and an ego-driven “bishop” who is determined to make his church the “spiritual epicenter of the world” (I’ve heard him say that on many occasion when I was a member of Club New Birth).

So I concede the point on this story – Pimp Eddie gets a pass because he wasn’t (apparently) trying to scam anyone. His reputation as a scripture-twisting pimp does make him suspect in most things that he is involved with, however, and he should still be avoided.

Eddie Long Donates $1M To His Alma Mater

I’m posting this article just so that I won’t be accused of “censoring news” and ignoring the good that Eddie Long is capable of doing:

Bishop Eddie Long donates $1M to alma mater

Money will be used to establish professorship

By CHRISTOPHER QUINN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/08/08

Bishop Eddie Long, the well-known pastor of the Lithonia megachurch New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is giving $1 million to his alma mater.

North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., will use the money to establish a professorship named in Long’s honor. Long is a 1977 graduate of the university’s school of business.

“One of the reasons why I love the school so much is, at the time, I wasn’t qualified to go into college if you look at grades or SAT tests,” Long said.

They took him in as part of a program to bring in underperforming students and give them a chance at a university education.

“I started doing very well in college, and I am eternally grateful because they took a risk with me,” Long said.

The school confirmed the gift.

“We are very grateful for Bishop Long’s continued support and commitment to NCCU,” said Chancellor Charlie Nelms in a press release.

“It is our hope that his gift will positively enrich the lives of our students and the wider community.”

Click the title to read the entire article. Long goes on to state where the money is coming from:

“I am not doing anything wrong and I’m helping my school” Long said. “I am making (the donation) from my own personal income.”

He said he dabbles in real estate and also receives income from writing books.

Well enough. I’ve got NO PROBLEM with ANYBODY participating in the free market system – and gaining wealth in the process (if the Lord wills it). I do have a problem with people marketing the Gospel, but you get my larger point.

Oh, just in case you think I’m going soft, I’m not. Eddie would be an astute businessman if he relied on his business acumen ALONE to gain wealth and not the labor of others.

But he doesn’t, so he’s still a pimp because he still shakes down the sheep.

Know When To Fold ‘Em, Eddie…

Eddie Long is proving more and more that he doesn’t quite know when to “fold ’em” and slink back under the rock he escaped.

As I’ve said before – this blog is not “all things Eddie Long”, I am simply documenting the dissection of a pulpit pimp before our very eyes…and Eddie seems to want to shine more and more light on his dysfunction on a regular basis.

In late January, Eddie made a YouTube appeal asking an investor to return money to members of his congregation (some of the lemmings left at Club New Birth) that he claimed was mishandled. It was a bizarre appeal (considering Eddie regularly mishandled money culled from his lemmings), and it caught the attention of the local Fox affiliate.

I pretty much ignored the story back then – although I found it difficult to at first. Like many others, I’ve thrown good money after bad at Eddie’s Ponzi schemes during my time of strong delusion at CNB – and I’ve even lost money to the snake-oil sales people he brought before the congregation as well (failed “magazine subscriptions”, “New Birth water”, Mark Hanby’s phony corporate stock purchasing scams, and more).

Still,  I had to scratch my head in wonder – why would a wig-wearing alleged homosexual “bishop” choose to remain in the public eye while simultaneously fighting/mediating a civil lawsuit for sexual coercion? It doesn’t make sense – but  not much coming out of CNB does these days.

We all know that Eddie is a metaphorical gambler – he plays “fast and loose” with the truth and rolls the dice when it comes to butchering God’s Word. Thanks to a helpful reminder from my brother IndependentConservative (who is doing well, just taking a VERY LONG blog hiatus), we now know that apparently Eddie is also a literal gambler.

It looks like Eddie encouraged his sheeple to invest in “sweepstakes machines”…yup, the good “bishop” was drumming up participants for a gambling business. Click the link to watch the latest investigative report into the saga heretofore known as Eddie Long, and keep in mind: the men in the story who collectively lost more than $20,000 ARE STILL MEMBERS OF CLUB NEW BIRTH!

I keep wondering why Eddie even still has keys to that building. C’mon Eddie, know when to fold ’em…sheesh.

Related Posts:

• Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”
• “…above reproach…”
• “If You Don’t Pay God, You Won’t Get Fed!”
• The Allure of the Pimp 

So, Eddie Doesn’t “Understand” Homosexuality?

It appears as though Eddie Long is doing what many (including his detractors) thought would NEVER happen…bend to the will of the homosexual lobby.

I must admit that I’m saddened by this apparent revelation. Sure, I have theological disagreements with Eddie Long because of his allegiance to the false prosperity gospel, his daft ability to twist scripture like an old pro, and his spawning of clones across the country.

Despite all of this, Eddie still stood firmly on the Word of God in reiterating that homosexuality is a sin that God will not ignore. He even led a march through downtown Atlanta in 2004 in support of heterosexual marriage.

Now, it appears that Eddie is bowing to pressure from the pro-gay lobby, has met the group Soulforce (a “gay christian” organization), and told Soulforce that there are “things about homosexuality that he needs to learn”.

So what is it that Eddie doesn’t “understand” about homosexuality? He’s been preaching against it all of his pastoral life, and he’s questioning scripture’s position regarding the subject now?

Our brother Pastor Foster over at Gay Christian Movement Watch first alerted us of this impending attempt of Soulforce to “dialogue” with Eddie last week (i.e. get him to see their point of view) (click here, here, here, and here for more details), and our brother Independent Conservative posted about it earlier this week as well.

You can see pictures of Soulforce’s visit with Eddie and his staff here, and you can read the article in a pro-gay newspaper that details the visit. Here’s an interesting quote from the article:

The meeting ended with Soulforce members offering to lead workshops at New Birth on human sexuality. Renee said the church is considering its options.

Homosexuality is a sin, and no “workshop on human sexuality” will change that fact. The Soulforce coalition seemed pretty happy to be at Club New Birth, but the CNB staff seemed elated for the opportunity to meet with them.

Unless this meeting was called to preach salvation and repentance from homosexual sin, it should’ve never been held (1 Corinthians 5). These Soulforce members have heard the truth, REJECTED IT, and “tweaked it” to fit THEIR AGENDA.

Let me be CRYSTAL CLEAR – God loves us even in our mess – and in turn, our love for Him and His truth means we must leave our mess behind. We are filthy rags, deserving eternal damnation apart from the redeeming Blood of Jesus Christ and the turning away from our flesh. This is an uncompromisable point. We can’t honestly serve a sinless Savior while holding onto the things that He hates!

I am not a “gay basher”, a homophobe, a “hater” or any other pejorative that will probably be hurled my way. I’m not perfect, nor will I try to reason the varying degrees of “sin”. I understand that many have been hurt through sexual molestation, and confused regarding same-sex attraction, etc. Homosexuality is a sin – and like every other unrepentant sin, it’s consequence is eternal separation from the Father. I stand on the Word of God, specifically:

• Genesis 19:1-13
• Leviticus 18:22
• Romans 1:24-27
• 1 Corinthians 6:9
• And much more…

Is there deliverance from homosexuality? ABSOLUTELY – 1 Corinthians 6:11 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 specifically speaks of deliverance over ANY SIN through salvation and faith in Jesus Christ.

Further, EVERY CHRISTIAN will struggle against sin – including sins of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). What separates us from the world, however, is that we always repent and turn back to God. You can’t be “gay” and call yourself a true Christian if you continue in homosexual sin – remember, 1 Corinthians 6:11 Paul said “you were (fill in the blank)”…meaning before sanctification through the Blood of Jesus.

You’re either “ex-gay” or an “ex-Christian”.

The truth hurts, and it could be considered “offensive” to anyone that it speaks against – BUT THAT DOES NOT NEGATE IT’S MERIT.

The bottom line is this – Eddie Long has just (apparently) lost the firm footing he had on scripture as it relates to this particular sin.

Should he have attempted to evangelize the Gospel truth to sinners? YES! Should he have entertained an audience of unrepentant sinners (and their partners) in an attempt to assuage scripture for their comfort? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

To all of the Eddie Long sympathizers that ignore EVERYTHING else he’s ever done, can you overlook this too?

In accordance to 2 John 1:10-11, I WILL NOTentertain comments from Soulforce sympathizers, anyone who wishes to argue about being “born gay”, or anyone attempting to defend this meeting.

It is what it is – if you disagree, then visit a blog that supports your assertions – I will stand on the uncompromised, immutable, irrefutable Word of God.

“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions…”

Romans 1:26-27 (New American Standard Bible):

 ²⁶ For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing^[b]indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

I’ve written about homosexuality in the church in the past, especially as it relates to Eddie Long and his evolving stance on the issue, and his subsequent non-admission admission of his own homosexual lifestyle. I’m not an expert on the subject of “gay Christianity” (my brother DL Foster over at Gay Christian Movement Watch does a masterful job of clearly, exhaustively, and soberly addressing the issue), but a friend recently sent over a video that I felt needed additional attention.

The Vision Church is the latest “affirming” church in the Metro-Atlanta area, led by Bishop O.C. Allen III.  Allen is openly gay, and he and his partner (a/k/a “The First Gentleman”…not “First Lady”, get it?) started the church in their living room – and it’s grown to “mega church” status in the last few years. Allen was recently interviewed on The Word Has Nothing To Do With It Network by Lexi (who seems to love interviewing every reprobate and theologically-challenged so-called Christian she can sink her acrylics into). I found myself at a loss for words after viewing Part 1 in it’s entirety (no need for me to find Part 2), and I ask that you review the entire episode before commenting as well:

Let me be explicitly clear: EVERY church should welcome homosexuals (and ALL other sinners) and expose them to the unadulterated Word of God in admonishing them to turn from their sins and follow Christ. NO church should alter and amend the Word of God to suite the lifestyles of parishioners, ESPECIALLY since those same lifestyles run counter to God’s Word. Here’s a reminder about the qualifications of church leadership – as expressed through God-breathed and divinely inspired scripture (my emphasis in bold):

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (New American Standard Bible):

 ¹ It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. ² An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. ⁴ He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity ⁵ (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), ⁶ and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. ⁷ And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

I’ll leave you to the comment thread to get your thoughts, but please remember that there are lost and confused souls in the world who need access to the TRUE & LIVING GOD – not this malleable and contemporary heresy we see at this “church” and others.

Please pray for those who are (a) caught up in homosexuality and all other manner of sin, (b) deceived by this and other “churches” – affirming or not – who distort the Word of God, and (c) for this “bishop” and those who follow him – that their eyes be opened and they accept/turn to/return to the TRUE Gospel and Christ as their ONLY means of salvation (as the Lord wills).

“For both prophet and priest are polluted…”

**Scroll down for updated information**

Jeremiah 23:1-2 (New American Standard)

¹“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.

 ²Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:9-12 (New American Standard)

⁹As for the prophets:
         My heart is broken within me,
         All my bones tremble;
         I have become like a drunken man,
         Even like a man overcome with wine,
         Because of the LORD
         And because of His holy words.
    ¹⁰For the land is full of adulterers;
         For the land mourns because of the curse
         The pastures of the wilderness have dried up.
         Their course also is evil
         And their might is not right.
    ¹¹“For both prophet and priest are polluted;
         Even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.
    ¹²“Therefore their way will be like slippery paths to them,
         They will be driven away into the gloom and fall down in it;
         For I will bring calamity upon them,
         The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

I have written in detail about Bishop Johnathan Alvarado’s proclivity for butchering the Word of God several years ago (go here and here for background information), so there is no need to go into a biographical sketch of a man whom I consider to be a false prophet and intentional butcher of the Word.

Alvarado is a “former son” of Eddie Long, so it’s not surprising to learn of the recent allegations against Alvarado – allegations of sexual misconduct with minors (emphasis bolded below):

DA Looking into Metro Atlanta Bishop

The DeKalb County district attorney’s office confirms that it is looking into allegations against Total Grace Christian Center Bishop Johnathan Alvarado, but would not specify what those allegations are.

The case listing makes reference to possible “crimes against children”.

But according to online records on the district attorney’s office website, a case number has been assigned to the probe, as has an assistant district attorney and an investigator.

The case listing makes reference to possible “crimes against children”.

You can click the title above to read more, and here’s a video of the story shown on local television last night. Alvarado allegedly paid off the families of some of the alleged victims – but the DA was notified because the alleged victims (all believed to be male – although it makes no difference) may all have been under the age of legal consent in Georgia. I won’t speculate any further until I can corroborate with my sources, although the DA is expected to provide more information as the investigation continues.

Of course, at this point Alvarado is only accused of potential “crimes against children”, yet it confirms another apparent connection between those who purport a FALSE gospel and their propensity to live a life in direct contrast to the message of the Cross. Additionally, one can’t ignore Alvarado’s early association with Eddie Long – and Long’s alleged proclivities have been whispered about in the Metro Atlanta area for more than 20 years. 

Continue to pray for those who are negatively impacted by false and salacious prophets who scatter God’s sheep – and pray that the Lord would deal with the wolves according to His Will. He has already made his plan of remediation apparent through his Word:

Jeremiah 23:15; 19-20 (New American Standard)

¹⁵“Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets,
         ‘Behold, I am going to feed them wormwood
         And make them drink poisonous water,
         For from the prophets of Jerusalem
         Pollution has gone forth into all the land.'”

[…]

¹⁹“Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone forth in wrath,
         Even a whirling tempest;
         It will swirl down on the head of the wicked.
    ²⁰“The anger of the LORD will not turn back
         Until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart;
         In the last days you will clearly understand it.

**Update – 3/18/11**

Shaun King, a local Pastor and former assistant/armor bearer to Alvarado was the first person to open speak about Alvarado’s alleged activities – including details as to why he left Alvarado’s church. Here’s a link to King’s blog detailing how he found out about Alavarado’s alleged activities, and what action he took.

Please remember, life isn’t always easy for those of us who escape these cults – you’re labeled a devil, rabble rouser, and all other manner of ilicit titles for daring to “betray the mand/womand of gawd and leave his/her covering.” While most are happy to just quietly walk away – I’m proud that more people are not only fleeing false doctrine, but they are also alerting others.

Related Posts:

• Surprise, Surprise…Another Gay “Bishop” in Metro Atlanta
• If it walks like a gay bishop, and talks like a gay bishop…
• Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation
• More Hack Exegesis…Courtesy of TBN
• More of the (False) Gospel According to John (Alvarado)

Happy New Year…

I’m grateful to God to be able to look back on another year.

This blog has been in existence since February 2008, and more than 460,000 visits later I’m thankful that God has sent you here to comment, criticize, to be enlightened, to be angered, and to be informed.

Most of all, I thank God for allowing me to continue to speak (or write) His truth.

I’m not particularly nostalgic, nor do I make new year resolutions, so I wish you all Godspeed in 2011 – and God’s best for your lives according to His Will and good pleasure for you.

So (as has been the “tradition” for the past few years) here are the top 20 articles viewed on the blog for 2010:

Article & number of views

“Why Aren’t More Blacks Interested In Reformed Theology?”		5,567
The Black Value System Vs. The Bible		5,377
Studying The Bible: The Topical Method		4,920
Is Hillsong Church A Cult?		3,573
The Cursing Preacher and the $900,000 “Donation”		3,388
Why I Speak Truth		3,307
Are “Armor Bearers” Biblical?		3,203
The Prince Pimp Of Baltimore Endorses Obama		3,050
“Pulpit Pimps”…Too Harsh?		2,914
Pimps – The Gathering		2,513
Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy…		2,159
Another “Spiritual Daddy” Demands “Submission”		2,088
Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”		1,824
Roman Catholicism Is A False Religion		1,770
Fred K.C. Price…Apostle?		1,492
“Moneeeeeey Cometh…To Me…NOW!“		1,398
Surprise, Surprise…Another Gay “Bishop” in Metro Atlanta		1,393
“I’m Still The Man!”		1,381
D.E. Paulk Has Officially Lost His Mind		1,358
You KNOW You’re In A Cult If…		1,342
So, Eddie Doesn’t “Understand” Homosexuality?		1,329

Sola Dei Gloria!

Related Posts:

• The Things I’ve Learned…
• Let’s Do It Again…

If it walks like a gay bishop, and talks like a gay bishop…

…then it must be a gay bishop.

Eddie Long (the “bishop” pictured above with “Ms. Sophia”, a well-known transvestite here in Atlanta) is apparently ready to mediate with his accusers and provide them with a financial settlement to make this whole sexual coercion and abuse story go away.

I’m not a lawyer, but I don’t think that people seek mediation to settle a case that alleges heinous activity if THEY ARE NOT GUILTY IN SOME WAY.

I wouldn’t even agree to settle a fender-bender if I wasn’t guilty. If someone accused me of inappropriate sexual contact with boys/young men I “mentored”, then I would demand a jury trial and vigorously depose my accusers to defend my honesty.

I mean, if you’re innocent, wouldn’t YOU fight to clear your good name?

And what happened to “I feel like David against Goliath…I’ve got 5 rocks, and I haven’t thrown 1 yet!”? Did I miss something in 1 Samuel 17 – or did David enter into mediation with Goliath?

In his most recent article for Huffington Post, syndicated columnist Morris O’Kelly wrote:

Mediation of sexual allegation grievances is tantamount to an admission of “some” guilt, “some” form of ministerial misconduct. Innocent folk don’t make deals if the claims against them are baseless and untrue. Mediation for the accused is a forfeiture of the right to ever claim innocence, and readers should be absolutely clear on this point.

Did you hear that?

That was the sound of Long publicly admitting to some degree of guilt when he agreed to mediation. The public wanted Long to thoroughly address the allegations. Well, there you have it. He said it all, you just had to have been paying attention to hear it.

In New Birth’s response to the lawsuit (the accusers sued Long and the church), the church’s attorneys seem to corroborate Kelly’s assertion (and my personal belief) of Long’s guilt. The church “understands that Bishop Long often shared hotel rooms with members of the congregation while traveling,” but would not confirm or deny the allegations made by the accusers.

So…umm…a man who lives in a $1M home, drives a $400,000 Maybach (as well as a Rolls Royce) and owns his own private plane shares rooms with congregants on long trips?

For what…to save money?

Yup – that thud you just heard was the sound of common sense falling to the floor.

Unfortunately, again, none of this matters to the sheeple who worship Eddie Long (and those like him). As I said before, Eddie could do the “Dougie” (Google it) on the way to the pulpit holding hands with his male lover and blowing air kisses while snapping his fingers in “Z” formation – and these people would still stand in line to hear him butcher the Word of God with impunity.

Keep praying for Eddie’s repentance, and the will of the Lord being done at Club New Birth.

Related Posts:

• Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”
• “…above reproach…”
• Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation

“…above reproach…”

 

I was in my early 20’s when I moved to Atlanta in the mid-90’s. I was accustomed to doing community service work through my fraternity, and I wanted to do something significant with my time – beyond just hanging out when I wasn’t traveling for work. I decided to become a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlanta because the need was (and still is) very great. I was one of only a handful of black man who applied to be mentors that year, yet the system was full of black boys seeking mentors – and even “father-figures”, if you will.

I knew the demands would be great, but I wanted to make an impact.

In addition to completing a formal application, I sat through extensive behavioral interviews with the Executive Director, Director, and Supervisor of Mentors. They also conducted extensive interviews with my close friends and family members to determine if my character was consistent across my circles of influence. I attended classes, submitted to an extensive criminal background check and drug screening.

BB/BS of Atlanta even made surprise visits to my apartment and searched for illegal/inappropriate content (with my permission and assistance) – just to make sure that my living conditions were acceptable for my future little brother.

Certainly, the implications were great – the agency would entrust the care of a 12-year-old boy to me. This kid came from a single parent household with multiple siblings. BB/BS of Atlanta wanted to be certain that I would represent them (and myself) properly at all times – and that they could trust me.

They wanted to make sure that I was above reproach.

Certainly the requirements for church leadership are even more important – considering the pastor is entrusted with guardianship over the souls of God’s precious cargo:

Titus 1:7-11 (New American Standard Bible…emphasis added)

 ⁷For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 

⁸but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

⁹holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

¹⁰For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

 ¹¹who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

This truth is explicitly clear – which is why the video below is even more difficult to watch:

Dale Russell, the investigator from Fox 5 Atlanta news is a dogged investigative reporter who works a story until he gets to the bottom of it – no matter what the results are (here’s a link to Russell’s extensive investigation of Eddie’s mess – content is updated daily). Russell has already interviewed other young men who have been “taken care of” by Eddie Long (who DO NOT claim any sexual activity or coercion from Eddie), yet they still confirm Eddie’s pattern: gifts, money, prestige, access to power – then you’re cut-off.

Eddie took to the podium again Tuesday night (9/28/10) to give his sheeple more of what they want – pacification from him that “everything is gonna be OK”, and “they’re not coming after me, they’re coming after YOU…THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST!“:

Sorry, Eddie, but the “whole Body of Christ” didn’t allegedly give Ambien and oral sex to teenage boys and young men. In fact, the “whole Body of Christ” also didn’t provide cash, cars, and extravagant gifts. Wait – the members of New Birth probably did provide those niceties (through the money they lay at Eddie’s feet twice a week).

I contend that Eddie’s newly invigorated “defiant stance” is a call to arms for support from the more unhinged sheeple who still claim him as their “daddy”. This kind of intimidation is nothing new for those of us who escaped the church mafia. We are threatened for exposing dirty secrets (I get death threats over exposing false doctrine – can you imagine if I was a victim of one of these over sexed power-hungry perverts?). The language Eddie is using gives the mind-numb minions license to “lay hands” on ANYBODY who “put’s their mouth on the Mand of Gawd” – even when we KNOW that scripture has been butchered in the past regarding speaking against “God’s anointed”.

And since we’re talking about butchered scripture, the serpent Carlton Pearson had to slither from under his heretical rock to throw his 2 cents in. Since most pastors are afraid to debate him coherently, his apostasy will go unchallenged. I’ve written about Carlton Pearson in the past, and one could surmise that Pearson (along with the sexually deviant and pedophilic demons that haunted Earl Paulk) are almost solely responsible for the heretical mess that has become of Earl’s neph-son D.E. Paulk. Interesting note: Pearson (whose closet door is almost translucent) enjoyed a cozy relationship with Eddie Long (and most of the other big-name alpha pimps out there), and TD Jakes (whose closet is being held closed with duct tape and bubble gum) is Eddie Long’s “spiritual daddy”. Are you starting to see a common thread here? I hope so… 

The bottom line is this: ANYBODY who claims leadership over the Lord’s people (read that line again…I wrote THE LORD’S PEOPLE) should not do anything to bring shame to His name – or theirs. That means being involved in evil, being around evil, being in an ambiguous situation that may cause someone to even assume you’re associated with something ungodly.

Period. Exclamation point.

If the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlanta can ensure that their mentors are above reproach – why can’t the sheeple who allow vipers like Eddie to slither into the pulpit do the very same thing?

May God have mercy as He continues to rip the veil off of the foolishness that is purported in His Name…

Related Post:

• Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation

Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation

This week’s public revelations of Eddie Long’s alleged dalliances brings the topic of manipulation and molestation to the forefront of Christiandom…again.

I intentionally emphasize the word “public” because rumors have swirled around Eddie’s alleged proclivities for years. I saw things I considered strange while I was a drone at Eddie’s club for 6 years – including parades of young men and boys who followed him everywhere he went, ceremonies where congregants pledged their undying allegiance to him, and sheep after sheep quoting Eddie rather than God’s Word through scripture.

As a blogger, I also receive countless emails from people who accuse Eddie (and others) of all manner of illicit evil – claiming to have “proof” of their assertions. I press for the evidence, and they usually stand down. I don’t pass along unsubstantiated  or uncorroborated information, so the rumors remain just that…rumors.

In fact, when Eddie decided to meet with Soulforce (a lobbying group of unrepentant homosexuals) several years ago – later declaring that he “didn’t understand homosexuality” when he preached against it, many (including me) thought someone was blackmailing Eddie to publicly endorse the homosexual agenda. Eddie even offered his church to Soulforce so they could teach courses on human sexuality.

Eddie and his accusers will eventually have their day in court – and the truth will be revealed. Detractors will never believe that Eddie is innocent, and supporters will never believe that he is guilty. Nonetheless, Eddie strode to the podium of his club yesterday in the midst of full fanfare – adoring supporters, swelling music, and “praise” and “worship” hurled in his direction. While reading from his iPad (take that, Jimmy Swaggart – you crybaby), Long didn’t necessarily deny specific allegations – in fact he said “I’m not perfect, but I’m not the man you see portrayed on tv…” – meaning he may eventually cop to some embarrassing revelations during the settlement of the case (while still denying others), and he wanted to blunt a potential future blow.

As I have written in the past, I believe that Eddie is an egomaniac and a master marketer, yet he seemed subdued addressing the sheeple in his club on Sunday. Jamal Bryant could’ve applied the same tact when he addressed his sheeple after revelations of the birth of his latest out-of-wedlock child with a young congregant several years ago. While Bryant manipulated scripture to declare that he was “still the man!”, Eddie sort of tossed out the usual David v. Goliath, Psalms 34:19 references (although a full read of Psalms 34 would make you wonder if someone accused of such troubling allegations really fears the Lord).

In a nod to Jamal, Eddie did throw out a threatning ode to his accusers (“…I’ve got 5 stones, and I haven’t thrown one yet!”), then he gave an omnious stare while putting the microphone down abruptly and walking away…all to the roar of an adoring and approving crowd. 🙄

The bottom line, however, is that these accusations (as well as the flood of litigants waiting to come forward to cast further allegations against Long) continue to illustrate the dangers of power – absolute power – in the mega church.

Eddie Long and his reprobate band of infamous colleagues are spiritual molesters and manipulators. Although the word “molest” generally has sexual connotations, the word also means “to harass, annoy, and interfere”. These minstrels have inserted themselves into the lives of their sheeple for years – with express invitation from those sheeple – and wreaked havoc that takes years to recover from once the victim finally escapes the predator’s clutches.

The video below is a clear example of the effects of spiritual manipulation and molestation (h/t to my brother Pastor Foster over at Gay Christian Movement Watch). How else can you explain the fact that these children are being sent out as lambs to slaughter to defend Eddie Long? Clearly an egomaniac regime would sanction this nonsense:

Did you catch Don Lemon’s revelation of sexual molestation at the hands of a homosexual pedophile? Are you starting to see how serious the parallel is?

Ever since I escaped the church mafia plantation several years ago, I’ve cautioned against the false gospel that these meglomaniacs preach: from complete and total allegiance to them, to ex-communication of former members, to false application of scripture concerning finances and church authority. No matter how egregious these claims may be, there are still mind-numb sheep who will continue to see Eddie Long (and Creflo Dollar, Jamal Bryant, Benny Hinn, Paula White, TD Jakes, and all other manner of charlatans) as anointed doves released directly from God’s palm for their edification.

I do not gloat at these latest allegations (nor the ones soon to come), but I will remind you of a few things:

DO NOT treat your pastor as though he is your “daddy”:

• The Allure of the Pimp
• The Pimp and His “Covering”
• “Father Knows Best”?
• The “Spiritual Covering” Lie Gone Wrong
• More Hack Exegesis…Courtesy of TBN
• More of the (False) Gospel According to John (Alvarado)

Don’t let your pastor manipulate you into giving – declaring that you’re cursed if you don’t:

• “…get me my money!”
• “If You Don’t Pay God, You Won’t Get Fed!”
• “Moneeeeeey Cometh…To Me…NOW!“

Don’t let your pastor manipulate you into leaving your family and friends behind because they don’t understand “the new you”:

• You KNOW You’re In A Cult If…
• Church Mafia – A Casualty’s Perspective
• Church Mafia…Forget About It?

Don’t swear allegiance to your pastor!:

• Another “Spiritual Daddy” Demands “Submission”
• The Cursing Preacher and the $900,000 “Donation”

Although Eddie has been accused of sexual manipulation, he (and other charlatans) actively apply spiritual manipulation and molestation as a way to persuade their followers that they are extensions of God Himself. I’ll end this public service announcement with the words of the prophet Jeremiah (emphasis bolded):

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (New American Standard Bible)

⁵Thus says the LORD,
         “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
         And makes flesh his strength,
         And whose heart turns away from the LORD.
    ⁶“For he will be like a bush in the desert
         And will not see when prosperity comes,
         But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
         A land of salt without inhabitant.
    ⁷“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
         And whose trust is the LORD.
    ⁸“For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
         That extends its roots by a stream
         And will not fear when the heat comes;
         But its leaves will be green,
         And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
         Nor cease to yield fruit.

In fact, a full review of Jeremiah 17 couldn’t hurt. Human beings are designed to yield to the sins of our flesh – it’s the curse that Adam and Eve left us with. This is why you should elevate NO ONE to God-like status…NO ONE.

I believe that Eddie Long is as guilty as sin, but that’s my opinion. Clearly he’s failed the test that qualifies him as worthy of church leadership (emphasis bolded):

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (New American Standard Bible)

¹It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

 ²An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 ³⁾not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

 ⁴He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

 ⁵(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

 ⁶and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

 ⁷And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Pray for all parties involved in this mess and other past, present, and future scandal. Most of all, pray that the Lord’s will would continue to be made manifest in these last days.

“Pay Per View” Gospel

 

The ad above was emailed to me a few weeks ago in advance of Eddie Long’s latest conference. While not as marketing savvy as last year’s ad for the same event (or Eddie’s other ingenious marketing ideas), the point is still clear: if you can’t witness this “life changing event” live, then you can watch it on pay-per-view…like a boxing match…or porn. 

I’ll take a moment to address those of you who constantly accuse me of “hating” before I go further: 

• Yes, I do believe that pastors should be paid for their service to the Lord, but these pimps have surpassed the title of pastor and landed squarely on the title of “entrepreneur”. They write books and own businesses so there is no good reason for them to continue exploiting the Gospel for personal gain
• Yes, I realize that “it takes money to do ministry”, but they’re already charging people to attend the event in real-time…can’t they account for broadcasting the services at no additional charge? Also, can’t this be classified as “outreach” since they already collect all manner of tithes, offerings, et al from their members already?
• Yes, I know “the world charges money for wicked things, so why can’t the mand of gawd charge for righteous things?” – but why do we always have to equate ourselves with the world to justify our behavior?

The Gospel message is a burden – primarily because of its controversial tenets and how many either wholly accept or reject it. Paul warned the early church in 2 Corinthians 2 to be cautious of corrupt hucksters who offered a watered-down “gospel” of atonement in return for payment of their message: 

2 Corinthians 2:17 (New American Standard Bible) 

For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. 

Further, in 1 Corinthians 9 Paul asserted that his Apostolic assignment afforded him the ability to earn wages from his labor for God through His Word. Still, however, he stated plainly that he wouldn’t allow money to be a stumbling block for the message of the Gospel: 

1 Corinthians 9:14-18 (New American Standard Bible – emphasis added) 

¹⁴So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.  

 ¹⁵But I have used none of these things And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 

 ¹⁶For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 

 ¹⁷For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 

 ¹⁸What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. 

Again, I know it takes money to sustain a viable ministry, but there is a thin line between sustaining an earnest outreach effort and financing foolishness. John Piper’s “Desiring God” Ministry succinctly address what they call (and I agree) the “Currency of Christian Hedonism” (emphasis added): 

Since spreading a passion for the all-satisfying Christ is our first and overwhelming aim, we look to Paul’s example of how to remove every obstacle to this goal.[…] In Paul’s day, like ours, some used the word of God to make money. They peddled it. Marketing was the strategy. Money was the goal. Paul was zealous to distance himself from both the motive and the appearance of money-greedy teachers. 

[…] God honored Paul’s commitment to make the gospel free by putting it in the hearts of churches he had planted in other places to help him make it free for others. He won people to Christ by his authenticity and by not charging for the gospel, and the result was that new believers supported this very strategy with their gifts. And these gifts from other churches were not payment for the gospel; rather they were enabling Paul to offer it to others without payment. Paul was persuaded that appearances of peddling the gospel of free grace would put a stumbling block in the way of the gospel. It would make it harder for people to see the true nature of the message and the Savior. 

[…] So we see three motives—or three ways of expressing one motive—that moved Paul not to charge money for the word of God: 1) to remove every obstacle to the gospel of Christ; 2) to increase his heavenly reward; 3) to win more people to Christ. 

It’s bad enough that Eddie and his ilk flog you about the head and shoulders weekly in their churches clubs – shaking you down for coins, let alone via a “pay per view” event. But, what else do you expect from men (and women) who see the Gospel as just another revenue stream? 

BTW – Eddie unveiled his new “look” at this “Focus Faux-cus 2010″ event last week. It appears as though he planted some hair seeds and got a “30-60-100 fold” return…or he bought a new toupee. Is that where some of your $99 went? 

 

Related Posts: 

• “The Church” For Sale – $1M (Or Best Offer)
• First Rotten Fruit

Church Growth: Planting or Franchising?

 

For many years, pastors have erroneously equated congregational growth with church growth. The former is simply an increase in the population of the weekly assembly, whereas the latter is evangelism of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who otherwise would have been lost – and maturity and growth in the relationship with God through Christ. 

The modern-day pulpit pimps have further blurred the meaning by  building stadium-like “worship facilities” and “anointing sons and daughters” to extend their “apostolic influence” – all as monuments to their greatness. As I’ve said in the past, often times megachurch pastors end up “trading members” – attracting sheeple to and from pristine “worship facilities” – as opposed to growing the church with new souls. 

God through His Word commands what we would consider “church growth”: 

Acts 2:42-47 (New American Standard Bible) 

 ⁴²They were ^(A)continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to ^(B)the breaking of bread and ^(C)to prayer. ⁴³Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many ^(D)wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. ⁴⁴And all those who had believed ^[a]were together and ^(E)had all things in common; ⁴⁵and they ^(F)began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. ^46(G)Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and ^(H)breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 

 ⁴⁷praising God and ^(I)having favor with all the people And the Lord ^(J)was adding to their number day by day ^(K)those who were being saved. 

Further, Jesus declared that He would build a Church that Hell could not conquer (Matthew 16:18). He didn’t say He’d build a building – He spoke of a living Body. Still, no man can glory that he is the “sheep herder-in-chief” for a region – only God is responsible for the growth of His Body (1 Corinthians 3:7-8). 

Just because your pastor boasts that “we are 1 church in 3 locations”, or he has a network of “sons and daughters” who have “submitted under his covering” does not mean that he is a church planter. In fact, he is nothing more than a franchiser. Think about it: McDonald’s sells franchises by charging a fee for a franchiser to rightfully represent themselves as an official representative of the franchise. McDonald’s handles all of the licensing (and some level of marketing), and the franchisee pays an annual fee for the privilege of being called “a location”. 

It’s the same in Church, Inc. I’ve already detailed the pay-to-play phenomenon of “spiritual covering” – as well as an examination of Alpha Pimp and master marketer Eddie Long (who is savvy enough to convince pastors to turn their churches over to him AND change their names!). Men like Eddie Long, I.V. Hilliard, Creflo Dollar, Paul Morton, and many others are interested in “growing” their churches clubs through acquisition. They’d rather be known as “Spiritual Fathers” and “Apostles” instead of lowly church planters, and rightfully so since they aren’t planting anything anyway. 

Church planters, however, are people who recognize that God can’t be contained within a “location”, and are interested in evangelizing through training up church leaders for service WITHOUT CREATING SERVANTS AND ADMIRERS OF THEMSELVES. Church planting is essentially mission work – bringing the Gospel to a specific area, converting souls, making disciples, training church leaders for service, and moving on to the next location once the new “plant” can sustain itself. 

Church planters realize that God is bigger than “1 church with multiple locations” – which is a plausible assertion. How can a church with over 10,000 members be led by a pastor (or elder board) that can successfully shepherd individual members? While it is impressive to amass such a large following (in a flesh-satisfying kind of way), one could argue that those 10,000 members could be better served in hundreds of smaller churches (spread wider and deeper within underserved communities) with pastors and elders who could minister to them – and shepherd them – more effectively. 

The Apostle Paul was the prototypical church planter (Acts 14:21-23; Acts 15:41; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Even though Paul was a spiritual father-figure, he did not create a network of “Sons of Paul”. In fact, once Paul (and his planters) trained the local assembly to sustain themselves (with his encouragement), the new plant would send missionaries forward to plant churches as well (1 Thessalonians 1:8). There are modern-day church planters in every community in the nation today (the Acts 29 network is one of the most well-known) – training disciples to preach and declare the Gospel…and make other disciples to do the same. These men don’t demand allegiance to them, and they don’t go around calling themselves “Spiritual Daddies” – they’re too busy declaring the Gospel. 

As I’ve stated in the past – I’m not “anti-megachurch” per se (some of the bible teachers I admire lead very large congregations). I just wonder if the local assembly is more effective when the leadership can actually personally shepherd the congregation.  

Related Posts: 

• Another “Spiritual Daddy” Demands “Submission”
• The Allure of the Pimp
• The “Spiritual Covering” Lie Gone Wrong
• More Hack Exegesis…Courtesy of TBN
• More of the (False) Gospel According to John (Alvarado)