(MN: Here is an outstanding comment by Hurricane Dodger. It was submitted as a comment but I liked it so much I want to make sure all see it. By the way, the subject of the comment looks like he may the winner of the Pimp o’the Month Contest for July/August. It seems like an appropriate follow-on to the “What Would It Take” posting, the one where all the WoFers folded and showed their spineless condition. I wonder how many of them are going to continue to post in an effort to keep their Pimps propped up. )
Hurricane Dodger said:
I am a FORMER Word of Faither–and so glad I allowed the Word of God to really sink in while placing my emotions and flesh aside to hear the truth. It was tough, because the more I listened to my former WOF preacher, the more I felt confused until I actually started going back to the Bible after church and researching the truth lined up against his teachings.
I liked the preacher and his co-preacher wife and still have much respect and love for them as people. But—
I got so caught up in this so-called “new thing” primarily because I got so tired of the “old thing.” In a nutshell–the old stuff was the church on the corner with no big name and fame that taught –straight–no chaser-the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his eternal plan for us. This little church taught us about Christian character and preached against sin. But the big ole church around the corner had a teen club, wide screens so I could watch the announcements with that CNN affect (minus the James Earl Jones voice) , tv spots on BET and thousands of people. So we left the “old stuff” and embraced the “new thing.” And two years later–we left and went right back to the lil church on the corner! Here’s why;
- John Avanzini (spelling?) was invited in with his family to teach us about money stuff–after he preached, the entire church had to fill out empty tithe envelopes, march around the church and drop’em in a loot bucket as a “declaration” that we would start tithing..Then we were invited back that night for a debt burning service. Did ya’ll know that even if you burn your bill–it’s still valid?
- Our (former) pastor showed us a mid-service Power Point slide show of how much the church needed to build a church in a local prison from engineer write ups to foundational stuff. Good idea, isn’t it? A few weeks later, some dude announced that “we” just gave our beloved Pastor a $35,000 Golf and Country Club membership–since he loooves golf! And…the money needed for the prison’s church to get off the ground was less than his golf membership! “We” also gave first lady a Gucci watch (Pastoral Anniversary). Emphasis on the word “we”…
- The pastor keeps a 5-deep security team flanked around him at all times–but if he’s such a man of faith–what’s up with the gun-toting security team?
- He bragged several times about his used Rolex watches he bought on discount, his FIVE new cars and the fact that his new house appraised for $3 Million in an exclusive part of our southern town!This vital information was relayed during a Sunday morning sermon!
- His kids drive beamers and Escalades–and they all have “jobs” at the church
- The congregation is not permitted to see any financial info concerning the church in detail. I did receive a generic breakdown of some funds used for missions and local charity work
- Asked for prayer and was told by one of the preachers that this sickness was a curse on me that needed to be broken
- The congregation was often promted to chant this phrase “I’m on my way to my wealthy place and I will never be broke another day in my life.” Not kidding.
- Many of the members rode busses to church and lived on the rough side of town–no doubt they were committed tithers
- Members are told if you have a family emergency and need help from the church–don’t get offended when your tithe record is checked!Not kidding..
- There’s a church club called the “Million Dollar Club”-kid you not!
- Was told that if I continued to “speak” to my body–it would get healed and line up with the Word–and when I went for prayer–I was asked if I had purchased first ladies confession CD yet!!!
I could go on–but here’s the bottom line-my biggest concern was souls coming in who had never heard about Jesus, his healing power and his ability to deliver. Instead, a dying soul was hearing about the wealthy place and how God wants us to be paid and saved. It didn’t take a giant Hurricane -like voice to let me know–something ain’t right.
I looked at the public records–and they are public–and something stinks in the water.
I have nooo problem coming back and doing a second post WITH scriptures to justify the points I’ve made–but it’s all pretty plain. Glad I’m gone back to the little church on the corner! I have more peace now and I know my worth in Christ has nothing to do with my address, my bling, and my status..please! I also know that Magic offerings aint gonna heal me–his blood will in his diving timing. If positive confession worked–I would confess that my son’s room is cleaned every morning–as with the dishes and laundry.
Yes–I’m being a little silly–but that’s how I feel about some of the arguments I see (and used to use) defending folk that are straight duping people in the name of Jesus. Perhaps the dupers are sincere–but they can be soncerely wrong!
People–I have seen the public records –notice the word PUBLIC records–with my own eyes and have not shared the info I saw with anyone but the spouse person.
People are being duped. Lastly-look at it like this —for those who are upset about pastors being called out–if your friend had vital information concerning your loved one’s dirty dealing that could eventually harm you–wouldn’t you want to know this information? Yes, right? Would this mean the the teller of the vital info was trying to assassinate the dirty dealer or present the info as it is and let the info speak for itself–all to protect you?
:lol:...
Dear Hurricane Dodger,
Some of the phrases you listed in your article have caught my attention. It sounds like a church I used to attend, but I’m not sure if it’s the same one. I’ve heard just about all of those things multiple times. Just going by your screen name, are you by any chance from Louisiana? Is the church you’re talking about near a city called Gonzales, La?
Gonzales? My buddy TTK is from Gonzales, LA. St Amant High ‘95. I’m not from Louisiana, but he talks about it so much…..
BTW-Charles Blake used to have a “ministry” called “Millionaires in Training”.
I graduated from St. Amant High in ‘95….small world.
BTW, the pastor I thought you were talking about was Leroy Thompson. One of your quotes sounds like something he originated.
Notice how if you go to his church website, and you look at the menu list toward the left hand side of the screen, where “Salvation” lies in his list…SMH
Wow. Mike, my boy (Kelson) played on the St Amant football team, and now lives in South Carolina finishing out his Army time.
BTW-I really don’t know much about Louisiana, but I thought you were trying to hit Bethany WPC in Baker outside of BR. Larry Stockstill, he is the one whom actually led the group or coalition (the name escapes me) that Ted Haggard was involved with, and spoke on their behalf when the scandal erupted.
When you said your friends initials earlier, I thought I might know who he is, but now I’m sure…His name’s Travis. He probably doesn’t remember me, but we had a P.E. class together…nice guy.
BTW-I used to attend Bethany before I got married and started attending my wife’s church. We attend a Baptist church now. This really is a small world.
hey mike…what is your last name…email me at traviskelson@yahoo.com…i think you was talking to my best friend andre morrison
My goodness , it’s LEROY!!!
I just read the comment from Hurricane Dodger and loved it. She/he should write columns. My only exception is that as a former WoFer myself, I would look at this post and say, “that couldn’t be my pastor or church.” (As I sat Sunday after Sunday in my delusion). I wish these commenters would have the courage to post who the pastor is and what church it is so that people who go there can at least be warned and aware of what is going on. (MN: Be gracious even as God has been gracious with you and give them time. Walking away was hard enough. ) I used to go to Cornerstone under John Hagee, and I remember on a visit Jesse Duplantis telling us that he doesn’t sin. There is a scripture that clearly states that if we say we don’t sin, then we are calling God a liar (paraphrased). All those WoFer’s (preachers) are in cahoots with each other. I think they are operating under the premise that if you hear a lie long enough you will believe it……they are all clones of each other. Stand up and name them and their churches. Hold them accountable!! Demand to know their financial standing and where the money is going. Hagee just got his first jet…..he’s lagging way behind compared to his buddies. And please ask the WoFer’s why all the body guards? Don’t these weasels have enough “faith” to know that God will protect them? I’d like to hear from a missionary, they are the real heroes who risk family, life and limb for the Gospel, and they live like paupers. Unbelievable!
Thanks for making your post, Brah.
Had alot of interesting points in it, & it reminded me of many of the I witnessed when I attended WOF church.
Amen to you!!! i too left my former church (Elizabeth Baptist Chruch Atlanta Ga) for alsmos the same reason. My Pastor started quoting Donald Trump over the pulpit, started inviting Eddie Long, Paul S Mortan to speak over our pupilt. My Pastor stated that he personnally invites those to speak at our church. But the straw that broke the camals back was when Jamal Bryant spoke at our church at a Weds night service. I was gone, me and my family: Was there for 2 years
daniel
Atlanta GA
Hey daniel:
I too attended EBC in Atlanta…(enjoyed Pastor’s preaching)….but i also noticed the ‘drift’ toward Eddie Long etc….just wondering, have you guys found a decent home yet? kinda hard in ATL….despite the number of churches….
Sound Atlanta Church = http://swcfellowship.com/
(MN: With a quick look at the website, I’d agree. )
Now some of the guys mentioned, John Hagee, John Avanzini, I don’t have a problem with when you keep it in context of the word of God. But that Jamal Bryant guy is OFF. If you go to his web site you see he is all about the benjamins. It’s all about the blink, blink and it’s in your face. Leroy Thompson, heard him at a church I USED to attend…not a good steward, yes God wants us to be blessed but there is wisdom, all he talked about was some wasteful situation with the swimming pool, nix that, he made it perfectly clear “HIS INDOOR SWIMMING” pool, could be heated to whatever temperature his kids wanted it, his kids had some friends over and they could have whatever they wanted, don’t worry about turning the lights off, we can pay the bill whatever it is. CRAZY stuff. While many of the members who need help would have to go through more hoops and hurdles than the IRS. Now I believe there has to be balance and their is abuse with folks scheming and perpetrating a fraud, but that Jamal is a TRIP. It’s a dog and pony show GAME. The name PIMPS in the Pulpit is so appropriate since they PIMP each other out promote each othere visit each other’s churches, raise funds etc. Let the spirit of man, which is the candle of the Lord and the word of God be the guiding light. Everybody’s now into every facet of our lives being on the microwave level, that that mentality has even permeated the church. This one place in St. Louis, keeps their service on a tight clock and a very timely schedule. The pastor even shuts down the Holy Spirit.
If folks would read the workd for themselves and study for themselves, the spirit of discernment will be birthed on the inside, they would be awakened and they would know the truth from a lie!!! They would not be deceived.
Glad to hear that you left, and i understand how difficult it can be to leave church and the relationships that are forged their with people.But when God allows us to come out of the ether and you realize how foolish you ve been how silly some of the things we did and believed cause we trusted the Pastor that he had our best interest at heart. But when i finally found out and God opened my eyes to the truth how can you still respect that person or persons?????
I am convinced that there is a playbook somewhere that the exclusive club of money preachers is using. I’m alarmed at the stories I hear - all over the country.
(MN: There is! Didn’t you order your copy?!? Click here for the information. )
hillarious
Nice posting!!!
This sounds SO MUCH like my former church (now 28,000 strong) here in New York. No public financial disclosure since the 80’s, armed security detail, big cars, houses for his kids, ‘millionaire mindset’ teaching, etc.
The greed of the people is the lure, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…
Come Lord Jesus…
hi e. bert todd
i live in nyc. what’s the name of this congregation that is 28,000 “strong” and do you know why they need armed security?
Please folks…..name these churches and pastors. If they don’t have a flock to fleece they will quit robbing innocent people!!
I know it is hard to walk away! I was at Cornerstone for almost 15 years. It was my entire identity and life! I’m still in shock and still can’t believe it!! But if we don’t name names it will continue and the fleecers will prevail!! Help stop it…..it is giving God a terrible name!!
I handle a different area of false prophecy dealing with sexuality and it comes primarily from what I call the “gay christian movement” (christian in this context intentionally not capitalized. But I love PP, it was a factor in me starting my blog and concentrating on exposing false prophets and the doctrines they are employing to dupe people of their true, God created sexuality.
Although there are many simularities between those who are pimping a sexual freedom gospel and those who are pimping a prosperity gospel, when it comes down to it, we had better be vigilant and sober because these individuals are animated by a spirit which has no regard for the spiritual health and welfare of people seeking God. Deception and manipulation are at the core of their lust for power, fame, possessions and a muted disdain for truth.
Exposing these people is one way to help stem the tide another is to do like hurricane did:, get out when the Spirit shows you an intentional pattern of error.
This is my first comment on this site. After reading Hurricane Dodger’s words, I couldn’t resist. I too am a former charismatic. I grauduated from Rhema in the early 90’s. I call Rhema the “Charismatic Mecca”. I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to WOF and charismatic practices. The Lord gradually enlightened me to erroneous teachings of this movement. The two things that helped me to escape were an accurate understanding of the Sovereignty of God and the Authority of Scripture. For the past six years I have been pastoring a bible-based church in Florida. I am having a ball! It is a joy to watch people grow as they hear and apply sound teaching to their lives.
I live in florida.. truth promoter, where is your church?
Secureinchrist,
My church is in Tallahassee.
Melvin, could you provide my email for TruthPromoter please?? TruthPromoter, can you send me a quick note?? I have something I’d like to discuss with you if you’re OK with that.Otherwise, no problem.
(MN: TruthPromoter, please send me your e-mail address so I can forward it to GaryV. I didn’t keep your address when I deleted it from your comment. )
Brother,
I thank you for the commentary. I too was under the same delusion from a mega church in Southern Louisiana where the pastor parked his white convertible Bentley in front of the church, red leather interior, red rag top. That delusion was so strong, it took God’s grace to snatch me out of that pit. I went on a fast and God told me, “Come out of Sodom”. At the time, I didn’t know if it was to leave the church or leave the city. I ended up leaving LA and ended up in Denver one year prior to Hurricane Katrina.
Now I have the peace that surpasses all understanding and I reflect on the old songs from the “lil small church” like “How I Got Over…My Soul Looks Back and Wonder How I Made it Over”.
The “lil small church- the lil mustard seed faith” gave me the solid foundation, ie. “train up a child in the way… when he is old he will not depart”.
Bro Duke
i really enjoyed that,good read.
E. Bert Todd:
Is it CCC? Not many churches that big in NY.
hi tybo,
if it is ccc, then i must visit and have a look-see for myself. afterall, i am from missouri. i’ll take my raggedy van down to brooklyn just to ask them personally. but e. bert has to let me know if it is indeed ccc, gas prices are too high- knowhatimean.
Mrs. Maverick it is indeed CCC.
What’s so interesting now is that the deception is no longer hidden. The ‘Pastor’ bio on his own website (www.arb.tv) says: ‘Rev. A.R. Bernard is the founder and CEO of the Christian Cultural
Center (CCC). Located in New York City, this faith-based organization currently has over 28,000 members and is situated on a welcoming 11-acre campus.’
Notice CEO and faith based organization, Not Pastor and Church… And the blind still flock…
By His Grace & In His Service
E.Bert Todd
Hi Tybo
In a word, Yes
Wow.. it does so much good to come to this website weekly, to hear stories of people coming the the Truth and walking away from the bondage of the WOF/prosperity movement. I attended Faith Full Gospel Ministries in California for almost 5 YEARS!.. and it was a wanna be mega church with maybe 50 people on a good day… but spittin out the same garbage as hurricane talked about in his post. When I hear that stuff I relate so well to EVERYTHING he was saying… It was hard walking away! first of all hard to believe you have taken on a whole mindset and identity that was false! Then to actually renew your mind when you thought that’s what you were doing from the world’s way…whew it’s a lot to swallow. When God reveals His truth, struggle you may but deny you cannot!
Hurricane Dodger,
Your situation was highly thought-provoking,
It’s seemingly peaceful in the EYE of a HURRICANE–and therefore tempting to remain there–though everything else is DESTRUCTIVE,
Likewise, it often seems SERENE within CULTIC GROUPS–with victims COMPLETELY OBLIVIOUS to DAMAGE DONE….& often Choosing the “IGNORANCE IS BLISS” mentality
Only in evaluating something in it’s TOTALITY, rather than those aspects SEEMINGLY BENEFICAL, can one truly see walk wisely….& Praise God you/your family were willing to do that–Loving the PEACE coming from RIGHTEOUSNESS rather than an ILLUSION of it (Isaiah 30 ,Isaiah 32:17, Isaiah 48, 2 Thessalonians 2)
Blessings, Brah….
I can certainly relate to Hurricane Dodger’s testimony. I am a former WOF, tither, and security staff member/personal security for the “bishop” at the church I use to attend for years. To come in every Sunday morning and see the luxury cars pull up in the “restricted/ministerial staff only” parking lot, I use to be in awe of it all. My job was to open the door for him and his family, escort them where every they went and sometimes pick them up from home. I had to buy new designer suits so I could fit in with the rest of the ministerial staff. Having the ear piece like the secret service and talking constantly about nothing during the entire service. We were instructed to “monitor” the congregation to look out for suspects who might harm the bishop and/or his family. Note, this is a mega church in Prince George’s county Maryland - across from Six Flags. I’m sure you can figure it out. Anyways, after years of being caught up in that nonsense, the Holy Spirit began to work on me. I left this church a few years ago and now I’m happily married, blessed in so many ways and warning people involved in these churches to get out. My wife and I belong to a church where the Word of God is truly preached and therefore our lives have been blessed by it!
A must read by everyone…………………
We often ask ourselves what would it take for people to open their eyes to the true gospel message, salvation, and teachings of Jesus Christ. As we are well aware the Prosperity Gospel/WoF is nothing more than emotionalism and excitement mistaken as the anointing of the Holy Ghost. We know they are blind and following a lie which WILL lead them into damnation and hell. These people sorely mistake the excitement, babbling, and party like atmosphere for what true filling of the Holy Ghost is. But what I want to focus on is the polar opposite of what we would call a “sheeple” yet equally in error and inevitably leading to the same result……………..hell. I found an article about Mother Teresa that will be quite an eye opener. As I said she could not be more opposite than the sheeple. She neglected self satisfaction and wealth. She helped the poorest of the poor. She lived a life of simplicity and selfless giving. Yet, like the sheeple she too was lost. Both spectrums of Christianity (I use that lightly) yet equally hell bound for believing lies. The article below is a must read to see an example of such a lost women. I hope to God he saved her before she died after living a life of confusion and emptiness. Like I said the Prosperity message fills you with empty promises and a fake anointing that are nothing more than stimuli. On the other end you have a women who based her faith on “works” that in the end still never brought her to the Lord. This is a really sad article.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1655415,00.html
Kyle
Okay, it looks like its testimony time! Great testimony by Hurricane Dodger. Here’s mine:
I am a pastor and got hooked on the WOF movement for a number of years. Then the Lord began to get my attention about the differences between the WOF teachings and practices and clearly divided Scriptures.
Eventually, I stood up before my church congregation to tell them I had led them down a wide, dangerous path. I apologised and we committed to study the Bible from scratch together. In a year, we were so different from what we had been, and we are still wondering how we could have belived the things we did years ago.
To the glory of God, we did not lose one soul. We studied together and the Lord opened all our eyes over time. Of course, we had tense moments, but He pulled us through. An entire congregation! Talk of revival! Praise God!!
I would be ashamed for any of my old sermons to be put up in public today. Of course, it would be a good opportunity for me to testify.
What was the turning point for my fellow pastors and I? It was the point where we lost the respect of men and decided that God’s written word is sufficient and the sole authority for our faith and our lives.
I’ll be the first to say that its not because I was smart or anything of the sort. Jesus Christ gets the glory for our walking away from the darkness.
Dear Yomi: I was so blessed by your post!! You are a true man of God and I am so proud to even be allowed to read your post. I feel privileged!! It took great nerve to stand in front of your congregation and tell the truth! I would stick with you forever……you are a true man of God!!
Blessings,
Judy
Yomi,that was a blessing brother!!
I’ve heard every one of these points in some form or fashion during my 19 yrs attending WoF/Charismatic churches. I am angry with myself for being so blind and feel guilty for subjecting my children to all the garbage.
When I now hear some of those preachers, my stomach churns.
What amazes me is how many local wannabes are out there.
I was watching this program of a local church. Amidst all the theatrics, I gathered the main point of the sermon to be - “Don’ t hate on those who have more material things than you do. You should bless them because they are where you want to be. The folks that can buy the Bentleys and the Mercedes Benz are just keeping those places in business for you. If no one bought them, once your windfall came there would be no Bentleys and Benzs to buy so you’d be stuck buying a Hyandi” He then goes on to brag about is 500 series benz and tell how he didn’t get upset when the assistant pastor got a 550 SL. Nope he just bought the asst pastor a gift for the car. - Unbelievable but true.
Another thing that bothers me is how now all of them have a Doctorate Degree ( from some unaccredited Diploma Mill) Now everyone is Dr. so and so. Back in the day, the WOF made fun of seminary/theological degrees. They would say things like “he attended the cemetary oops I me seminary” Now the very thing they made fun of and scorned, they are all clamoring to get by any means.
Oh and don’t get me started on the abuse of the “first fruit offerings”
There is so much to say. Perhaps I’ll add more later.
I beg you,please . There are sins in the church, but the rants against leadership and churches is just as bad, if not worse. A day will come when god will ask us if we learned to love, and forgive. Please, one and all: jesus christ is all that matters. don’t lose your ministries, jobs, businesses, dreams etc because of offense
hi michael,
these are not rants against “leadership”. for these people are by no means leaders. they are liars. i will forgive when someone humbly repents.
Atta girl Mav
Thank you for your statement of truth…
God hate sin. he wants a people after his own heart. However to be that type of person, One has to lay down offenses and hurts against others. sometimes that is pretty hard, but he will help us. I have been a believer 25 years and i’ve seen the hurts leaders have put on others, as well as christians belittling christians. At the end of the day, I ask myself this question: In spite of it all, what have I done with Jesus Christ?? Let us go on to perfection. Let us pray for the fallen and hurt. and let us forgive
WATCH THIS AND WEEP…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mqkt7nHong
If you can’t get it through this link then go to
http://www.youtube.com and type in “dueling tongues” and maybe if you add copeland and/or browne in it you’ll find it. So very, very sad!!
Judy,
I had to turn the vid off. I was actually feeling embarrassed and I wasn’t even there. This garbage really annoys me to no end. I can remember the Pentecostal Churches I used to attend and all the gibberish, falling over, and laying of hands that went on. Man this stuff gives me the creeps now.
Kyle
Hi Kyle, I was once told that I was not saved because I was a member of the AME Church, and I did not speak in tongues. I was told that since my church does not speak or teach tongues, we were not filled with the Holy Ghost. Unbelieveable !!!
According to the Bible, what they are calling tongues today is not even tongues or the gift of tongues. its plan and clear in 1 Cornthians that the way it is used today is ungodly. There is nothing that support what they call a prayer language. The book of Acts 2: 6-11 makes it clear that the gift of tongues relates to a foreign language, when one teaches the gospel in a language that he or she has not learned. it talking about the Godly use of tongues.
Oh Yeah, and the falling over scene, I have visit churches in the past when I went up for prayer and they would put their hands on me as if they were trying to make me fall back or something, even though I did not have the desire or feeling to fall back. Even though they tried to put pressure on my body, I did not fall back.
Oh, Can someone answer this question for me: what is this “Drunk in the Spirit” that some teach, is this biblical because to my knowledge its not biblical. The scripture that most usually use to prove their claim “Drunk in the Spirit” is Acts 2:13 “Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” They are taken this scripture out of context to my knowledge. This quote was not positive it was negative, and Peter makes this clear in Acts 2:15 “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.” And God makes it clear in Acts 2:17-18 that He poured out His spirit on them, not new wine.
If somone could respone to this view about “Drunk in the Spirit,” for I am not being unkind, I just need to know.
Jahnea,
Funny you mention this. Here I was saved and yet I too never spoke in tongues or fell backwards when someone laid hands on me. I know now after the Lord led me away from this that the reason I never engaged in this was because I was saved. I think that many who engage in this are either not saved at all OR are so hyper stimulated that it creates trance like situations resulting in drug like euphoria. Either way it is of the Devil.
The Pimps and Sheeple that come here could not be further from the truth. When you compare someone like Spurgeon to someone like Creflo the difference is apparent. The dichotomy between the two couldn’t be further apart. So then the question needs to be asked. Who is correct? Obviously Spurgeon’s writings were profound and in depth and biblically sound where Creflo is all flash and cash with snippets of twisted scripture. It is only when you begin to discover REAL men and women of God that you realize the deception and out right lies of these Pimps.
Kyle
is it not true the tongues is for the edifying on your self?
(MN: No. Paul said several times that the gift of Tongues is for edifying the Body. All of the gifts are for edifying the Body. )
I’ve taken some time to read many comments. I appreciate those who are willing to speak out against pimpery and yes, even name pimp-like names. I too was caught up in the WoF movement in central Fla. I have been in the meetings with Rodney Browne who used to come to our church some as well as Hagin’s All Faiths Crusade, etc. years ago when Avanzini came, he did the same thing that Hurricane mentioned. My fmr pastor was close with Ken Hagin Sr. and the Rhema grads were all over our church. I never went, but moved up the spiritual ladder and began pastoring a church “under” them eventually. I had been sort of a closet Berean, but now the scales really came off my eyes. Seeing the control thing and the class Christianity for what it really was shocked me. It has been hard coming out because of family and (no) friends, but well worth the truth that makes us finally free.
These self centered, theologically challenged manipulators should be exposed. I agree with Melvin; the sheeple are just as important as the Mend and Wo-Mend of Gawd. But I am still amazed at how many will just look the other way right in the face of blatant biblical contradiction as well as not seeing that the prosperity promises work for the pimps because you all give to them. Not to mention that they have a mailing list that you don’t. I started to wonder about the Hagin’s and their positive confession (for finances) theology. Why did they send out letters asking for money if all God required was to “confess” it?
Benjamin,
Been there done that. It’s good to finally be free. I remember the “all faith’s crusades “and how we had to wait in line for at least an hour only to find out that all the choice seating was roped off- saved for Rhema grads, local pastors. and other “special” folk who could trickle in at their leisure.
Fred Price would pass out his magazine and ask how many people never received a copy in the mail. He’d encourage people to raise their hands. When the hands went up, he would rebuke “That’s because you’ve never given a dime to the ministry”
I received many many letters from WOFers begging for money. Marilyn Hickey is one of the worst for this.
Yeah…………I miss the choice seating at the crusades. The apostasy is harder to follow on the JumboTron in the overflow room
This my first time posting to this forum. For many years i belonged to a traditional baptist church(no tongues, women did preach etc.) and still was being pimped! The WOF’s aren’t the only ones attempting to master the art of pimpery.
I lived in Tampa, FL for a while, and I know this church very well. My eyes are open now, so i’m looking for the lil’ church on the corner myself.
I believe in my spirit that God is saying loud and clear what He said in Amos 5:
21-24″I can’t stand your religious meetings.
I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice–oceans of it.
I want fairness–rivers of it.
That’s what I want. That’s all I want.”
If only people would read God’s word and seek God, seek God and His words for themselves…then and only then would pimpery be extinct.