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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: May 09, 2006 12:41PM

I found an interesting message board established by a former pastor of Wayman Mitchell's group, Christian Fellowship Ministries.

Ken Haining expresses interesting thoughts and observations from the perspective as a pastor in the group. He writes about the intense pressure that was put upon the pastors to conform to Mitchell's demands. What is quite revealing is the blantant hypocrisy and outright lying that is practice to keep the congregants entrapped in their churches.

There is almost 5,000 messages on this site, and I am learning so much about inner workings of Mitchell's mind control machine. I recommend this site highly.

[groups.yahoo.com]

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: May 13, 2006 05:03AM

I am reading the book, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, by David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen. It is an eye opening booking on how churches like The Lighthouse Church and Rob Scribner wield false spiritual authority over people's lives.

In chapter 5, Identifying the Abusive System, the authors begin to list the dynamics used that manipulate people. The first dynamic is Power-Posturing. This is evidenced by the pastor spending time and reminding the congregation of his 'spiritual authority'. It might come up in sermons or in private conversations. It is also recognized by the pastor's need to be always addressed as "pastor".

At The Lighthouse Church, I saw this happen quite a bit with Scirbner and his lemmings. One always had to address him as "Pastor Rob" and it fed his ego greatly. He would even address himself as "Pastor Rob" in sermons. It was weird. I had often wondered if his wife and kids would have to do the same in their home. You would get the feeling from him that he felt he was always better than anyone else in the room. And he would tell these stories in his sermons that would make him look like he was some sort of messiah or savior. A lot of what he said in his sermons did not make much sense and they seem to be like to be motivational oriented to get people to join his bandwagon and follow him all over the place. Like I said, it is a weird place.

More next time. Get the book!

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: May 17, 2006 12:39PM

Another characteristic of spiritual abuse is "Performance Preoccupation". The authors explain when an abusive pastor has positioned himself as the final authority of God in people's lives, they can now tell people what they need to do to continue to please God and preserve their salvation. It is a never ending road of church services, outreaches, and obligations to prove your submission to God's man, the pastor, to keep you saved from hell.

Scribner is a crafty guy when it comes to this kind of manipulation. He would constantly bring up coming church 3 times a week and daily prayer at 6:00 am at the church. And don't forget outreach at the promenade on Thursdays and Saturday outreaches too. We were told it was our duty, our cross, our obligation to God, to do these things to keep us from sin and falling away from the church. If you weren't part of the group doing this, you were looked down upon and treated like a second class citizen.

I was living in Malibu for the first few months I was going to the church. I was told by one of the disciples, that I should be coming to morning prayer. I told him I prayed at home each morning, and plus I didn't want to drive 15 miles just to pray. I told him God doesn't care if I was praying in the church or my home. His response was, "Well, Pastor Rob says we need to make the sacrifice because Jesus made the sacrifice." I just replied to him, "Jesus made the ulitmate sacrifice, nothing that I could sacrifice could ever surpass His work on the cross." What a dopey thing for that guy to say to me.

That is the mindset in The Lighthouse Church. You have to perform for Scribner, otherwise you will be ostracized and gossipped about. But don't expect it to make you a perfect Lighthouse "christian"...read this story:

I got a phone call the other night from a lady who had been in the church for about 10 years, she left about 3 years ago. She was a friend of friend and we talked and compared notes. She told me about a guy in the church who was Rob's shadow, he was the assistant pastor of the church. He was the big performer, going to all the church services, all the outreaches, meetings etc. He was the "example" and was supposed to be sent out soon to pastor a church. Well, even though he was doing all the right things, like church and prayer, he still had time to cruise the internet and look at porn on the church's computer. He got caught and had to step down only for a few months, then he was reinstated again, and then finally sent out to be a pastor in New Mexico somewhere.

The point of mentioning all of this is that you can perform and do all the right things on the outside, but what is inside your heart will eventually come to the surface and be exposed. Anyone can be a performer and decieve others and themselves. It is a trap and a waste of time, especially in The Lighthouse Church in Santa Monica!

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: May 18, 2006 12:00PM

In my last post I mentioned a conversation that I had with a lady who had been in The Lighthouse Church for approximently 10 years. She has now moved out of the area, but still lives in the state and still keeps in contact with a few of her friends that were in the church, and some who still are in church today. She told me so many things that happenned at the church during her tenure there, I had writers cramp from all the note taking. Before we finished our conversation I asked her for permission to write about some of her observations and experiences at the church. She agreed as long as I referred to her as "Jane Doe" so that she could remain anonymous.

Jane Doe told me of the "big split" that the church had a few years back. She told me that the church lost over 300 people when the pastor sent out a letter to the churches members and demanded they give their loyalty and submission to Wayman Mitchell and the Potter's House group. You see, there were some people who voiced a concerned about how the church was becoming like Mitchell's group - meanspirited, controlling and oppressive.

They were given three days to make a decision, and if they had said anything against the pastor or Mitchell, they were suppose to repent or they were suppose to leave and not to ever mention anything about the letter or its demands because saying anything would be coming against God!

Jane said people who got the letter just proved beyond the shadow of any doubt that Rob Scribner had become the puppet of Wayman Mitchell. It proved that they were going to become full fledge member of the Potter's House cult. (BTW, Jane is sending me a copy of the letter in the mail. I will post it when I get it.)

Jane said during this time Scribner preached about people being rebels and being in rebellion to leadership. Submission and church discipline were also topics. This thinned out the ranks week by week. She said he would start off sermons on one verse of scripture, then just start ranting, and never going back to scripture or even misapplying the context. Nobody knew who to trust anymore. People were suspecting each other insubordination. There were secret meetings in the pastors office. People were called by the leadership and confronted about their allegiance to the church. She said it was a nightmare.

All these things are typical of cults and abusive church movements.

I write all of this to expose the truth about The Lighthouse Church because as a new visitor to the church, I did not know the recent history of the church. If I had known about what the past was of this place I wouldn't have given one dime or attended one service. Thank God I did not waste a lot time here.

More to come later.

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: May 20, 2006 05:27AM

Today I received the letter that I wrote about in my last post from Jane Doe. This letter was a response to members who wanted the church to be separated from Wayman Mitchell's group. Jane said this letter was delivered to church members in early July 2002. Here it is:

* * *

The Lighthouse Church

Our church has just been put through a very difficult and divisive time. The difficulty and division has been as a result of a few individuals who were in disagreement with and/or antagonistic to the vision of the church, its direction and its leadership. It became clear that the goal of these individuals was a complete disassociation with Christian Fellowship Ministries and/or the removal of Pastor Rob by the leadership of the Foursquare denomination. Public statements and criticisms were made by these individuals which, in many instances, did not reflect the truth or the motive, attitude or heart of the pastors.

It is our belief that these actions were wrong and were designed to divide with the ultimate purpose of taking the church in a different direction.

We believe that you were one of these individuals either by your statements or associations. * It is unclear as to whether or not you desire to continue to be a part of the Lighthouse Church. If you do, it is our position that you must recognize that your actions were wrong, that you repent of your wrons and that you can, with a pure heart, commit to the direction of The Lighthouse Church and submit to and support the pastoral leadership of Pastor Rob. Anything short of that would not be in keeping with sound biblical teaching.

This is not in the spirit of retaliation, but rather reconciliation, if that is possible.

If you are unable or unwilling to do what is set forth in this letter, then it is our position that you find another church where you will be able to fully support the pastor and direction of the church. We believe that this is the way that Jesus would have it and how He would conduct His church.

Unless you directly contact one of us to discuss your continuing association or membership at The Lighthouse within 3 days, we will understand that you either cannot or will not seek reconciliation and will no longer attend or have any association with The Lighthouse Church. In that case, we ask that you do not continue to speak against The Lighthouse or its' leadership as we believe that would be coming against a work of God. This would be of no benefit to anyone.

When Jesus prayed for His disciples, He prayed that they be one as He and The Father are one. Unless that unity is at the center of the church, we go against the Gospel and His will.

We stand firm on the essential of unity and hope that you can understand its' necessity and importance.

In His Grace,

Pastor Rob (Scribner) Pastor Harrison (Sommer)

* You are receiving this letter because you were at the meeting on June 3rd or if you did adopt the spirit of those that are spoken of in this letter then you too should acknowledge that it was wrong, repent and decide if you are going to stay at the Lighthouse in agreement with its current direction and Pastor Rob.

* * *

As you can tell, it demands people to repent and follow Scribner's vision which is to continue to be connected to Wayman Mitchell's cult. After reading this letter, it all makes sense why Scribner acts the way he does. He is like Stalin. Follow him or else!

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: June 01, 2006 02:35AM

"Unspoken Rules" are what keep people in fear and trapped in abusive churches. These "rules" are things like, "Don't speak against the church", "Don't speak against the pastor", "Don't fellowship with other Christians or churches" etc. Now, these rules may not be said in this direct kind of fashion, but, you will hear things from the pulpit like, "Korah was swallowed up by the earth for coming against Moses. I wouldn't want that to happen anyone here in my church." The message is clear, you don't speak against the pastor.

Another rule is the "Can't Talk" rule. You don't touch subjects you know that would embarass or exposes the pastors/leadership/fellowship's weakness or sin. Things like nepotism and the lack of financial accountability are on the top of the list in abusive churches that you "Can't Talk" about. If you ever want to talk about the things you "Can't Talk" about, you will be marked as a dissenter and disloyal. This is just another control tactic that is used to get people back in line.

Some things to think about.

A Truth Seeker

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: nitedork ()
Date: June 08, 2006 01:10PM

truth seeker....riddle me this.

Record # 1 of 1

State: TX
County: EL PASO
Parcel Number: S24399902608700
Owner: ZIMMERLY STEVE R
Site Address: 10160 DUNBARTON DR
EL PASO, TX 79925-2919
Mailing Address: 10160 DUNBARTON DR
EL PASO, TX 79925-2919
Land Use: SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE/TOWNHOUSE
Assessed Value: $64,328
Percent Improved: 76.92
Home Owners Exemption:
Lot Size: 7980
Year Built: 1967
Square Feet: 1406
Baths: 2.0
Bedrooms: 3
Fireplace: Y
Garage/Carport: ATTACHED
Cooling: AC.EVAPORATIVE
Heating: TYPE UNKNOWN
Roof: COMPOSITION SHINGLE
Exterior Walls: BRICK VENEER
Census Tract: 0043.10
Zoning: R3
Block: 26
Lot: 43
Legal Description: 26 SCOTSDALE #4 LOT 43 (7980 SQ FT)

Most Recent Recorded Document
Recorded: 09/14/2001
Document Type: RESALE
Buyer: ZIMMERLY STEVE R
Seller: MITCHELL WAYMAN O
Deed Type: GRANT DEED
Title Company: SIERRA TITLE COMPANY INC

Previously Recorded Document
Recorded: 05/10/1996
Document Type: RESALE
Sale: ESTIMATED
Buyer: MITCHELL WAYMAN O & NELDA S
Relation Type: HUSBAND/WIFE
Seller: LAMB GEOFFREY S & GAIL A
Deed Type: QUIT CLAIM

how is it that wayman mitchell was able to take the house away from scott and gail lamb under a quit claim deed? scott lamb was removed from ministry at this time for fornication. scott lamb was ordered by mitchell to return to prescott to get "restored".

looks like lamb got restored, and mitchell got a free house.

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: June 09, 2006 04:46AM

Hello,

That is a funny nick name.

The information that you have found is very interesting. I do not know who Scott Lamb is. I never heard of the Lamb family. Were they members of Lighthouse in the past? How does Rob Scribner fit into this picture?

You have now brought up more questions to my mind. Maybe you can enlighten us some more?

A Truth Seeker



Quote
nitedork
truth seeker....riddle me this.

Record # 1 of 1

State: TX
County: EL PASO
Parcel Number: S24399902608700
Owner: ZIMMERLY STEVE R
Site Address: 10160 DUNBARTON DR
EL PASO, TX 79925-2919
Mailing Address: 10160 DUNBARTON DR
EL PASO, TX 79925-2919
Land Use: SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE/TOWNHOUSE
Assessed Value: $64,328
Percent Improved: 76.92
Home Owners Exemption:
Lot Size: 7980
Year Built: 1967
Square Feet: 1406
Baths: 2.0
Bedrooms: 3
Fireplace: Y
Garage/Carport: ATTACHED
Cooling: AC.EVAPORATIVE
Heating: TYPE UNKNOWN
Roof: COMPOSITION SHINGLE
Exterior Walls: BRICK VENEER
Census Tract: 0043.10
Zoning: R3
Block: 26
Lot: 43
Legal Description: 26 SCOTSDALE #4 LOT 43 (7980 SQ FT)

Most Recent Recorded Document
Recorded: 09/14/2001
Document Type: RESALE
Buyer: ZIMMERLY STEVE R
Seller: MITCHELL WAYMAN O
Deed Type: GRANT DEED
Title Company: SIERRA TITLE COMPANY INC

Previously Recorded Document
Recorded: 05/10/1996
Document Type: RESALE
Sale: ESTIMATED
Buyer: MITCHELL WAYMAN O & NELDA S
Relation Type: HUSBAND/WIFE
Seller: LAMB GEOFFREY S & GAIL A
Deed Type: QUIT CLAIM

how is it that wayman mitchell was able to take the house away from scott and gail lamb under a quit claim deed? scott lamb was removed from ministry at this time for fornication. scott lamb was ordered by mitchell to return to prescott to get "restored".

looks like lamb got restored, and mitchell got a free house.

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: nitedork ()
Date: June 09, 2006 12:01PM

scott lamb was a big-time fellowship pastor and conference speaker - one of wayman's prize calfs. he was busted in '96 or 97 for fornication with some hottie in his music group.

here's where i'll try to connect the dots. wayman recalls scott lamb to prescott, and puts him on staff as his associate pastor. scott gets a salary and chance to build himself back up to senior pastor. the price? his house. does this help explain why damaged goods would be allowed to continue in high-profile ministry? they each had something eachother wanted.

it's a rare form of mutual extortion.

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Wayman Mitchell Influences My Former Church
Posted by: A Truth Seeker ()
Date: June 20, 2006 06:07AM

I got a short voice message from "Jane Doe" today on my cellphone.

She said that a Ligthhouse pastor has resigned from his church and has left the whole fellowship movement.

She will call me with more information later. If anyone knows anything more, please post. I have notice that there have been over 3200 page views of this particular message thread. There must be a lot of people interested in what Rob Scribner is doing in his church

A Truth Seeker

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