I see. I feel for you. It's amazing to me the way these things get turned around where the abused falls so quickly into a guilt trip and then apologizes to their abuser. It's the Stockholm Syndrome all over again! Talk about enabling the abuser and making him feel entitled so then he can feel like he is doing his best for 'god' err Mitchell. Then again, there is no difference; they're the same.
Were there any apoligies from Mr. Scribner regarding his behavior during the past 5 years in regards to The Lighthouse Church? In particular I'd like to remind you of the letter of ultimatim that he sent the congregation in early July 2002? In case you have forgotten it's tone and contents here it is:
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* * *
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.
* * *
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As a Christian I for one am highly offended at the tone of this letter and find it very Un-Christlike! I would never consider this person able or fit to be a pastor! The intention and the agenda behind this letter are both a clear reflection in the putrified waters of the Wayman Mitchell CFM Cult cesspool that he represents. I wouldn't consider him as a qualified person fit to sweep up the cigarette butts in the church parking lot or swab the stool or urinal in the mens room, much less pastor the church.
This my dear friends is how the cults proliferate!
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nitedork
frank, i was going to bow out but let me clarify. i apologized for my unchristlike behaviour.