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 h
Forum: Destructive Churches

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 submi
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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-Posturi
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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 hypocris
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Hello All, I found this post today while searching through this message board. Another vicitim of The Lighthouse Church. A Truth Seeker
Forum: Destructive Churches

QuoterrmoderatorThe major Baptist denominations, Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free Church, Nazarenes and others seem to have get this and have substantial layers of accountability. No organization is perfect and there are still problems, but many large evangelical denominations recognize the need for accountability, financial transparency and an accredited education for their clergy. Mr.
Forum: Destructive Churches

QuoterrmoderatorWithout meaningful accountability to the congregation through democratic church government bad behavior often occurs. The more layers of accountability and democratic process there is, the safer a congregation typically is. This includes democratically elected church boards that can discipline and if necessary fire a pastor for bad conduct. Such a board would also set his or
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QuoteUywhanHi Truth Seeker, Not at all! I hope and pray that thatwould never happen! No, I merely pointed out that our Pastor got what he deserved and he will be judged on Judgement Day for all the hurts and destructiveness he caused through his arrogance. What I am saying is that our relationship with GOD is what matters most. Although we are given Pastors to oversee us, to help guide us,
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QuoteBurningBushI'll state first thing that my experience contradicts all that is being said. I attend The Door Christian Center in Fairfield CA. They are very passionate about people's salvation. We outreach most Saturday's and give our testimonies to all (believers & non-believers) In no shape or form have I seen scare tactics being utilized at any of these events. I
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QuoteUywhan We all make mistakes Truth Seeker, even in our personal lives. Unfortunately, all of us tend to forget Pastors and Leaders are only human too even if they do hold an upright position. I actually read in the bible before I entered this site that God told us to obey those he puts in leadership, even when we think they are wrong, because GOD will have his way with them. And, my Pastor
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QuoteTomCatQuoteA Truth SeekerDear Mr. Ross, Over the past several years, the pastor has linked himself and the church up with Wayman Mitchell’s group, Christian Fellowship Ministries, out of Prescott, Arizona. Did this church change it name? It was known as the Potters House and also the Door. No, it has always been known as "The Lighthouse Church". Officially, it is a Foursqua
Forum: Destructive Churches

I appreciate your response. It lets me know that I am not alone in my thoughts about this destructive church and pastor. I hope that my story here helps others who want to leave churches like the one I was a part of. A Truth Seeker
Forum: Destructive Churches

Dear Mr. Ross, I am a former member of The Lighthouse Church of Santa Monica, California. Rob Scribner who was a running back for the Los Angeles Rams in the late 70’s pastors the church. The church is officially a Foursquare church, and yet the pastor has no Bible school education or formal counselling training whatsoever. Over the past several years, the pastor has linked himself and the chu
Forum: Destructive Churches