Us Bloggers are a pretty evil Bunch sometimes..
After a bit of contemplation, I feel I owe Pastor Phil a bit of an apology. I knew I only had half of the story, and seeing some of the other bloggers comments, I felt that they where not giving the denominations leadership the benefit of the doubt on an issue that would be pretty unprofessional for them to talk about publicly.
Based on the information in the article and the content of the church website, I could understand why leaders would be concerned. This Church is on a valiant mission deep in dangerous enemy territory. It is not surprising that folks would want to keep a close eye on their mission, and their focus. Sometimes units can get so involved in a battle that they undermine the war. If we focus too much effort on befriending the culture that that becomes more important than honoring and glorifying Christ, that is exactly what we do. That is a danger to every church, no matter who they reach out to.
Anyway, being a careless sleep deprived blogger can hurt people.. I definitely shouldn't have put the word "fame" in my headline. That was speculating as to his motive, and it was out of line. He can speak for himself. As he did in the comments. In my effort to slow a rush to judgment, I stepped on a man who was down. That isn't very nice.
I guess sleep deprived graveyard bloggers oughta save the send button for the morning.
Thanks bro,
I didn't receive it kicking me when I was down.
I understand sleep deprivation well.
Josh, please know we hold Jesus above all. I am reminded of Aimee's teaching on "We would see Jesus." We do not call the body of Christ to task for our own sakes or even for being open to Pagans, for being in Salem, or in spite for being kicked out of Foursquare but for the sake of the body. As long as unjust, unteachable leadership remains the practice in Foursquare, we will call the Peters [and the Pauls who try to "preach" at Ephesus and might be torn apart by the rioting crowds-possibly losing half our New Testament] to task.
...I opposed Peter to his face because he was clearly in the wrong...
March 25, 2006
Mr. Jack Hayford, President
Mr. Hayford, My name is [jeremiah]. I have been a Christian for 22 years. I have been part of the Gathering for six years and also an elected member of the church council. I am concerned about recent events here in Salem - initiated by John Hatcher. Our pastor, Phil Wyman, has been released by Foursquare. This is extremely alarming to me as the Foursquare leadership acted in a bizarre, unprofessional manner. I have served in the military and in the corporate world and have never seen an organization operate in such an unprofessional, dysfunctional manner. Not only are the claims about Phil Wyman untrue, no leader involved in the decision to release Phil Wyman has ever allowed Phil Wyman or anyone at the Gathering to share the correct version of the facts to an impartial party. I would also like to make a scriptural appeal and observe that no leader who was involved in the decision to release Phil Wyman has made an attempt to ascertain the facts for themselves as the Bereans did to Paul's claims about Christ. In the recent issue of Advance magazine, John Hatcher bravely disclosed difficult health issues he is experiencing. While wanting at all costs to avoid "mudslinging," "striking back," and "hitting someone while they're down," John Hatcher has appeared to be exercising less than optimal decision-making in this process. I must implore you, Mr. Hayford, with every core of my being and spirit, to fully investigate this matter yourself or through a duly delegated impartial representative from your office. I ministered at and was sent to the Gathering under the blessing of [my previous church] where I attended for eight years and was a member for five. I have seen and experienced my share of church dysfunction. In my humble opinion and experience, this case warrants urgent attention, mainly for the sake of the Foursquare organization in this region. Humbly Yours, Michael L. Crockett
[It is interesting to note that this letter – addressed to Mr. Hayford, President – was “intercepted” by another denominational leader – who responded to me with a polite, yet incoherent, letter]. Don't know if Hayford ever bothered to read the letter.