Unfortunately, news is about "bad news" That is what makes the headlines. Like the old adage, if it bleeds it leads.

Yes, it is true that there are so many faithful pastors quietly doing the work of the Kingdom and it is the scandal that makes the front page.

But that is the nature of the Kingdom. It moves and grows without the fanfare and attaboys of the world. But it will accomplish it purposes, it will not be thwarted and nothing can stand in it's way.

bill from ProvocativeChurch
 

So what else is new! Even your comments are of the same, old jaded themes when some tele-evangelists did their thing in the 80's. Maybe there are more sordid stories around the world where there are churches led by mortal men peopled by mortal people.

But I worry not for the church. It will stand and move on to fulfill God's purpose even if most pastors have not read good old Rick's "Purpose-Driven Life." The church has withstood all the horrible scandals in the last 4 millenia, it can stand another scandal.

Now, let's march on! I am sure those who allowed themselves to be temporarily waylaid by the enemy will soon be done with their crucibles and catch up with the rest who are moving on.
 

The board of Without Walls International should remove Pastor Randy White from the pulpit pending a full scale investigation. The board of Paula White ministries need to recommend that Paula White step aside pending a full scale investigation. I believe that both Randy and Paula White need put their divorce plans on hold and seek counseling from godly counselors before making any further decisions pertaining to divorce. What is really disturbing is that Paul White has "hooked up" with Rick Hawkins and his son in San Antonio, Texas and purchased a $700,000+ home. It is very interesting that both Rick Hawkins and his son divorced their wives in February. Is Paula White planning on marrying Rick Hawkins? How could Paula perhaps be looking this far ahead when her personal troubles have created a huge problem for her. Why have Randy and Paula not proceeded according to biblical principles regarding this matter. Neither Paula nor Randy have put for any biblical justifiable reason for getting a divorce. I urge any church where Paula is schedule to preach to cancel the invitation. Please pray for Paula White and Randy.
 

Does it attract more media attention than 10 years ago? No, not really. I lived through the Swaggert and Baker scandals and many more. Many ministers that I knew personally, and deacons/elders, have gone the same path. The problem is not the press, the problem is policing our own ranks. We accept just about anything anymore without testing the spirits. It does not surprise me when mega church or televangelist personalities get in trouble, their tack and track records are tip offs to their lack of credibility. Secondly, we live in a sex saturated society that we glibly think we can absorb without being affected. Wrong. Garbage in, garbage out. I was hooked on internet porn for about a year before being busted by my wife which was the best thing that happened to me. She became my accountability partner, because I thought I was the only one out there with a sex problem. Since then I have found two other pastors who I meet with weekly for accountability, responsibility, and encouragement. We all are in the same boat, keep bailing.
 

David is absolutely right. People accept anything that is said in the pulpit. Paul commended the Bereans for questioning and studying to find out if what he said was true. Where is that today?It really staggers my mind. Where are the solid men of faith and why do they not speak out when a pulpiteer says just about anything (some tv preachers even denying the divinity of Jesus right on the air). They are treated as gods to be worshipped and adored by druelling church members. Tolerance has permeated the church just as it has the world. Paul said to "rebuke before all so that all may fear". In todays churches that in itself would be scandalous. How dare someone bring reproof or correction. Jesus said "Be sure your sins will find you out". He also said that your sins would be shouted from the rooftops. I believe the Lord allows this because the churches want hold anybody accountable for anything. It is truly a sad day for christianity. And if you don't go along with these messes in these churches you in rebellion or not submissive to authority. There is very little balance and a major lack in teaching the whole counsel of God. May God have mercy on us. I know this will sound negative to some or many. Jesus and Paul did not fail to give a strong word when it was needed in that people might be pricked to the heart for their salvation. To those who follow after false teachers, pastors, prophets or whoever the case may be (Lord knows there seems to be enough to go around) I would suggest to you get on your knees and ask the Lord to show you if what you are being taught is of Him or not.I have had to do that for myself and believe me Jesus will answer you and show you truth.
 

Like most New Life Church members, I have responded to the latest Haggard headlines mostly with prayer.
It's unfortunate that the Haggards were back in the media, during the same week as the church vote on Pastor Brady.

Thank God for His faithfulness,
-joshMshep

p.s. if you're interested, my blog entitled "things might have been different, but they could not have been better" has more on the last couple months at New Life.
 

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0767ec2f-2038-4acb-ba14-b66a8e619e05
 

What do you expect when you run a church like it's a business, and require extra-biblical covenants to be signed in order to be "admitted" into church to worship Jesus? What do you expect when you allow charlatans like Rick Warren, TBN, and Benny Hinn to run RAMPANT and proclaim to be speaking for Jesus Christ?

What do you expect when you allow Contemporary Christian Music into your church that makes absolutely no mention of the consequences of sin, nor mention of the name Jesus?
"He is my saviour, He is my life"...someone who has never known who Jesus is doesn't know who "He" is referring to, and, for someone to omit Jesus' name in the name of not offending someone is absolutely pathetic.

I DARE any of you who are church leaders to BURN your insipid WORLDLY "coaching" materials and depend SOLEY on GOD'S WORD to lead your church. You can't do it, because you're SO ENAMORED with all of these so-called "men of god" who JUMP at the chance to be on radio and television, hocking their wares to you. Stop being so NAIVE, and trust only what's written in the Bible to help you lead your churches.

Rick Warren isn't God. Benny Hinn isn't God. YOU are not God, nor are you a "little god". You, church leaders, have no RIGHT to run a house of worship like a business/cash cow. How DARE you turn God into a crutch for your FEEBLE business schemes. Get rid of your stupid little bookstores, coffee houses, salons, and 'christian' clubs and bars. How DARE you mock God by doing all of these things, and making Him into nothing more than a commodity!

Don't tell ME about "judge not". Whatever your reasons are for all of the above, I could care less. I DO, however, according to the Bible (remember what a bible is?), have the RIGHT to point out THINGS you're doing wrong, and turning God's house into a den of thieves is so sickeningly abhorrent. None of you leaders have the right to deceive people into thinking we need all of these things in order to be closer to Jesus Christ. We need HIM, not some stupid "christian" coffeehouse or nightclub. Jesus isn't in the bottom of a coffee cup.

Stop. Just stop with this business nonsense. Jesus isn't a THING. He's as real as the skin on our bodies. Stop deceiving us, church "leaders", and go back to the only "plan" you should be taking wisdom from..the Bible.