Thank You Bill. That really means a lot to me. I DO think people are wrong on some things, but I believe we are to inform them why we think they are wrong, NOT to try and FORCE them to accept as Some religions Teach their "Faithful" to do. I do not believe others have no right to live just because they do not believe the way I do. To me that concept is INSANITY. As long as peoples from other countries, nationalities races and creeds do not threaten me physically or just because I do not believe as they do, I have no problem with them. BUT IF they do, I would make a good Berserker!

Has Patty ever watched any of the shows from the series called Naked Archaeologist?
I would be interested in hearing the opinion of someone who is Christian and well versed in the bible

Hummmm. Never even heard of the Naked Archaeologist.

Right now Patty and I are both going through a tough time. Our "Pastor" is, well has been for some time, been showing what we suspected was his true self all along. He has made statements to us that when he tells someone to do something they are NOT to ask any questions, just DO IT! He says our church does not need a constitution, the HE is to run the church. He does NOT think we need to have any meetings, that HE is the one that decides what the church (and HE) is going to do. We are a small church, we only have 22 members "On the books". He has stated to us many time and I quote "With my education I should be making 60 to 80 thousand dollars a year". We pay him $2600.00 a month. He is always Taking trips without any of the church membership knowing about it, buying things that the church "Body" has not authorized him to purchase. He has also on NUMEROUS occasions thrown a "Tantrum" in the pulpit and twice that I can remember he has just simply walked out of the service.

He does NOT call his "Flock", he does not visit them. One man, one of the decons father probably will not live to see Christmas. Matter of fact they thought last month that he would be dead before the week was out. Now mind you, this man who is sick has been going to this church for over 70 years! Well Our "Pastor" told the son (deacon) that he would try and visit him if he had time. The Man is in the nursing home not more than 100 yards from the church!

I know that I should not be saying things like this here, where "Non Christians" can read it. BUT Christians are people first, ALL OF US. And we have faults. Unfortunately some do not think that they are doing anything wrong, and sometimes it is because of the "Position" they hold.

I could go on and on about things he has said and does, but long story short. IF he is the only Christian I ever saw, I wouldn't want to be one either. Sad to say this because it may seem I am elevating myself and I AM NOT, but I have studied the bible enough to know some of the things, some of the ways we are NOT to act.

And I am sorry as well to unload on you like this Bill, but I like you and respect your opinion and convictions.

Man, I've really been on a rant. Sorry Bill. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the links Bill. I emailed the Wiki link to My Skunk hunter e-mail so I can check it out at home as well.

Randy
What comes to my mind is this
Pride cometh before the fall

IMO a spiritual leader should lead by example, and put their congregation before themself

Everyone has failings, and pride is one of the seven deadly sins for a reason.
I do feel for you and hope your congregation can get through this.
I believe your faith and your church is the center of your congregation and not your pastor
With 22 members you probably feel this more so then a large congregation would, I have faith that you will make the right choices

Don't be sorry, if I didn't care I wouldn't ask.

Read your sig line, it is hard to do what is right.
As long as we stay honest with ourselves and true to our beliefs we will make it