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An Open Letter from Bishop Danny Carter
Regional Overseer IN/KY/OH; Dated: 12/15/05
...to All Ministers, Members and Friends of The Church of God
December 15, 2005
INTRODUCTION:
To The Church of God, the Leadership, Members and Friends, I bring to you greetings in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
We are facing a new year with new goals and challenges. However, as I awakened this morning, I felt that it was time to “Set the Record Straight” concerning many things that have transpired before and since the General Assembly, 2005.
I do appreciate those of you who have called to share your love and prayers with me, my family and this Region. To those of you who are genuinely concerned about the plight of The Church of God, I will attempt to address some of the issues.
It will be impossible for me to site all that has happened because some things can only come by discernment. There are many things going on internally across the country, but it is my goal to address only those things that I know to be factual.
As we were working at the local Church in Franklin last evening, I received another phone call informing me that another pastor had their license revoked and their Church disbanded. I feel that much of this began prior to the 2004 General Assembly, with an introduction of a financial situation, which was brought to the attention of the Ways and Means Committee. I believe our General Overseer has been convinced that The Church of God is in a total financial crisis. In my opinion, I feel that there is no validity to this crisis (personal meeting, March 21, 2005).
Numerous messages have been preached by the Administrative Assistant stating, in essence, that there were those who were against Brother Pruitt. It has been said that in politics, the strategy of “create a battle to win a battle” is widely used. In the General Assembly of 2004, I felt a strong need to state in my message that “no one is against our General Overseer” (Assembly Minutes, 2004, p. 73).
The Ways and Means Committee was told by the Administrative Committee that there was a financial crisis in The Church and instructed them to implement the pre-1990 financial plan previously practiced in the Church of God of Prophecy. The Ways and Means Committee felt that they could not present the pre-1990 plan and proceeded to work on another plan to present to the Assembly. Every effort that had been put forth by the Committee to come up with a working financial plan was denied. Shouldn’t this have been an Assembly decision? In light of these facts, and any other facts that I will attempt to uncover, my prayer is that God would grant me wisdom, understanding, and the memory to recall these events in a truthful and productive manner.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
I will begin this letter in reference to Brother Jerry Campbell, who was disciplined because he supposedly rebelled and rebuked the General Overseer by refusing to bring the pre-1990 financial plan to the General Assembly floor. I do not feel that he, as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, was being rebellious, but was only attempting to do the best job that he and the Committee could do for The Church. Brother Campbell was removed as chairman, and a few weeks later his license was suspended. He was then forced to make an apology to the 2004 Assembly. Was his dismissal a result of his position on the financial matter?
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
During the Ways and Means report at the 2004 Assembly, neither the Holy Ghost nor the Assembly sanctioned a return to the pre-1990 financial plan. I was not against this plan and I would have gladly accepted it had the Holy Ghost approved it.
It was during this business session that Brother James Anders, then Regional Overseer for North Carolina and Virginia, addressed the Assembly. It was then that there was a move of what I recognized as the Holy Ghost, and a large offering of $158,000.00 including pledges was received. From my observation, Brother Anders became a marked man from that time on. Within 9 months, his license had been threatened. The only thing that allowed him to keep his license was an apology he was forced to make “just short of a lie.” He was then removed from the office of Regional Overseer on June 29, 2005. Was he removed as a result of his position on this financial matter?
It was reported that he too had rebuked and rebelled against the General Overseer. The facts of Brother Anders’ dismissal were on the field before it actually happened.
On June 26th, Sister Carter and I were visiting in western Kentucky. We were questioned as to the dismissal of Brother Anders. We had just spoken to him and he had no knowledge of this. His notification letter was written on June 27th, however, he received a certified letter on June 29, 2005. My point is that this information was on the field before it actually took place. Is there a pattern being set to make administrative decisions and then influence our General Overseer to write letters? Was Brother Anders removed so he could not influence the 2005 Assembly?
On July 18th, I shared my concern with Brother Pruitt in person, but I did not receive a satisfactory response. Consequently, I began to inquire as to the validity of the facts that surrounded the reasons for Brother Anders’ dismissal. I then shared my findings (including names and dates) with the Counseling Committee on Friday, September 2nd, at 2:00 p.m. of the 2005 Assembly. According to procedure, it was the Counseling Committee’s job to investigate and inform Brother Pruitt and myself of their findings. To this day (to my knowledge), neither Brother Pruitt nor I have received a response concerning these matters. Instead, I was told by 2 members of the Presbytery that there were things in Brother Anders’ past that could come out and make it harder on him.
At their advice, I backed off because I did not want to destroy my brother. However, the longer I let it go, the more God began to deal with my heart.
Finally, I went directly to Brother Anders as the Bible admonishes us to do. I asked him directly about anything that may be in his past. Without reservation, he promptly and confidently replied, “There isn’t anything Brother Carter. It is a ploy to get the focus off of what has happened to me.”
In my opinion, Brother Anders should be reinstated and his integrity restored because I feel he was wrongfully and intentionally removed. Could there be others, in or out of the country, who have suffered from these strong arm tactics? Should there be an investigation concerning the last 2+ years?
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
On March 1, 2005, a survey was sent out to the field asking whether we would agree with this financial plan, and if not, would we submit? We were asked to sign it and return it by a certain date. On March 31st, a follow-up letter was sent out from Brother Pruitt, explaining that the survey letter was only intended to serve as somewhat of a pre-conference tool to determine the consensus on the field
On March 21st, I met with Brother Pruitt and I asked him if it was his intent to use the signed survey against anyone that may feel differently at the General Assembly. His reply was, “It’s not my intention to force anyone to do anything that they do not want to do.” After Brother Nabors joined the meeting, I repeated the question. He replied, “That would be Brother Pruitt’s call, ask him.” I answered, “I know it is not his intention, but is it yours?” He then stated, “There could be extenuating circumstances where we would have to use it.”
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
Some have made the statement that any minister who is not willing to give 20% is not fit to be a licensed minister or a pastor in The Church of God. To those who have made this statement, I would like to say that I have worked under the pre-1990 financial plan for more years than some have been a pastor.
This is NOT a financial problem, it is a SPIRITUAL problem! We cannot force people to do what is not in their hearts to do.
Because of the negative responses we were receiving in our Regions, Brother Dewayne Smith and I met with Brother Pruitt on March 21, 2005. We informed him of the negativity on the field. Brother Nabors and Brother Workheiser joined the meeting. Brother Nabors stated 3 times that there hadn’t been any negative responses from the field. I then informed him of the 17 pastors who had responded negatively in my Region. I had one of the letters in my possession at that time (Document C).
I told Brother Nabors that if he is counting those who said they did not agree but they would submit, then this is misleading to the General Overseer and just the opposite of what we were experiencing on the field. It was evident that the General Overseer had been convinced that if something was not done, that (to quote Brother Pruitt), “The Church of God is going to go out of business.”
After I returned home, I asked the 32 pastors of my Region how they felt about this survey. Twenty-four were against it, especially the female pastors who felt they had no say so in the business anyway.
Brother Nabors later stated to Brother Dewayne Smith that he and I had set a bad precedent by going to see the General Overseer.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
Before his convention, Brother Dewayne Smith received a call from Brother Nabors. He wanted to schedule a meeting for Monday, June 27th. Brother Nabors stated that Brother Smith’s leadership abilities were in question and he proceeded to threaten him. He was told that his Region was the only Region out of step with this new financial plan. He was also told that he may not be re-appointed for another year. When Brother Smith inquired as to why, he was told it was because he would not promote the pre-1990 financial plan (Document D).
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
On July 8th, I received a call from Brother Nabors also. He informed me that the General Overseer wanted him to meet with me. The tentative date for this meeting was July 13th, the day before my Regional Convention was to begin in Richmond, Kentucky. I agreed to this date, however, due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to postpone. I decided, in order to save everyone time and miles, I would go to Cleveland from Richmond, after the Convention, because I was already half way there.
I called Brother Pruitt and set up a meeting for July 18th. I then called Brother Nabors and informed him of the change. At that time, I was aware of the meeting which had taken place between Brother Nabors and Brother Smith on June 27th, which led me to believe that my meeting was of the same nature.
On July 18th, I met with Brother Pruitt, and for 50 minutes I tactfully tried to inquire as to why he had sent Brother Nabors to talk to me. His reply was, “I don’t know.” I asked him 3 times if he could recall why, and he finally replied, “It must have been something to do with the Church work.”
This meeting was followed by a 2 hour meeting with Brother Nabors. He asked me, “Are you avoiding me?” My reply was an honest, “yes.” I explained that as an Overseer and an agent of The Church of God, my General Overseer can call me anytime and I will come at no expense to the General Church.
I also stated to Brother Nabors that he and I were both under General Appointment. I did not feel that it was necessary to go through him to see my General Overseer.
Brother Nabors proceeded to ask me, what was I going to do with any minister in my Region who stood up against this financial plan? He also asked me, could I sit them down if they did? My reply was, “If he is in good standing and has a right spirit, he has a right to speak to the General Assembly.” He then asked me, “Don’t you believe in backing your CEO?” I remember thinking … this is not Corporate America, it is The Church of God. Even though we must do good business, The Church of God will survive only by the Spirit and power of God. I then sat up on the edge of my seat and told him that I would not be intimidated by him and that I would do what was right by The Church of God.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
It was during this same conversation that I too was told that my Region was the only Region out of step with the new financial plan. I knew this was not correct! He accused me of negatively influencing my Region, especially our female pastors. If you knew the pastors in this Region, you would know that they certainly know the Spirit and the mind of God for themselves. At their request, we met together at our Ladies Retreat on Saturday, March 19th. With the exception of one pastor who had not received the survey and one pastor who had already sent it in, there were 7 pastors who were opposed. I did not influence anyone, and these 9 pastors will substantiate this. Also, Brother Tim Griffin, a licensed deacon, was present as a witness.
I stated to Brother Nabors that maybe General Headquarters was out of touch with the field, instead of the other way around. I encouraged Brother Nabors and General Headquarters to do things right and God would provide as He always has.
I heard that the Overseers were being encouraged to go home and to promote this plan on the field. I told Brother Nabors that I felt in my spirit it would not pass. He replied with a threat that my Region would possibly be split. I was also asked, “Did you know that I recommended you for this job?” … as if to imply, “Did you know I can un-recommend you too?”
NOTE: My mind went back to the General Assembly of 1991. I remember when I stood with many others, against a spirit which sought to dominate, manipulate and control, regardless of how it was hurting The Body. I remember when Billy Murray stated: “If you don’t agree, then go see your Overseer.” When I looked around, the ones who were supposed to be the faithful leadership of The Church of God were sitting down, hiding behind job security and position. That day, I made up my mind that serving the Lord faithfully meant more to me than the approval of men. I promised myself that by the help of the Lord I would try not to let down those who look to me for any type of leadership.
The next day (July 19th), I called Brother Pruitt and informed him of what Brother Nabors had said concerning the splitting up of our Region. His reply was, “I haven’t talked to Brother Nabors at all about re-doing any Regions.”
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
During the business session on Thursday of the 2005 Assembly, we all saw, as described in Brother Pruitt’s words, “Overwhelming resistance against this.” I respectfully and lovingly appealed to him from the floor to allow the Ways and Means Committee to do their job. The General Overseer agreed to allow them to return at 3:20 pm with an amended proposal. However, at 3:20 pm, the voice of the Assembly was not heard and Theocratic Government was silenced again.
It is my opinion that somehow, Brother Pruitt’s mind had been changed. Therefore, the Ways and Means Committee was not allowed to present an alternative plan that they were 100% in agreement to, and the plan was tabled.
Did I rebuke the General Overseer? Was I in a bad spirit? Was I removed and this Region cut because I spoke up in the General Assembly as all faithful male members are supposed to have the right to do?
NOTE: The individual who stood up 3 times to make a motion to accept this financial plan was the same man who, at an earlier date, was against the plan and demanded that General Headquarters write a retraction. This Region heard mid-summer that a position was being created on a General level for this individual. It was also circulated within this Region that this individual was going to be appointed as the Overseer of Kentucky. It was also during this time that his position changed concerning this proposed financial recommendation, and he was subsequently appointed as Overseer.
I feel that the General Overseer has the right to send anyone anywhere. However, was this appointment manipulated and influenced by others? If so, then where is Theocracy?
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
It was during this same Assembly that our Region was split and it was during this same Assembly that Sister Sharon Griffin was removed with a few hours notice. She had been asked by Brother Pruitt to remain in the position of VLB Coordinator, and to proceed with a new theme for the next year. It was her understanding that it had been settled.
On Sunday, at the noon break, she was handed a letter stating that she had been given a “Leave of Absence.” She was to be on the stage when it was announced. Someone had told Brother Pruitt that Sister Griffin had met with the Administrative Committee and had asked for a leave of absence to stay at home with her daughter.
THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!
Sister Griffin told Brother Pruitt that she was shocked when the change was read. Brother Pruitt stated that he didn’t even know it was on there. It is my understanding that an apology has been given and accepted, but it does not change the fact that it happened. Again, was this another manipulated appointment?
On September 26th, I met with the Administrative Committee and I asked Brother Pruitt who had told him that Sister Griffin wanted a leave of absence to stay at home with her child. No one answered me. During this 1 hour and 50 minute meeting, I asked the Committee this question 3 times. I felt it deserved an answer and the answer was in that room. After the meeting, one of the members of the Committee came to me and stated, “I would have loved to have heard the answer to your question.” That narrowed it down to two Committeemen, one or both of which knew the answer to my question. I repeat, was this appointment manipulated?
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
After the General Appointments of 2005, it has been reported that I am a disgruntled Overseer. This could not be further from the truth. For 32 years my goal has been to work towards what is best for The Church of God, many times at the expense of my own family. We have given our all to God and to The Church.
After many years together, this Region was devastated to be split apart. My heart ached for our brothers and sisters in Kentucky. However, I had the work in Indiana and in Ohio to think about. For reasons I had rather not go into, the Kentucky folks did not feel that their Christian conscience would allow them to serve under the newly appointed Overseer. They wanted everyone to go to General Headquarters, but I advised them to call instead. We did not want Brother Pruitt to perceive us as a mob. They agreed and called him individually, sadly to no avail. We then decided that perhaps my Field Secretary, 3 District Overseers and myself could go and visit him without any disturbance.
On September 8th, I called the General Office and spoke to Sister Gayle Brooks, Brother Pruitt’s secretary. Brother Pruitt was not in the office so I asked Sister Brooks to schedule a meeting at his earliest convenience. Somehow the request ended up elsewhere and before we knew it, 2 days of meetings were scheduled for the pastors of Kentucky. Brother Earl Hazel called Brother Nabors to request a representative to be present with him in the meeting. This request was denied.
I then called and reminded Brother Nabors that as their Overseer (until the last of the month) I made up half of their Presbytery and Brother Pruitt made up the other half. I informed him I would be accompanying each pastor during their meeting.
On the first day, Brother Pruitt looked around and said, “Why don’t we all come in together and get this over with quickly?” I replied that it was a good idea and that I did not understand why the meeting had to be stretched out over the course of two days. He replied, “Because you demanded it this way.” I was shocked. I respectfully replied, “Again, Brother Pruitt, you have been misinformed. Brother Nabors scheduled these meetings in this manner.”
I was not there to have a meeting for myself, but only to be a support for the Kentucky pastors. I was not prepared to make any statements, however, I was called in as the first minister, with no representation. The Holy Ghost helped me.
Without any feeling of love, concern or compassion, I was presented with a document which stated (to the best of my recollection):
“We have limited time, we must stay on the subject matter … The General
Overseer has the authority to make appointments. If you don’t agree, then
lay your license on the table, if you do agree, then this meeting is
adjourned.”
I was in total shock. I said, “Brother Pruitt, I cannot believe what I am hearing.” He said, “Do you want me to read it again?” I said, “yes.” So, he did. The entire Administrative Committee just sat there with their heads down and would not even look at me.
The next minister went in with myself as witness, and the same document was read to him. Likewise; the third minister. I stated to the Committee that these precious folks came here to share their hearts with their General Overseer and at great expense. They did not come to answer “yes” or “no” to a threat.
After the days meetings were over, a member of the Administrative Committee came to me and apologized, and he stated that he did not know that a document like that was going to be read, or that my license was going to be asked for.
We were crushed by the reception we received. The strong-arm tactics of some leave one feeling unloved, not cared for, and unheard. Is General Headquarters out of touch with the people who make up this Body? After the first day of meetings had ended, Brother Nabors called the 2nd group of ministers, scheduled for the following day, and told them not to come.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
In early October, Brother Nabors called Sue Sutherland, pastor of Catawba Island, Ohio. On the same day or soon after, he also called Barbara Henderson, pastor of Ashland, Ohio. He told both of these pastors that no such document was presented to the Kentucky pastors, and no one demanded their licenses. This brought discord into this Region. Therefore, on October 6th, I placed charges of sowing discord upon James C. Nabors for interfering in this Region (Document E).
These charges were sent by registered mail on October 11th and were signed for by N. Pruitt
(Document F).
During a phone conversation with Brother Pruitt on October 17th, I realized that he had no knowledge of any charges that had been filed. Is this another act of manipulation?
Because the pastors of Kentucky were met with no compassion for their situation, they also placed charges against the newly appointed Overseer, as an act of sheer desperation (Document G).
These charges were sent by registered mail on October 11th, and were signed for on October 12th at 2:29 pm, by “Nabors” (Document H).
During a conversation with Brother Pruitt on October 17th, Brother Earl Hazel, who was the spokesman for the Kentucky pastors, realized that Brother Pruitt had no idea that any charges had been filed. Again, is this manipulation?
In my opinion, neither one of these should have been on active duty until these charges were addressed. Brother Jerry Campbell could not even moderate a service until his situation was cleared up. Is this a double standard? These charges were ignored and it was only after these charges were made that charges were placed upon me.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
On October 19, 2005, I received a letter from Brother Pruitt stating that I had,
“…chosen to defy and disregard the representative of The Church of God whose
task it is to guard the integrity of the Church whose government is to take the
whole message to the entire world.”
For this cause, I was relieved of my license. To this day, I still don’t understand this language
(Document I).
God in heaven knows the true record. The original letter on file at Headquarters is not the same original letter that I received. The letter on file at Headquarters, signed by the Administrative Assistant, claims that numerous attempts have been made to restore me; including phone calls, letters and personal visits (Document J). This is an untruth. They just wanted me out.
On October 16th, the individual who I removed from the pastorate in Franklin, Indiana, was circulating information that I had been removed, a new Overseer was being appointed and that he was going to be reinstated as local pastor. Also, on October 18th, the wife of the Overseer of Tennessee made numerous phone calls informing the Ohio pastors that they had a new Regional Overseer. The letter was written on October 17th and I did not receive it until October 19th. Like Brother Anders’ situation, this further substantiates how confidentiality at General Headquarters has been compromised.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
The reason I had to relieve this pastor was not because we disagreed, but because of his arrogant, bad spirit, and because of the disrespect that had been shown to the local congregation and to the office of Regional Overseer. I was informed that he and others attended a convention in Kentucky, and testified how badly they had been treated by me. This is very sad.
I am sure these ministers failed to mention at this convention that they had already stolen our Church property at Franklin with a Quitclaim Deed. They perjured themselves and removed the standing trustees. On September 30th, they deeded the Church over to themselves (Document K).
This action took place one day after I had held a meeting with the local church in regard to the situation in the Region (September 29th). We were forced to have this meeting because every attempt to restore this situation on a General level had been ignored. Every request for a Presbytery meeting, a meeting with the Counseling Committee, and a meeting between this Region and Brother Pruitt were all denied.
The last request I made as the Overseer of Kentucky was on September 30th, which was to have a Presbytery meeting (Document L).
On October 6th, I held a meeting with the local church as Overseer of Indiana and Ohio, at the pastor’s request.
On October 13th, the pastor, who I later removed, held a meeting with the Franklin church. My family and I were not notified even though we were members. A member of the congregation called us and informed us of the meeting. We felt very unwelcome by the pastor. We were even questioned from the pulpit as to why we were there. It was clear that a shadow had been cast over me, and because of the information that he had, I knew he had been in contact with General Headquarters.
We all sat calmly and quietly as the pastor stood and conducted himself in a manner in which I had never seen him before. It was clear to me and to all that were present that the spirit which was being displayed was not right. As Overseer, I had to give him a warning. Finally, I had to stand and bring the meeting to a conclusion. The pastor made the statement, “Our Overseer has been deceived.”
Therefore, on October 13th, I removed him from the pastorate at Franklin, Indiana. On October 14th, I met with him in private so as not to embarrass him in front of the local church. I presented him with a letter of termination, effective immediately and informed him that a new pastor had already been secured.
I truly regret having to take this action. From everything I have ever seen out of this young man in the past, I was greatly impressed by him. However, the way in which he conducted himself and the spirit that we experienced was so unlike the young man we thought we knew, it was obvious that I had to make a pastoral change.
I had no knowledge that he and the youngest male member of our congregation had changed our deed before this time. However, afterward, the Holy Ghost let me know that I should check the deed and I discovered that it had been removed and changed.
NOTE: On October 12th, when charges against Brother Nabors and the Overseer of Kentucky were received during early business hours at Cleveland, those who had stolen our property then did a Quit-Claim Deed of our property to the General Trustees of The Church of God. Those trustees are: H. Rick Brenizer, H.L. Cannon, Walter G. Lofton, Melvin C. McGriff, Sr., and David Risch (Document M).
The spirit of deception and manipulation is running rampant in The Church of God. The masks are coming off. I pray that God will have mercy.
This mask (spirit) of manipulation and control is not one to be underestimated. When mixed with a position of authority, lives can be forever changed.
Those who associate themselves with this spirit may take on a personality and boldness which is uncharacteristic of them. Could the underlying cause for the need to control be greed?
Romans 16: 17-18 says,
“…mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which
ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus
Christ, but their own bellies; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the
hearts of the simple.”
Only those with a like spirit can function, or perhaps even flourish, under this manipulative influence. There have been too many who, after they have been exposed to this spirit, abandon the fruit of the “true Spirit of God.”
Galatians 5: 22-23 says,
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace. longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith meekness, temperance…”
Those who recognize this spirit and yet sell themselves out, for whatever reason, will only end up devastated and stripped of those things they seek to protect.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
After I removed this pastor from Franklin, he went to the bank and made an attempt to transact business of some sort, because the bank notified us of the attempt. This same scenario took place in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Attempts to change deeds are happening both in, and out of, this Region.
Perhaps those who have been involved in such behavior have been influenced or misinformed. This is where the spirit of discernment comes in to play. Truth can only be told one way, and it will be told the same way every time. Also, the Holy Ghost will conduct himself in an appropriate manner at all times. He does not do things in secret.
What saddens me the most is that our membership has been forced to deal with the result of issues that the General Presbytery has refused to deal with.
The statement has been made that The Church cannot afford a Presbytery meeting, but can The Church afford to grant loans to individuals or to churches to retain lawyers to sue brothers and sisters in a court of law?
We were forced into retaining a lawyer so that our deed could be returned. This still has yet to happen.
Brother Ard stated a few weeks ago, “We lost a few churches in the beginning and we made it; we can lose a few more and we’ll make it again.” Is that the spirit of the A.B.M.? I thought that everyone is valuable. This is simply not the case of some that are currently in leadership.
TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT…
To date, this Region has lost 152 members, 43 of which are ministers. Fifteen churches have been disbanded, with 2 properties stolen. Even in the midst of this evil spirit, God is sustaining us with miracle after miracle. Those things which are of God will stand, and those things which are not of God will fall.
CONCLUSION:
I believe in The Church of God with all of my heart. So does this Region. I believe in Theocratic Government and I love Brother and Sister Pruitt very much. So does this Region. God knows the true record. We do not understand all that has happened, but if we have to bear the reproach for a time, we will gladly endure so that others may be enlightened.
Regardless of the perspective or the method, the only thing man can do, at best, is to follow the voice and the direction of God. One can observe a debate from a distance, but it is not until one sits down with both viewpoints and honestly listens to the how’s and why’s can one make a fair and an appropriate judgment according to Scripture.
Unfortunately, unless dialogue takes place, the judgment of hearts, minds and motives can only be left to the hand of God, leaving doubts and questions hovering like a cloud.
In light of God’s word, we must “come and reason together,” for even the officers, priests and Pharisees of the Law declared in John 7:51:
"Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?"
If a Pharisee, under the Law, can discern the need to hear a man before it judges him, how much more should The Church, in grace and love for the brethren, discern the need to hear many men before judging them?
Man looks on the outside, but God knows the heart. What is on the inside of a man will eventually manifest itself on the outside.
The identifying factor may be the spirit one projects, however, the Holy Spirit knows a mere “projection” from the real deal.
If one would allow the Holy Ghost to uncover the honest facts, one could make a clear judgment of all things!
Facts plus Understanding divided by Wise Judgment equals Resolve.
Again, God bless all of our brothers and sisters in The Church of God who have called us, sent cards and even visited us. Your love and support is like a healing balm to our hurting hearts. You certainly have displayed the spirit and the character of Christ. You know who you are!
I am sorry if we have caused anyone any hurt, but we cannot apologize for standing up for the right and standing against the wrong.
God Bless You All !
God Bless The Church of God !
Bishop Danny L. Carter
The Church of God
Regional Overseer
IN-KY-OH
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