I heard of a dear church last night fresh off a split. Here is the sad familiar story:
A high up influential leader warranted Godly correction from the Senior Pastor. He got offended. He proceeded to hold private "prayer meetings". He systematically sucked up to the church members and leaders with money and or talent. He spread a narrative where God was behind what He was planning to do. He deceived as many innocent sheep as he could, not bothering with the financially poor or perceived loyal parishioners. After the meeting place was secretly secured He split the church, leaving a large once crowded building with huge financial responsibility / debt and a confused, torn up dwindled body.
It doesn't matter who the wolf is, they all operate with a similar MO and the split follows this similar sick pattern.
Nothing new under the sun.
Still my heart goes out to those left behind with all the burden and the aftermath of the devil's deed. My heart goes out to the innocent sheep who were hoodwinked and whom stats prove the vast majority will eventually stop attending church altogether.
And I can't help but feel sorry for the thief and his sidekicks. The people who knowingly or unknowingly spread lies and deception to ultimately get away with church rape. God spells out certain hated abominable sins in His Word. All of which apply in church splits but especially number 7.
Proverbs 6:16-19King James Version (KJV)
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (wounded sheep)
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
To split a church there is Stealing (tithes and sheep), Killing (love and honor) & Destroying (unity, and a healthy body) - with the kicker being - doing ALL THAT with the "so called" prompting of the perfect divine and most Holy Spirit of God!
Newsflash . . . God has absolutely nothing to do with sin.
SHAME.
