A previous post on this blog highlighted how Danny Crosby, the new adult education minister at FBC Jax, told a detailed story of how he verbally chastised a woman in the middle of a restaurant whom he overhead criticizing her pastor. He used this story to then arrogantly proclaim to his FBC Jax audience about Mac Brunson's salary:"It ain't none of yo' business!"
Danny said he told the woman she would have the blood of lost souls on her hands, the blood of people who died and went to an eternal hell all because she dared to criticize a pastor in a private conversation he overheard at a restaurant.
Danny said the woman made his blood boil, said he couldn't help himself but to let her have it right there in the restaurant. Apparently her "running her church down" was such an offense to him he had to put her in her place.
And if that is not bad enough, Danny decided that story to be so important that he recounted it all for the peeps of FBC Jax so they would know how evil they are if they criticize their pastor.
Yet today, if you go on the Internet and look at Danny Crosby's resume [update: that would be YESTERDAY, as his resume is no longer on scribd.com], he is running down HIS former church, the Cloverdale Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama where he served as "Senior Pastor" from June 2007 to October 2008. He says, on his resume about his former church:
"Discovered various doctrinal differences, philosophies of ministry, had to confront serious immorality among church leadership, and experienced great resistance when we began to grow."
So while a woman "running down" her church in a private conversation made his blood boil, apparently it is fine and dandy for him to run down his former church as being involved in "serious immorality", and for having "doctrinal differences" (that is a loaded statement as well). And then he gives a swift kick to his congregation because they resisted him when they began to grow.
I wonder what the Cloverdale Baptist Church leadership's side of the story is on the short tenure of their former pastor, Danny Crosby?
Shouldn't Danny know that it "ain't none of our business" to know of the corruption at Cloverdale Baptist Church during his tenure, or that they had the audacity to "resist" the growth under his leadership? Does Danny have blood on his hands now like that woman in the restaurant? Do I now have blood on my hands for pointing to his Internet resume statements?
His resume is quite interesting, I've never before seen a resume of a pastor where he lists all of his accomplishments at churches. Something very odd about that. And I've certainly never seen a resume where someone speaks ill of a former employer on the resume! Imagine a resume that lists as one of the applicant's accomplishments at his previous job: "Had to confront my bosses for their shady and unethical business practices. As my sales numbers went up, they started getting jealous and I met great resistance." After I stopped laughing I would put it in the circular file since the applicant doesn't have enough sense to know not to speak ill of former employers on a resume.
Here is the excerpt from Danny's resume where he sticks it to his former church. I would provide a link to the resume, but it has mysteriously disappeared from the scribd.com website as of Tuesday.
I am sure WD readers would love to hear the Cloverdale Baptist side of the story about the supposed "immorality", and the "doctrinal differences" and "resistance", but as Danny says: "It Ain't None of Yo' Business!"
31 comments:
One of the cardinal rules of a professional resume is SPELL CHECKING. I am quite confident the associate pastor of FBC Jacksonvilee did spell checking before he posted his resume.
Which makes his SPELLING error all the more eggregious. "Preached God's Word in an expository based application manner and lead church in ministry, missions, evangelism, etc....
Huh? Don't you mean "led" church?
Come on. Spelling errors excused on blogs. If they are made on professional resumes it speaks either of grammatical incompetence, an undisciplined work ethic, or unprofessionalism.
Welcome to FBC Jacksonville.
WD - you just don't get it do you?
Bro Danny is an elite man of God. He doesn't abide by the same rules as the dumb sheep. It's OK if he criticizes his former church, but it's not OK if you do it.
He's better than you.
WD I saw that too when his resume was still available online. What is going on? Is the leadership at FBC that blind, dumb and stupid to let any ole so called preacher stand in the pulpit? I'm sorry, Dr. Lindsay was very protective, respectful, and treated the pulpit of FBC as if it was holy. However, Brunson prostitutes the pulpit to any arrogant, self-rightous, and self ordained subject matter expert.
Shame on the deacons at FBC for allowing this deflowering of a powerful evangelical powerhouse.
Satan is having a field day in downtown Jacksonville.
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
by Pastor Danny
"I recently wrote this as a newsletter article for our church. It was bore out of a time with the Lord that is hopeful for our fellowship and many other churches. We were recently talking with an evangelist friend of ours about the health of the church at large. Overall, there are more unhealthy churches than not. This was confirmed by an interview I had with a denominational leader that deals with many churches. I am convinced that unless we seek the Lord Jesus Christ, with all of our hearts, for genuine Holy Spirit led revival, the churches we love will continue to decline.
I am also convinced that there are many who want to seek the Lord for more. So many I encounter are hungry for God. That is certainly the case at the church God has called me to serve. There are so many genuine people there that love God and are displaying Christ in their lives. They want God's best for the church and for His glory. I'm filled with hope because of God's promise to build and protect His church and because of the people I see that are hungering and thirsting after righteousness.
Our church, like many churches, is facing some difficult days where there are disagreements, misunderstandings, and hurts. My prayer is that we will all focus on Christ and see what God will do as we yield ourselves completely to His will. There are so many people that need to see the glory of God shine through a church that knows how to resolve their conflicts. These types of struggles are inevitable. It all boils down to how we choose to handle them. It is my desire to see God's glory shine through this wonderful church God has called us to serve so that we can show the world around us there is a different way. We have an opportunity to let our light so shine before men that they see our good works and they will have a chance to glorify our Father in Heaven. Our priority is to show the glory of God to the world through power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we keep our priority in perspective, God will see us through."
When I served on a church staff, I used to have to pull some kind of bio for guest speakers from their resumes. Every single resume I received from a pastor or evangelist was horrendous.
What is shown on this one is an absolute joke. You NEVER put disagreements with former employers on your resume. Totally unprofessional.
Seminaries must not give any guidance in the art to resume writing. Most of these guys could not cut bait in the corporate world.
Part 2 from Pastor Danny's deleated blog
"Here is my article from this week:
Pastor's Perspective
June 24 2008
PEACEMAKING 101
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome about the need to pursue peace. He said, "...let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Rom. 14:19). He obviously thought this is important and would easily be able to reflect on the prayer of our Lord in John 17. Jesus gave a Great Commission statement when he said, "As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." (John 17:18). In order to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) we must also fulfill the Great Commandment (Matt 22:37-39). Jesus, in this same prayer, asked the Father "...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21). The world's ability to believe our message depends on our love for one another. No wonder Jesus emphasized this in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matt. 5:9). If we pursue peace, we
will be called children of God. If we, however, refuse to pursue peace, we will have a hard time convincing others that we are actually saved and set apart. That's why Jesus emphasized peacemaking, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Our forgiveness from God, depends on our willingness to forgive others. (Matt. 6:14-15).
Let us pursue peacemaking as a mark of Christian maturity and a witness to the world. My commitment to Cloverdale is to do all that I can to pursue peace among the brethren. Let us covenant with one another to always utilize the Biblical model of forgiveness and reconciliation when our relationships are strained. I know God will use his Word, and His indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth and to draw us closer to one another as a congregation.
Matthew 18 is a great model for peacemaking. If you have a problem
with another Christian: 1) evaluate the problem and see if it needs to be addressed or if it can be let go. In other words, is it a big deal?
2) If you know it is a problem worth addressing, go to the person directly and try to resolve it (vs. 15). If the problem cannot be resolved with the two of you, then take two or three others that are respected in the Lord, and try to resolve it (vs. 16). If it is still not resolved, and only "if" it is a matter of sin against the Lord, then it should come before the church (vs. 17). Even after all of this, the person is to be loved in the name of Christ. Let us follow Paul's advice and say, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." (Rom. 12:18). Let us draw near to Christ together, and then draw near to one another. Whether it is a friendship, a marriage relationship, or a church relationship, one of the greatest keys to resolving conflict is through the power of prayer. Let us all pray together so that the power of God can do its greatest work among us.
____________________________________________________________
May the Lord God of Heaven keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!"
Another post from the deleted blog
Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus
by Pastor Danny
"One thing I've learned in 11 years of preaching the gospel in churches, nursing homes, National Guard armories, street corners, rescue missions, senior centers, and anywhere else the Lord opens the door - it's all about Jesus! That may seem a little cliche'-ish, but it becomes more true every time I see someone come to know Christ. It's also more evident when you are hurt or disappointed in this world.
Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). If you have lived in reality more than two minutes you understand this truth. Trouble is all around us and meets us face to face all too often. Sickness and disease overtake us. Friends turn their backs on us. Strangers insult us. Crazy drivers cut us off. Family members misunderstand us. Teachers don't believe in us. Fellow church members gossip about us. The government wants to overtax us. Satan wants to destroy us. The good news...Jesus had more to say in John 16:33..."But take heart, I have overcome the world."
Jesus came that we might have LIFE, and not just any kind of life - an abundant and/or full life. (John 10:10) When the world comes with all of its storms and suffering, pain and poison, trials and tribulations, disappointments and devastation we can always count on the one who has overcome the world - Jesus the Christ!"
Part 2
"Like many of you - I have been stabbed in the back, falsely accused, misunderstood, maligned, experienced pain, suffering, loss, and defeat. We have all seen rough days when we have wondered if we can take any more. We try to pull ourselves together and say things like, "Well, God will never put more on us than we can handle." I have bad news and good news. God never said that! No where in the Bible does this truth exist. God will allow all kinds of things to come into our lives and the goal is always the same - to make us more like Christ and to give God glory. Perhaps God wants us to rely upon him more than ourselves? That's why I believe we will sometimes come to the place in life where we must confess, "Lord, I can't take anymore". God can finally work with that. As long as we can "take it" we have a temptation to trust in ourselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with ALL of our hearts, and not to lean on our own understanding. In ALL of our ways (every area of our lives) we are to acknowledge (surrender to) Him, and he promises that he will make our paths straight. It does not mean that our paths will be rock free, but God will show us a better path than the one we might choose in our flesh.
The author of Hebrews (either Paul or Appolos) knew the believers he was writing to needed encouragement in the midst of their own storms. They were facing persecution and were running a race that was hard and long. He urges them to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). He mentions the suffering and shame Christ endured and goes on to say, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (vs. 3). Whenever we go through rough and rugged times we should look to Jesus as our source help and hope.
I have reminded myself of this truth on a few occasions in my Christian walk: If I go through a day and nobody has spat on me, plucked my facial hair, beat me until my guts were ready to fall out, put a crown of thorns on my head, and then put nails through my hands and feet - well, I guess I've had a pretty good day.
The next time we have the mullygrubs and decide we want to complain about the people that have let us down, hurt us, and have even been evil and wicked to us, thank God for the righteousness and growth in Christ those people are helping produce.
Sometimes the troubles we face are the result of our own sinful actions and therefore we have to bear the earthly consequences. Hebrews 12 has a word for that too. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Regardless of whether or not the pain we are enduring came from our own decisions or the from the hand of others the question remains, "Will we allow ourselves to be trained by it?". James tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4).
So, when life in this world gives you plenty of reasons to complain, moan, groan, or just throw in the towel - remember to keep your eyes on Jesus. It's all about Him and His glory and we CAN trust Him."
Who is this guy???
How many people can accuse former employers -- in writing - of malfeasance and get hired somewhere else?
Or blame other people for being jealous of his sales figures. It's just unreal.
WD, thanks for sharing this information. However, I dont know why folks would be so surprised. Groups bring in people who think and behave the way they want them to. A great definition of "culture" would be a groups beliefs and behaviors that define that group. The culture of FBCJ is controlling, arrogant, and self-righteous. They however, do not know this. The city of Jacksonville's experience with FBCJ proves to them that my descriptors are exact. This does not, however, mean that individuals within the organization fit that description. yet, the "personality
of the group, is such.
This man fits the profile of what they need. He, like J.B. and the other leaders NEED the power and control in order to FEEL that they are making a difference in the lives of others. it is their delusion, but it was what they were taught by Lindsay and Vines.
Where I disagree with you is that these issues WERE present for years..under Lindsay and Vines. What is taking place today is more of the same..just in a different way. I do not judge it or condemn it..these brothers and sisters in the Lord desire an environment of performance based theology and one where they are "led" without having to think for themselves.
The reason churches like FBCJ are not reaching the youth of today is that these young people can see through it. They are leaving and finding a place of grace. Many good places here in JAX to go: Chets Creek Church, Paramount Church, new berlin church, Celebration Church, and Grace Communtiy in Avondale. There are more, but sadly most are not Baptists.
Oh well, readers...blast away at me. I am not a fan of FBCJ or its systems, I just recognize those folks need the controlling system to feel godly. It is what it is and I am glad they have a place to worship. The rest of us, look elsewhere.
Doc
I give this guy about 6 months down there, before he "moves on". Long enough for some others to "save face". What more can happen to this once great church? Is "leadership"(?) totally devoid of spiritual sense and are they paying any attention to the Lord? This is really pitiful. Are they wearing spiritual blinders? There has been more trouble and turmoil down there in the last 5 years (since Dr. Lindsay passed) than in the past 65 years. I don't call landing the church in court, losing most to the staff, losing thousands of members, (many longtime servants of the Lord), spiritual progress or advancing the cause of Christ!!!!! Do these people have their heads in the sand, or what? Dr. Lindsay would not put up with this for 5 minutes.
What struck me is that of all the things in your excerpt of his resume, the only measurement of success or failure is his claim of bringing in over 40 new members and over 30 new baptisms.
However, this is still vague because 41 and 4100 are both over 40. It sounds better to say over rather than give a finite number.
Increased by Sunday School by 20% isn't credible because by what standards are we creating the percentage?
And guys, increasing a program by 300% could mean that the pastor bought supper for three people and then went on to outreach.
This resume is laughable and the first questions out of my mouth in the interview would be to put numbers and measurement to these statements which aren't measurable.
Doc - over the past several years as I have connected with more people who do know some of the behind the scenes antics at FBC Jax, I do agree with you that these issues were present pre-Brunson and friends. But I would say they were better masked to the average Joe than now. Thanks for checking in.
"I do agree with you that these issues were present pre-Brunson and friends. But I would say they were better masked to the average Joe than now."
Are you just now figuring that out lil pup? Do you think that it is because it is people and when people are involved the things that have blighted humanity since the fall also exist? EVEN IN A CHURCH!!!
Look deep enough you will find "problems", "hidden sins", and other "human frailties" in every church in the world, including the one that you attend.
It is human nature to "mask" our shortcomings. Even in our own families, including the church family.
None of this will change til He comes and the sooner the better as far as most everyone would agree. That is probably why He will wipe away our tears up there when all of our foibles are exposed.
Doc,
You've described very well the type of Baptist church I am familiar with. The whole atmosphere is about authority. There's really no better word to describe it. Authoritarian.
The leaders in this type of church enjoy being authoritarian, and those in the pews WANT those kind of leaders. That's what their brand of Christianity is all about. To them, that is "godly."
I just think you described it so well! Thank you.
Sharon: Good post. The authority is Jesus Christ. When He is left out of how a church is guided anything and everything can and will happen. Get out and stay out of these "man run machines". The ego driven pastor is worse to deal with than a CEO of a corporate organization...seen it all. Like the man said...worse and worse to come.
When pew sitters never pick up their Bibles and don't study it for themselves the pastor is God's man regardless of how little he really knows about anything and everything.
@Chet: thank you for noticing and commenting. I wouldn't want to "loose" correct grammar in the ministry.
~ A Pasture in Texas
In re-reading the title of this post, I think Crosby was concerned about the reputation of Christianity or a particular church. He didn't want the woman to publish the fact that her pastor or the church is actually full of normal, rascally human beings. Of course outsiders are already aware of the fact that those in church are pretty much like those not in church. People hearing this woman talking don't think of pastors as "Men of God" like some church people do. They might have a general respect for the position of a pastor, but they realize it's a paid position of an organization.
Then there's the inside stuff that we usually don't come into contact with-all the resumes of pastors, work histories, politics, power stuff, etc. That's usually kept behind the scenes.
Anyway, just thinking through the differences in the situations.
Anon 10/27, 9:27 pm
Great post... Couldn't agree more. The youth today are more savy, can detect fallicy, deception, etc a mile away.
They are running to churches that preach Grace.. We are in the age of Grace not LAW.. FBCJ still operates under LAW..
You have to be here, you have to tithe, you have to, you have to you have to.. grant it these are things that mature christian should WANT to do out of their relationship and love they have for the Lord.. not some obligation.
Praise God I am living under His Grace and not His law.
yes these other churches are exploding with former FBC people!
FBC Jax newest Staff Member:
mac brunson
"Praying for and excited about @chadhsmith coming as @FBCJax new Children's Minister. Creative, committed, caring!"
Oct 27
Chad H Smith
"@macbrunson @fbcjax Thanks pastor. I'm excited and honored to be on your team."
Oct 27
I have tried these "Grace" Churches.
What a joke.
No commitment, no Sunday School, no stepping on toes, feel good, it's all good, God loves You Pabulum!
No....FBC is not for everybody...
Jesus said the road is straight and narrow...
Not wide and crooked
It’s really kind of hard to really think of a fitting comment. A grown man having a temper tantrum in a restaurant and then bragging about it from the pulpit speaks for its self. I wonder, what kind of a witness does he think he is giving?
WishIhadknown said...
"I wonder, what kind of a witness does he think he is giving?"
As everyone in the restaurant heard him, as he was standing... the way preachers do, they stand above the rest and browbeat those below.
Chad H Smith
"What are dressing up as for Halloween? What should I dress up as?"
Oct 28
How about a
Scarry Mac Brunson ?
"I just recognize those folks need the controlling system to feel godly"
You have nailed it.
I knew Danny at the Baptist college of Florida. He was a pretty unfriendly guy. I see not much has changed.
Anon 10/28, 8:17...
I can tell you that FBC is not the straight and narrow but a bunch of pharisees trying their best to assist in their salvation and dilute the sacrifice of Jesus. As a former member of FBC I am fully aware of the doctrine of "obey the laws or else"
Instead of talking from a koolaid filled mouth, read Galatians where Paul specficially addresses churches full of pharisees and their hypocrisy.
Trust me I know the skeletons in those closets at FBCJ...
Its funny, people that attend those "Grace" filled churches are meeting Jesus in ways that FBC has no clue about.
Of course by you being on here and reading and responding to the blog, puts you in violation of one of the "laws" of FBC.. be careful you might find youself at one of those Grace churches.. and guess what we will love you like Jesus who loved the woman at the well.. who by the way broke a "law" to talk to the Samaritan woman!
Good day!
Wow! Like you often do, you took a few quotes and built a straw man that you could easily pulverize (much like those you mercilessly criticize). You are such a shallow, spineless, self agrandizing, self righteous waste of space!
There maybe other reasons Danny Crosby left the Cloverdale Church...Alot of times being arrogant in the pulpit means he is the same out of the pulpit. I KNOW for a fact as he was my pastor for a time. A Wolf in Sheep's clothing...So sad!
Does anyone know where Bro. Danny is now
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