tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post2211398536871312048..comments2024-03-23T22:54:58.661-04:00Comments on FBC Jax Watchdogs: Church Split Brewing at FBC Jax?? Smyrl Already Announces His New Church, Brunson Tweets Himself as the VictimFBC Jax Watchdoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-56125281134128906142011-07-16T19:46:22.722-04:002011-07-16T19:46:22.722-04:00Using a passage about Christ to refer to yourself....Using a passage about Christ to refer to yourself...how lovely?Joshuahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11029766046734648322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-55157258774709501012011-07-14T21:15:23.052-04:002011-07-14T21:15:23.052-04:00"This hate spewed towards our Pastor is right..."This hate spewed towards our Pastor is right out of the pit!<br /><br />"Satan is having a field day.<br /><br />"Some men unknowingly are being used by the Devil to bring reproach on FBC.<br /><br />"I feel Satan's breath when I come on this blog.<br /><br />"I am leaving now, the smoke is causing me to choke.<br /><br />"I Hate Evil! Just like my Pastor does!<br /><br />"I feel sorry for you, Watchdog. What you are doing is so against what someone does when Christ is their Lord and the Holy Spirit is in control of their life. I pray that you will repent and see how you are doing nothing but hurting the cause of Christ.<br /><br />These snippets are so typical of members in spiritually abusive churches defending abusive pastors that they are almost predictable. I monitor blogs of spiritual abuse victims and see the same 2x4s smacking the abused, and anyone who dares challenge abusive leadership, as these. <br /><br />I also recommend --especially to those using these brickbats -- to learn about mind control methods used in spiritually abusive churches and heartily agree with the recent comment recommending "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse." It is a classic!<br /><br />Captcha code "squal"<br />Sounds like it's already blowing in at FBC Jax.Provenderhttp://pureprovender.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-56579029038808428182011-07-12T16:51:04.420-04:002011-07-12T16:51:04.420-04:00Watchdog, have been reading your blog for months w...Watchdog, have been reading your blog for months with great interest. Going through much of the same thing at former church in East Texas that you describe, in fact eerily similar. Brunson's recent twitter posts sure seem self-absorbed, as he is in survival mode. Recommend to all to read the book "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse". Seems like the mega pastors are using the same playbook and it is described to a T in this book. Also, in Matthew Chapter 23.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-90849161103226739132011-07-12T13:46:57.655-04:002011-07-12T13:46:57.655-04:00"This is a sad chapter for Jim Smyrl and has ..."This is a sad chapter for Jim Smyrl and has absolutely no reflection on Mac Brunson."<br /><br />I believe quite the opposite is true. Mac is playing the martyr, and Jim is taking the high road. We're looking forward to hearing about Loyal Heart Bible Church tomorrow night.Long Time FBC Jax Membernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-10888308355622903472011-07-12T11:25:15.776-04:002011-07-12T11:25:15.776-04:00From my opinion, Smryl was a threat to Mac Brunson...From my opinion, Smryl was a threat to Mac Brunson and was smart enough to get out! He has lots of friends in the SBC who likewise see through Mac Bruson!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-26583899033736057262011-07-11T22:34:46.555-04:002011-07-11T22:34:46.555-04:00Wah! Wah! Do you ever give up on pinning everythi...Wah! Wah! Do you ever give up on pinning everything on Mac? <br /><br />Smyrl left in a manner that is not consistent with respecting members that loved and believed in him. I doubt much good will come from his efforts with so much controversy. <br /><br />He could have left on better circumstances and the members would probably have been more than supportive.<br /><br />This is a sad chapter for Jim Smyrl and has absolutely no reflection on Mac Brunson.<br /><br />In my opinion, we should just pray for Reverend Smyrl and his ministry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-12913014194365041082011-07-11T21:43:47.390-04:002011-07-11T21:43:47.390-04:00Actually Anon the ones hurting the cause are peopl...Actually Anon the ones hurting the cause are people who see wrong and say and do nothing. Try witnessing to some lost people, they look at what is happening in our churches and laugh because what we are doing as church today does not look like church to them.WishIhadknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12487727353887788291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-31912501565440522002011-07-11T21:21:35.865-04:002011-07-11T21:21:35.865-04:00I feel sorry for you, Watchdog. What you are doin...I feel sorry for you, Watchdog. What you are doing is so against what someone does when Christ is their Lord and the Holy Spirit is in control of their life. I pray that you will repent and see how you are doing nothing but hurting the cause of Christ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-8190980690642830062011-07-11T15:11:21.746-04:002011-07-11T15:11:21.746-04:00The host payment programs for Pastors that sponsor...The host payment programs for Pastors that sponsor these trips has gone on since the early 70's at least.<br /><br />It used to be that a trip was given for every 5 paying travelers and then a certain amount per traveler for every paying person over 10 to cover Pastor and wife.<br /><br />This like so many other things was a preacher perk to allow them to pay for travel in the day when the Pastor could not come close to affording a Holy Land trip. Which was the only destination for a long time.<br /><br />I went on one back in 75 and one in 92 and don't know how it is now but back in the 70's and the still in 92 the host worked very hard through out the trip. Back then had to manage all the travelers arrangements for hotels, passports, bus, baggage during travel and speak 2 or 3 times a day. Juggling 50 to 75 retirees was pretty tough but I really doubt Mac and other current Pastors even come close to this. Just a good thing gone bad as so many other things have....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-53321524299495448502011-07-11T14:51:54.130-04:002011-07-11T14:51:54.130-04:00Last Wed night at FBC Rev Smyrl says he's got ...Last Wed night at FBC Rev Smyrl says he's got one more week at FBC and then he's going to quit and spend more time with Loyal Heart supporting small churches with Bible cirriculum. There was not even a hint of his real purpose...which is to leave FBC and start a new church. Is this wrong or more to the point 'lying'?"<br /><br />If Smryl mentioned a new church plant he would be accused of recruiting members.<br /><br />And Mac is not going tell you because you might want to go there.<br /><br />This is a double shot because Akin is on the board of Smryl's new venture.<br /><br />Does anyone know Akin's background? He was a protege of Patterson and is now more in the Mohler camp.<br /><br />This goes much deeper than Mac. There is a hidden fight in the SBC between the Reformed wing and everyone else for power and followers. For church plants, etc. Is Smyrl getting money from Namb? <br /><br />Some are quasi reformed and they are like the independents in elections. They have not committed to Reformed but are leaning that way.<br /><br />If truth be known, the Reformed wing is winning. Mac, Steve Gaines, Patterson and some others are the dying wing although there are still some who rise above it and play the middle keeping the peace. Anyone wonder why our last several presidents have towed a middle way?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-66102612972450012072011-07-10T10:20:46.983-04:002011-07-10T10:20:46.983-04:00macbrunson: Perspective from Job's life - ligh...<b>macbrunson</b>: Perspective from Job's life - lightening always hits the tallest tree. Stand tall pastor and count it a blessing when the fire is aimed at u<br /> <br />Where was this man "educated"? In reading through his tweets, he can't half spell. I don't mean the "u = you" garbage. (You're an adult Mac. Write like one.) He used "your" for "you're" the other day, and "lightning" has no "e" in it. Poor, persecuted Mac. Just like Job.<br /><br /><b>macbrunson</b>: Job's response is stellar. Exemplary. It glorified God and pleased God. It humiliated Satan. God help my responses to always honor you.<br /><br />{insert eyeroll here}<br /><br />captcha = "subit"<br /><br />Mac says, "Subit to me!"New BBC Open Forumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18300115421477555376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-85652993592013013092011-07-10T01:32:24.026-04:002011-07-10T01:32:24.026-04:00Speaking of Holy Land tours... announcing an annua...Speaking of Holy Land tours... announcing an annual tradition:<br /><br />Holy Land Tour with<br />Bro. Steve and Donna Gaines<br />• If you are interested in touring the Holy<br />Land with Bro. Steve and Donna<br />January 25-February 3, 2012, attend<br />an interest meeting on Sunday, August 7,<br />at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel.<br />• Visit www.bellevue.org or call 347-5800 for<br />more information.New BBC Open Forumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18300115421477555376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-10004265237528361402011-07-09T22:14:35.262-04:002011-07-09T22:14:35.262-04:00Yea, I couldn't think of any either.Yea, I couldn't think of any either.WishIhadknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12487727353887788291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-31690568195502792122011-07-09T15:29:22.211-04:002011-07-09T15:29:22.211-04:00"Anon 1:31,
Some details of those positive ch..."Anon 1:31,<br />Some details of those positive changes would encourage us all. Please feel free to list a few otherwise your post doesn't really mean too much."<br /><br />My post doesn't mean much to you. Don't really care. My listing of positive changes will in all likelihood simply be seen as negative on this blog so I really don't care to take the time and list them. Like you said, my post doesn't really mean too much. :/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-64503942307823546892011-07-09T15:07:11.236-04:002011-07-09T15:07:11.236-04:00Anon 1:31,
Some details of those positive changes ...Anon 1:31,<br />Some details of those positive changes would encourage us all. Please feel free to list a few otherwise your post doesn't really mean too much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-75381235011264969842011-07-09T13:31:19.620-04:002011-07-09T13:31:19.620-04:00"Yes times have changed but not necessarily f..."Yes times have changed but not necessarily for the better."<br /><br />That is in the eye of the beholder. I believe many changes taking place in the church today are for the better and good fruit will be seen. Again, eye of the beholder. <br />And before someone jumps on me, no I am not referring to FBC Jax. I am talking churches in general. Changes are being made in many churches that are to the benefit of the church regardless of what is happening at FBCJ. Yes, times are changing. That doesn't men for the worse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-47429543722652213272011-07-09T12:10:18.409-04:002011-07-09T12:10:18.409-04:00All this chatter about the cars makes me laugh. A...All this chatter about the cars makes me laugh. A whole lot of us recall sweet little Ms Lindsay driving her "used red Ford Bronco" . . .she was a gem & a role model of what a true Pastor's wife is - no stelleto heels & slim tight wardrobes, with a sparkly place of honor in the pews for her seating - she walked the floors & mingled with the members, what she brought to the table was true "love for people" - sorry folks, but todays First Baptist is hemoraging & there is no one there to stop it. So be it - a new era!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-21827870355990769512011-07-09T11:53:41.621-04:002011-07-09T11:53:41.621-04:00“Times have changed.”
Reminds me of a story but t...“Times have changed.”<br /><br />Reminds me of a story but then again almost everything does. Now to understand the story you have to know and or remember a time when cars had bench seats and not center consoles so that a passenger could sit right up next to the driver. Anyway back to the story.<br /><br />Husband and wife are driving down the road when the wife turns to her husband and says, “Honey, remember when we were dating we used to be so close. When we would be driving like this I would cuddle up with you real close and you’d have your arm around me. I always felt so loved and appreciated. Why don’t we do that anymore?<br />Husband turns to the wife and tells her Yes I remember it was nice but ah dear who moved?<br /><br />Yes times have changed but not necessarily for the better. <br /> <br />If you believe people, all people young and old, do not want hymns and Bible preaching anymore then you simply are not listening, you have closed your heart, mind, eyes and ears to the truth.WishIhadknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12487727353887788291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-3401844586082059002011-07-09T10:00:33.040-04:002011-07-09T10:00:33.040-04:00"I think First Baptist needs to have an "..."I think First Baptist needs to have an "old Fashion day" where we have to sing out of our hymnals and then the preacher gets up and starts preaching a good ole fashion hell and brimstone sermon instead of our weekly history lesson."<br /><br />And you wonder why churches are struggling the way they are today. It is because of this good ole day mindset. Times have changed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-7419414916348407292011-07-09T09:28:20.952-04:002011-07-09T09:28:20.952-04:00Dog, I am sure you know this but those vacation tr...<i>Dog, I am sure you know this but those vacation trips touted as mission/educational trips do not just pay for the hosts expenses, some also pay kick backs to the pastor per traveler. Not saying this is 1st Jax but many pastors are doing it these days. We almost had one here years ago that was nixed thank goodness. I also knew a mega pastor who made approx. $60K in kick backs for trips he led his church into. Makes me sick to see pulpits used this way to promote things like this.</i><br /><br />Oh, absolutely this goes on all the time. <a href="http://newbbcopenforum.blogspot.com/2006/10/are-holy-land-tours-shearing-of-sheep.html" rel="nofollow">This old article</a> (written by the original NBBCOF) sums it up nicely.<br /><br />When Steve Gaines was still at West Jackson a man confronted him about all the money he was allegedly making off Holy Land trips, and Steve reportedly very defensively replied, "I'll have you know I pay taxes on that money!"<br /><br />Whenever they have one of these trips (they just returned from a 15-day "Journeys of Paul" trip where they toured Greece), practically the entire extended Gaines family goes along. (Oldest daughter had just given birth this time so didn't go.) I've no doubt their tickets are paid for off the backs of full-paying travelers. Ticket prices are increased on average 25% to cover all the free tickets for the pastor's family members and friends, and he pockets anything that's left.<br /><br />Gaines is but one of many pastors who do this. Charles Stanley is perpetually advertising tours -- Caribbean, Alaska, Holy Land... it's big business.<br /><br />Captcha: sticu... as in "stick it to you."New BBC Open Forumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18300115421477555376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-45320290290333200422011-07-09T09:27:43.329-04:002011-07-09T09:27:43.329-04:00Watchdog -
Thanks for the heads up! Poin...Watchdog -<br /><br /> Thanks for the heads up! Point well taken ;)Long Time FBC Jax Membernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-21746590127978702072011-07-09T07:53:48.633-04:002011-07-09T07:53:48.633-04:00Anon 6:44 - yes, I have written about these trips ...Anon 6:44 - yes, I have written about these trips multiple times on this blog. I have said I don't care where people go on vacation, don't care if pastors go on vacation...but when church resources are used to adverstise and market these trips to entice members to spend thousands on luxury trips like this one it just sickens me. This one is over the top. The Norwegian Jade has a full casino, night clubs, etc. A real party boat on the Med. This trip has absolutely nothing to do with missions or ministry or anything spiritual. Just ride the boat with the Brunsons and FBCJ bigshots.<br /><br />Perry Noble is even getting in on the act now, as he is leading trips to the Holy Land. Imagine going to the Holy Land to have Perry Noble preach to you from the mountain side on how you "officially suck as a human being." Wonderful.FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-19558986293693439772011-07-09T07:47:53.936-04:002011-07-09T07:47:53.936-04:00Long time member - be careful when you go to the m...Long time member - be careful when you go to the meeting, I hear the discipline committee will be there to see who attends, and license plate numbers will be written down. They have contacts at the JSO and can run tag numbers. :)FBC Jax Watchdoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10740366031265491559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-49478697376760211302011-07-09T06:44:34.705-04:002011-07-09T06:44:34.705-04:00Dog, I am sure you know this but those vacation tr...Dog, I am sure you know this but those vacation trips touted as mission/educational trips do not just pay for the hosts expenses, some also pay kick backs to the pastor per traveler. Not saying this is 1st Jax but many pastors are doing it these days. We almost had one here years ago that was nixed thank goodness. I also knew a mega pastor who made approx. $60K in kick backs for trips he led his church into. Makes me sick to see pulpits used this way to promote things like this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8384632623933772727.post-77103290855624619392011-07-09T04:24:24.717-04:002011-07-09T04:24:24.717-04:00It appears that this departure was probably due to...It appears that this departure was probably due to an accumulation of factors, ending in the straw that broke the camel's back. <br /><br />You don't start a church overnight. It looks like this had been planned for a while, and perhaps Rev. Smyrl was waiting for God's timing, which might have come sooner than expected.<br /><br />My family and I are planning on attending the info. meeting next week, and are excited about it. Jim has chosen Philip Hurst as his co-pastor/elder. Philip is a fine young man currently attending seminary. Phillip and his brother Eric come from a godly family, and grew up in FBC Jax. <br /><br />We're excited to see how God will use Rev. Smyrl and Philip Hurst for His kingdom here in Jax!Long Time FBC Jax Membernoreply@blogger.com