Actscelerate.com

Re: State Council

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5161 **7/7/13 8:41 am**

Seriously?

Member Posts: 47 **7/7/13 12:28 pm**

If my council was accessorized like this, they'd run me too!! Very Happy

If posting this picture is against the rules feel free to delete it. I figure that it's not a secret who is on the council.[/quote]

I am for gun rights, right to bear arms, etc... have my own guns... I was on the State Youth Board of S. GA when David Griffis left and we presented him with a Browning Automatic Shot Gun as a going away present.

But... If I were a state administrative bishop I would have to request this pastor excise his rights and freedom to bear arms outside a state council meeting. I can understand his desire to holster a weapon on the streets but I seriously doubt there is a need for it in a state council meeting. There is something about a Church of God Ordained Bishop bringing a fire arm into a state council meeting that doesn't look right or seem right. Just my 2 cents worth...

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16509 **7/7/13 12:44 pm**

At least have it in a briefcase. Some people just have the need to feel powerful.

Golf Cart Mafia Soldier Posts: 2397 **7/7/13 12:53 pm**

It's Texas!!!
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Love. Grow. Serve.

Newbie Posts: 7 **7/7/13 1:47 pm**

You should know, that particular council member is a bi vocational Pastor. His other occupation is as a Sheriff in Houston Police. He has that on him at ALL times.

Golf Cart Mafia Underboss Posts: 3954 **7/7/13 2:21 pm**

Friendly Face Posts: 202 **7/7/13 2:34 pm**

Acts-celerater Posts: 758 **7/7/13 3:37 pm**

Also, FYI...That is an older pic...not the current council.

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5161 **7/7/13 6:33 pm**

Member Posts: 29 **7/8/13 5:54 am**

So sad!! I will hold my tongue!
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Retired after Pastoring 35 years.
Permanently Disabled on 11-3-09.
#38008

"Faith means belief in something concerning which doubt is theoretically possible." William James

Maybe this is a part of our legacy....

Acts-celerater Posts: 881 **7/8/13 2:23 pm**

A few things...

Acts-celerater Posts: 758 **7/10/13 8:50 am**

I haven't posted in a while because my life is pretty busy right now. Let me begin by saying thank you. Thank you to so many who have posted, texted, called, FB messaged their prayers, support and counsel. I am TRULY overwhelmed by such redemptive and gracious acts of kindness and brotherhood from all over the country. I appreciate the attention and discussion of my story. To you, it’s words on a screen about events far away...to me it's my life, family, and ministry. Most of you have been measured, caring, concerned, objective and even critical in a constructive way. I thank you for that. I appreciate the fact that most have recognized that I own my short comings, misjudgments and failures...but do not dismiss the fact that there is a better way to resolve conflict and navigate crisis…and do not lay the full responsibility of that on any one person.

I do want to address several things. The AB and I have discussed this twice already and he seems to understand this. But for those who may have a concern, the Ennis Church of God is the name of the church that I have pastored for 6 1/2 years. It was the name before I got there; it is still registered as such with the State of Texas in Austin. We never changed it legally. As someone has already pointed out...we were planting New Hope Church in Ennis in 2006 before I was appointed pastor of the Ennis Church of God in 2007. We have used the name New Hope at the Ennis CoG since Easter 2007. We never used New Hope Church of God. So, we were New Hope Church before I was appointed as the pastor of Ennis CoG and now that we are out of the CoG we are still New Hope Church. The name is ours...I have the paperwork. Not only that, but the websites were built by Steve Hoffman. He maintained them and owns them. All the domain names are and always have been in his name and paid for by him each year...not the church. They don't belong to me...they belong to Steve.

Much has been said about forgiveness. It is very important to know that we have forgiven. I have forgiven. We did so from the start...and publicly. I led the congregation that Saturday night, when everything was up in the air, in a prayer of forgiveness and blessing over the AB, the state council, their families and ministries. We fasted and prayed all week. While I can’t possibly represent what’s in everyone’s heart, I can say that I have forgiven and have led the people to forgive as well.

Many have counseled that we should meet face to face. We have done that three times now…including yesterday. There are massive issues to deal with. I truly believe at this point both of us are doing the best we can in light of all the terrible events that have taken place. That doesn’t suggest that we agree with each other. But, perhaps we understand where each is and why the other is proceeding the way he is. Again, not agreement but perhaps understanding. Maybe that’s a place to start.

I know that there are giants...but we are not grasshoppers. We are well able to secure the promises of God. Not just me, not just New Hope…but Wayne Dority, the state council and the CoG as well. I love the Church of God. I still do. I always will.

Thank you for listening.

Response to Buck Marshall

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1815 **7/10/13 9:36 am**

Pastor Marshall, I still pray and hope that things will be so that all parties can come to an agreement in which that we will be working together with you still in the Church of God in Texas. Of course if that does not happen it does in no way imply the work of New Hope is not Kingdom work.

I have heard you use the statement [url]I know that there are giants...but we are not grasshoppers.[/url] in your post as well as a sermon you preached recently. Could you give us your view as to what or who those giants are? I am not asking to stir trouble, just for better understanding of how God is leading you through this word you and the church received.

Re: Response to Buck Marshall

Hon. Dr. in Acts-celeratology Posts: 5161 **7/10/13 11:46 am**

Re: Response to Buck Marshall

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1815 **7/10/13 12:36 pm**

Newbie Posts: 7 **7/10/13 1:50 pm**

Man, this whole ordeal should definitely make you think twice about signing for any debt. Maybe this is why Paul encouraged us to owe only a debt of love. I pray more pastors will hear of this conflict and really consider what scrutiny we invite when we invite a creditor into our life.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16646 **7/10/13 3:34 pm**

Friendly Face Posts: 202 **7/10/13 4:35 pm**

Its funny we have this unsurmountable amount of faith when we take out a loan believing we will pay it back but not near the faith God will provide the means so as not to borrow money for the loan to begin with....go figure. Confused

It occurs to me....

Acts-celerater Posts: 758 **7/10/13 4:49 pm**

I may not have specifically said this. But, if I had it to do over again... I wouldn't have refinanced when I first became the pastor 6 1/2 years ago. That was a mistake. I had never been a senior pastor and I can say it was a mistake of the head not the heart. That is something that I own. No ones fault but mine. Sure the elders, church, state council and overseer were agreeable but still it wouldn't have happened without me... So I own that.

Golf Cart Mafia Capo Posts: 2857 **7/10/13 5:22 pm**

You have learned a valuable lesson, Buck. The other people you named share the responsibility with you. At least you did not borrow more money and then move to a bigger church and leave the debt for another pastor to pay. I have seen that happen more than once.

I believe if your situation had been handled differently you would have been happy to work through the financial problems and move full speed ahead. If as much time and effort had been spent trying to help your church recover as was wasted on meetings and inspections which caused so much hurt and frustrations there would be a much different outcome. We can all hope that the other people involved also learned some lessons. Maybe it will spare another minister some of the pain you have suffered.