Part One: Before The Elder Meeting

Part One: Before The Elder Meeting

Introduction

I believe Josh and I should have reconciled our differences prior to this meeting. Additionally, if others have experienced difficulty with me, they too had a duty to preserve unity and the bonds of peace. As it is written, a brother or sister who covers over a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats the matter is divisive. The words of a talebearer are like wounds that settle deep in the soul. Open rebuke is better than secret love. Counselors must be careful not to violate this teaching by receiving information from witnesses who are not willing to stand behind their testimony. Every matter must be established by two or three witnesses. We shine in this dark world by speaking evil of no one and showing courtesy to all people (Tit 3.2). We must be moderate to all, for the Lord is near (Php 4.5).

Josh warned me that telling my side of the story would be “divisive”. In an effort to submit and obey to those who watch over me, those who must give an account for my soul (He 13.17), I offer this rough draft for editing and revision. If I have written anything improper please assist me in correcting it. We must tell the truth and credited no one for anything more than what they have said or done (2 Co 12.6). We must judge with justice (Le 19.15), show no partiality (Ro 2.11), and love everyone the same (Mt 5.46).

I pray continually for the leadership at Twin Cities Grace Fellowship (TCGF). I wish them joy and peace in all they do. I respect their efforts to support the truth, as they ground it love. From the first day I stepped foot in TCGF I have sought nothing more then to do my share in building up the body in love. It with sorrow that I feel compelled to offer this defense, but I am also of good cheer, trusting in God and also in you.

A Log In My Eye

At the outset let me say, I have sinned in this holy sanctuary, I have defiled what is true, noble and good. I feel like the great Apostle, trapped in a body of death, the good I set out to do, turns out to be the evil I hate. Oh the riches of God’s grace- what a day it will be when we stand in his presence- clean and strong. But for now, I am beset with weakness and ready to correct every fault. I will not belabor this composition with an unwieldy chronicle of my iniquities, but they are many and I am eager to confess face to face to anyone who asks. I am also eager to bring forth fruit in keeping with my repentance. I do see some dust in your eyes, but I can not help until I wash the chips and chunks out of my own.

Dust In Yours

One of the break downs that happen when elder boards intervene to quickly, based on reports, weather they be dubious or accurate, is their the intervention robs the broken relationship of genuine reconciliation. When a conflict erupts between brothers or sisters, they are the only ones who can repair the bond of peace. They are the only ones who can put on compassion and restore the trust that has been lost. They must learn to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven them. If we must intervene, let it be as ministers of reconciliation, reminding all of the gospel of grace, how God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. If we fail at this point, won’t our sermons become like noisy lectures that profit nothing?

We must be careful not to have an outward form of godliness that hides a hard heart or an irreconcilable spirit. Instead let us be kind and skillful in teaching. Let us correct those who err with tolerance and gentleness. Let us give God the opportunity to bring repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation to relationships strained by conflict and sin.

Doctrine: Restoration

As leaders and fathers among us, you all know these things, but let me write them again as reminder for us. Christians must make every effort to settle their offenses themselves. However, in some cases it is wise to bring along another brother or sister who can facilitate reconciliation. The matter should only go to the elders and congregation if repentance and reconciliation is rejected, even then we love those outside the church and always invite them back.

Reconciliation

Leviticus 19:16 ...no misrepresentations of character

Proverbs 12:16 ...ignore insults

Proverbs 19:11 ...over look the little stuff

Matthew 5:24 ...be reconciled even if you did not start it

Matthew 18:15 ...private correction

Luke 17:3 ...rebuke

Romans 12:18 ...as much as possible

Galatians 6:1 ...you who are spiritual restore

1 Corinthians 6:7 ...why not rather be wronged

Ephesians 4:26 ...settle things quickly

Ephesians 4:30–31 ...no bitterness, but compassion

Colossians 3:13 ...put up with one another

Philippians 2:4 ...look to the interest of others

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ...one another

Philippians 2:3–4 ...don’t look to your own interest

1 Timothy 5:1 ...appeal, don’t rebuke

2 Timothy 2:24 ...teaching and correcting

Titus 1:13 ...reprove harshly so they may be sound in faith

1 Peter 4:8 ...love covers sin

James 2:13 ...Mercy is better than judgment

James 5:20 ...the one who turns

2 Timothy 4:2 ...patient instruction

Doctrine: Disassociation

Shaming and disassociating from an unrepentant brother or sisters is also a teaching we must consider. Shepherds are called to protect the sheep from wolves who seek to devour them. Shepherds are sometimes wolves themselves. Dissociation is reserved for the most grievous, sustained sins. As in a marriage, there is little room to send our mates or fellow saints.

New testament writers do not make distinctions between regular attenders and covenanted members. This practice should not be used to circumvent explicit teachings regarding church discipline. If we start delineating between which biblical text applies to non-members and which do not, we open the door to traditions that could set aside the word of God. Traditions are good as long as they don’t displace the clear, explicit teachings of Scripture.

Shepherds

Acts 20:28 ...be on guard for those who led others astray (false teachers)

Luke 19:10 ...good shepherds seek the lost

Acts 20:26 ...shepherds must be guiltless

Acts 20:30 ...the wolves are members of the community

Acts 20:27 ...teaching is the defense against false teaching

Acts 20:32 ...message of grace (1 Tim 4.13, 16)

Luke 12:1 ...the leaven of the Pharisees (hypocrisy)

2 Peter 3:16 ...those who distort Paul’s letters, don’t be led away

Ezekiel 34:1–31 ...shepherds who abuse their authority (Ezk 33)

Misconduct

1 Corinthians 5:5 ...handing over to Satan

1 Corinthians 1:10–11 ...not all divisions and quarrels require expulsion

1 Corinthians 3:3 ...not all jealousy and strife requires expulsion

1 Corinthians 5:1 ...for sexual immorality

1 Timothy 1:20 ...for speech that injures, defames, reviles (Tit 3.2)

1 Corinthians 5:4 ...the whole community oversees the discipline

1 Corinthians 5:6–11 ...for the purification of the Church

1 Corinthians 5:9 ...dissociation from immoral, greedy, swindlers, idolaters, abusers

1 Corinthians 5:12 ...the whole community is involved in judgment, not just leaders

1 Corinthians 5:13 ...the whole community removes the evil one, not the elders

1 Timothy 5:20 ...reproof in the presence of all

2 Corinthians 2:5–11 ...in the end forgiveness and comfort becomes the confirmation of their love (2 Corinthians 7:5–16)

False Teaching

Romans 16:17 ...stay away from false teaching that causes dissensions

2 Thessalonians 3:6 ...stay away from those who behave irresponsibly

2 Thessalonians 3:14 ...stay away from those who disobey biblical teaching

2 Timothy 3:5 ...stay away from false leaders and hypocrites (see the long list here)

Titus 3:10–11 ...reject false, divisive teachers after two warnings

Matthew 23:1–39 ...false teachers are often those in leadership

Romans 1:25 ...false teachers are idolaters and liars

Acts 7:51–53 ...false teachers resist the Holy Spirit

Galatians 1:7 ...false teaching always has a distorted gospel at its core

Galatians 5:11 ...false teaching voids the atonement of Christ

1 Timothy 6:3 ...false teachers dispute about words, seek financial gain

3 John 9–10 ...false teachers make disparaging statements and expel people from Church

Galatians 5:20 ...outbursts of anger and pride create dissension as well

Acts 7:60 ...Stephens remarkable grace towards the false teachers

Romans 15:14 ...teaching one another is good and shows knowledge

Galatians 2:11–14 ...not all conflicts of doctrine require expulsion

1 Timothy 1:5 ...the goal of teaching is to grow love and faith that is not hypocritical

As servants of the Lord we must not strive, but be gentle with one another- ready to teach one another in all patience. In meekness we must instruct those who are in opposition, by doing this we will give God the opportunity to lead them to repentance and back to the truth.

The Accusations

If I were accused of being ill tempered at times, I could receive such admonishment. If I was being corrected for interrupting or raising my voice I would ask for help. I struggle in many ways and consider a gentle rebuke with sound teaching a good thing. But to be removed from the assembly on the charges of being a grievous wolf who speaks perversions against the truth is unwarranted and heavy handed. The Acts twenty language is what Josh “had in mind” when he sternly rebuked me on September 9th, 2021 with the short, terse statement- “I am watching you”. 

Without Due Care

At the time, I had no way of knowing, he was referring to the “many” reports, that had ratified my subversive conduct. He had said these exact words the week before, when he angrily threatened me in front of Michelle and Peter Brill. I thought this ominous statement was a reassertion of what he said previously. At this time, I had not heard any complaints from anyone. The only issue seemed to be with Josh and Michelle. In fact, it wasn’t until February of 2022 that I learned his warning back in September of 2021 was on advice from the leadership and was intended to alert me to my misconduct and false teaching. But at the time there was no way I could have understood this.

Background and Context

I have attended TCGF on and off for many years. About five years ago, I attended regularly with my whole family, from about 2015 to 2016. My daughter helped Michelle with the kids, while the rest of us participated in the routine services and church events. My Mother has been a long time attendee, as well as my brother. My best friend Peter Brill is also a long time attendee. During this time no suggestions of misconduct were made. In the Spring of 2021, I returned to Church. That fall a series of events unfolded which I believe became the impetus behind this examination.

Since I am unaware of any specific details regarding the “many” acts of misconduct and was told no names or specific events would be mentioned. I felt it prudent to recall every significant interaction I have had in chronological order since the Spring of 2021. This will aid in placing each complaint in the context from which it arose. I believe hearing my words and seeing my conduct in the circumstances from which they arose, will substantiate that I am not guilty of gross misconduct or false teaching- deserving of expulsion. I stumble in many ways, but these consequences are disproportionate to my offenses.

Spring 2021

Early on, in the Spring of 2021, I asked Josh if he would meet with me. I was eager to dialogue, to interact with the text, and have some questions answered. After a few texts, over a month or two, I realized Josh was too busy to meet. He later told me- since I was not a member, it was not an appropriate use of his time to meet with me. This was on September 19th, 2021 after the second sermon. I was hurt. I had invested many hours listening to him in person and on YouTube. I was disappointed to learn there would be no opportunity for dialogue and interaction. He already made himself distant, but to hear my non-member status was the explanation, hurt even more. At this time no concerns have been raised regarding my conduct.

A Conflict Resolved

Earlier that day, during the first sermon, still harboring resentment towards Josh for his unwillingness to meet with me, I was listened to him preach. He said “all science” is suspect of leading us away from God. At once I wanted to discuss this with him, but knowing this unlikely, I audibly groaned in frustration and fidgeted in my seat. Michelle and her children were sitting in front of me- she later explained her hurt and her children's ensuing fear of me. I apologized throughly and she accepted it. I knew it was wrong to groan and express my irritation openly. I am passionate about science and believe it is a gift from God. But none the less, it is impolite and disrespectful to express displeasure from the pew.

When the first sermon concluded I spoke with Josh about what I perceived as his disdain for science. He informed me later, I had been confrontational and demanding. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my indignation at Josh’s inaccessibility, had over come my self control. I was bitter. I was in sin. I was completely at fault, and without excuse!

Josh began the second session with a clarification about science and the service came to a close. Once the initial group at the front cleared, I once again approached the podium. During the course of the conversation, my bitterness was exposed. Josh spoke about how I confronted him in a “demanding” tone and Michelle revealed how the groaning affected her kids. She used the word, “fearful”. At that moment, I responded and said, I feel like your kids do, fearful of approaching Josh. In a flash Josh was incensed- he stepped up to my face, in a physically threatening manner, and upbraided me for comparing my feelings with that of his kids. The shock and fear I expressed was palpable. After a long conversation, tentative apologies and tacit reconciliations were made by all. Everyone admitted their part in the conflict and it appeared to be mended. Peter Brill participated in this event. Josh made no mention that day, nor had anyone else, about the pattern or “theme” of misconduct that had emerged with respect to my misconduct.

An Unresolved Conflict

The following week, after the fall conference luncheon, Michelle and I were having a conversation on the front sidewalk of the church. Josh joined us and listened briefly. He then, in what I perceived was the same threatening tone of the week before, glowered at me and said, “I am watching you!” It was my turn now to explode. I stepped up to his face and menaced, “I am watching you!” I mimicked his sin from the week before. I was taken back, I thought we had made peace. None the less, I had sinned again. It was not Josh’s fault I failed to return a blessing for a threat. A painful context is never an excuse to forfeit one’s self control. He who is slow to anger is better than him who is mighty- he who controls his spirit than him who captures a city (Pr 16.23). There were no further words with Josh that day, no sweet reconciliation, just an impending sense of despair.

On my way home, the Spirit relentlessly chided me. After I could not stand it no longer, I pulled the car over and sent Josh a text, apologizing for my sinful, disrespectful, and impetuous behavior. We exchanged texts that day and the next. He admitted he had done the same the week before and so extended grace to me, just as I had done to him. We agreed to meet and “talk things through”. Additionally I told him I would voluntarily keep a “low profile” and let things calm down.

Suspension From the Assembly

After four months, convinced Josh was not going to reach out, I gathered the courage to call him. I did not want to go back to church until Josh and I had truly turned the corner and genuine reconciliation was on track. So in early February of 2022, I called him. When I asked him if he was still willing to meet with me, he declined and informed me I was suspended from church due to divisive misconduct and innuendos of false teaching. He did not want to provide much information prior to what sounded like the ‘last chance’ or ‘no chance’ elder meeting. This was the first time I learned about the “many” reports of misconduct that had flooded the ears of the elders, over an extended period of time. Back in the September text, when Josh agreed to meet with me and sort things out, he did say he was “concerned for the flock”, but I took that in the context of our conflict, unaware of the reports circulating over my dishonorable character.

From my perspective, what had been an interpersonal conflict, suddenly mushroomed into a church wide issue- so severe, my immediate suspension was ordered and my excommunication was pending. The rigour of this inquiry was further detailed to me. I would not be allowed to bring anyone to the meeting to assist in accountability, I was not allowed to record it, and none of the “many” witnesses would be named. Rather the elders would indict me based on a composite “theme” that had emerged from interviews with those who had reported my misconduct. I was further chastened and told if I presented my side of the story publicly, it would considered divisive. Josh indicated the Assembly, has no part or say in the disposition of non-members.

So it is, the fear I expressed in the past, turned out to be the reality of the present. I do feel what Josh’s kids must have felt- and worse. For I have no father to come to my rescue, no mother to shield me. I am helpless before the elders, with no recourse, no appeal, not even a chance to say good bye to the Church I hosted in my home just months ago. For most of us, if we leave the TCGF, it is unlikely we will have contact with those we have grown to love over the years. Relationships are fragile. Often the church’s meetings and events are the only place attendees see those they call family. How sad it is to watch division in the household, accusing, defending, and blaming. I am convinced we can do better.

Matthew 18

In Matthew we have a warning against provoking or causing our brother to stumble (18.6). Then we have the shepherd rescuing the stray sheep, evoking the image of Christ rescuing us (18.12, Ga 1.4). Just as Christ took the initiative to rescue us, so must the offended brother take the initiative to reconcile the relationship (Mt 5.23). This is to be done privately to avoid needless disclosure (Pr 25.9). Charity must be fervent to cover a multitude of sins (1 Pe 4.8). This first step is undeniably the most important step in the peace making sequence (Mt 5.9, Tit 3.10). The idea of correction is to show the evidence of the transgression, to encourage repentance, and provide forgiveness (Lk 17.3). This step may take some time if a brother stumbles again and again (Lk 17.4). Surely the spiritual one will be plead with God for more faith as he makes every effort to restore his brother (Lk 12.58, 17.5). Admonishing, consoling, or helping demands patience (1 Thess 5.14). We must be certain not to pay back evil for evil (1 Thess 5.15). This first step is an opportunity to glorify God, support the truth- and ground it in love.

A Missed Opportunity

It is this first step of the process in which I feel bereft. This is the time to carry the burdens of one another, making no distinctions as to weather they are members or non-members. After all, when we pass the plate don’t we take up their offering? We must not discredit our ministry in any way, or be found at fault. Let us commend ourselves as servants by the hardship we endure. Let us open wide our hearts to one another. When we sit down with a brother or sister who has fallen from grace and ask them how we can help or where did we go wrong- it is then we have taken the first humble steps towards peace by showing concern (Gal 5.4, Eph 4.2, Jam 5.19, 1 Co 12.25). We must remember it is the wealth of our kindness, forbearance, and patience that leads others to repentance, not our stern rebukes (Ro 2.4). And again, mercy rejoiceth against judgment (Jam 2.13). The first step of reconciliation is the most difficult and the most profitable. Learning to do this well will help transform this Church into his image.

Events in sequence over a two week period beginning in September 2021:

These are my recollections, not factual statements. History can only be collaborated, it can not be repeated. A true historic picture assembles all of the authentic reports and collates them into a single narrative that all witnesses agree to. Unsubstantiated, single stories that are in dispute, should be discarded. We must do no injustice by deferring to a single trusted source, no matter how confident we are in their character (Lev 19.15-18). Memories are emotional, seared in our minds by the pain we experience. Over time memories fade and become less accurate. Reports generated from incomplete memories are then subject to misunderstanding and alterations as they move from one person to the next. This is one reason why it is so important to resolve our differences face to face, being slow to speak and quick to listen.

I wrote this time line expecting others to fill in the gaps with what they remember. We must be careful not to introduce hearsay into the record, no matter how much we trust the source. We also must guard against eye witness reports from people who do not want to cast the first stone (Dt 17.7). A single, unidentified witness, does not suffice to bring charges of misconduct (Dt 19.15). Ten of these spurious accounts do not equal two valid witnesses (1 Co 13.1, 1 Tm 5.19). Often people who are offended will give an emotional account of their experiences that differ from others who were present. Let all things be done decently and according to proper procedure (1 Co 14.36).

Five years ago

I attended TCGF for about a year with my family

I do not recall any substantial, unresolved conflict

I begin attending again in April 2021

Early conversations with David

Sense I had report with David when I previously attended the church, I initiated conversation with him

I am enthusiastic and excited to uncover the depths of the mid-Acts dispensationalist (Ac 18.25)

I sat with David and another man, some time in May or June; we had a good conversation about the Holy Spirit

after that David begin to refer to me as a “gainsayer”

once the name calling started I stopped engaging in conversations with David and told him why

Early conversation with Michelle and another women

Michelle initiated a question about women teachers

later I learned she was uncomfortable with my response

she asked Josh to continue the conversation

I did not detect any hurt or impropriety in these conversation

Other early efforts to start a conversation about doctrine

Dirk said he did not read much and directed me towards a young bible student

Carl did not seem interested, did not really like teaching from the pulpit

asked Dan once if he knew what dispensational teaching was about;

At this time I began to disciple Yogi

built relationship

spoke with him outside of church

got to know his family

tried to get him connected with Dirk’s small group

Exasperation with Billy

somehow I found my way over to a house church led by the charismatic Beam couple

had a sit down conversation with Billy who I had met before

had my first taste of militant King James Only teaching

Greek lexicons corrupt; all bible translation corrupt; Greek text corrupt

we got no where; over an hour of hearing every thing is corrupt but a very early copy of the King James bible; this was an eye opener for me; he reminded me of my brother Clayton;

I wound not say we had conflict, we just exchanged incredulity for an hour or so

The conflict over science and fear with Josh and Michelle: this is described above (A Conflict Resolved)

the week before the conference in a sermon Josh disparaged science

he reasoned from the KJV which translates ἀντιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως which roughly means ‘opposing false knowledge’. But KJV has “oppositions of science falsely”

KJV translates γνώσεως every other time (28 in all) as knowledge

so it appears knowledge in general is what Paul has in mind, not our modern usage of science

Paul is not against science, but what he calls contradictory and false science- in other words, Paul is calling out poor research hypothesis and theories that defy real, demonstrable science

one might even infer Paul knows the difference between good science and bad science

I thought Josh’s teaching inaccurate; he suggested Christians distance themselves from science

I was disturbed to hear the Apostle’s words distorted

I also knew Josh did not really welcome my questions or criticism

This sermon led up to me questioning him during the brake between sermons

I don’t remember much of what I said, but he took offense at my tone

after the second sermon I once again approached Josh; we had a serious confrontation;

Pete and Michelle were present

by the end of the afternoon apologies and reconciliation were made

in my view, I did not over react to Josh’s unwarranted aggression

I was in a sinful state, bitter about being side lined by Josh, and all teachers for that matter

I felt like my role was to listen but not ask questions

I would say these emotions were leaking out despite my effort to control them

Last day of the Bible conference 9/26/21

I listened to a sermon on the “mystery of his will” from Ephesians 1.9 by Josh Edwards

Josh E. admonished the Church and said “God wants us to know these things”

by the time his sermon concluded he had not told us what the mystery was (Eph 3.3); I found that awkward; if a teacher starts in Eph 1.9 he has to mention Eph 3.6; how do we make all men see if we don’t teach the context;

Rick Jordan then gave a sermon on the “Life of Eternity”

a bible teacher approached me afterward while I was still in my seat

we talked for about 20 minutes, I don’t remember the topic nor any conflict

but I must confess, looking back, I am still frustrated by not having a real opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful biblical dialogue

Brief exchange with Joshua Edwards in the parking lot

poor J. Edwards; no doubt I was too strong with some one I had never met; a sin for sure

I expressed my dismay to him for not connecting Ephesians 1.9 with the main doctrinal theme of Ephesians, which is expressed in Eph 1.10, 2.13, 2.15, 2.19, and ultimately in Eph 3.6;

the mystery in Ephesians is about the Jew and the Gentile becoming one in Christ;

the conversation lasted less than 5 minutes and no complaint was noted by brother Edwards; I admired his zeal

only as I reflect back now do I realize how terrible my approach was

certainly it was a sin I need to repent for

should I call him? how do I fix this?

clearly my agitation over not being able to make inquires and pursue conversation was getting the best of me; especially towards those who preached

Brief conversation with Rick Jordan 

chatted for a few minutes about the Philippines

mentioned mid-acts dispensational resources

absolutely no conflict

A good lunch with the family from Rochester and a woman who was telling stories

this is where most of my time was spent after the conference concluded

I wanted to sit with the bible teachers but was timid

finally I got up the confidence to sit with them

on the way I encountered Dan and the young bible student Dirk had directed me towards earlier;

they were conversing about the bible, so I sat with them instead

across from me sat the bible student, Dan was at the right of me, his Mom next to him, and Michelle sat across from Dan’s Mom

the women were not involved in the conversation at all and were busy with there own conversation

Once saved always saved discussion

at some point the discussion turned to "once saved, always saved” and the bible student asserted that no matter how one behaves, if they once believed, they will always be secure

much of this argument is speculative and anecdotal; against my best judgment I stepped into the speculating;

as far as I could tell the bible student understood salvation was disconnected from behavior (even though we are created for good works)

I thought I heard him saying salvation is the result of a cerebral process- an intellectual exercise- fully removed from actions and life style

I believe scriptures teach faith in Christ is rooted and established in love; we obey the truth (Gal 5.7), as much as we believe the truth (Eph 4.17-6.9)

I think if the bible student allowed an examination into the texts, we could be united and find mutually satisfying language

Michelle interrupted the conversion and suggested I was “angry”

Dan’s Mom said I can talk, but “no one is listening”

Dan defended me and said no one was angry

the bible student hesitantly offered that things were heating up

I was enjoying a rare opportunity to discuss the text

there was no animosity that I detected from the men

the women seemed annoyed

Outside after the luncheon: this event is described above (An Unresolved Conflict)

when the lunch concluded I went to my car and encountered Michelle on the front sidewalk; I wanted to explain that she misjudge my eagerness and excitement for anger;

Josh joined us and an altercation took place

Conflict with the bible student

once in my car I encountered the young bible student

I asked him if he would vouch for the fact I was not angry during our conversation and suggested we talk again

he rebuffed me, and said I was teaching error and salvation by works

I was surprised at his aggression and unwillingness to go any further in our conversation

I think if he was willing to search the Scriptures with, we would sharpen our teaching skills and find common ground

obviously the young bible teacher never understood what I was saying and was far to eager to divide and attack me

I may have hurt him in some way, but I did not sense that, nor did he say anything

if there is disagreement on a text, our responsibility is to teach patiently, not make ad-hominem attacks

disagreements should not lead to divisions; it is OK to have differences

Conversation with Dirk

as I continued out of the parking lot I encounter Dirk

I expressed my concern about being “kicked out of the Church”

he assured me this was unlikely; he did not mention any of the “many” reports of misconduct or false teaching that Josh described

I asked him for information on TCGG dispensational teaching and he directed me to a book in the library and some internet sources

no irritation or conflict occured

Dirk has always been respectful and helpful

Two phone conversations with Josh in February of 2022

the first phone call was an effort of mine to pursue interpersonal reconciliation for what Josh referred to as an “adversarial” relationship

it was at that time Josh declined meeting with me and instead informed me I was suspended from the church

about four days later as I was writing this report, I felt pressed by what I believe was the Spirit to text Josh and once again ask if we could handle this privately, he declined

Josh had many memories of previous discussion with me that I could not collaborate with my memories

Josh did agree with all of my recollections;

I don’t trust my own independent recollections, but always seek collaboration to determine what happened

he seemed to indicate that my story, my honest recollection of the events was “divisive” and argumentative

it seems my side of the story is not allowed, I feel hurt about that

Conclusion

I have found Craig, Mike, Tom, and Dirk, especially courteous, respectful, and a real delight to chat with

Carl… would love to get to know him better, but is not easy to engage

Lee seems cool, a super helper, but really have not had a chance to get to know him

Josh… I had esteemed him so highly, it brakes my heart to see us so opposed and over what I still don’t know; but I am sure it is an interpretation of the things I have written here; I left nothing out

I did invite the whole Church to my house this summer; I bbq for everyone; we all had a good time

I will always consider TCGF part of my heritage and an important part of the body of Christ

for those who want to examine me closer, interview my best friend Pete, know one knows me better; interview Yogi to see how I disciple new believers;

Thank you for hearing my story. I look forward to writing part two: After The Meeting