Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Please Pray For Our Church

As many of you know we have been in a real battle to retain our church property. We were under the covering of a group that promised the world and delivered very little. The Potter's House came out from under the spiritual covering of this group in 2007. They have lead us to believe that they would sign the property back to the church. This week we received and official letter from their lawyer that appears they never intended to do that. Instead they want us to vacate so they can sell the church out from under those of us who worship there. There is so much I just don't feel like getting into because it is so aggravating. Please pray for The Potter's House as we are being forced out of our church. Feel free to ask any questions and I will respond if I have an answer.

9 comments:

Ken Tuck said...

Hey Bro. I hate what is going on, but I honestly can say I'm not surprised by that group's actions.
But stay strong Bro. You are an awesome man of God and the greatest leader I have ever had the honor to serve with. The Potter's House will most definitely survive this. God has done too much and touched too many lives there over the years. A lot of people have been saved through the ministry that has come out of The Potter's House while you have been the pastor. Stay strong in Christ and don't take your eye off of God and what's really important. God's justice will prevail in the end, and The Potter's House will be blessed for being obedient to God and for handling this situation with godly integrity.
Martha and I are praying for y'all and will continue to.
I love you Bro.

Pastor Mike's Blog said...

Thanks for your constant encouragement. This is one of those deals where you really want to make people aware of the conduct of others. But what good would that do...just more church people fighting. My instinct is to fight back, but my spirit feels like walking away and trusting God is the better course of action. I am not perfect, but to intentionally mislead is so unethical. Anyway before my aggrevation begins to flow I just wanted to say thank you. Please remember to pray for us.
Mike

Ken Tuck said...

I think you are making a wise decision, even though I know it's a painful one. What they are doing is unethical, but not unlawful. It's hard to believe a so-called Christian organization would operate that way. But, by turning the other cheek and showing godly intergrity, you will be the ones blessed. Once y'all are totally out from under them the better off all of you will be. God has great plans. Though it's tough and aggrevating right now, one day, you will be able look back and say "thank you God for making us stronger through all the trials and tribulations."
Hang in there. I love you Bro., and I'm praying.

Pastor Mike's Blog said...

I don't want to walk in fear or worry...but this effects so many wonderful people. I am concerned it may cause some to quit coming, and we have worked so hard to grow our church. Also, I have an employee that I am concerned for. Lisa does a great job. This could effect both of our salaries in a huge way...I have always tried to watch out for my staff. Justin is okay as he no longer receives a salary, but he has invested alot in our church. Tony and Doug has done tons of work. There are so many that I cannot list all that everyone has done. I know they did it for God. We have all tithed and gave sacrificially. Not only that we have alot of new people that I don't want to offend. So pray that I can break the news tactfully. This is really weighing on me today. I AM TRUSTING GOD...ITS JUST THAT THING OF BEING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIRE!

Debbie DuBose said...

Pastor Mike. I haven't been up long this morning so don't really have my thoughts together. I am so hurt and angry by what one man is doing.
I was in the first meeting the first time he ever came to town. I heard ALL the grand promises made. He was the one that named our church. What are your feelings, since he is forcing us to start over, about changing the name of our church? At that meeting, tho I can't remember them, there were other names suggested but to no avail.

I believe in you. I know without a doubt that you love this church and are doing everything in your power to perserve it and move forward in a positive direction. Please be encouraged. God is certainly with us through this.
Just as we all have to answer for the wrongs we've done, this man will answer for his. I pity him on that day.

Pastor Mike's Blog said...

Thanks for your input Deb.... Honestly, I would have never named our church The Potter's House...I mean how original. It's a copy-cat name. I know Tony really felt like the church was on the potters wheel during those times. The obstacle is that we have made a good name for ourselves. I would like a more relevant name. At this point my concern is to have a place to gather for worship. I would like to consider the awesome reality that we can start over (or maybe fresh is a better word). It all depends on how things go. Someone else asked me that question and I jokingly said...let's see how our reputation is at the end of our relocation. As far as the person who came in to be our covering. He needs to resign. His board needs to resign. What he does is not ministry. For years he held me at arms legnth because I never bought into his style of leadership...that is the narcasisstic model.

justin said...

Although we have a good reputation in the community, we have to look forward and not behind. God can deal with the man that is trying hold us back. Our focus has to be on the people that God WILL save in our ministry, not on those He has already saved. A new name and new location just may give us the momentum we need. I value the next generation. I am ready to invest more in our future. Who is with me?

Pastor Mike's Blog said...

Justin,
You have always been with us! You have always invested...so to say...put your money where your mouth is. I appreciate your constant selfless support of our ministry.
PMS

Scott Curington said...

Pastor Mike, I know this is an old post, I just found your blog today. I hate it when people talk out of both sides of their mouths, it happens, even with christians. I think that by putting it behind you and moving on you are doing the best thing. The Potters House has always held a special place in my families heart. Sometimes I feel that WOL ministries has done more hurt than good. Will be in town in the next few weeks or at Christmas, maybe we can get together and talk. Any thing I can do for ya'll in the move, reorganization, whatever ya'll are calling it, just let me know.

The following and a $1.76 will get you a glass of sweet tea at Beef's, but the question about changing the name should be when, not if.

Again, any way I can help you, let me know.

Love ya'll.