Much dis-sention was happening amongst the congregation when Jon announced Neil as Co- pastor.
John told the congregation to be quiet. Neil was his friend and he didn't want to hear any gossip from the congregation about Neil.
Saying " The only Sin that could send us to hell was "GOSSIPING"
Vicki Pufahl and I looked at one another knowing full well " The only sin that could send us to Hell was Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit"
Realizing what Jon said was meant to intimidate us to just shut up.
Vicki was called into the office first
She was told she had a "Religious Spirit" and was never to cross the threshold of Foursquare ever again. I was called into the office next but I refused to let them humiliate me.
I went back to Foursquare one last time. Cried my tears, said my goodbyes to my home church and walked Away on my own.
Before I walked out the door Marc handed me a note stating that I had a Religious Spirit which needed to be dealt with!
Guess "Religious Spirit" was the spiritual term used to degrade anyone who dis-agreed with the direction our church was now headed towards.
Much heartache,
Darlene Studdard
I forgive you John. I am sad that you lost out on the opportunity to Mentor under one of the most godly pastors Jerry Ruff. When Jerry got down on his knees weeping , asking you not to give the church to Neal.
I so wish the Holy Spirit had empowered you to make the right choice.
But the Holy Spirit is a gentleman not forcing His will upon us.
We all have Free Will and there are consequences good or bad for our own Choices.
No one came out of this Unscaved!
Not Foursquare, Not You and your wife, Not us who called Foursquare our church home.
Not the founders who built Foursquare.
Pastor Jerry Ruff Could have mentored you into a godly pastor who loved God above all else, who loved God's truth above all else.
Jerry would have molded you into a man of God on fire for God way and truth.
Jerry and Sandy were on fire for God's truth. immeasurable Love for God and His truth.
I am sorry for what happened to you and your wife too.
Standing up and admitting the whole truth is the Godly thing to do!
Proud of You!