SLAP

Written by cycleguy on December 1st, 2014

I’m not really sure what I want to call this.

I had in mind Gibbs slap. If you have ever watched NCIS then you know a Gibbs slap is when he wants to make a point or get someone’s attention. He slaps them on the back of the head.

My other thought was a palm to forehead slap. No need to explain that one. ๐Ÿ™‚

What has got me thinking this way? I try really hard to do or seldom do anything remotely negative on my blog. I want it to be a place where God is honored and I can present different “takes” on the church, faith, and other ideas.

But I just read something over the weekend and then again today which stopped me dead in my tracks. Of all the Gibb’s slapping and face palming to be done, this is one reason. Take a gander at this.

PLEASE…OH PLEASE TELL ME I DIDN’T READ WHAT I THINK I READ!!

Did I really read a woman in her 90s; a member of a church for over 50 years; sick for the past 10 years; spent part of the last two years in a hospital, nursing home or a coma, was denied having her funeral done because she had not paid her dues? Did I really see the pastor of the church refused because she hadn’t paid her tithes? Did I really read the pastor has a lot of gall to make this call when he himself fell far short of the church’s stated goal?

I know I am not the perfect person, let alone pastor, but this has got me totally baffled. Maybe there is more to this (but I doubt it). I honestly could not live with myself, nor would I want anything to do with the “Christianity” this church is peddling if this is the result. Forgive me for being so negative, but doesn’t this get to you?

I’d like to hear your thoughts.

 

35 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    I am not sure why you are so up in arms. That church’s position seems perfectly reasonable to me…. Oh, and today is opposite day (smiles).

  2. Betty Draper says:

    I have seen some pretty nasty things done in my time by people who claim to be Christians, but that one sickens and grieves me. If I was a member there I would be in that pastors and leadership face about this one. Sad, sad, sad. I know tons of good pastors to let this one bad one keep me from going to church or stop calling my self a Christian. Just goes to show that there is nothing new under the sun. If people judge God from this man then they have judge God wrong. This man should be judge for what he is and not for the title he wears so loosely. God help us who claim the name of Christ to walk a clean life before the world.

    • cycleguy says:

      Like you, Betty, I know there are plenty of good pastors to not allow this bad egg to overshadow that. I also know God will judge (good thing). Your last sentence should be a daily prayer for all of us.

  3. Can’t imagine it. But someone slapped me on the back of the head like that a few years ago at work. It didn’t happen again.

    • cycleguy says:

      Can’t imagine either. Interested in knowing why it didn’t happen again. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • It was one of our Sr. VP’s. After I took an entire weekend to cool off (you might say I was a bit hot over it), I approached him and respectfully told him that I would not tolerate it again. It’s probably a good thing I’m not my dad because I may have never gotten to that point.

        • cycleguy says:

          That is unacceptable. You handled it right by walking away until you cooled down. I jokingly might do it but NEVER to make a point. You did it right.

  4. Sharon says:

    I really don’t have the words…mostly because none of them would be considered good. Honestly, really?? I can’t believe this. However, the dumb and shallow and petty depths to which we humans can sink never ceases to astound (and dismay) me.

    Aren’t you glad that we are not treated by Jesus in the same ways that we treat others? What if we were denied the cross because of our shortcomings?? Salvation requires no “entrance fee” – only a heart that believes in the Son of God and a mouth that confesses to that Truth.

    This poor woman. But I actually feel more sorry for the people who stooped this low. She’s home with the Lord – sounds like some other people need to reflect on the One who paid the ultimate price.

    GOD BLESS.

    • cycleguy says:

      Words failed me as well Sharon. I am totally baffled by it. And yes, I am glad God does not treat me that way. If so, I am doomed for sure.

  5. Rodney Olsen says:

    What is there to say? That’s so wrong in every way.

    Has our faith in Christ become a pay as you use service? Has the church completely given into consumerism in offering a ‘you get what you pay for’ mentality? God forbid.

  6. jeff says:

    It appears that preacher is counting on Grace a bit more than most.

  7. Ben Nelson says:

    I am hoping against hope that this is not real – that it is disgruntled folks venting to the media and the truth being spun, but it is horrible, sickening. Even a perception like this can turn many from Christ.

    We must have no appearance of evil, and this smacks of evil on every side. I would hope for church leaders to be at that bed side contending with the family, rather than discounting their membership based on giving habits. Our pastors and elders are not privy to who is giving what. We keep the list of folks who know names and numbers down to just those who need to know for reporting and book keeping.

    wish i could un-read that
    thanks Pastor Bill

    • cycleguy says:

      That is why I put that exception in there Ben. I am hoping there is more to this than what meets the eye. Some reason other than pure stupidity. You are right though, it does smack of evil. Thanks for the input.

  8. This type of treatment is inexcusable if, indeed, we assume the article is telling the truth. So many people out there are waiting for any new excuse to bash Christianity. This situation adds fuel to their fire.
    Blessings, Bill!

    • cycleguy says:

      You are right Martha. So many are looking for the new excuse. This would be one they could hang their hat on. Thanks for visiting my blog.

  9. Meekly Seeking says:

    Wow. Well. I certainly hope his church people have a better understanding of our mission here on earth, as well as their stated mission.

    Hopefully they will now have their eyes opened and tell him to go start his “God-club”elsewhere.

    I do sincerely pray that no others are HIS true followers and subscribe to that confusion. I also pray that this hurtful action will be his personal eye opener and point of change that leads him to truly become a Christ follower. I pray that the family of the deceased lady do not confuse “Pastor Houston’s” thinking with God’s ways! What a sad loss that would be. May that community wrap that family in true God’s love.

  10. Deb Wolf says:

    Head slap worthy indeed. I’ve seen this headline go through my news feed a few times, and like you, I hoped that there was more to the story. But no one seems to refute it. We have a long way to go as His followers to shine the light of His love. Especially when it’s so easy to do the opposite. My constant prayer is to shine.

    My grandson loves to sing “This Little Gospel Light of Mine.” His favorite verse is don’t you try to whoosh it out. I pray to never unknowingly or otherwise be the whoosh in anyone’s life.

    Blessings on your day, Bill!

    • cycleguy says:

      I keep hoping someone will refute it also Deb but have yet to see it. I will recant my post if I do. Like you, I do not to be guilty of putting out the light of Christ in anyone’s life. Thanks.

  11. Eh, it gets to me in a way. But it just sounds so off base to my way of thinking that it’s like it’s another religion. Crazy.

  12. the Old Adam says:

    This is a result of pure legalism.

    Christians do not have to pay tithes.

    A tithe is calculated. Christians give freely from the heart. We don’t calculate our giving. At least we ought not to.

    • cycleguy says:

      Absolutely correct Stephen! My gripe wasn’t even with that. My beef was his refusal to do a funeral because he says she didn’t “pay her dues.” But i do agree with you on all of your statement.

  13. floyd says:

    There’s nothing remotely Christ like in their actionsโ€ฆ They need to change their name and not slander the name of the Savior! The One who did the exact opposite of this modern day brood of vipers!!!

  14. cycleguy says:

    From Pamela David: Sounds more like a Cult than a church. That pastor needs to get on his knees and ask forgiveness, and apologize to the woman’s family.

    • cycleguy says:

      After reading the history and more on their website, I have serious doubts he will do that. But you are most definitely on the right track. Thanks Pamela for stopping by.

  15. Rick Dawson says:

    I guess my first reaction is that this isn’t a church, it is a club – they kept referring to paying dues – and, based on the rest of the story, it has nothing to do with Christ and everything to do with individuals who saw this woman as a part of an income stream and not as a sister in need. I suspect they didn’t visit her, either – looking at the size of the church building? Someone could have made an effort to stay in touch with her.

    May God have more mercy on them than they displayed to this family.

    • cycleguy says:

      Checking out their site reveals a big emphasis on what I would consider law and legalism Rick. Gives me the shivers. According to the daughter they didn’t visit and yet they have the nerve to…well, never mind.

  16. Wow. Ridiculous. My parents left church when I was a first grader because they asked them to tithe a specific amount of money–money that they did not have. It’s so sad when there are people who dishonor Christ this way, but then again we shouldn’t be surprised because this kind of behavior goes all the way back to Acts, doesn’t it?

    • cycleguy says:

      Sadly, your words show this is not an isolated incident. This stuff happens more than we know. It is just that this daughter wanted to say something and speak out. And you are right Melanie. We shouldn’t be surprised.

  17. nancy says:

    He’ll be answering for it at the “Pearly Gates” and he will be judged much harder… He doesn’t ask very much of us except just to Love one another as ourselves and tells us this is the most important task He entrusts us with…

    Kind of seems like a whole lot of judging and not much loving… But I wouldn’t presume to judge…