Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry
It may be Gene only offended one, two, or three out of the locality. Also Ohio, "if" implies elder #1 or elder #2 having to go to Gene (who many not have served in the capacity of a responsible brother) about the offense.
Not going to happen. Understand double-standards exist in the church regarding offenses and repentance. An #1 elder can offend a brother and he doesn't have to do anything about the offense. However if a brother or sister offends a #1 elder, if they want to go on in the church, they will be required to repent.
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I don't think Gene offended anyone. Everyone loved Gene because Gene was lovable.
But bro Zeek pointed out something yesterday on the phone : Bro Gene had a stable independent relationship with the Lord. He came to meetings, but not all of them. He was cavalier about the meetings. But he was committed. He brought his coin collection to his first burning ... Kangas (elders) glommed it (illegal to damage money), it was a bucket of money. He had his own walk with the Lord and the Bible. You could have a higher level of fellowship with Gene than with most. But he was too independent for Mel's comfort.
The local church of Witness Lee couldn't/can't truck very well with the independent types. Those of critical self thinking wasn't/isn't going to last in the local churches of Witness Lee (Leeites). Only those at the top get to be thinkers. Only those at the top don't have to get out of their mind.
But it can be said with certainty that, Mel Porter was out of his mind. Coming after me, and Hosepipe, was one thing. But going after Gene was a big mistake.