[Ohio]

Originally Posted by aron

Here's a post from a dumb American who opened his mouth. Bad move. Keep your mouth shut in the LC, if you want to "make it."

Originally Posted by Elden1971

Thanks for asking about my "excommunication". In an attempt to help a young brother that I brought to the church in OKC who was under condemnation for his personal failings I told him all have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord and even our dear Bro. Lee had done illegal acts and the Lord had forgiven him and was still using him. This helped the brother and we prayed and he left.

The next day he apparently shared his testimony with another brother who immediately reported to James Barber that I had said Bro. Lee had done illegal acts. James called an emergency meeting of the elders and called me to come meet with them. Upon arrival James informed me that what I said was a lie and unless I repented I would be excommunicated. Of course what I had said was the truth regarding Bro. Lee committing illegal acts was absolutely true and I had been intimately involved in helping Francis Ball prepare his legal defense had he been caught (in retrospect what I said about Lee repenting may have been wrong) but suffice it to say I was in a real quandary.

If I am to stay in Fellowship then I must say what I said was a lie when in fact it was the truth. I did not have the peace to uncover the sins of Bro. Lee even though I knew he was guilty so I reflected inwardly and said Lord I choose You and the Spirit of Glory fell upon me. I said nothing in my defense and James pronounced my excommunication and the other elders nodded in agreement (two of whom I had brought to the church the other two appointed by Benson. Only James had spoken and thus I was excommunicated from the church in OKC that had been birthed in my heart and started in my home.

Everyone should carefully read this testimony. The faithful who remain in the LC will dismiss it, pointing you to some wonderful footnote which will "give life," but when it comes to the demands for righteous behavior in the kingdom of God, this story tells us differently ...

1. Even if Lee is wrong, he is still right
2. Because only Lee is above the law
3. Never shepherd a young brother using Lee as an example
4. The truth must never get in the way of defending Lee
5. Lee never needs to repent, that would be a mistake
6. Speaking the truth about Lee will get you excommunicated
7. Remaining in the LC requires you to speak Lee's words not the truth
8. All must choose between the spirit of Lee and the Spirit of glory
9. Oneness with the ministry demands a dirty conscience
10. Regarding mistakes, being a "spiritual father" only helps if you are Lee