Monday, March 14, 2011

Travis' Story

Starts with a preacher-boy

My wife and I desired to help a recently married couple and gave them a couple of documents that would help them better understand their roles within the marriage.  The one given to Ben Wiebe, a preacher-boy in another IFB church, described his role including his spiritual responsibilities to his wife and future family.
While not the direct intent of the document, he began to look for validation of the ‘pastoral authority’ claimed by his pastor.  Late one evening he asked the assistant pastor (the senior pastor being out of town) for clarification on the subject.  His mannerism was quiet and sincere, but the question was not answered that night.
Instead, the following morning and without notifying my friend, the assistant pastor notified all of the men in the church that this young man was into heresy and was to be handled with care.

Then some meetings

Once the senior pastor returned, he asked what had caused the question and found out that I had passed on some information.  This preacher then notified my preacher who called me for a meeting in his office.
The meeting with my preacher was quiet and reasonable.  We discussed the document and found that the only point of contention was the style of church leadership advocated by the author.  I don’t remember him making a big deal of it.  We agreed that we should meet with the preachers and my friend to see if we could diffuse this situation.  It all seemed quite harmless.
The meeting was in the home of the asst. pastor and the women were excused when we arrived.  There were 5 of us in the living room as we discussed the problem.  I attempted to explain that there really wasn’t a problem and the entire situation simply wouldn’t have occurred if the asst. pastor had taken the time to answer the question.  As I began to lay out the timeline, the senior pastor quickly got out of his seat, yelling at the young man next to me about something completely unrelated.  I let him finish his rant and then turn to my friend and advised him to apologize for asking the question.  My preacher agreed with my advice.  Ben did just that, and also gave a carefully worded apology to the church the following Sunday.

What I noticed

I have two major issues with how that meeting went down: 1) it was okay for a man in his 50s to yell in anger at his own preacher-boy, and 2) my preacher didn’t think twice about approving and accepting a completely pointless apology.  Don’t get me wrong: yelling is a tactic used in combat situations to mess with the opponent’s mind.  I get that.  I also know that the apology for asking the question was sincere, but it didn’t address the core issue: the young man’s question still remained unanswered.  Although it wasn’t spoken out loud, everyone in the room knew this.
I hoped to improve the situation
During a discussion with my preacher in the days that followed, I expressed a desire for him to get to know me better.  I thought a healthy relationship between the two of us would help him understand that I really didn’t have anything against him or his methods (boy was I ignorant!)  We went out for lunch one day and he spent the entire time quizzing me about what was going on in my life that could be improved by a better relationship between the two of us.  I let it slip that I didn’t think that Ben would last much longer because of how the situation was handled.  I pointed out that his question remained unanswered.  I didn’t say much else except to say that we really didn’t know each other personally and I would need time before I could really share my unpolished opinions with him.
I never got that opportunity with him again.
(I wasn’t aware of this until much later, but only a few days after my lunch meeting, Ben’s pastor told him that God had spoke to him saying, “Travis is a snake in the grass.”)

Greener grass?

It was now evident that my preacher didn’t have any intention of helping me work through a few questions of my own, so I began looking at other options for fellowship.
It took a few months, but we found an option that looked like it would work, so we quietly ventured out on our own.
Rumors spread; had a deacon corner me - at a funeral no less - and make accusations, so I wrote an open letter to anyone that would read it. I did my best to not wrong anyone and I had to do my part to set the record straight.

What remains is public

I have copies of the emails and documents that went back & forth shortly after.  I’ve been told that the letter written to me from the preacher was also read to the congregation.  Feel free to read them.  They speak plainly to the events shortly after leaving the meeting place at Pembina and First.

What happened to the preacher-boy?

He left the IFB church about the same time I left.  He asked me to make sure the reader understands that he is no longer affiliated with that debauchery.

w.travis.peters@gmail.com

Administrator note: Feel free to ask direct questions in the comments section, Travis can answer them directly.

115 comments:

Anonymous said...

So you left because you could not spend more time with your pastor?

Travis said...

...mous 3:53
ya, I should have just said one sentence to that effect. It was a complete waste to say anything more. Ugh.

Anonymous said...

Attention Travis @ 14 March, 2011 5:43 PM

Dear Travis, some of the ones you "quietly" led to your Morden basement did not stay there and have quietly come back to church. I guess when the going gets rough, than the hirling bails.

Dad said...

...mous 3:53
I apologize for the sarcasm earlier.
If you would, please post your phone number here. I'd like to call and read you the rest of my post.

Dad said...

...mous 6:40PM
Everyone involved was aware we were going to be relocating. We had been planning the move before walking away from the bondage in Winkler. I was no more their pastor, shepherd or elder than Sullivant is your bartender. Unlike the ideal PVBC'r, those that met with me were free to make their own choices.

Anonymous said...

You failed to mention in your story that you led some away and attempted to tart your own church. Minor detail.

A little oxymoronic don't you think? or contradictory or whatever three dollar word you wanna use! You left quietly yet you spoke loud enough to draw some away. Lame is the life form who has to degenerate to stealing other churches sheep cause theys be too lazy to go gets their own. What church do you attend now? Who is your pastor?

Dad said...

...mous 10:29PM
You're good at making false accusations, why not just fill in the blanks yourself?

Anonymous said...

So is it true that you are a Calvinist, or what do you believe that is so against the "baptist" way?

Anonymous said...

Travis is a Calvinist. That is why he had to try to steal other church members.

Calvinists believe that God predestines someone to heaven or hell. That is why he should be marked as a heretic.

Anonymous said...

So what church is it? Do you even attend? BTW, your ideals are a little lame as evidenced by those who followed you were not subjected to torture from Pembina/first for leaving, cause you are right- they followed you of their own choosing-- (kinda hard to leave bondage under your own volition with no repercussion)and subsequently freely choose to come back. Individual sole liberty.


BTW,

"Travis Peters said...
...mous 6:40PM
Everyone involved was aware we were going to be relocating..."

1) who is "everyone"?
2) what were you/they "involved" in?
3) what is this "we" business?

sounds a little slithery to me!

Travis said...

Mmmmm Tasty morsels! I'm surprised that this is the best you can come up with.

Everyone - Anyone who knew me and the job I had.
Being "involved" in a home Bible study with friends and family warrants all of this? LOL!
We - Me, my wife and children.

Yup. Snakes on a plane.

This is exactly what I meant earlier. Once you've entered PVBC, you cannot leave without being lied about.

Anonymous said...

who has lied about you?

Blainer said...

To Anonymous:
You seem to know a lot about Travis. Since you surely have proof to back up your accusations, why not share it with us? Or do you not come from the camp that vociferously shrills for proof whenever an accusation is leveled?

Anonymous said...

So true! Their King is a pretty good liar and teach them well.

Anonymous said...

Travis,
Is this really your story?

Nosy said...

Seriously?? Calvanism equals heretic? Obviously cultic doctrine going on here! Even if you don't agree with Calvinism yourself, I seriously pity you for holding such an elitist position. By limiting your fellowship so drastically you are missing out on the joy of serving alongside many Christian brothers and sisters. Just a little rabbit trail . . .

Shooter said...

So what do you believe that is so damning?

choir girl said...

"anything that is not baptist doctrine is heresy" because "baptist doctrine IS bible doctrine" said by big Mike himself.

Anonymous said...

You should read what the Bible say about those that led other believers astray.

Read Galatians 1 then you'll see whats wrong with Calvinists doctrine

choir girl said...

How many people has Mike lead astray????

How many go directly against what the bible says because of him and his teaching/advice?

Anonymous said...

choir girl,

Name one biblical doctrine that is tought that is not based on the Bible.

choir girl said...

How about I give you 2? although it is not limited to these 2...

1. Dying to self. We're already dead in Christ Romans 6 puts that doctrine to rest very nicely. When Paul said "I die daily" in 1 cor. 15:31, you should take into context the verse before when he says "And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?" literally talking about DEATH.

2. the Baptist confessional (all based on 1 John 1:9, when that was clearly meant to unbelievers). Catholic much?

Dad said...

...mous 4:11 PM & choir girl,
Can we stay on topic, please?

If you want to talk doctrine, start a facebook group and invite me. I'll be glad to get in the ring.

Dad said...

You'll notice that it's my intent to point out the power play made by Mike and others in his realm.

Anonymous said...

Travis,

What do you believe on the topic of Calvinism?

shooter said...

choir girl,

not very impressive.
The fleshly desires are to be put to death. so I'm not sure What you're trying to say about that.

You are wrong about 1 John 1:9 the context is to believers. Read through to Chapter 2:7 he is talking to "Brethren"

So I don't think there is doctrinal error on those points

Anonymous said...

Who are you Travis to give marriage counsel?

choir girl said...

so IF we do NOT confess our sins then we are not cleansed from our unrighteousness, right? so what happens to those who do not "confess" and then die??? it does not line up with scripture! what it does line up with is catholic doctrine.

it is then our work to become righteous? when in truth it is the blood of Christ that does that.

I will not reply to any more doctrinal questions as this is not the place.

The Bridge Is Out said...

Bible interpretation isn't the focus of this blog - it's how churches abuse power.

Please see our new Comment Policy

Ben Wiebe said...

I am the "preacher boy" Travis spoke of in his posting.
My wife picked me up from the terminal of my employer, a long distance trucking company, early this afternoon. So this is my first chance to read the drivel spouted by this anonymous coward, who doesn't even have the courage to identify him/herself!
You are a fine one to make all kinds of accusations from your lofty, self-righteous, throne.
I'll have you know that Travis was FAR more discreet and forgiving than he needed to be. Also, had I written the article, I would have had no issue with being ABSOLUTELY blunt and at times crudely to the point about the blatant disregard of their "God-given" roles! Only in the Mennonite churches have I noticed such a TOTAL disregard for and callous misrepresentation of God's Holy Word!
-Ben Wiebe (ex-Baptist preacher boy)

Anonymous said...

Only as anonymous as Travis was when he staged his little exit stage left with his following.

Shooter said...

so if the Bible is what we base our belief on and we can't give our interpretation then how does anyone know if they have been Biblicaly abused

Laura Sullivant said...

I find it VERY interesting,that both on my blog AND on this one...when it comes to attacking those of us who have left the PVBC 'fold',it is rare for people to use their actual names.

People are so quick to unleash their harsh,UNBIBLICAL judgements yet choose to hide behind the cloak of anonymity.

If we that have escaped that man's rule are so evil...Why are you all so afraid to reveal your names?

Is it because you aren't really sure that what we're telling is false? Are you afraid to actually TALK to one of us for fear of actually hearing the TRUTH??

Tabitha Friesen said...

To Shooter,

Biblical abuse is using the Bible as justification to abuse. The abuse is emotional, psychological, and sometime physical, just like any other abuse. Biblical abuse is just dressed up to "look" right because someone tries to tie a Bible verse to it. Abuse is wrong regardless of what verse you try to use to make it look better.

Anonymous said...

"I will not reply to any more doctrinal questions as this is not the place.
16 March, 2011 5:37 PM"

you all are crying about separation.... wha wha wha... boo hoo. But we are not allowed to use and Bible in defense of separation or doctrine. Wow, what a concept, using the Bible for discerning and decision making. Maybe some of us choose to stay anonymous because we do not want you to try to corner us in a mall or something like that and try to make us come to your "truth sessions for the Rebellious and the disgruntled" club.

Larry Brownsberger said...

anonymous, really? you are acusing travis of heresy? When I could be accusing the church of the same thing, false prophets, casting demons in and out of people, where do you get off pointing the finger, i'll bet you haven't done your research and you're just mindless yes-man. Where do we get our authority you ask? I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart when i was a child and there is no other God but him whom i serve and having the holy spirit reside in me, that is where "I" get my authority from. one other thing anonymous, use your real name if you are going to point the finger and make accusations, i have nothing to hide and do not fear what any man say's or does to me for my beliefs.

john and heather dyck said...

i totally agree with you laura, people only get defensive when they are not sure about what they are saying. isnt that what the Lord says about being built on a rock or sand. built on sand and you are wishy washy, built on the ROCK-JESUS CHRIST and we are stable and cannot be moved because God is our foundation. we commend you and your wife travis for speaking the truth and letting what happened be known. God Bless You.....

Shooter said...

Tabitha Friesen

I bet you don't have a verse to back up biblical abuse.

God said that you only get saved one way. now is that narrow or can we be dogmatic about that?

the problem come whan a preacher preaches against our pet sin, now that's when we all claim abuse.

tell me if I'm wrong. I'm sure you will.

C.H.Cummins said...

this proves that the new era of "christianity" does not need the Bible. They have there feelings.

Bible Proof said...

The bible clearly says talks about men who misuse their position and the people who follow them.

Eze 34:1-6
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.
My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

Rom 16:17-18
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2Pe 2:1-3
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

what is misuse? said...

Misuse of position or perceived misuse of position? Who then is the judge over position misused? Do you know of anyone in any position of authority who is perfect? At what point are those under authority misused? What biblical examples do we have of the different realms of authority and proper use of position vs. misuse of position along with correct responses?

Anonymous said...

misuse of an authoritative position like pastor would obviously be when they would preach anything other then what the bible says or live anything other then what the bible directs. when the authority expects people to stand behind him when he says, acts or lives anything that is contrary to Gods word. so the judge would be Gods Word. such as our experience, to go to Gods Word and prove that the pastor was allowing things in the church that were clearly "against" Gods Word and the pastor shutting his bible and saying "i know i am wrong" but i am going to allow it in the church anyway.

Shooter said...

http://www.bible-truth.org/Separation.html

theme verse said...

...An observation. I happened upon your theme verse this morning while reading in Ephesians. I believe the context of that verse is in the local church setting. I am not sure how this particular blog fits into that usage as I don't see the other elements talked about in the surrounding context in play here. Just my humble opinion. Btw, Ephesians 4 is a great chapter...

Heb 4:12 said...

"Apostates and compromisers undertake their nefarious activities, and Bible-believing Christians blow the whistle on them. For so doing, the separatists are deemed troublemakers and disturbers of the peace!" Ernest Pickering

Heb 4:12 said...

From out the millions of the earth
God often calls a man
To preach the Word
And for the Truth to take a royal stand.
'Tis sad to see him shun the cross,
nor stand in its defense;
Between the fields of right and wrong,
A preacher on the fence.

Before him are the souls of men
Bound for heaven or hell;
An open Bible in his hand,
And yet he will not tell
All the truth that's written there;
To them 'twould be an offense.
The joys of heaven, the woes of hell.
A preacher on the fence.

Now surely God has called a man
To battle for the right;
'Tis his to ferret out the wrong,
And turn on us the light.
And yet he dare not tell the truth;
He fears the consequence;
The most disgusting thing on earth
Is a preacher on the fence.

If he should stand up for the wrong,
The right he'd not defend.
If he should stand up for the right,
The wrong he would offend.
His mouth is closed; he cannot speak
For freedom or against.
Great God, please deliver us
From a preacher on the fence!

But soon both sides will find him out,
And brand him as a fraud.
A coward who dares not to please
the devil or his God.
Oh Lord, free us from fear of man;
From cowardly pretense;
Cleanse out the dross and fear of loss,
And keep us off the fence!

At least you know that at pembina and first their on the right side of the fence!!
Not so objective if you know what I mean?

Mrs. Travis said...

I've been reading through the comments, and I haven't seen anyone mention what the blog post was about.

Many people want to label Travis with being a Calvinist, or just enter into a doctrinal debate. No one has mentioned that Ben was marked by his pastors, before he had a chance to discuss his question with them. Ben's question was left unanswered.

The question likely made the leadership uneasy. If the article was correct, they would lose control over the lives of their church members. Instead of having a legitimate conversation, the leadership went directly to intimidation tactics. Travis' preacher did nothing to encourage a calm conversation about the question. He sat by and allowed Ben's preacher to yell and rant off topic.

Is this how one Christian should encourage another Christian to become grounded in the Word of God? Shortly there after, Ben was told that Travis was a snake in the grass. Travis was never approached to discuss his so-called heresies, and to help bring him back into the fold.

There is much talk in IFB circles about how to handle conflicts. There are two witnesses in this story of the poor behavior of two IFB preachers, yet the hostility is turned towards the church members who refused to be intimidated and left the IFB church.

Travis said...

Heb 4:12 says...
From out the millions of the earth
God often calls a man
To preach the Word
And for the Truth to take a royal stand.

Truth is not for one man to hold up.

Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Every saint is responsible to exercise wise judgment here on earth.

"1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1Co 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the previous conduct of those who are the accused (now becoming the accusers) causes others to approach the situation with a high degree of presuppositionism and with justifiable cause.

Anonymous said...

So what was the doctrine that caused all the fuss with Ben and Travis?

Travis said...

...mous 8:58PM
When the accusers are completely ignorant to the true purpose of the accused simply for lack of information, presupposition and prejudice is not justified.

...mous 12:42AM
The fuss was a simple (and quiet) request to go through the Bible passages that support Ben's preacher's position on pastoral authority.

Anonymous said...

Travis said...
"...mous 8:58PM
When the accusers are completely ignorant"

You are the one accusing others and therefore you are calling yourself "completely ignorant"

BTW, what church do you go to now? Do you allow your kids to go to Sunday school yet?

Nick said...

Lot's of talk about Calvinism. Charles Spurgeon, the Baptist preacher, was an unashamed Calvinist. There's a portion of a handwritten sermon by Spurgeon hanging on a wall at PVBC.

Anonymous said...

No Nick, only you keep bringing it up and trying to push your agenda.

Travis said...

...mous 2:28 PM
I'm not making blind accusations. Everything I've related ACTUALLY HAPPENED to ME. I am an eye-witness.

Sunday School: I can understand that there are instances where the parent(s) cannot fulfill their responsibility to educate their children. I do not have the opportunity to excuse myself of that responsibility.

Nick,
Calvinism was not at issue in my case.

Nick said...

Fair enough, Travis.

Anonymous 12:42 AM: There are at least 6 posts here before mine that mention Calvinism. Try to keep up. I hadn't read anything here for a while, and when I did, I felt the need to comment. Besides, the issue remains. Spurgeon was a Calvinist Baptist. John Newton was a Calviniist, and he was mentioned favourably accross the pulpit at PVBC. There have been others.

Oh, btw, Jesus would be considered a Calvinist, and so would Paul. I'd be happy to "push my agenda" and show this to you from the Scriptures, but this is apparently not the place to do it. :)

Anonymous said...

Do you go to church? or have you excused yourself of that too?

Guess who said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Travis said...

mous 2:14 PM

Do you go to church? or have you excused yourself of that too?

This seems to be a popular question. Since you know my name, it only seems fair to know yours. Send me an email with your real name and you'll get your answer.

Anonymous said...

...avis

Just answer the question. I am not the one on trail here trying to vindicate my position. If you do not go to church now than that damages your credibility. What have you to hide?

Anonymous said...

*trial* sorry, I am dyslectic

Anonymous said...

I just want to get this straight. Anonymous 10:43, are you saying that if Travis doesn't go to church then he damages his credibility?
I don't see how the two things are even related. He is telling of an experience he lived through and witnessed first hand.
I think that if someone doesn't go to the same church as you, then they aren't credible in your eyes anyways.

Anonymous said...

please let him answer the question k

Travis said...

If I'm attending an IFB church and MS found out which one, he'd call the preacher and find out how much I am tithing.

If I'm not, you consider me a heathen and disfellowship me.

Hmmm...

So, it's obvious you're just dirt-digging. Haven't you got enough of your own to worry about?

Anonymous said...

name the church I want to get my FACTS

Anonymous said...

do you go to church?

Travis said...

You have the FACTS that are necessary to this case. They are above.

I am an eye-witness to the case that Mike Sullivant manipulates situations to spin them in his favor and his methods are harmful to the body of Christ.

Laura and Vic & Melanie are more public witnesses to this FACT.

There are dozens more witnesses. We are just the tip of the iceberg.

It seems likely that many think I'm leading this charge. Keep thinking that :>

Laura Sullivant said...

I would like to add to Travis' comment. (7:00PM)

Prior to writing my blog,he and I had ZERO contact,and to this day have had little to none.

We were NEVER in 'cohoots' with eachother,and our stories are completely seperate.

Anonymous said...

I sure if it were possible to lose ones salvation then Travis and Laura would.

They are deceivcers and would lead people to whatever end they could think of just to get their way.

sad examples.

Travis said...

I stand firm, knowing that the witness I have given is true.

1Ti 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1Ti 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Anonymous said...

so I take that as a no.

Anonymous said...

still no?

Anonymous said...

Do you go to church yet?

One Anonymous to Another said...

Travis
"mous 2:14 PM
Do you go to church? or have you excused yourself of that too?

This seems to be a popular question. Since you know my name, it only seems fair to know yours. Send me an email with your real name and you'll get your answer."
20 March 2011 8:58 PM

Anonymous
20 March 2011 10:43 PM
20 March 2011 11:55 PM
21 March 2011 1:56 PM
21 March 2011 5:16 PM
22 March 2011 12:39 PM
24 March 2011 7:08 PM
26 March 2011 9:48 PM

To Anonymous, I see you are quite concerned with the current church attendance of Travis. What do you plan to do with that information? Have you sent him an email? His email address was listed in the original post.

Anonymous said...

just answer the question k

Beth said...

The Bible does not command that anyone go to "church." It say not to forsake to assembling of yourselves together and that where two or three are gathered. One does not have to attend a church to fellowship with other believers or to follow Christ. The early church met in small groups in homes without a pastor, constitution, or any manmade rules. They sought to know God personally through HIS words not from a "pastor". It is far better not to go to church at all then to be in a destructive and unbiblical church regardless of where you live.

P.S. I have never meet Travis.

Anonymous said...

3000 souls added to the home church, yup, probably not! So many people and problems arising that they need to install deacons.... in the home church!?

I do not know what planet you are from, and let him answer the question please.

Travis said...

12:26PM
What's your policy on taking doctrine from Acts?
Why should I answer your questions when you won't answer mine?

common sense said...

just adding a little common sense here...

How many times growing up in Sunday School did we learn that the church is NOT the building its THE PEOPLE????

3000 souls added to a house, ya that doesn't make sense, 3000 souls added to THE CHURCH (the group of christians) totally makes sense! they did NOT have christian denominations back then, nor did they have big buildings dedicated to the church. They preached on street corners, in houses, in upper chambers (acts 20:8).

Biblically Travis is a part of the THE CHURCH and does not forsake the assembling of the brethren.

bible said...

(Rom 16:5) Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

(1Co 16:19) The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

(Col 4:15) Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

(Phm 1:2) And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Anonymous said...

The PVBC only came out with Covenant/Constitution booklet in 2004. I've been a member there since prior to that and was not told about the booklet. So does that mean that I'm still to uphold what it entails? I did not sign anything or agree to anything AFTER the booklet came out, so than technically I shouldn't be held responsible to uphold the booklet right? I'm asking because I've been investigating to find out the truth myself. Yes I am still attending....but I'm not attending blindly anymore. I just wanna know the truth.

Anonymous said...

Act 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Whose your daddy (elder)? Who ordained you?

1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

They came together (denoting they left somewhere to go to somewhere) in the church. Maybe they left the kitchen and went to the dining area?

If this is your church than are there "divisions among you also?"

1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

funny the writer would not simply use the word house synonymously

1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth

"the house of God, which is the church"

self explanatory

3Jo 1:10b neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

how can he be throwing people out of somewhere that they were not meeting in?

in accordance with Rev 1-4, who is the Angel of Travis's church?

Anonymous said...

do you go to church?

LBJ said...

Travis Peters said...
...mous 4:11 PM & choir girl,
Can we stay on topic, please?

If you want to talk doctrine, start a facebook group and invite me. I'll be glad to get in the ring.
16 March, 2011 4:24 PM

Travis said...
12:26PM
What's your policy on taking doctrine from Acts?

Lets stay on topic, No doctrinal questions please

I am with him though, do you go to church

Anonymous said...

Seriously, what does it matter if he goes to church? What does that have anything to do with PMS. Maybe (and I have no idea if he does or not) if he doesn't go to church it's because PMS turned him so off of an organized religion he worships in his own way! Grow up!

Anonymous said...

PMS never turned anybody on! Only soul conviction can lead someone along.

Why can we just not get an answer to a simple question.

Anonymous said...

Maybe if he goes to a church, he does not want PMS to phone his pastor and slander his name. That wouldn't be a first for him.

Anonymous said...

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

"and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Peter with no sound system reached out to "about three thousand souls"... Travis, you know that you cannot communicate to three thousand individual souls that are not congregated together! someone in another post made it sound like 3000 people in one place does not even work- well the coliseum alone could hold like
50 000 people at one time. Also, Peter was there! yes Peter the preacher, or Pastor, or under shepherd.

"Act 2:44 And all that believed were together..." This sounds like a church meetin to me. Take special note of the word "together"!

Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,

With one Accord in the Temple. Believers were not baptized into a Temple, They were baptized into a Church.

Acts 2:46 "...and breaking bread from house to house..." Please take special note of the word "and", this is a conjunction which ties it directly to whatever precedes it, by it also making a clear distinction between the two ie. the cows are running and jumping, two totally different actions. They were going daily with one accord to the Temple AND going house to house breaking bread.

Travis said...

I thought we weren't getting into doctrine here.

A non Amos said...

Let's see, a survey of churches in Travis' area resembles this list:

Assemblies of God
Church of Christ
Calvary Chapel
Southern Baptist "Texas Edition"
Southern Baptist "Jimmy Carter Edition"
Church of God Mennonite
Church of God in Christ Mennonite
Old Colony Mennonite
"Klein Gemeinde" Mennonite
EMMC Mennonite
United Pentecostal
United Methodist
Catholic
Reformed Baptist
Bible Baptist
Missionary Baptist
Cowboy Church "Baptist Edition"
Cowboy Church "Church of Christ Edition"
Independent Baptist "Landmark Edition"
Independent Baptist "Rock & Roll Edition"
Independent Baptist "Hymns and You're not holy enough Edition"
Independent Baptist "Hymns and You're not doing enough Edition"

Which 'church' do you approve of?

Anonymous said...

more of a study in numerology and in grammar.... do you go to church? Is that a doctrinal question?

Anonymous said...

I am not in Travis's area, all I wanna know is .... do you go to Church? (preferably one with a pastor).

just a post it note said...

From the above criteria

1) must have a Pastor
2) must Preach
3) be made of real people- non synthetic please
4) must be able to answer simple questions (would be embarrassing if you could not answer someone simply "do you go to church?")

so maybe Church of God Mennonite with a little Jimmy Carter flavoring on the side.

If you can not find decent church, maybe find new work! Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

One Anonymous to Another said...

Anonymous,
Why do you continually ask the question about his church attendance here?

Travis has clearly said that he will not answer that question in the comments section. Have you emailed him?

If you suspect your email got stuck in a spam filter, try contacting the folks at "The Bridge Is Out." Since Travis posted his story here, it's very likely that they know how to contact him.

John Reimer said...

I don't Know what Ben's question was or is to the Pastor or Pastors ?I would like to know.I'll bet it just got brushed off like most other questions do ! and when a person insists on getting a "Direct Answer" they just beat around the bush and don't answer the question fully.I know Ive had it happen to me to not from this Church,but it's seems to be a common practice when they don't know the answer or how to answer.Travis May I ask you a Question ? How about if everyone posting on here had to use their "Real Name" for posting ?I know It would weed out a lot of the Spineless and Self Righteous ones posting on here.I Also am aware that it "Will cause problems " for some still attending this uuuum Church.But when will people "Take a Stand" and stop listening to everything that comes across the pulpit?I'm also aware of other problems this "Will Cause" But I believe in Rather a Pure Church (People) than one Preaching Bondage and lies !No we may not be Perfect like Paul said, but it's something that we are striving for !Another question when God looks at us who does he see? "JESUS" and he chooses to overlook all the garbage in our lives.I know that will get a reply! lol as in What do you mean God chooses to overlook the garbage? Well very simple: Christ said it is finished.Do all you well learned ones or wise ones still not know what Christ meant by this? I wont answer this for now I want to see some replies to this first. It's Time For a Church that: "Truly Knows the Heart of God"and the Freedom from Bondage.So few People "know their identity in Christ,and even fewer what that even means. That's another reason why some are still in Bondage.Some Pastors themselves don't know this, how then can you teach your people the way God intended them to ?

Travis said...

John,
Ben's request was simply to review the scriptures that support his former pastor's authority in his life. Apparently any request like this is immediately handled with distrust.

I appreciate your comment, but this really isn't the place for it. Many folks have come out of PVBC and went in different directions; a Babel experience, if you will. I agree that the problems at PVBC stem from bad doctrine, but that's for each individual to determine on their own. What we're trying to point out here is the merciless bullying that goes on there and hopefully prevent others from getting into that mess.

Dad said...

John,

On your question about requiring users to use their own names: I have found that most people refuse to comment when their identity is tied to their words. Take my own blog for example: I require people to use their own Google account when commenting. Very few comments and none that contradict what I've said.

It's pretty obvious which wagon they are harnessed to when someone posts here. As someone else pointed out, more supporting evidence is provided by the PVBC'rs than those of us that told our stories.

John Reimer said...

Like I said Spineless people not wanting to post their names! What if God dealt with us in such a manner ?They don't want to post their name so they don't have to take responsibility for what they said and some one knowing who they are Cheap Shot low Blow So Called Christian way of dealing with things.Ohh I have a few other choice words as well,but they can contact me at: spanky5476@gmail if they have the guts to !

Anonymous said...

John Reimer said...
I don't Know what Ben's question was or is to the Pastor or Pastors ?I would like to know.I'll bet it just got brushed off like most other questions do !


Do you go to church?

Dad said...

LOL

Keep asking. I've got to break eventually, right?

It makes perfect sense that where and when I go to church today has bearing on what happened to me 7 years ago. Effect = cause.

Yeah. Right.

John Reimer said...

Hey Spineless one: Where do you go to Church? And What defines a Church?And what is the purpose for or of the Church?Is the Pastor to be Exalted for his work?Look what happened to Lucifer..was he not one of God's Angels?Why did he turn from God?Man or be it a pastor or whoever is not to be put up on a pedestal.God alone is the only one Worthy of all power and praise !

Anonymous said...

So I take that as still no?

Blainer said...

To the person(s) who keep asking Travis about his church attendance:

Do you have dementia, or are you simply suffering from a severe head injury? Travis has already stated you may contact him personally about his church attendance, etc. He also said he's game to start a Facebook group to discuss doctrine, which would give you a place to discuss whether Adam and Eve had belly buttons, or how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

Maybe post your real name, so we can all put a face to the staggering stupidity and ignorance you're displaying.

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr. John Reimer. I noticed you gave your email address in one of your previous quotes. I would like to ask your permission to email you and get your story. I'm assuming you have had some sort of experience as well at the PVBC or someone from there? If you wouldn't mind please post a comment to "castle" and let me know. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Blainer are you going to putting your story on here as well?

John Reimer said...

ATTENTION CASTLE : Go ahead and email me if you like.Yes I to have a story, actually it may be more like a whole series !

Christian said...

Why does there have to be so many definitions of Christian? Mennonite, Baptist, Calvinism?

I choose not to be defined by any of them. I am simply a Christian, as the first Christians were.. the apostles.

Anonymous said...

The problem is that everyone uses the word "Christian". Putting a label on something is easier than giving someone a statement of faith when you talk to them.

Anonymous said...

Travis, do you go to church? Do you have a pastor?

Travis said...

That little 'mous' has been in the rat poison again.
Do you really think it's ok that your pastor is a bully?

Travis said...

What about Sullivant makes him above reproach?

Why does he remain untouchable?

Why do some folks at PVBC continually post anonymously here, distracting from the issue at hand by delving into petty off-topic debate?

Anonymous said...

*** To Christian... Why does there have to be so many definitions of Christian? Mennonite, Baptist, Calvinism?

There will be no Christians, Mennonites or even Baptists in Heaven.... Only those who are truly born again, and stay the course.

Christian said...

Anon 8:46. If you take the time to read my posts you will see that THAT is exactly what I was saying. I was speaking to the people calling themselves a Calvinist, and to those calling themselves Baptists. I agree, that is why I call myself a Christian, not a Mennonite, not a Baptist, not a Calvinist, not a Seventh Day, etc, etc.

thanks.

Anonymous said...

*** I hold my Mennonite faith dear.. However, those founders would squirm if they see what Mennonites stand for today. I will never dis or dismiss what my Mennonite parents taught me as child growing up in a Mennonite church. However, my father really only grew in his faith when they attended a Baptist church in Florida for 11 winters.
The Sun day School ranks at the PVBC are swelling, the attendance is at an all-time high in the church services showing when disgruntled people leave, the Lord blesses even more.

Anonymous said...

April 22 10:43 Proverbs 27 1-3 "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fools wrath is heavier than them both.