A Letter from Annonymous

This letter came to my inbox with a request to remain anonymous. 





To Calvary Temple, 

I sometimes have occasion to listen to the messages that your pastor puts out via your website. I have a question. Have you finally figured out that you have given up oversight and direction of your family and your own life to the pastors? I have heard Star Scott say what you do in your home is up to you but that he is the only head of the church and you must do what he and the other men dictate. So when you are at church, which is nearly every day, you must follow the order and rules of leadership. And what are those rules? 

  •  you cannot date 
  •  you cannot have friends of the opposite sex until you are "betrothed"
  •  you cannot marry anyone outside of Calvary Temple
  •  you cannot invite non Calvary Temple members to weddings, graduations, baby showers, etc
  •  you cannot choose how to discipline your children 
  •  you cannot take a job that will necessitate you moving out of the area
  •  you cannot take a job that will necessitate you missing a service or regular activity
  •  you must come to pray at church during prescribed times rather than stay home to pray
  •  you cannot question leadership's decisions unless you are prepared to answer to a council of 8 men
  •  you cannot leave Calvary Temple with your family; your children (or spouse, or parents) will be encouraged to stay
  •  wives are now encouraged to stay home and not work outside the home (wives used to be told to go to work if their husbands wanted them to)
  •  you cannot have relationships with ex-Calvary friends or family
  •  you cannot answer God's call to go on the mission field without permission of the pastor
  •  you cannot leave Calvary Temple without pastor's permission
  •  you cannot ask questions; it's called gossip
  •  you cannot structure your own time; it belongs to Calvary Temple
  •  you are strongly encouraged to NOT attend events at other churches or ministries
  •  you are strongly encouraged to NOT read books other than pastor approved
  •  and finally, because of all the above, you cannot be led by the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:8 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.