The Fixer-Uppers: Flippin' Churches Part 2

 Our First Church!  God is Blessing! 

We just had our first church service; and God is moving and blessing.  There were eight people including my wife and seven children.  We had a great time, even though getting here took some real sacrifice.  We had to sell our last home, pack up everything we had in our tiny vehicle and drive cross country to a town where we don't know anyone and I don't even have a job; but we are trusting God to provide.  He will have to, since we know headquarters doesn't spend any money on us pioneers or "wasteful congregants" either. We aren't complaining though.  We know what happened to the children of Israel who murmured in the wilderness -{shuddering in fear}- my pastor just preached about it last Sunday.  We know how to be thankful, or else!

We have a fire pit out back  it has a great "ambience" and we are able to cook our ramen dinners over an open flame!  We are sooo thankful that God provides for us.  The 'Leaders' of our group came by and visited us; but chose to stay in their RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, oops, motor home.  They were a little disappointed in us for not "putting things together"; but we all scraped up enough gas money to get them to the next town.  My least-'un (youngest child) gave all her savings -- two dusty mites.

If we remain faithful and get enough members to contribute we are hoping that God will move us into a servicemen's work; so headquarters can reap the benefits of the tithe and offerings from those G.I.s when we send even more money to HQ;  they will, in turn, tell us they love and appreaciate  us while denying any request for financial assistance or using the general fund for anything .  We are hoping that one day we can be mentioned with the great ones that have gone before us.  We know that we will have to work very hard for many decades; but some day, we believe, we will be rewarded by sitting in one of those red (Board Member) chairs.

But for now, we will continue to be content in the poor state we find ourselves in.  We are praying for used mattresses to sleep on and more kook store apparel to clothe our young-uns. We sometimes think we have it bad; but we have to look back on our bible school days; and it helps us put things into perspective.  We sometimes battle demons; because people say some pretty bad things about us and our leaders.  We will not accept any accusations against them; because we see how God has blessed them; and one day we will be blessed just like them.  So stop being bitter and negative and share only those good reports, like what we're puttin' together here, y'all!  Praise God.

We may not be rich here in this world; but we are laying up our treasures in heaven.  We are doing a great work; and we don't have time to listen to the devil.  We just had a neighbor come by and build us some church pews out of cinder blocks and old closet doors without taking any money out of the general fund.  It was a real victory!  Our escrow is growing every week (somewhar); and we are paying our church tithe and pastor's tithe, even tho we don't know whar it all goes.

My last boss-man told me that I could no longer get off early on Wednesday evenings for soul winning; so I told him to take his job and shove it.  God will provide a better job.

For Halloween we posted a sign on our porch that said, "SCRAM HEATHEN" and listed a few scriptures that condemned those filthy evil children for dressin' up like demons, witches, and ghouls and observin' a pagan hooliday.  But just the same, tomorrow I'm going to send my wife to the store; so's she can buy the heathen's candy for pennies on the dollar!   It really pays to serve God, pay tithe, give in offerings, and be a good steward by saving money on luxuries like chocolate candy bars.

 NO COMPROMISE!  
 WE ARE WINNING! 

We are very excited about conference.  This year the theme is "We are Winning" (again)!  We were pretty sure that it wouldn't be "No Compromise" this time; and we were right.  We have yet to raise the funds to get us there; but I know Gawd will provide a way.  It will have to be a miracle for us to load up our 1968 "reefer bus" with "may-pop" tires and drive across country to attend "skits and workshops".

 Our Reefer Bus Broke Down; but Gawd Provided A Way, Again.
 We're So Poor We Always Need A Miracle To Get To Conference! 

We are very excited about the PA system segment.  Even though I can holler pretty loud, I would like to amplify my voice; so that those sinners sitting in the very back of the 16' by 14' room we're livin' outta and havin' church in will be able to hear me.  We have been to every conference since 1983; and we don't intend on missing the next one.  After all, it's a privilege.  We have talked seven brethren into piling into the 5 passenger mini-bus to help out with the gas cost.  Of course, in the past only 2 gave us a few bucks; and we had to park in a rest area with a sign on our car that said "Conference Bound, Anything Help$".  One of those fishy-Chirstians my pastor is always making fun of, some fella with a Christian fish on his T-shirt, gave us 20 bucks; so we were able to get there AND share a two liter bottle of Dr. Pepper. We don't drink Pepsi or coffee, since pastor is always talkin' 'bout them folks what have a coffee or Pepsi wid da devul.  (shudder)

 Cuppa Coffee wid d' devil 

 Havin' a Pepsi wid d' devil+vision 

We are very excited for our 13 year old daughter; because last conference a board member's wife asked her, "Which 20-something-year-old bible school student would you like to marry when you turn 15"?   We are hoping to get her married off real soon; before she discovers the pleasures of the world, or any pleasure, for that matter.  After all, it's better for her to remain ignorant; so she can be happy being barefoot and barren in the kitchen the rest of her natural borned days.   We are hoping we can kick all the young-uns out of the nest real soon; so we can be eligible to run a servicemen's home. It's such a privilege.  Yes,  it's a big sacrifice; but we had to get snipped; so that we wouldn't have any more "filthy evil children" that "hinder the work of Gawd." 

This Sunday I was goin' to preach about salvation and God's love for us; but Gawd has touched my heart and given me a new message; that really isn't new.  The topic is going to be "Giving As Unto The Lord"; and we are going to use old testament scripture from the book of Malachi.  It's very important that people learn; that the foundation of Christianity is giving to the church organization.  We wouldn't want you to be Gawd robbers; would we?  We just can't emphasize this enough; but we will try.

Last week after we took up the offering, we preached about women painting their faces and bobbing off their hair.  We also preached against the devil vision and being worldly.  LOL  You should have seen their faces during altar call.  My wife and oldest son both got saved; so we were able to add them to the weekly report to HQ.  We have a form that we fill out; that says how many got saved, and how many received the Holy Ghost baptism, and most important, how much cash money everybody gave.  It's really strange; but in our last work we had a total of 400 people get saved; but we only ended up with 2 faithful (tithe paying) church members; and they were the  workers that were sent down from HQ.  But we had a hard time getting along with them; so they requested to be moved to another work.  Oh well.

Next conference we will probably be moved to another work .  We will buy a place that looks like the place pictured on the left.  But after years of "giving 'til it hurts" my wife and I will have it looking like the place on the right.  It will take hard work and sacrifice.  But once it's renovated and lookin' like new, the org will send some dud to replace us; so they can shut down the work and sell that building at three times what we paid for it outta our pockets.

In the mean time we will be sent to a new work overseas with no idea where the escrowed money from our old church went.  If we ask about it, pastor will just say, "It'll be given back at the right time."  Course we know them's just weasel words for "You ain't never seein' that money again this side of glory!"

Oh well, onto our missionary work.  The organization promised us there would be money in the general fund at our new church.  But it will only be 32 cents.  They also told the foreign government official they would support us with finances; but they won't.  That's "just a formality'.  So my wife will get a job; even though in the States my pastor says that is "prostituting that woman".  But like one board member says, "sometimes in the work of the Lawd, certain things are necessary".  So get busy honey.

We won't be getting any money from the organization; even though they promised full support.  Since there are rich G.I.s in the area; we will be expected to "make it happen".  In fact, we won't even be called missionaries ;so the org can call us servicemen's home directors.  That way our organization can expect the G.I.s and us to pay all the bills without using any of the mission works pledge money they took up and squirreled away somewhar.

By the time we realize what's going on, we will want to come back to the States.  But the organization or my pastor will say, "NO!  THAT IS NOT GOD'S WILL FOR YOU!"  So when we do come back, the organization will not renew my minister's license; they will say we are no longer "in good standing" and that way they can justify welching out and not paying us the four years of back pay they promised to pay us for our time spent laboring overseas.  Oh well.  Praise God.

The other ministers in the org will hear pastor's version of our story at the next "Make It Happen" conference. He will tell the that our spending habits got us broke, and how we got old and fearful and stopped trusting God, and so now in pastors words we are runnin' from the call of God and goin' out gettin' jobs.  Our former friends will yell, "Amen!"  "Preach!" and "What a blessing, Sir."

Then they will volunteer to "make it happen"; and they will think that they will get different results than all who have gone before them; even though they do the exact same things as all who have gone before them...  Pastor says that's the definition of insanity -- expecting different results when you do the same thing over and over again... But they will do it.

And they too will wait for the blessing that never comes.  They've been convinced that if they give what pastor gives, they will have what pastor has.  Course, we all know he never really gave anything.  He just married the rich founder's daughter.  But nobody'll say that.  They're too scared to be called jealous; coz once you get labeled as a truth-teller, oops, trouble maker in that bunch, you will be run off.

But back to our former friends (Are they really friends?) who ditched us just because we go to a different church . . .   Though they give more than pastor gives, they will never have what pastor has; (unless they leave the org. or start their own group just like the one they came out of; or the filthy rich founder adopts another daughter and they marry her when she's 16 and they are 25....)

We hope that this letter will encourage people to come to our church.  If any of this scares you we ask that you just give us a try anyway.  We'll treat you in so many ways, you're bound to like one of them.  And if you don't it just means you are angry, bitter, and just didn't want God anyway.  So remember to share the good reports just like my pastor does when he is screaming from the pulpit about those "evil filthy children"  who "hinder the work of Gawd".  Amen.  Preach.  What a blessing.  Thank You, Sir!  May I have another?

Animal House Scene:  Thank You Sir, May I Have Another?  video link

Vote Anonymously On This Post by clicking the lettered boxes below.  You may choose multiple answers:
A)  Blessing
B)  Amen
C)  Thank You, Sir!  May I have another?
D)  Blessing
E)  Amen
F)  Thank You, Sir!  May I have another?
G)  Blessing
H)  Amen
I)   Thank You, Sir!  May I have another?
J)   Blessing
K)  Amen
L)  Thank You, Sir!  May I have another?

Related Posts:

Flippin' Churches Part 1

Flippin' Churches Part 3

Life and Death in the New Testament Christian Church

During your tenure at New Testament Christian Church, you will be required to forsake all to follow your new god, the ntcc. The scriptures will be twisted to ensure that you abide faithful to only one lord, the ntcc. Every time you want to spend time with family, the ntcc will balk, spouting: "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:33) And "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37.

After years of faithfully abiding and serving the ntcc, death will come for you.  But guess what?  After those years and years of telling you to dis your family, the ntcc will now expect them to pick up the arrangements for your funeral and burial or cremation.  "After all," they will say to justify their lack of care for you, "Let the dead bury their dead."

We've seen people who don't make extravagant claims about being super-apostles show more Christian character, absorbing the cost of caring for the remains of a friend's beloved pet when the animal passed away.  The veterinarian compassionately told our friend not to worry, the vet's office would take care of the remains.

It's good to know that in the ntcc you will receive less consideration than a dead dog.  Your family, whom you obediently abandoned to their own devices, will care for your final arrangements despite your alienating them in order to follow the dictates of a man.  But your ntcc 'family' will shrug and ignore your situation, searing their conscience and saying, "Let the dead bury their dead."

Should you be surprised by this?  After all, the ntcc did nothing to help or care for you when you were alive.  They really will care less when you are dead!  It does not matter that you forsook all to follow them.  It does not matter that you gave all you had so the rich could get richer.  In the end you will be discarded like a used diaper.  Because that's how it is in the ntcc.  Unless you are related to the nepotistic core group.

The ntcc bought their own private cemetery up on the hill behind the chruch behind the fence, the tabernacle finished in 1999 there in Graham, Wa.  You can be sure only a select few will be buried there.  Look for headstones with the following names only:

davis, kekel
olson, brill
johnson, kinson, ankenbauer
ashmore, difrancesco, jordan

That would be plenty to fill those plots staked out by davis and his cronies in their private cemetery.

But if you're not related to the money families in ntcc, look to the potter's field, the place where they cast out the poor dead.  And remember, your sacrifice made it all possible!  But that won't be remembered when you have a need, whether in life or death.  They will laugh at you as you stand in the soup line and they drive by in their Cadillacs (as davis has boasted); or they will blame you and say "your spending habits" caused your poverty (as kekel recently mocked the faithful, saying they became fearful, blah, blah, blah).

Well, don't worry.   Worrying would earn you the title of being "foolish and unlearned" (should you ask the questions that all men with brains and hearts ask "What if ...?") as kekel railed on Greg S. when he thoughtfully considered how to care for his wife if something should happen to him.

Now  ntcc's jim johnson sells insurance; so who do you think davis and company buy their insurance from? (At great rates of course.)  So they really aren't too concerned.  They're well covered.  But you peon workers must have too much time on your hands if you can sit and ask these questions.  Get back to work.  Don't you know people are dying and going to hell?  While tanya kekel goes shopping (but not for groceries; for antiques and crystal, and BMWs...).  And perhaps it is mikey kekel who goes golfing, since he falsely accused Casey Hayes of that very thing.  Hmmn.  Makes you wonder.

The bible admonishes us there is a season for everything:

• What season of life are you in?
• What season will come next?
• Will you be prepared?
• Why not?
• What has ntcc done for you?
• What have you done for ntcc?
• Have you given them your whole life only to find that 
• they could care less whether you live or die?

Points to ponder friends.

 How does ntcc see or treat you? 

Remember, if a righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, how much more  should we regard the life (or death) of a loved one created in the image of God?  After all, davis certainly made sure to take care of himself.  Why should you be thought "foolish or unlearned" for doing the same?




Vote Anonymously On This Post By Clicking On The Lettered Boxes Below:
A)  Sounds Like A True Description Of ntcc.
B)  ntcc Sounds Like A Cult.
C)  I Read This Post.
D)  Ministers in ntcc who aren't part of the 'nepotistic core' have no safety net for their financial future.
E)  Most ntcc ministers give all their money to ntcc and have no money saved for retirement.
F)  I'm afraid to get caught commenting on this blog.
G)  Glad To Be Out of ntcc
H)  Create Your Own Vote Topic By Leaving a Comment:
I)    I'm Thinking Of Leaving ntcc
J)   I'm afraid to leave ntcc.
K)  Create Your Own Vote Topic By Leaving A Comment:
L)  Create Your Own Vote Topic By Leaving A Comment:
**You Can Choose Multiple Answers**

Matt and Debbie Reed Have Left ntcc for GOOD! And They Still Serve and Love God! Amazing!

 While missionaries with NTCC
 Debbie and Matt Reed were given
 some Puka Shell necklaces.
 When NTCC used their picture
 in their rag, The Trumpet, the
 NTCC removed the necklaces.
 That's lame -- and hypocritical.
 If Davis and others could wear
 Diamond Pinky Rings like pimps,
 and Ashmore could wear flashy
 cufflinks, what's the problem
 with some simple necklaces? 

 FLOWER CHILDREN?  MATT and DEBBIE REED? 

Matt and Deb Reed have fired up their blog again and they can be found blogging at:

http://www.onelessstone.blogspot.com/

It's great to have another voice of reason to testify of the blessings of God that can be experienced outside of the ntcc. Many people struggle with the transition of leaving the ntcc; and it's expected that making the life changing step to leave the ntcc is never an easy decision.  The fact that the Reeds made this transition and are sharing their experiences is a testimony:  There is salvation outside of the ntcc! Not only do they testify that there is life beyond the ntcc; but they also speak of the increase of God's blessings upon their lives; which seems to be the theme among many X-ers. When we let go of the legalism and control policies we find freedom and peace in our hearts, greater finances, and improvement in every area of our lives.

The Reed's blog is a great place to visit and has their personality written all over it; as you can see from the recent picture they posted:  "It's All About The Love".  More of their heart is revealed in a moving post titled "We Will Never Forget" dedicated to a very good man named SSgt. Daniel Morris.  He gave his life for the freedom and prosperity that we enjoy in this great country we live in.  We never knew the man; but we offer our condolences to the ones he loved and to those that loved him as a son that they never had [read more here].  We also share the same scripture inscribed on SSgt. Daniel Morris' Memorial:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) here

Jesus called his disciples and followers "friends". I can say, being with the Reeds at a time when I needed a change of pace, that they were and always will be friends! The ntcc did not treat them or any of their disciples as friends; but they controlled us for reasons of power and financial gain. This is and was unthinkable to us. We had real salvation and experienced a reality in God; but in our innocence we were very easy to influence and manipulate. The ntcc used us, taking advantage of our innocence, manipulating us for the financial gain of a select few, "that bunch" in Graham, Washington. We thank God for everyone that escapes from the ntcc and especially those that maintain their walk with God despite ntcc abuse! 

Vote On This Post By Clicking On The Lettered Boxes Below:

A) Sounds Like A True Description Of ntcc.

B) ntcc Sounds Like A Cult.

C) I Read This Post.

D) Glad for the Reeds to be out of ntcc!

E) You can serve God outside of ntcc!

F) I'm afraid to get caught commenting on this blog!

G) Glad To Be Out of ntcc!

H) Grateful for our military!

I) I'm Thinking Of Leaving ntcc

J) What davis did as Matt described in read more here was cruel!

K) Create Your Own Vote by leaving a comment.

L) Create Your Own Vote by leaving a comment.

**You Can Choose Multiple Answers**

ONE LAW FOR YOU AND THE STRANGER...

In 1215 the English barons instituted something called Magna Carta.

Amoungst other things this revolutionary statute required the King to be held to the same standard of law as his subjects. To the subjects of England this was an amazing and novel concept.

But God had them beat. Let's look at the fourth book of Moses, Numbers 15:15-16:

One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are so shall the stranger be before the LORD.-(v15)

One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.-(v16)

These verses are significant showing us the heart of God--that there is no respect of persons. All are equal in the sight of God. And there should be only one set of rules for all.

That seems so simple. Right is right. If it is right for one, it is right for all. Sounds like the Three Musketeers.c But truly, God has something for everyone. But He expects us to all play by the same rules.

Why bring this out? Because in the cult of New Testament Christian Churches of America (ntcc) there are definitely different rules for different people. That is contrary to the heart of God and the opposite of what God requires of us. God expects us all to play by the same rule: 

THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF.

ntcc loves only some. And they view all others as slaves to do their work for them, without recompense. Lower eschelon peons seemingly exist for the sole purpose of enriching their 'leaders' whether by money, gifts, free services, sacrifice, recruiting fresh suckers, or by providing entertainment through their pain and suffering. The list goes on and on. 

Babysitting. House cleaning. Shopping. Installing electrical wiring and cable and computer internet wiring etc. Landscaping. Car washing. RV washing. Automotive repairs. Car waxing. Shoe shining. Gardening. Pet care. Chauffeuring. Guard duty (House sitting on steroids). Mail pick-up. Dry cleaning drop off and pick-up. Valet parking. Church cleaning. Classroom cleaning. Bathroom cleaning. Laundry washing, drying, folding, and ironing. 

Did we forget any?

Over the years the New Testament Christian Church 'leaders' have perfected a system of culling fresh recruits to do all menial labor for the 'leaders' often for no compensation. And if there is a monetary compensation it is meager.

Truly the 'leaders' of this cult have perfected that old con of suckering the other guy into thinking he wants to do their work for them without them ever paying him for all his hard work.

That is not what Jesus would do.



Jesus led by example.  He led a life of sacrifice.  He gave His life for us.  He led by doing what He wants us to do.


ntcc leaders live lives of greed, coveteousness, and selfishness.  They take people's lives from them and offer nothing in return but grief.  If you follow ntcc 'leaders' examples, you will not be serving God; but you will serve self and satan just like the ntcc 'leaders' do.


They put you down in every conference.  They mock your poverty while demanding you give more.  They require you to live a life of sacrifice while they get richer off of your sacrifice.  They are scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites who "say and do not".  All talk.  No walk.


God wants one law, one set of rules.  If ntcc can't practice what they preach, they should stop preaching or start practicing.  Otherwise they are phonies with two sets of rules, two sets of scales, two laws, two faced hypocrites.


God said ONE LAW.   Practice what you preach or you are a two-faced hypocrite.

The Root Of All Evil

It's a shame what the love of money makes people do.  In some ways, I'm glad that I've never had much money.  It seems like those that do can be categorized in a few different groups:

1.  The Greedy

2.  The tight-wads

3.  The practical hard-workers

For the love of money is the root of all evil  ...

While much has been shared about the pursuit of riches within the ntcc, it seems that they will never change.  In my 13+ years in the ntcc, none of the 14 preachers that I observed had much of anything.  This to me was never unusual; because there was a realization of the sacrifice required by all of the pastors in ntcc, at least the ones that I knew of in the churches that I was attending.  It was always shared that if you gave willingly God would bless you.  What always did strike me as odd, was the many times in which there was serious money rolling into churches and very little of it ever seemed to accumulate at least not in a place where the local pastors or members could access any of it.

The ntcc is run much like the United States Government is run.

The government has their hand in every aspect of your life. ... 

And so does ntcc!

The ntcc is run much like the United States Government is run. Uncle Sam takes a big chunk of money off of the top of your pay check called income tax. This is much like tithe in that it is a percentage of your income before any of it gets spent. Then you have State taxes that come out of your check before you see anything in your bank account. Then you have other deductions like Social Security, unemployment insurance and the list goes on. This is everything that is taken out of your check before you get to spend a penny. Then when you go to spend the money you have to pay sales tax on everything you buy. Food tax which is usually more than sales tax when you buy food in a restaurant. Hotels are taxed and they pass that high tax-rate onto you; (by law they have to). Just about every bill you pay to include the phone bill, energy bill, cable, high-speed internet, water, trash (and the list goes on) has taxes on the bill; taxes which are over and above the services that you are paying for. The government has their hand in every aspect of your life. If this is not enough you then have taxes that are incorporated into every business that you patronize. For example if the Government makes Walmart pay taxes on its profits, do you think that Walmart is going to eat those costs themselves? What they do is they incorporate the price of those taxes into the price that you pay at the register so that you pay their taxes for them. This happens in every business; the expenses of operating are passed along to you the customer. When the Government gets greedy they come out with a new tax that supposedly is on the rich or the wealthiest people such as Gasoline and oil companies. They tax the fuel right at the pump. Why not?  The oil companies are rich; they can afford it.  Right? This tax is again paid by you the customer. So what do they want to do? As they have done in the past they are suggesting that the oil companies pay "windfall" tax on their profits. Who do you think will pay for that? Us. Gas will be so expensive that we'll have to spend ten bucks just to put enough gas in our lawn mower to cut the grass. If your parents die and leave you their life savings which they have paid taxes on all their life, then you have to pay taxes on it before you spend it; if they repeal the Bush tax cuts, it will be 55% taxed. Then you got property tax, personal property tax, automotive taxes and the list goes on and on and on.

The ntcc has a very similar system to the United States Government. First of all you have tithe which is paid off of the top of your check before Uncle Sam Gets a hold of it. Wait a sec, didn't uncle sam already get a hold of it? Then it is very highly encouraged (from behind the pulpit) that we are not to be tightwads and pay to the penny; but we are to pay more than 10% so God can have room to bless us. Also, just in case we receive blessings throughout the week, throw a few extra bucks into the envelope so you'll be covered. So there we have it; tithe is taken care of.  What next?  Offerings.  This is where they really dig into your wallet. That little velvet bag with the two wooden handles gets to make its rounds at least 5 or 6 times a week. I've seen it passed around in Sunday school and morning and evening church services, bible studies and even on special occasions during fellowship after the service when everyone is eating cake and drinking Cool-aid. But there is nothing wrong with this; it is a free-will offering right? I've seen ntcc preachers sweat and slobber from behind the pulpit trying to get people to give more money. The part of the service that is supposed to be 10 seconds long right before the offering plate makes its rounds was often turned into a mini sermon and fire was issued forth from behind the pulpit before the basket was even prayed over in anticipation of receiving a large wad of cash. I've even seen that pesky little bag passed around more than one time in the same service. Okay, we'll cut you some slack because everybody takes up offerings, don't they?

Here are a few more examples of how the ntcc is like the federal government:

Budget offerings:  This is a tax that is incorporated into their system of money extraction for the       purpose of covering expenses that were not able to be covered by previous taxes; I mean offerings.

World Missions:  This is a tax that is used to export ministers overseas so that they can live in complete and total poverty and receive very little help from the government; ur I mean ntcc leadership, which they have given so much of their money to and entrusted with their welfare.

Building Fund:  This is a very special fund of money that is set aside for the expansion of the church or so the church can grow.  More real-estate. I thought that was what the escrow fund was for; but that shows you how much I know; I was just a church member (who often kept the books for ntcc ministers)  Guess they will make a rule, oops, "policy" against that now.  All you ministers better bone up on your math!  We can't afford to have the members knowing what really happens to all that money!

Revival Fund:  This also is a very necessary offering that is taken up so that when the overseer goes on vacation in his Recreational Vehicle, ur I mean when He and his wife come to preach a revival, ahem, they will be able to fill up their company purchased RV; and they can get to the next place and be able to afford to eat out every night at restaurants and such.  But wait, the people at the next location will pick up that tab just so they can "be a blessing to The Man Of Gawd".

There are also many things that are expected like taking the pastor out every weekend; which I used to do anyway; because I felt sorry for the guy never having money.  Which brings us to the question, "Why would they always be broke with all of the tithes and offerings and special offerings that were taken up?

The answer is that the ntcc taxes that were imposed on the pastors were even more than that which was imposed on the members.  I'm sorry; I keep saying taxes when what I really mean to say is tithe and offerings.  If you think that the average church member has a lot of tribute to pay wait till you see what the average pastor has to pay in addition to housing, a church building, utilities, food and clothing, and transportation including to and from conference.  Actually the pastor only has two or three things that he must pay for.  The two biggies are church tithe and pastor's tithe.  One of them is tithe on everything they make and the other is tithe on tithe and everything the church brings in.  In order for the pastor to survive he has to get a job;and in some cases now his wife has to sin and get a job also; and they have to put everything into the General fund to meet the requirements of ntcc.  While all tithe income and Sunday morning offerings goes onto the tithe ledger then 10% off the top goes to Graham; thus the term 'tithe on tithe' ("which for years has been a source of ble$$ing for the churches"--mcUk).  The rest goes to the pastor.  Wait a sec, I've got it wrong again.  40% of what's left in the tithe fund goes to an escrow fund; and then the pastor gets what's left unless there is not enough in the General fund, which there very seldom is, so the money ends up in the General fund; and the local pastor gets nothing.  The General fund is supposed to be used to pay all of the bills; and this is why there is so much push for people to give above and beyond what they are able. Then the local pastor has to pay all of the special offerings like world missions and such.  It's no wonder a lot of pastors want their members to pay tithe on their tax returns which is misrepresented as an "increase" when in fact that money was already tithed on by the recipient in most cases.  I remember rwd would preach, "I hope Gawd gives you members just like youurself!"  This explains why the escrows were introduced to "prevent misappropriation, mismanagement and/or theft of each church's finances and to provide them a reserve account for coverages of extraordinary expenses" like Grant's secular education.  Oops.  Did I say that?  I'm sorry jury, strike the words "Grant's secular education" from the record.  That was uncalled for; or was it?

The very few ntcc ministers that are able to succeed in this environment can be categorized into the three types of people that we listed at the beginning of this thread.  The greedy take up all the offerings and pass on the expenses to the church members without sacrificing their own personal lifestyles.  They expect everyone else to sacrifice; but they themselves are not willing to... Sounds like davis and kekel to us.  The tightwads operate on the same principle by extracting as much money as they can from their members and also sacrificing themselves to put every penny into the work to keep it afloat.  The last type of person is very, very rare in the ntcc; and that is the practical hard-working individual that is able to get a very good paying job, or able to get a large following of church members that can sustain the financial obligations of the church without asking for more than people are able to give.    

Does this sound crazy to anyone else besides me? Do you ever wonder why 99.9% of the people in the ntcc are poor?  They say: "God will bless you if you pay your tithe and offerings;" but where are "God's ble$$ings" flowing within the ntcc?  They are not flowing down hill; but rather they flow uphill to the Pacific Northwest's ntcc leadership specifically.  Graham, Washington is where you can find "the ble$$ings of God" within the ntcc.  Not in the Servicemen's homes where the brethren are borrowing from each other to put enough gas in their cars to get to work, or busting open their piggy banks to gather up enough pennies to give in an offering. Not in the bible school dorms where the students are eating ramen for dinner every night, but a few doors down where you find the beamers parked in the driveways waiting for their owners to jump in them and take them to the SeaTac mall for another spending spree where tanya kekel can buy an Alpaca wool scarf for $90 at Nordstroms (on sale!).  I wonder how many bs students witness this riotous living and just leave?  What keeps the majority of them there is fear rather than love.  Hell is placed over their heads as a consequence to bucking the system or questioning the high and mighty leadership of the ntcc. The ntcc is an organization full of scared preachers that are under enormous pressure from their superiors to "make ends meet" and have to extract money out of people that give more than they should have to because they are fearful of "failing God" if they are unsucce$$ful.

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A)  Sounds Like A True Description Of ntcc

B)  ntcc Sounds Like A Cult.

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E)   ntcc leaders live in luxury while members and ministers suffer poverty.

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