Sunday, June 21st, 2009 | Author:

Creflo Dollar Says CHRISTIANS Have 3 YEARS LEFT To GET RICH! (wealth transfer/debt cancellation)

I added this video, because it shows you how far people can go with this prosperity foolishness. Just wait until a video with Larry Huch and Paula White comes out. It discusses the tithe and the first fruit offering, no different than at Elevation.

Part of the exit interview
7. Is there anything that we could do to have you reconsider your decision to leave?

Min. H
Stop treating members like second-class citizens. We have the right to know what’s going on in the church without having to ask. We are not some group of loyal subjects of low intelligence; at least I am not.

8. What could we improve on?

Min. H
Being a lot more transparent towards the congregation. I believe they would be a lot more transparent with you.

Exit Letter
To: Pastor T.L. Carmichael

Cc: Kelvin Tyson, Patrick Faulkner, James Rogers, Anthony Crawford, Vincent Pettiford, Victor Hyman, Samuel Burch, Donnell Brim , Jesse Simpson, Michael Noel, Larry Irving, Maurice Moore, David Shackleford, Desmond Whitfield, Robbie Alston, Chris Brown, Hubert Kelly.

[This is the entire deacon board above]

This letter is being written to inform all members of Elevation Baptist Church, which includes the leadership, about my experience while a disciple. This letter will also be made available for public viewing.

I met with the Pastor twice before even joining the church. I may not have asked all the questions, but I surely did not get any hint of specific requirements of the church (i.e. the mission, vision, and direction of the church). That is to say, those requirements other than what would be considered normal. I wrote a letter to the Pastor detailing my concerns 9-10 months ago. These concerns went unanswered by him. Answering one’s concerns could be placed under the, “what could we improve on”, section. Failing to answer one’s concerns is not shepherding, and trying to label sheep as goats just because we butt heads with the leadership is no excuse for not responding either. In my 2.5 years, which does not include 6 months of visitation at Elevation, I have never heard an in-depth teaching on tithes and offerings, yet this is a major aspect of EBC discipleship as concerning the “Pastor’s” vision. I didn’t miss many services or bible studies either, and went to all the new member’s classes. There is just a simple statement on the back of the bulletin, on the giving envelopes, while tithing had a brief mention in the new member’s class. The only reason why I never attended the Crown Financial classes was because the Pastor was unwilling to discuss the issue of tithing with me. I had already discussed it with the business minister, and I did not want to cause a stir. But Minister Foust said that our discussion on the issue was final (the details of that discussion are in the letter to Minister Foust). I have been in “church” and in leadership long enough and understood that as long as I kept my mouth shut, it was copasetic for the leadership and myself. I knew that there was a culture of secrecy, or may I say, keeping things close to the chest. The very organization that Pastor Carmichael opposes (Greek-Letter Organizations) is the very thing EBC was or has become. But there does come a time when one needs to speak up. My purpose, as stated here, and at the time I met with the Pastor Carmichael at the new member’s orientation, was to help the Pastor. I did try to do that, but all attempts fell on deaf, unwilling, or brainwashed ears.

This is where it all came to a head for me. Pastor Carmichael was preaching and went to Psalms 1. He quoted at least verse 1 and labeled, “ANYONE”, as “UNGODLY” who spoke against “HIS” vision. Now there is a difference in saying that, and simply asking all that disagree, please set up an appointment to see me to talk about it. Of course he does not want to do that, it would shed light on the reality of what he already knows to be true based on the balance in the Capital Campaign Fund (CCF). Allow me to discuss the CCF.

In the most recent capital campaign fund handout, there was not even the option to say “no” to supporting the vision. What kind of foolishness is that, when you do not give people a choice? Well I could say a great many things about the $17,000,000 “burden” upon the people, but I will say this; I knew then where this was going, and the 2007 business meeting showed me that. After raising only $65,000 for the capital campaign fund after the first 3 months, the pressure was on Pastor Carmichael. Usually giving is the greatest at the beginning. Now, I do not claim to be a prophet, but I knew that some type of “NEW” GIVING SCHEME from the Old Testament would be presented. What led me to this belief? Experience…. It only took a week, and next thing you know, in the new Sunday Bulletin, “THE FIRST FRUIT OFFERING SCHEME” was presented. But there is something that I do not hear discussed, and that is the amount of interest to be paid on this loan, nor have I heard a peep about why the Capital Campaign Fund has been such a failure. The fund is supposed to take in $222,222 per month. After 15 months, it has only yielded, approximately $197,000. I called at the end of the campaign, which was March 1, 2009 to see how much was in the fund. Once again, I was met with cloak and dagger tactics and did not get my question answered. I was told that we didn’t quite make it!!!!! Now I do not presume to know what the final tally was, but I do know with 3 months to go EBC was $3,800,000 short. I think quite not quite making it was a lie, but that is my opinion.

Now let me ask Pastor Carmichael a question. Do you honestly believe the people are with you on your vision? Another thing that caught my eye was that the $17,000,000 was for the first of multiple phases. I just recently found out that the whole project is $70,000,000. Has the INTEREST been discussed with the congregation, or is it included with the final price? Is EVERYONE aware that $70 MILLION is the final cost with or without interest? With the estimated 1500 disciples to support this project, they could build 1500, $46,000 homes. One place to come and fellowship, or 1500 places to fellowship, which do you think is better for the people?

 

Min. H

Please read the following links. They will help one to understand what is going on here.

http://www.psychoheresyaware.org/manipulating1_145.html
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/manipulating2_146.html

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429 Responses

  1. 1
    Sheeba Andrew 

    Dear Pastor Hatchet,

    Good Morning Sir!

    I am Sheeba Andrew. I was browsing the internet for an article for my students, when I stumbled across your writing “Why I Left Elevation Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. – Sunday, June 21st, 2009”.

    I am always interested to know more about GOD. Right from my childhood years, my mother would always thrust ‘Biblical Books’ into my hand, and I was forced to read. After sometime, I took great liking towards the MAN called JESUS.

    My father always told me “nothing comes free in this world” and he would remind me always that JESUS paid the price for me even before I was born. The choice is mine.

    I was raised with strong faith, which I did not personally practice for a very long time, for I kept myself very busy finding faults with other people, criticizing them, and would write lengthy letters to condemn and to deride them. I took great pride in telling others what hypocritical life they led.

    My parents were very patience with me, for they trusted the God who met Saul on the way to Damascus, would also meet with me one day.

    Recently I experienced the richness of a term called complete obedience.

    I come to understand that I am NO ONE to JUDGE others, for in committing that act I am elevating myself to be the Judge and I sitting on GOD”S THRONE, which is wrong.

    When I read the scripture, the Bible tells me very clearly “Not to judge” so I quit that filthy habit which had blinded me for a very long time, and I understood, when I am judged I will NOT be questioned/asked which CHURCH I attended or whose sermon I felt uplifting?

    I am answerable to HIM who would JUDGE everyone before the FATHER, GOD ALMIGHTY, and HE would ask me “DID YOU FOLLOW ME?” “What did you do with your life?” I don’t want to feel ashamed of myself.

    The people I condemn today may find GRACE & FAVOR from GOD, and I may be the one left behind. I do not want that to happen to me. By HIS GRACE I live.

    I take the time these days, to tell my friends and others I meet with, to quit from this habit, which would ruin the person and break the spirit of others.

    The Choice is mine, I need to decide, whom would I like to follow, is it the pastor of a church, a church leader!

    JESUS, GOD’S ONLY SON DIED FOR MY SIN AND I WOULD FOLLOW HIM.

    God speaks to us in different ways, and HE spoke to me, this bad quality of judging pops up now and then in me, but

    I ask God to give me the strength to overcome, and I am able to do because of HIS GRACE & FORGIVENESS I get every time I fall.

    Sir, the Bible says, “NO ONE IS PERFECT” then why do we have to judge others? Let us leave the judging part to GOD in prayer. I understand you are a great Minister, but where as I am not. I do not know much scripture versus too.

    The way you have served the LORD, I have not done. I will pray for you to God in Heaven, the ONE who helped me to understand, that JUDGING IS HIS PART, but HE extends GRACE NOW.

    I will place you on the ALTER OF GOD’S MERCY and GOD”S MERCY, GRACE, AND POWER will cover you.

    May You Remain Blessed By God Almighty!

    Wishing You A Blessed Day!

    Sheeba Andrew

  2. 2
    Sheeba Andrew 

    I was shocked, confused, bewildered
    As I entered Heaven’s door,
    Not by the beauty of it all,
    Nor the lights or its decor.

    But it was the folks in HEAVEN
    Who made me sputter and gasp –
    The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
    The alcoholics and the trash.

    There stood the kid from seventh grade
    Who swiped my lunch money twice.
    Next to him was my old neighbor
    Who never said anything nice.

    Bob, who I always thought
    Was rotting away in hell,
    Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
    Looking incredibly well.

    I nudged JESUS, ‘What’s the deal?
    I would love to hear Your take.
    How’d all these sinners get up here?
    GOD must’ve made a mistake.

    ‘And why is everyone so quiet,
    So somber – give me a clue.’
    ‘Hush, child,’ HE said,
    ‘they’re all in shock.
    No one thought they’d be seeing you.’

  3. In short, for I will give a full answer to your posts when I am able, I would like to say that if you do not find godly forms of judgment between Christians in the Bible, I suggest reading the New Testament again. And as usual, one’s call to not being judgmental leads to one being the JUDGE. You have judged me Andrew. I want you to read your post again and see where you judged me. And the worst thing of all is that your judgment of me was in comparison to yourself.

    “Dear Pastor Hatchet,

    Good Morning Sir!

    I am Sheeba Andrew. I was browsing the internet for an article for my students, when I stumbled across your writing “Why I Left Elevation Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C. – Sunday, June 21st, 2009”.

    I am always interested to know more about GOD. Right from my childhood years, my mother would always thrust ‘Biblical Books’ into my hand, and I was forced to read. After sometime, I took great liking towards the MAN (“and GOD” Min. H) called JESUS.

    My father always told me “nothing comes free in this world” and he would remind me always that JESUS paid the price for me even before I was born. The choice is mine.

    Min. H
    So salvation is free in that you cannot pay anything, nor can do anything to earn it. That’s the greatness of his sacrifice.

    Sheeba
    I was raised with strong faith, which I did not personally practice for a very long time, for I kept myself very busy finding faults with other people, criticizing them, and would write lengthy letters to condemn and to deride them. I took great pride in telling others what hypocritical life they led.

    My parents were very patience with me, for they trusted the God (“Jesus”- Min. H) who met Saul on the way to Damascus, would also meet with me one day.

    Sheeba
    Recently I experienced the richness of a term called complete obedience.

    I come to understand that I am NO ONE to JUDGE others, for in committing that act I am elevating myself to be the Judge and I sitting on GOD”S THRONE, which is wrong.

    Min. H
    But this is not true, and Paul is the one who discredits your point of view. I Corinthians 5:9-13

    Sheeba
    When I read the scripture, the Bible tells me very clearly “Not to judge” so I quit that filthy habit which had blinded me for a very long time, and I understood, when I am judged I will NOT be questioned/asked which CHURCH I attended or whose sermon I felt uplifting?

    Min. H
    You are judging here Sheeba. Now the way YOU judged others may have been wrong, but that doesn’t mean that proper judgment is wrong. You are basically saying that judging is a filthy habit AND you elevate yourself to being a judge.

    Sheeba
    I am answerable to HIM who would JUDGE everyone before the FATHER, GOD ALMIGHTY, and HE would ask me “DID YOU FOLLOW ME?” “What did you do with your life?” I don’t want to feel ashamed of myself.

    The people I condemn today may find GRACE & FAVOR from GOD, and I may be the one left behind. I do not want that to happen to me. By HIS GRACE I live.

    I take the time these days, to tell my friends and others I meet with, to quit from this habit, which would ruin the person and break the spirit of others.

    Min. H
    Sheeba; I have seen the very positive outcomes of good, godly, and Biblical judgment.

    Sheeba
    The Choice is mine, I need to decide, whom would I like to follow, is it the pastor of a church, a church leader!

    JESUS, GOD’S ONLY SON DIED FOR MY SIN AND I WOULD FOLLOW HIM.

    God speaks to us in different ways, and HE spoke to me, this bad quality of judging pops up now and then in me, but

    I ask God to give me the strength to overcome, and I am able to do because of HIS GRACE & FORGIVENESS I get every time I fall.

    Min. H
    “this” bad quality. There you are judging again. You are saying that the way you judged is the way I judge.

    “GOD SPOKE TO ME” SENDS OFF ALARMS AND SIRENS IN MY HEAD. If God truly spoke to you, then that means whatever you say is true, NO MATTER WHAT!!!!! EVEN IF THE BIBLE REFUTES IT, AND IT DOES. “SO WHO WAS TALKING TO YOU SHEEBA”?

    Sheeba
    Sir, the Bible says, “NO ONE IS PERFECT” then why do we have to judge others? Let us leave the judging part to GOD in prayer. I understand you are a great Minister, but where as I am not. I do not know much scripture versus too.

    Min. H
    You do not know me and although you judge me positively, you still judged me. Now when you speak of judging, you have not once defined judging, but I believe you speak of a judgment to HELL. Not so Sheeba, not so.

    Sheeba
    The way you have served the LORD, I have not done. I will pray for you to God in Heaven, the ONE who helped me to understand, that JUDGING IS HIS PART, but HE extends GRACE NOW.

    I will place you on the ALTER OF GOD’S MERCY and GOD”S MERCY, GRACE, AND POWER will cover you.

    May You Remain Blessed By God Almighty!

    Wishing You A Blessed Day!

    Sheeba Andrew

  4. 4
    primary debates 

    Pastor Carmichael is starting to strike me as a career politician, I was shocked to walk in church and see that EBC is now on Facebook and twitter. He preached against it, now he is for it? I mean talk about confusing people should we be on the internet or not? which is it? I know that people have to be wondering about this one. The church is losing more and more members so this must be a new goal for out reach? talk about flip flopping? wow this is pretty interesting. and what happened to the last musician? what could he have done to get himself fired? This church is really getting to the point I should be looking for a real church home. Choir what happened to the people, one side of the choir filled? What is going on here? I sure do not feel like family when I walk in the ushers are just demanding, rude and practically hold ya hostage once you walk in there. God forbid you try to leave early they got Jackie Chan watchin’ the door. Elevation needs new construction and that will start with the pastor remembering that he is an employee!

  5. 5
    godismystrength 

    To primary debates:

    Your comment about Jackie Chan is hilarious to me. Let me just enlighten you about “leaving early” as you call it. You can leave whenever you like as long as it is not during invitational which is when the pastor calls for people to give their lives to christ. You may not realize it but this is a very crucial time as people are trying to make a decision about the rest of their life. It has nothing to do with “leaving early”. Why would that be an issue if you wanted to leave early? Offering has already been taken up so you are not being held so your money can be taken and there are slots for that if you “want” to give.

    As far as the choir…..you must not have noticed that it is the same people they are just one one side of the choir stand. Before they were just spread out over the 2 sides.

    If you are not feeling that EBC is where you need to be then you surely need to look for your a church home. What good is it for you to stay somewhere you don’t like and criticize it while you are there? Move on to somewhere that you can use your time, talents, and substance and the gifts that God has given you. Hope you find what you are looking for.

  6. 6
    primary debates 

    @GIMS- let me enlighten you! I visit ebc as less as possible and know that there are other churches with less drama! you ever hear of leaving early because you gotta “work” Yes! I have been bullied by the ushers not to leave and I am not blind the chior has diminished! I know there were more members last time I did visit. I know what gifts God has given me and use them to the fullest. If a person posted anything positive you would find a way to spin it into a negative. I try to bring visitors to EBC, but usher bullying is embarrassing, so I visit as less as possible. My choice, the ushers and you are a bully

  7. 7
    godismystrength 

    Primary debates- I was not trying to turn anything you said into a negative. I was addressing the issues that I knew about in response to what you posted. If you can’t handle the backlash of the things that you post then maybe you should not post anything.

  8. 8
    admin 

    Church Idolatry is a sin.

  9. 9
    Godlovesme 

    @primary debates- im with you. The choir is not only diminishing, but the church is as well. People need to wake up and take a good hard look at the leadership instead of staying there to keep “your position”. I have never seen so many fake leaders in one place! As far as the musician goes, I am sure it was the same thing with every other musician and minister of music..elevation has had its share of wonderful musicians that have not been appreciated….elevation does not have the annointing – plain and simple. Next time the devil wants to argue, stomp on its head…dont even let it bother you…that is whats called “brainwashed”.

  10. 10
    admin 

    GIMS said to “To primary debates:

    Your comment about Jackie Chan is hilarious to me. Let me just enlighten you about “leaving early” as you call it. You can leave whenever you like as long as it is not during invitational which is when the pastor calls for people to give their lives to christ. You may not realize it but

    this is a very crucial time

    as people are trying to make a decision about the rest of their life. It has nothing to do with “leaving early”. Why would that be an issue if you wanted to leave early? Offering has already been taken up so you are not being held so your money can be taken and there are slots for that if you “want” to give.” GIMS

    Min. H
    It’s a crucial time for the pastor as well. I would say more so that he wants to see more people join the church for added money with more brainwashed, tithing followers.

    “If you are not feeling that EBC is where you need to be then you surely need to look for your a church home. What good is it for you to stay somewhere you don’t like and criticize it while you are there?” GIMS

    Min. H
    Statement retracted. GIMS is not trying to sue EBC. My Apologies!

  11. 11
    godismystrength 

    Min. H,

    I am not suing Pastor Carmichael. You have the wrong person.

  12. 12
    admin 

    What’s the current interest on the loan? How much does EBC owe? How many FEWER people attend EBC now? What the NEW GIVING PLAN?

  13. 13
    admin 

    Interesting conversation between persons A, B, and C.

    A to B- Elevation is getting worse. Person C who A and B did not know says that Elevation is much worse. That it is nothing like it used to be.

  14. The new website address of the new church in Knightdale, N.C.
    http://elevationbaptist.org/ebc-east-knightdale-nc

  15. 15
    Jacqueline 

    Most of what I have read in this blog is True & as mentioned and It’s time for me to add my experiences at Elevation. People even myself have ignored it for Years, over 10 for me. Having gone to the Church for such a long period of time And serving on the finance ministry I have seen very bad things first hand. I think the honest truth is what counts & I hate that I have held it in for as long as I have. I think it’s only fair to the rest of the Church that everyone have access to this public information.
    The tithes & money given to the Church is going to absolute Waste on trivial things like the Website, look at the numbers. The money can be used in many other more beneficial places to serve the need of the people much better. There is a constant brain-washing & making visitor’s feel guilty about tithing. I have been approached in the past directly by deacon Tyson to give testimony about such.
    The following information is the latest budget info from recent meetings. This Will attest to the Truth & what is really going on at Elevation. WHY two buildings???
    EBC 2012 Budget
    Open items:
    1. Need exterminator estimate – $1000.00
    2. There is a church suppliers line item for navigational ($1835) on your worksheet provided
    3. Need 2012 taxes estimate We are working on this: $14,000.00 (trying to get this reduce of removed)
    4. Bookstore expenditures? $400.00 for supplies (paper bags, receipt tape)
    5. Should Sheriff expenditure remain ($10,400) Should remain but we hope to reduce it.
    VENDOR EBC WEST EBC EAST
    MORTGAGE 0.00 1,092,000.00
    CABLE/PHONE.INTERNET (combined) 8,052.00
    AT&T Cell 2,016.00
    Managed Care 2,832.00
    PROGRESS ENERGY 23,760.00 106,488.00

    PSNC 6,684.00 13,125.00
    SECURITY/FIRE 1,350.00 7,000.00

    CLEANING COMPANY 30,514.00
    Supplies 1,950.00
    Cleaning Windows 4,500.00
    800.00 Cleaning Carpet 2,500.00
    2,500.00 Cleaning Floors 1,500.00
    WATER 700.00 2,500.00
    SEPTIC EXPENSE
    Septic Testing 4,700.00
    Septic Maintenance 4,800.00
    Elevator Maintenance 4,400.00
    LANDSCAPING 24,000.00
    COPIER LEASE (combined) 18,000.00
    POSTAGE LEASE (combined) 6,271.00
    INSURANCE
    BUILDING 4626.24 qter 18,504.96
    VEHICLES (combined)
    Vans 1,200.00
    Bus 1,300.00
    Worker’s Comp 24,000.00
    Major Service Vendors (Newcomb) 3,900.00 10,000.00
    Colorful Print (combined) 4,485.00
    Firestone Tire 1,700.00
    Auditor 12,000.00

    Fleet (gas card) 3,200.00
    Lowes (card) Replacement bulbs, etc 2,515.00
    Church Supplies (Navigational) 1,835.00
    Fire Extinguishers Inspection 700.00 1,200.00
    Worksmart Yearly Fees 2,640.00
    Support 6,000.00

    1,427,727.96
    40,394.00

    TOTAL BOTH BUILDINGS 1,468,121.96

  16. 16
    admin 

    This is truly amazing. I will try to get as much physical information about this, although I have no reason to doubt that such numbers are true. My thought on this is how are they paying this. I do not believe there is this much money coming in, I just don’t. I am wondering who else will see this post and either confirm or deny it.

    And just look at that Mortgage, WOW! That’s a whopping $1,000,000 per year. So, with 1500 members, each and every one of them would have to give $600 per year.

    1500 people could only come up with $200,000 in 18 months for the New Building itself. That’s $133.33 per member over 1.5 years, but the new church requires $666 per year from each member. Pastor Carmichael’s vision was a very poorly planned one, which certainly did not have the people’s welfare at heart.

    So how do they expect to come up with $1,000,000 per year? I will tell you how. By spending every last dime THE PEOPLE GIVE (in TITHES AND OFFERINGS). And your money is paying more than THREE mortgages including their own, believe that.

    My one question to the poster above; how did they get that $4 million to get the loan to start the new church? I sincerely do not believe the Capital Campaign Fund was even close.

    And everyone please remember that this is only phase 1. The total cost will be $70,000,000. Just doing simple math with no taxes involved that would make it $4100 per year per member over a long period of time.

  17. Open items:
    3. Need 2012 taxes estimate We are working on this: $14,000.00 (trying to get this reduce of removed)

    Using whole dollar amounts, under open items, number three, 2011 taxes was $14,868. The 2012 tax rate was reduced to $10,716.

    Line item 3 has been confirmed.

    Allow me to elaborate on the $1,500,000 YEARLY expenditures. For each member paying equally that would be $1000 per year just to keep the church running. The sanctuary is 3000 seats. Whose seat are you paying for every year it remains empty.

    How many people pay that monthly for their own mortgages without the bills included. How many pay half that? I hope you see my point.

    Some people at that church pay2, 3 and 4 times ($1000) per year in property taxes alone for their own homes.

  18. 18
    CONCERNED NON-MEMBER 

    All I know about EBC is what I have read in this blog. If you are a current member of this church and have posted a comment speaking against what goes on at this organization, why be in a place where you do not trust or continuously question the leadership.

    It is sad that the true meaning of praising and worshiping is being lost in the material things such as a building and money. Each of us will be accountable for what we do or do not do, including leadership.

    Pray for the leaders and pray for the congregation. If this is a place where you are not comfortable, leave instead of talking about what is going on. If you want to talk about it, talk about it with the people who can make a difference. Each and every person, including myself can not make things change by posting a comment on this blog.

  19. 19
    admin 

    CNM
    All I know about EBC is what I have read in this blog. If you are a current member of this church and have posted a comment speaking against what goes on at this organization, why be in a place where you do not trust or continuously question the leadership.

    Min. H
    I have dealt with this in earlier posts. Some people idolize their church more than the truth.

    CNM
    It is sad that the true meaning of praising and worshiping is being lost in the material things such as a building and money. Each of us will be accountable for what we do or do not do, including leadership.

    Pray for the leaders and pray for the congregation. If this is a place where you are not comfortable, leave instead of talking about what is going on. If you want to talk about it, talk about it with the people who can make a difference. Each and every person, including myself can not make things change by posting a comment on this blog.

    Min. H
    This blog has and can help in more ways than you think.

    Talk to who- The Pastor, The Leadership, etc.?

    The only ones capable of doing anything is the collective body. You know when the Pastor says to stand in agreement. Don’t Stand! When he has the offering, Don’t Give! And when he asks what the problem is, be ready to speak in turn, one by one with an intelligent, well thought out response. Ignore all threats of spiritual ruin, and if they kick you out, ask if any are willing to follow as you are being taken out.

    In conclusion, I do not know who you are CNM. But comments on this blog can

    1. Bring clarity to someone who has left the church,
    2. A member of the church,
    3. A long time visitor,
    4. A first time visitor,
    5. Someone looking for a church.
    6. And those in other churches to see if they are in bondage.

    Jesus is Lord and God

  20. 20
    very insulted by deacons 

    The deacons in this church have no clue. I have spent less and less time in ebc because this is a church where numbers matter and members don’t. The deacons never call you to see how you are doing once you join. If you confide in them the whole church knows your business and the deacon board is thinner and thinner every month. What do you need to do to get a call from the deacon? Die or be hospitalized? The deacons won’t go they will dump on the missionary board. I have been visiting small churches with less members and they give way more than elevation does, food to homeless, bag lunches to homeless, clothing and toys to women and children, sure i believe my tithes and offering should be used for that but I have once to see elevation sponsor any gifts to the women or mens shelters at holiday time. The carmichaels ask the ministries to support gifts for 25-30 people out of our pockets. Above our tithing. Do the Carmichaels know what it is like to work, give and constantly be asked to keep giving when people don’t know how they are gonna keep their own lights on? Then Deacon Tyson approaches people practically forcing them to speak and ask for additional seeds? I stopped giving @ EBC except what I can give. I see a lot of giving by the smaller churches and they also really have a no judgement zone. No ushers giving you a hard time about where you sit and ushers being forces to ask people to leave the property and kicking folk out of a holy place. EBC needs new leaders they were robbed the minute the carmichaels and the deacons stole power. I pray for all who attend.

  21. 21
    minister l 

    The move to the big church may have not been the best choice but it’s done. What now. The chusch needs the support of the people and the people need the support of the church . We dont need to be secretive on this blog but we need to be united in the church. The chuch can not survive if the peoples needs are not met.

  22. 22
    admin 

    minister I
    The move to the big church may have not been the best choice but it’s done. What now. The church needs the support of the people and the people need the support of the church . We don’t need to be secretive on this blog but we need to be united in the church. The church can not survive if the peoples needs are not met.

    Min. H
    When you say church, you mean EBC. The true church was doing fine before EBC got here and will continue to do so. If EBC were to go under right now, it wouldn’t have much of an effect. People would go elsewhere and provide. The ministry there is stifling people. I agree we need to be united, but not under the banner of foolishness.

  23. 23
    admin 

    I have heard nothing positive about EBC since the move. I do not anticipate any good news either. I have seen the devastation of people who are financially strapped with the church being the main problem.

  24. 24
    Toshia 

    Good afternoon. I went to the google search engine today so I could get the address of my church. I noticed a “why I left EBC” blog/link. I had no clue this existed. I read a few of the comments noticed one regarding my brother in law. He got a job promotion with more demands & longer hours that would not allow him to continue his employment at EBC. That is the quick & simple TRUTH. No more & no less. Also I am a current member & will be right there unless God tells me different. God has me on assignment not Doctor, Pastor or Elder Carmichael. I respect & love them all & have truly been blessed since starting with this ministry in 1997. As long as their teaching lines up with the word that I read in my bible I am good. I pray for those who have experienced any “hurt” at EBC but I can’t imagine how attacking people on this blog could start or complete your “healing”. I am not perfect, you are not perfect & nobody being spoken of is perfect either. I read post from a lot of angry people & you may even have a mouthful to say about me after you read my post BUT no weapon formed against GOD’S people will prosper. It just won’t work. I pray you all find the peace of Christ & let him guide your heart, thoughts & fingers as you type your next post. Good day.

  25. 25
    Response to Toshia 

    It baffles me that you didn’t know the blog exist for it has been around for years now, everybody has been talking about it and the truth of the matter about 98% of the post are the truth. The people aren’t just angry and want to say mean things..they are beyond hurt. If you knew a tenth of what members have experienced at EBC at the hands of those leaders you would be in shock, its obvious that they have only one thing and one thing at heart and that is glorifying themselves and not the Lord. You haven’t experienced anything YET…but their are many who have and they are upright God fearing people who just wouldn’t lie. My prayers are that the scales continue to fall off and they will be exposed for who they really are. People didn’t leave or leaving because they have issues. From my understanding they look upon the ministry as a Corporation, well whenever their is a high turnover of employees who do they look at..in this case it would be the CEO aka. Pastors and Co-Pastor. I will continue praying for the hurt, blind, wounded and discouraged.

  26. 26
    mmg 

    I first started going to Elevation Uptown in 2008. Through my time there, I have served in 3 different roles while being a full time student, tithed and offered and brought over 15 of my closest family members and friends to the campus.

    This past year I was kicked out of my egroup, judged by the main campus pastor Joel Delph, and judged by certain members of the congregation. I came under financial difficulty this past year and was silenced from asking for help, but I have donated close to a $1,000 in banner years, and this past year. I have never been so heartbroken in my life. I was evicted from my apartment and asked to leave my egroup because they didn’t like who I was dating, even though we were on the way to marriage, because we do not make a substantial salary or have a big voice in the community, we were never taken seriously. I’ve lost friends and want to tell my story more in detail. I have witnessed racial profiling at the Uptown location, people that raised their hands to be saved were overlooked by volunteers to be given bibles. Transparency is not what they want. Unless you have money or live exactly how they ask, your nothing. I now have a baby on the way and never was reached out to by anyone there or congratulated. I have tried to contact pastor Steven or anyone for any sort of accountability, and nothing has happened.

  27. 27
    admin 

    Call me whenever you have a chance. Your story, unfortunately, is becoming more and more common.
    919/278-8911

  28. 28
    admin 

    The lawsuit is dismissed. I am thankful that justice has been served in this matter. I believe in most cases that the justice system works. You are innocent until proven guilty.
    http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2010/12/no-federal-jurisdiction-over-claim.html?m=1

  29. 29
    admin 

    As for what’s going on with the church, another has come forth concerning this Pastor Worship Foolishness.

    WARNING: To my understanding Bishop Eddie Jinwright Carmichael can walk away from the church a rich man and there’s nothing you can do. Someone with the guts better consult a lawyer about Carmichael. Do it slowly, silently, and anonymously.

    BUT AS I STATED SOMEWHERE IN THIS BLOG, TH BEST WAY TO END THIS FOOLISHNESS IS TO LEAVE, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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