debby stevens Archives » Stanton Blog

14 September

Overcoming your fear of leaving – by Debby Stevens

By Kevin|2019-04-11T06:54:43-06:00September 14th, 2016|Uncategorized|128 Comments

For anyone who has been thinking about leaving any of the Stanton CoC groups, but has been frozen by fear, Debby Stevens shared some very well-written thoughts from the heart yesterday that you need to read. I had people emailing me asking to put her comments into a single post so they don't get lost in the comment rotation, and I agree. My favorite quote: "If you leave the group, it doesn't mean you have left God. Actually, you may be leaving so that you can continue to follow Him, and Christ." Thank you, Debby, for sharing. I have something on my heart and it's been there for awhile, and I'd like to share it if ones will bear with me! It wasn't just one [...]

5 June

My Story, by Debby Stevens

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:47-06:00June 5th, 2015|Uncategorized|64 Comments

I'm really glad that Debby Stevens found the blog recently. There are a lot of good people who love God who have left Stanton's ranks, and I'm thrilled that some of them have found this blog to share their story. My prayer is that by uncovering more voices from Stanton's past, we can show current members that (a) they're not alone in their secret doubts about Stanton's presumptuous "authority;" and (b) there is such a thing as a relationship with God outside of Stanton's walls. Debby, thanks adding your voice to the discussion here. My Story by Debby Stevens I first started with the Stanton group in Portland, OR in 1985 when I was baptized. In 1989 I was asked to move to Lakeland, FL [...]

"This needed to be said Kevin, thank you. I believe you are getting to heart of the problem in the church. Instead of a Christian being allowed to exercise their own conscience, the conscience of a few people living in South Carolina and California is forced upon the entire brotherhood." ~Anonymous

"Great blog, Kevin. I'm originally from Stanton (I remember you being a young boy there). I Spent almost twenty years in the church seeing many of the things you speak about but keeping them in the back of my mind, and doubting my own feelings that something wasn't right.

"This constant gossiping was so confusing because it was OK for teachers to talk about people, but no one else to even question actions of a teacher. Being outside of that influence and away from the constant intimidation, it is so much more clear. There was no love or understanding. I'm sure most, except for the leaders, know something is wrong if they would just be honest with themselves. I regret so much putting my children through this more than I regret putting myself through it.

"I'm just glad I left. No need for being bitter toward anyone because it was my choice to be there and stay there. Keep up the good work." ~Loraine Forshee

I have read every word of this blog… I spent many hours/days reading… Feeling so sick inside… I felt so grateful to find this blog." ~Anonymous

"I left the group because I realized that what the group taught and what God teaches were often-not always-vastly different. I had to make a choice; stay out of fear, obligation, because of relationships, or leave so I could continue to follow Christ. I left. You know, one thing I heard A LOT while in the group is that “fallen away ones” are always longing to come back into the group.” At the time I believed it, but I just haven’t found it to be true! If it were, there would be plenty of people flocking back, and it isn’t happening. I have been in contact with quite a few who have left, and not one of us has thoughts about going back. Ever." ~Debby Stevens

"What’s ironic is that we point these things out to them only for them to ignore, dismiss and scoff at the blog both publicly in talks or sermons, and among themselves in secret. For you leaders and members of the SCOC who still read this blog, it’s one thing to dismiss the dissenters, but when you have people in your own ranks parroting the SAME EXACT PROBLEMS we talk about here (some of whom don’t even read the blog yet they see the same things we do), it may be time to consider your ways instead of having “unity” (conformity) meetings trying to ignore it." ~Advocate for Peace

"I too am a current member in 'good standing' in the church. I read the blog and I know of two other current members who also read it. I am sure you're wondering why in the world I would still be attending after reading all of this. Honestly, I am weak and just don't have the courage to leave because of family members who are still involved. Because of the threat of withdrawal for murmuring it's impossible to ask others what they think of the blog posts and videos. I am sure I will leave someday, I'm just not quite ready." ~Anonymous

"I'm currently a member in "good standing" in the church. I read the blog, even though its frowned upon. I can't begin to tell you how closely the comments and personal testimonies align and match what's happening in the church. You read something here, and it opens your eyes to that behavior now. so that when you see it happening, you instantly think about who it happened to here on this blog, and you know the damage it causing." ~Anonymous

"I’m not giving up on God like they believe I’m lost now. I’m so glad I found this blog. It helped open my eyes to what I was a part of for TOO long." ~Not going back

“I have tried the pharisaic plan, and the monastic. I was once so straight, that, like the Indian’s tree, I leaned a little the other way. And however much I may be slandered now as seeking “popularity” or a popular course, I have to rejoice that to my own satisfaction, as well as to others, I proved that truth, and not popularity, was my object; for I was once so strict a Separatist that I would neither pray nor sing praises with any one who was not as perfect as I supposed myself. In this most unpopular course I persisted until I discovered the mistake, and saw that on the principle embraced in my conduct, there never could be a congregation or church upon the earth.” Alexander Campbell

“I blush for my fellows who hold up the Bible as the bond of union, yet make their opinions of it a test of fellowship; who plead for union of all Christians, yet refuse to fellowship with such as dissent from their notions. Vain men! Their zeal is not according to knowledge, nor is their spirit that of Christ. Such antisectarian-sectarians are doing more mischief to the cause and advancement of truth, the unity of Christians, and the salvation of the world, than all the skeptics in the world. In fact, they create skeptics.” Barton Stone

“If you can’t counter it in your heart, you will be affected. A lot of people say, ‘Gary you’re just trying to censor people from their God-given right to look at whatever it is that they’re going to look at.’ Go ahead and look at it. But I can only say to you, be admonished, and be well-versed. If you’re not having the ability to counter whatever it is that comes your way. Or all of a sudden someone comes and says something, and it hooks you in, you’re lured in with hook, line, and sinker, you have no one to thank but yourself. Our admonition is not to forbid anyone from doing anything, unless it’s a sin.” Gary Preman

Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 5, and final The women have been trained that their opinions, carefully cultivated by propaganda, are to be always respected or that's some kind of "abuse," which is one of the most subjective wo…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 4 Let us always remember what Solomon said about brawling and contentious women in Proverbs 21. He is talking about every woman who raises her hand and shares in a Bible class in Stanton. Thank y…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 3 And when the women are allowed to speak in church, they now weaken and emasculate every man in the church. Because a righteous man CANNOT AND WILL NOT respect a man who is controlled by his wif…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2 You know the vast majority of the women in Stanton, especially the ones with college degrees, and the ones who revere Merie, and often the single women, who were never properly taught, will rev…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 1 Any time you disagree with the leadership in Stanton, you will hear the furious rebukes about "Humble yourselves and receive instruction." Should a man heed and obey those who God has placed ov…
Craig Cusick on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Hi Lynn, I’m doing great!! Thank you very much. Life has never been better since I stopped attending functions of Merie’s cult. Kicking myself for 20 wasted years being around such a corrupt people fi…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?From Akzed on Gab. Profound comment. “True, it’s not about knowledge though but intelligence. The smarter someone is, the more doubt he experiences, according to Dunning-Kreuger, because of his awaren…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Parts 3 & 4 Stanton is straining at the gnats of sexual sins that EVERY MAN IN STANTON HAS COMMITTED AT SOME POINT IN HIS LIFE, LIKELY ENOUGH, while swallowing the camels of women speaking in the…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2/4.
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 2 won’t post, so will take pictures. There are four, so four posts will be necessary.
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Did you know Jews were instrumental in the popularity of comic books and are responsible for Batman, Superman, Captain America, MAD magazine, and many more comics? Every…..Single…..Time It’s no cohenc…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?There are far bigger issues that need to be addressed other than women in Stanton rebelling against God’s commands for them for 50 years. However, danger rarely can be confronted when wives refuse to…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Part 1, as the entire post was apparently too long, and wouldn’t post. Part 2 will come on Friday. Many teachers in Stanton use the tactic of justifying any church discipline they take, ranging from r…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?According to Stanton, Acts 2:38 means you must be baptized for the remission of your sins. [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?A historical tour guide at the original California State Capital of Benicia becomes irate over the fact that Talmudic Jews control the world. A good friend had invited me for lunch in the lovely city…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?What a beautiful post on Gab. For anyone who is on social media, Gab is the best social media out there, though it has infiltrators as well. It’s the only media that doesn’t censor criticism of small…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?I will always be grateful for the women in Stanton who raised me. They did a fabulous job. It seems a paradox. TD, how can you oppose women speaking in the church yet be grateful for the women who rai…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?How can a church obey God when women are in leadership positions and speaking publicly? The sad fact is it can’t. You can’t have women disobeying God’s order to be silent in the church, and spineless…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Can’t post the link, but this was posted by a telegram account, “The Catholic State” It’s true. It’s for the men who see Jewish treachery, but since Merie, paid by a Jew, taught non-violence and women…
Truth Defender on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Who controls the media that we were all exposed to from our birth? Same people pushing feminism and the idea that women are equal to men in roles. Funny, when you Google “women speaking in church,” we…