May Meeting Archives » Stanton Blog

5 March

The doctrine on doctrine

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:23-06:00March 5th, 2014|Uncategorized|14 Comments

March Week 2014 delegates: Reaching what you believe to be wise conclusions on the questions you're considering is great. But don't heap error upon error and proceed to bind your opinions, no matter how wise you think they are, on others. This is no different than the Pharisees "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." doc·trine: a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true teaching, instruction something that is taught Perhaps it's time to consider the Bible's doctrine on doctrine. Before we can teach anything, we should give thought to what can and can't be taught, right? What the Bible teaches about teaching should be what we teach about teaching, should it not? "Doctrine" as used in the Bible [...]

21 September

Teachers in lieu of elders

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:09:12-06:00September 21st, 2013|Uncategorized|12 Comments

One of the most far-reaching mistakes of church history in the last 2000 years was when congregations started colluding to give bishops influence over multiple congregations rather than over a single congregation, as Paul originally established. Bishops are just another word for pastors, elders, presbyters, overseers, or shepherds. Whatever you want to call these local shepherds, they were a God-given form of church oversight to help keep wolves out of the flock. Paul outlined the qualifications for them, and instructed both Timothy and Titus about those qualifications. The only problem was that human ideas for church management (and control) just seemed so much more practical. The congregation in Rome—not unlike Stanton or Spring Valley—asked for, and received the deference of its peers. Their bishops began to [...]

3 September

May Week audio and transcript on rules for travel

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:08:54-06:00September 3rd, 2013|Uncategorized|38 Comments

Jesus must be shaking his head in disbelief to think that his immense personal sacrifice—God coming to Earth to live as his creation lives, and being crucified for it—has been reduced to yet more Pharisaic rules that the rabbis heap upon their followers. These self-appointed legislators leave no stone unturned in looking for areas of your life to assert the spiritual superiority of their own opinions. Thus they fabricate rules for marital sex, attire, recreation, wine, travel, the Lord's supper, and a whole host of other topics found in what I call 2 Opinions Chapter 3—the go-to source of authority when you can't find it in the Bible. This article delves into the mindset of those who feel qualified to make these rules for other people [...]

2 September

Hide it under a bushel?

By Kevin|2019-04-11T02:08:52-06:00September 2nd, 2013|Uncategorized|2 Comments

NOTE: Updated with transcript of audio The following audio snippet comes from a May Meeting discussion, I believe, and shows a clear intent to avoid criticism by keeping the teachings of the church hidden from public scrutiny. The idea under discussion was to avoid having written material get indexed by search engines and exposed to the "wrong eyes" on the Internet, the supposed "enemies of the cross of Christ." This is just another way of silencing dissent; if your opinions aren't published anywhere, no one can counter them with scripture. Does anyone doubt that Paul would have loved for each and every one of his sermons to be published in audio, written, and video form on the Internet, if he'd had such technology? He would have [...]

"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

“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 Why I care about politics and cultureHow can a woman learn the role God designed for her in the church and marriage in a church started by Merie, who rebelled against God’s order that women stay silent in the churches? Short answer. They…
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureAnd he is still apart of the church of Christ but the one he started right?
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureHe is living in Texas and is worshipping in a home with other believers. My advice would be to contact him through his instagram page if you would like more information.
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureWhere is Joe worshiping
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureFrom my understanding, Joe didn’t start his own sect. About a year after his unscriptural withdrawal he left the Stanton sect which he had been a part of since birth, and he and his family attended a…
Non institutional One cupper on Why I care about politics and cultureDose anyone know besides Joe gautreau if there has been anyone who broke away from stanton and stared teir own sect of churches of christ
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureHumility, Pride, Love, and Truth. Of these four words, which do you hear most in Stanton? I'd say it's a close contest between love and pride, though in the past, pride won by a lot. Now, pride appear…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureThe concept is scriptural, and in accordance with nature's law, IMHO. Good overview by anonymous. Anytime a member of any organization publicly violates the organizations standards, rather than bring…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureThe reason they do public confessions is to clear themslves of public sins. They believe that a member can sin collectively against every member in their congregation by committing a sin in public. (A…
Luke clips on Why I care about politics and cultureWhy dose stanton do public confessions
Truth Defender on My Story, by Matthew EzellIt seems reasonable, when one zooms out and looks at what was happening in America at the time, a great book on it is “Sexual Sabotage” by Judith Reisman. Beginning with Kinseys degenerate “Sex Report…
Truth Defender on Why I care about politics and cultureInteresting, thank you for posting. Wonder if you were in Stanton prior to 1984, when my family left. The tradition, unscriptural, of female teachers has been devastating. Kevin’s mother was very astu…
Liz Montalvo on My Story, by Matthew EzellIn hindsight, once I left Stanton, I began to realize that the obsession by some Stanton leaders with members' sex lives illustrated their own sexual depravity. God is all knowing and He alone will ju…
Liz Montalvo on My Story, by Matthew EzellIt is heartbreaking that Matt was withdrawn from and I can't help but see the similiarities between what occurred with his father-in-law and mother-in-law. Jill was the sweetest soul and a dear friend…
Liz Montalvo on Here’s Joe Gautreau’s letter of withdrawal…where do I start?Agreed. I placed membership at a Houston Church of Christ in the 1980s and in no way was I turned away or my past checked because I had been a member at Stanton. It was quite the opposite.
Liz Montalvo on Gossip, evil surmising, and slanderAmen Loraine.
Liz Montalvo on Why I care about politics and cultureI find it interesting that Kevin has “forbidden” the use of names but he mentioned Merie & another woman in his opening post & conveniently left out his mother who did quite a bit of harm. I k…
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureYes, there is a reason Bible class is after worship and not before. Worship is the most important activity of not just Sunday, but the entire week, as well as the only time the church is commanded to…
Luke clips on Why I care about politics and cultureIs there a reason stanton dose not have Bible classes before worship
Anonymous on Why I care about politics and cultureTo answer your question about non-class... Stanton conducts children's classes on Sunday morning and/or evening after worship while the adults have their class, so no, they are not 'non class'.