Comments on: A Sad Wake-Up Call

By: George Whitten

George Whitten — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:48:31 +0000

Whose opinions appear to carry the most weight in the remarks by Pastor Graham? Upon re-reading his remarks, I find his and the church staff’s opinions: “…we are appalled and we are disgraced …” (So far, so good.)
I find concern about the congregation’s opinions: “You need to know …”
And there is concern about the community’s and country’s opinion: he is eager to move on and “put this in the rearview mirror.”

But I don’t find any mention of Jesus’ opinion, stated in Matthew 18:6: “but whoever causes one of these little ones . . . to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Perhaps Jack Graham proclaimed God’s condemnation of Mr. Barron’s sin in remarks not reported in the news.

Where is an expression of grief over the injury this misconduct has brought to the name of Christ (as Jay expressed above) ? Instead, the senior pastor said he’s sorry for “the injury that this kind of behavior has brought to many people in our church and outside of our church.”

Secondarily, this kind of misbehavior has injured every person in the church, hasn’t it? Not just “many.”

Finally, how does another “heavy millstone” passage of Scripture, Revelation 18: 21 thru 24, strike you, Kevin?
– particularly in light of the conclusion you reached after three years on staff, as described on your “About Kevin” page; and the dedication of the garden Penny mentioned;
and in light of the prevailing belief that Babylon in the book of Revelation will include the apostate, syncretist-inclusive “church”?

By: penny johnson

penny johnson — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:16:30 +0000

Jack Graham said the absolute WRONG thing: he is “eager to move on” and “put this in the rear view mirror”. Why??? Why not address this head-on and take the opportunity to bring healing and grace to those in the congregation who have been violated? Graham’s quick assertion to “move on” and to hire staff with “high character” sounds more like a denial of the reality that they did in fact hire someone without that character. Futhermore, while they say they are “cooperating fully”, they did not surrender church computers [b/c they have a program to prevent inappropriate access]. Why???? A good hacker could bypass that program, and they should absolutely allow the investigtors access to their system. Graham’s insistance to move on is suspicious to me; he should take the led and actually INVITE these investigators to inspect their computers, cell phones and other devices provided to staff and ministers—who is he protecting??? who does he think he is?? why isn’t he addressing the issue in humility and transparency?? why is he so anxious to “move on”??? Why?????

By: Jay

Jay — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:08:04 +0000

Kevin, we all are saddened by this news and the fact that it will be used to hold our Lord up to ridicule. It is also my prayer that perhaps this will serve as the wake-up call that you mention. I have no relationship with Prestonwood but have held the church and Pastor Graham in high regard. I have been troubled with one thing that I learned as a result of this latest incident, however. Apparently, Prestonwood last year dedicated their new prayer garden to the former pastor who had been involved in the multiple affairs. I simply cannot understand how any church could honor a former pastor who had brought such shame and reproach to the church, the pastorate, and our Lord. As a former staff member, perhaps you have some insight as to the reasons behind such a decision. Thanks,