SGM-Mahaneygate: Cultic Characteristics of Mickey Connolly, Charlotte, NC

Mickey Connolly,
sidekick and defender
of C.J. "It's All About
Me" Mahaney

Dreary SGM-Mahaneygate continues.  It's better to just avoid all manner of contact with all of them. 

 

Backstory.  Mickey Connolly, SGM Community Organizer (or whatever SGM calls him, “Apostle,” “Elder,” “Pastor?”), runs an outfit in Charlotte, NC.  Mickey's outfit called Crossway is associated with Sovereign Grace Ministries and C.J. “It’s All About Me” Mahaney.  Connolly waved off and warned his people of Brent Detwiler and his communications.  SGM-Mahaneygate continues for close observers.  In terms of church history, SGM is a momentary blip on the radar screen.  SGM features a range of sectarian Baptacostals.  They are sectarians, at base, predicated on the enthusiasms of poorly trained men.  When this point is raised with them, including former members and current bloggers, they get defensive.  Yet, we continue to follow them briefly. It would appear they will be a split of sorts to come.

 

Re:  ignorant clerics.  The English Reformer, Thomas Becon, rebuked hotheads running into ministry without training and moderation.  “They presumed to teach before they have learned.”  But what did C.J. “It’s All About Me” Mahaney know of that?  Or, many others including Connolly.  Rev. Beacon spokes of “gelders rather than elders,” “minishers rather than ministers,” “dissipators rather than dispensators,” “destructors rather than instructors,” “deformers rather than informers,” “famous neither in doctrine nor conversation,” and men “to be repelled.” It sounds rather SGM’s organizers.  Becon then argued from Scripture, Leo, Jerome and Gregory in behalf of a biblically literate ministry. He gave an extended discussion arguing for a learned ministry including a lengthy review of Bible writers advocating for “doctrine.”  But don’t say that to SGMers, past, present or future.

 

Brent's post.  Here’s Brent’s latest post on one “Gelder,” “Minisher,” “Deformer,” “Destructor,” “Dissipator,” and a man “famous neither in doctrine or conversation,” Mickey Connolly of Crossway Sect, Charlotte, NC.

 

http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/2012/8/12/ten-common-cult-like-characteristics-evident-in-mickey-conno.html

 

Ten Common Cult-Like Characteristics Evident in Mickey Connolly's Leadership (Part 1)

by Brent Detwiler on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 6:21pm ·

When I was earning my Masters of Divinity degree in seminary, I had the privilege of studying under the world’s foremost expert on the cults, Dr. Walter Martin. His book, The Kingdom of the Cults, was the standard reference work on the subject. Dr. Martin taught us to refute the false doctrines of the cults; but he also trained us to discern the characteristic traits of cult leaders. Every Christian must be equipped to spot these identifying marks.

Mickey Connolly is preaching the gospel and his doctrine is fundamentally sound. I do not consider him a cult leader. Nevertheless, he has come to share the foremost characteristics of cult leaders with the exception of false doctrine. I want to point these out for his sake and the sake of those who follow him.

These are matter of fact observations. I am not attempting to be inflammatory or sensational. I’ve not taken this approach for the shock value. These characteristics are self-evident to any believer who has studied his actions and comments. Nor is this a vindictive post. I am not attempting to injure Mickey but I am calling him to repentance. I am also providing a warning to those who remain at CrossWay Community Church and to the SGM Board of Directors who condone his cult-like words, attitudes and actions.

In order to fully appreciate my analysis, every pastor and every member in every Sovereign Grace Church should carefully read the following posts.

·         CrossWay Pastors Threaten to Excommunicate Me for being Divisive (Nov 3, 2011)

·         CrossWay Pastors Proceed with “Marking” as Divisive Despite Appeals for Adjudication (Nov 13, 2011)

·         Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay! (Nov 14, 2011)

·         Mickey Connolly’s Deceitful Use of Scripture and Commentaries (Nov 26, 2011).

·         A Question Regarding Excommunication (June 9, 2012)

·         The Misguided Focus of Mickey Connolly (Aug 1, 2012)

I’ve endeavored to be brief in this post. It could be ten times longer. The other blog posts provide much more evidence and context which are important. I am not misrepresenting Mickey or making anything up. This is a simple study of Mickey’s comments in context. His words expose him. I just offer commentary.

The tendencies I am about to point out in Mickey are obvious to anyone who has studied the cults and their leaders. They are not novel inventions. I have hope for Mickey because the Holy Spirit indwells him. I want to see him prospering in gospel ministry as a humble pastor and teacher. Over the past three years, I could easily have written hundreds of pages regarding Mickey but I held off in hopes that C.J. would come to repentance first so he could help Mickey. That has not happened.

Mickey is like C.J. but he is worse in some ways. As with C.J., I have been appealing to Mickey’s in private for many years. I hope this short synopsis will suffice and finally produce a godly response. I genuinely hope the Lord opens Mickey’s eyes to see the error of his ways even at this late hour. I’ve not choses this approach to inflame the situation but to point out the seriousness of the situation. There are real similarities between Mickey and stereotypical cult leaders. I hope the comparisons serve to get people’s attention and open their eyes.

Nine months ago, I wrote the following email appealing to Joe Lechner and the other pastors to “shoot straight with the people” at CrossWay Community Church. It was one of many such emails. The pastors disregarded all those appeals. The current crisis in CrossWay has not come upon them suddenly. The pastors were forewarned for the longest time but did not listened.

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Friday, October 28, 2011 3:22 PM

To: Joseph Lechner

Cc: Mickey Connolly; Larry Malament; Nick Swan; Mike Seaver; Jim Hawkins; Jeremy Oddy; Jonathan Shea; David Moore

Subject: RE: Blog Post

Joe,

Mickey has not been open and honest with the church about C.J., SGM, Grace Community, etc. People are figuring it all out. Even people like the Aldridge’s. Mickey slandered my documents by calling them slander – that was really dumb and one of the oldest tricks in the SGM play book. No originality there. And [for Mickey] to describe C.J. actions [over the past decade] as “disappointments.” As they say in the Far East. Holy cow!

Listen, you guys need to shoot straight with the people. It won’t be long before they discover the truth. It’s coming to a town near you. If you don’t speak up against the serious problems in SGM and make open and honest changes in CrossWay you will be like Richmond or Orlando or Ashburn. C.J., Dave and others sins are growing each day. People won’t be conned by Mickey forever. I’ve gone very easy on you but that won’t continue forever.

When Mickey came by on August 24 [2011], I confronted him on his [claim of] sinless perfection again. No change. Five years running now. You and Gene [Emerson] ambushed me February 28, 2009. It was a horrible display of abuse. Just one example. But you are all content to live with guilty consciences.

##

As I proceed, I will define each trait, quote Mickey in context, and provide commentary that is new or taken from previous blog posts.

Trait 1: Require Absolute Trust

Cult leaders teach their followers that they are the only ones who can be trusted. Everyone else is suspect. Therefore, all reliable information and truth comes from them and no one else. People are called to complete dependence up the leader. He thinks and decides for his followers.

When Mickey excommunicated me as divisive and condemned my writings as slander and gossip on November 13, 2011, he insisted the church explicitly trust his judgment of my character and assessment of my writings. He told the church they did not need to be informed about my concerns for SGM because they could trust the pastors leadership. He allowed for no middle ground between absolute trust and total ignorance. Mickey also called the church to explicitly trust the pastors to impartially examine any charges I brought against him without the involvement of anyone besides the elders.

Mickey Connolly

Excommunication Meeting

November 13, 2011

“So here is the key question, really, of all of this. It is a question that some of you have asked. ‘If I don’t read this stuff how can I be informed? How do I know that you aren’t telling me not to read these things because of what the blog says. So Mickey, isn’t this just a ploy to avoid having your sins uncovered?’… I want you to know that I understand the question and in some ways there is only one answer I can give you and it is this. You need to decide whether you trust your pastors…. You need to decide whether you are going to trust your pastors…. You have to decide do you want to trust us. Do you trust that if charges ever were brought that the other pastors would impartially hear those charges and act according to 1 Timothy 5. Do you trust your pastors! That is really the key question that we are facing here tonight. And I want to let you know something. We can’t function without your trust. If I ever lose the trust of this church I will resign that very day. I can’t function without your trust. I can’t function without your trust. That is the great horror of gossip and slander and divisiveness. It fosters suspicion. It fosters mistrust. Mistrust and suspicious divide. We cannot function without your trust. I am not going to publicly defend myself. I will not defend myself at Brent’s or anyone else’s expense by revealing private conversations and I will not put anyone else in a bad light and put myself in a good light. I’ve appealed to Brent privately and will continue to do so but I will not tear down Brent to defend myself. I realize this puts me at a disadvantage which is another reason I so need your trust.”

Brent Detwiler

Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay!

November 14, 2011

“The final section of Mickey’s message summates the evening. He commands people to cut off outside sources of information, remain ignorant and trust only their pastors who clearly deserve such mindless submission. If any member is unwilling to exclusively trust and obey Mickey and the pastors, they must leave the church. Once again we see a clear abuse of authority and a superiority of attitude that is suffocating. It is blatantly obvious that the pastors don’t trust the dumb sheep, but they hope the sheep are dumb enough to trust the seemingly infallible pastors. The pastors show no respect or need for the congregation. The pastors will evaluate themselves and they will think for everyone else! Just do what they tell you! End of discussion (if there ever was one).”

Trait 2: Demand Unconditional Obedience

Followers are expected to obey the commands and instructions of the cult leader. Unconditional obedience flows out of absolute trust. You do what you are told without questioning those in authority. The actions of the cult leader are not open to criticism.

Mickey equates absolute trust with unconditional obedience. If you won’t fully obey him you are told to leave the church. He exercises total control over the church and demands adherence to his commands. He forbids every church member from talking to me, meeting with me, or reading anything I’ve written about Sovereign Grace Ministries. Mickey is very comfortable lording it over people.

Mickey Connolly

Excommunication Meeting

November 13, 2011

“So what I am asking you to do as a church is to avoid him as long as he engages in this behavior: gossip, slander, scoffing, mocking…. Having nothing more to do with him, or avoiding him, would include not discussing these things with him personally, reading any of his materials on blogs or Facebook. If that means you have to defriend him to avoid the temptation, do that, or following the story on anti-Sovereign Grace Ministries blogs…. So I want to be clear! Not discussing this with him personally. Not reading any of his materials on blogs or Facebook or following the story on the anti-Sovereign Grace Ministries blogs…. If you can’t trust your pastors, you need to leave. You need to go…. If you cannot trust your pastors, if you cannot obey your pastors and what we are asking you to do biblically then you need to find another church because we cannot function without your trust. You can’t follow pastors you don’t trust. You can’t honor pastors that you are willing to have slandered. And that you’re willing to go and seek out slander about. You can’t do that.”

Brent Detwiler

Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay!

November 14, 2011

“In other words, if you don’t cut off your relationship with me, if you continue to read my blog, if you don’t defriend me on Facebook and stop reading my comments, you MUST leave CrossWay and find another church. There is absolutely no alternative. So if you stay, you must stick you head in the sand and unconditionally trust, obey and honor the pastors as though they were Jesus.”

Trait 3: Claim Divine Status

All cult leaders suffer from a messianic complex. Some claim to be god or a messiah of god. They are egomaniacs. They claim a degree of holiness unattainable by others. Their faults are concealed and an image of perfection is put forth to followers. Their real character is covered up and their sinful nature denied. They don’t admit to wrong doing even when exposed.

Mickey does not claim divine status but he does believe he is worthy of absolute trust and unconditional obedience because of his godliness. For many years, Mickey has claimed sinless perfection in relation to me and the planting of Grace Community Church (sorry if I lost you – it’s a story for another day). Mickey and the SGM Board recently claimed that C.J. has “exceptional character.” Exceptional means “rare, outstanding, extraordinary.” That is the way these men think about themselves.

Mickey Connolly

Excommunication Meeting

November 13, 2011

“You need to decide whether you are going to trust your pastors. I’ve never asked you to trust me blindly. Never. You have to examine my life and examine the life of these other pastors. The way we’ve lived, the way we’ve served you, the way we’ve taught you, the way we’ve cared for you. You have to examine our lives and have to answer that question. You have to decide do you want to trust us.”

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:35 AM

To: Mickey Connolly

Cc: Nick Swan; Joe Lechner; Larry Malament; Mike Seaver; Jim Hawkins; Jonathan

Shea; Jeremy Oddy

Subject: RE: An Appeal to Call Off the Meeting to “Mark” Me

Mickey, you’ve abused your authority and you’ve acted deceptively. These are serious, but far and away, my greatest concern for you and the other men, is your claim of sinlessness. I’ve never seen such a display of arrogance and self-righteousness. You remain deceived regarding your sins against Grace Community Church, me and others. Nevertheless, I am willing to meet with you but only if members of CrossWay are authorized to hear and adjudicate my charges against you. You may defend yourself and level your own charges against me. But I cannot meet with you and the pastors alone. You’ve abused me too many times and always insisted upon your perfect innocence and my complete guilt. Let’s meet but put others in charge so there can be a fair and just hearing. Demonstrate you are willing to be evaluated and held accountable by the church. This is now my third appeal for justice. You rejected my first two appeals.

Brent Detwiler

Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay!

November 14, 2011

“I have shared concerns [regarding Mickey] for 5½ years. I just talked to Mickey in person on August 24 [2011]. He was immovable and maintained his sinless perfection.… Mickey believes he is worthy of unqualified trust because of his exemplary life, service, teaching and pastoral care. No one deserves this kind of trust except Jesus Christ. Mickey’s extremely high opinion of himself translates into a demand for unconditional followership. That’s what happens when you claim perfection. You universally trust yourself and so should everyone else.… At no point in Mickey’s [excommunication] message does he qualify his request for trust. It is absolute. Complete. Unconditional. This is more than an oversight. Under these circumstances, he should be telling the church he is a sinful man, made mistakes, needs to change and understands why it is hard to trust him. Instead, he demands total trust and obedience which he assumes he warrants. There is no self-suspicion.”

Trait 4: Surround with Weak Leaders

Cult leaders have no accountability. They surrounded themselves with devoted followers who see no fault in them or fear the dire consequences of pointing them out. Critics are not found among the inner circle of loyalists. The cult leader selects “lieutenants” whom he rewards for protecting and promoting him. His leadership goes unchallenged by weak and compromised subordinates.

Since turning the church over to Mickey in 2003, I’ve tried to get the pastors around Mickey to be open, honest and direct with him. I’ve brought many serious charges against Mickey to their attention. They would not deal with him. These men joined Mickey in his abuses in 2007. That continues. They are like the SGM Board that surrounds C.J. In private conversations, Ted Kober and Ed Keinath of Ambassadors of Reconciliation, expressed their great concern for the blind loyalty shown C.J. That sinful dynamic is also apparent in relation to Mickey. For example, after my excommunication, I pointed out to the pastors Mickey’s obvious lying and deceit. They took no action, refused to meet with me, and forbid any manner of congregational accountability. His sin was covered up.

Mickey Connolly

CrossWay Family Mtg.

February 8, 2012

“Paul addresses this whole issue of what if someone brings a charge against an elder? How is that to be adjudicated? How is that to be reviewed? And so let me read 1 Timothy 5:19-21… And so here Paul gives, you know, not outside panels, not courts, not anyone else. Paul gives local elders the most solemn charge possible: In the presence of God and of the Lord Christ Jesus, to hear these charges without prejudging [partiality] or prejudice [favoritism]. And I recognize we’ve kind of run up here against this kind of modern idea of conflict of interests, that somehow it would be a conflict of interests to have fellow elders to judge or review or hear charges against another elder.”

##

“Conflict of interests” is not a modern idea! It goes back to the fall of Adam and Eve. It is addressed throughout Scripture. Phil 2:20-21, I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Paul gives this command (1 Tim 5:21) to Timothy to give to the elders because elders are prone to show partiality and favoritism to one another. It was Timothy’s responsibility as an outside authority to make absolutely sure no partiality or favoritism were shown to a co-elder. He would have intervened and rebuked any elder or eldership giving evidence to such corruption. He was called to monitor any disciplinary process introduced against an elder in Ephesus.

No one is going to evaluate Mickey except for the pastors he has hired, are half his age (except for Larry Malament), and have a vested interest in protecting him. Mickey fails to grasp or take seriously the warning in this verse. He brushes off concerns for a “conflict of interests” as a modern idea. Once again, he demands absolute trust and repudiates accountability beyond his inner circle of devotees.

In contrast, churches like Covenant Life (Joshua Harris) and Sovereign Grace Church – Fairfax (Mark Mullery) have identified the real problems that exist in themselves. They have benefited from this year of discipline and grown in humility, confession, accountability, transparency and approachability. They’ve provided honest answers to hard questions. They are pursuing input and accountability from the church like never before. They don’t trust themselves like Mickey and the pastors do at CrossWay. As a result, church members at CLC and SGCF don’t fear the pastors as they once did. There is far more trust and mutual respect.

Mickey has done just the opposite. That is why these woes have come upon CrossWay. That is one of the reasons the Charlottesville, VA left SGM, the Chesapeake, VA wants nothing to do with Mickey’s leadership and the Richmond church lost 450 out of 700 members. CrossWay members have no idea how negatively Mickey is viewed in many parts of SGM. That is not slander. It is the truth but the church would not know because they have been kept in the dark. C.J. will applaud Mickey (as Mickey applauds C.J.) but few others in the movement are so foolish. They are embarrassed by Mickey.

Here are several examples from times I appealed for an open hearing of charges, the involvement of the church, or examination by objective evaluators. All requests were denied and I suspect concealed from CrossWay.

Brent Detwiler

CrossWay Pastors Threaten to Excommunicate Me for being Divisive

November 3, 2011

“Mickey, Joe, Nick and Larry may not like my strong words but that is not the issue. Their threatening’s [of excommunication] and claim of perfection are the issue. As with C.J., I’d be glad to meet with CrossWay over the course of several weeks and talk openly about the past and the present. The pastors can present their case. I will present my case but there should be no attempts at censoring and controlling important information that people need to hear. That amounts to a cover-up…. Mickey, Joe, Nick and Larry claim to be fulfilling their ‘sacred duty as shepherds who are charged with protecting the flock of God’ from me. But what none of these pastors or board members will allow is an open hearing of the facts. Instead they resort to charges of slander, divisiveness and now excommunication. I have called for Mickey’s removal from the SGM Board of Directors since the day Dave Harvey appointed him. He does not qualify. That call stands.”

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 10:08 PM

To: Mickey Connolly; Joseph Lechner; Nick Swan; Larry Malament

Cc: Jeremy Oddy; David Moore; Jonathan Shea

Subject: An Appeal to Call Off Family Meeting

I have offered to meet with you and the church to discuss these matters but you have refused. You do not want to be open and accountability to the church. I also asked if I could come to the “marking” but you have forbid me. I cannot even hear what you are going to say about me. You want no accountability.

##

Brent

CrossWay Pastors Proceed with “Marking” as Divisive Despite Appeals for Adjudication

Nov 13, 2011

“People who are being ‘divisive’ should be sought out and humbly heard not ‘marked,’ excoriated, cut off, and ostracized. In my case, the CrossWay pastors are unwilling to be evaluated. Just like C.J., they refuse to allow for an adjudication hearing. It is easier for them to mark me as divisive than it is to examine their hearts in the midst of hearing presided over by an objective third party. Therefore, they must resort to control by silencing me.”

##

Brent Detwiler

Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay!

November 14, 2011

“Our trust and obedience to Christ is absolute. Our trust and obedience to men is limited and conditional. I have listened to all of Mickey Connolly’s comments from last night’s “members’ only” [excommunication] meeting at CrossWay Community Church in Charlotte, NC. It would take a millennium to correct the errors, misrepresentations, and untruths communicated to this dear church by Mickey. I’ve appealed three times for a process whereby an objective third party can be involved in hearing and evaluating my charges against Mickey and the CW pastors. They have refused to allow anyone, except themselves, to assess my concerns. They have no accountability to Sovereign Grace Ministries and they have no accountability to the congregation. They are an island unto themselves and control the flow of all information. Increasingly, the other pastors are culpable of, and blinded by, the same sins I have raised with Mickey.”

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 3:30 PM

To: Mickey Connolly

Cc: Joe Lechner; Larry Malament; David Moore; Jeremy Oddy; Jonathan Shea; Nick

Swan Subject: Request to Meet

Our own attempts at reconciliation have failed. It is time to involve others.

Would you allow the members of CrossWay Community Church to choose 5 men from the congregation who could evaluate my charges against you (and vice versa). I don’t have any confidence in the other pastors to do this since they have repeatedly supported your claim of sinlessness and participated with you in abusive practices from my perspective….

As it stands, you have given the members of CrossWay no choice. They must follow your commands to trust, obey and honor you or else leave the church. That is not a good solution.

The five man panel can hear and judge our grievances in private and then publicly share their findings with the church and also publish a report that covers the same material. Let’s be open and honest with the church.

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 7:49 AM

To: Mickey Connolly; Joe Lechner; Larry Malament, Nick Swan; Jonathan Shea; Jeremy Oddy, David Moore

Subject: Mickey’s Deceit

Importance: High

Mickey’s deceitful use of Scripture and commentaries at the “marking” and “shunning” meeting on November 13 is an extremely serious matter. He violated the trust of the entire church by his manifest lack of integrity. Please call me this morning to talk about it. I don’t want to go public but this is now my 6th appeal. I’ve received one response from Joe in which he defended Mickey’s actions. The other pastors [Larry Malament, Nick Swan, Jeremy Oddy, David Moore, Jonathan Shea] have made no effort to contact me. None of you have shown any concern for this matter including Mickey. By now, you should be completing a plan for Mickey to confess publicly and a disciplinary course of action to follow. Please contact me via phone this morning.

##

Brent Detwiler

Mickey Connolly’s Deceitful Use of Scripture and Commentaries

November 26, 2011

“I made every effort possible to talk to Mickey, Joe and all the pastors about these matters but they repeatedly refused to discuss my concerns. That is impossible to understand. As a result, it is up to the members of CrossWay Community Church. They need to study this matter and call Mickey and the pastors to account. It is time for men of conviction to stand up and lead…. If Mickey feels wrongly accused by me, he should provide a defense and ask to be examined by the church. I’d suggest a panel of five men selected by the church who will report their findings back to the church. Instead, I fear Mickey will hide behind the pastors as they circle the wagons… Finally, since the pastors are unwilling to address Mickey, the church must address the pastors and require accountability to the congregation in the future (look into what Covenant Life Church and other churches are doing in SGM). From my perspective, the church should ask for Mickey’s resignation and the other pastors should be put on probation for not dealing with Mickey’s deceitful use of Scripture and commentaries in justifying his unbiblical actions.”

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 11:47 AM

To: David Moore; Jeremy Oddy; Joe Lechner; Jonathan Shea; Mickey Connolly; Nick Swan; Larry Malament; John Morrison

Cc: Joshua Murphy

Subject: Mickey’s Slander

Mickey has been slandering the CLC pastors to you and to others. This has been brought to the attention of the SGM Board of Directors. Has Mickey made you aware of this correction or has he concealed it? You need to contact Paul Buckley for a report. Then you can repent of listening to Mickey, correct Mickey and deal with his deceit.

I am still amazed that you allowed Mickey to misuse Scripture and deceitfully use commentaries at my excommunication and then force people to leave the church if they read any of materials. What hypocritical lords. And you would not even talk to me about my concerns. That was cowardly, partial and reprehensible.

And someday I hope all of you that were at the Feb 28, 2009 meeting with Gene will repent of your abusive handling of me. Every problem (and more) cited by AoR in their report applies to that meeting. God forbid you ever do that again to any living person.

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 11:27 AM

To: David Moore; Nick Swan; Jeremy Oddy; Jonathan Shea; Josh Murphy; Joe Lechner Cc: Mike Seaver; Jim Hawkins

Subject: Family Mtg. Transcript - Larry Tomczak

Brothers,

I also read the Feb 8, 2012 transcript of the Family Meeting. Serves as yet another example. So much deceit and misinformation. No wonder Mickey demanded it not be recorded. If you men don’t deal with Mickey and come clean you will end up experiencing a greater degree of God’s discipline like Kingsway [Gene Emerson’s church in Richmond]. Not because of anything done to you. Solely because of what you have done to yourselves. God’s opposition is growing every day. Please humble yourselves rather than arrogantly attack others and blame “slanderers.” This is pure manipulation. Mickey’s letter to the church is a telling illustration of all that is wrong among you as leaders. You are my friends. I pray for your immediate repentance before you, not me, destroy the church. I don’t want this to happen! Here’s is Larry Tomczak’s letter to Mickey. Each day Mickey is being further exposed. You must deal with him in private and before the church.

Sincerely,

Brent

Trait 5: Warn Against Outsiders

People outside the cult are viewed as enemies especially when they seek to rescue those inside the cult. Cult leaders instruct their followers to cut off contact with outsiders and have nothing to do with them. They view such persons as agents of the devil who are seeking to mislead the devoted cult member away from the true fold.

Mickey Connolly

Letter to CrossWay

August 3, 2012

“He [Brent] has now, in a sense, invaded your home and workplace with his campaign against SGM and Crossway…. Let me be very frank with you…. Brent is driven by a sinful lust for vindication and vengeance…. Brothers and sisters, we must not allow this witch hunt of C.J. and other SGM leaders to continue. We can’t stop Brent from his writing but we can and should refuse to read or listen to the divisive speech he and others continue to spread. To do otherwise is to poison your soul, damage Crossway and displease God. Sadly, many people have already left because they have been affected by this. I appeal to you not to let this continue…. So please join me, the pastoral team and many faithful members in fighting for Crossway…. Please don’t let Brent or any other divisive man or woman destroy the unity that scriptures command us to be eager to maintain. Please don’t let the devil have his way in this. Please don’t let gossip, slander and divisiveness have their evil effects.”

##

I am Mickey’s best friend but somehow that fact escapes his notice! My “witch hunt” is exactly what Sovereign Grace has needed. I didn’t plan it that way. For over a decade, I worked for reform in private but when that failed and things worsened, it was necessary to produce a just, thorough, and fact based expose’ for the SGM pastors.

In a “witch hunt” you drum up false charges in a climate of hysteria in order to burn innocent people at the stake. That is what SGM has done to me but that is not what I have done to them. First, C.J. and Mickey are not innocent. Second, my charges are proven with sound evidence. None have been refuted. Third, I’ve not been motivated by a sinful craving to harm them. I’ve been motivated by a godly desire to help them by reproving them in hopes they will change.

Last week I sent the “The Ethical Demise of Sovereign Grace Ministries (Part 1)” to old friends at CrossWay. Mickey responded with a letter to the church that included the comments above. These comments are extremely revealing. This is what Mickey really believes and this is the perspective he has activity reinforced in C.J., the SGM Board of Directors and SGM at large. I’m afraid the Board will celebrate Mickey heroism when they should be denouncing his letter. No wonder the ministry continues its rapid decline. This letter is another testament against SGM. It is no wonder half the pastors in movement are serious about leaving SGM.

I have a question. How in the world can anyone trust Mickey when he writes this kind of irrational letter? As one SGM leader wrote me, “Mickey has fallen off his rocker.” That’s true. Mickey’s oblivious to the fact that God is opposing him. He attributes God’s discipline to the work of the devil. That borders on blasphemy. People haven’t left CrossWay because of “gossip, slander and divisiveness.” That have left because they are discerning. They have seen and experienced the things about which I have written. Mickey implies that such defectors are dumb sheep. They have ingested my homemade poison pills. They have been deceived by the devil. How arrogant and reprehensible an assessment by Mickey.

Cult leaders never face the ethical and doctrinal charges presented against them. Instead, they divert attention to an imaginary devil outside the cult rather than dealing with the real devil in the cult. Whenever you find prolific lying and deceit, the father of lies, is clearly at work. Whenever you find truth, honesty and accountability, the Holy Spirit is active.

Mickey has to demonize me (and others) in order to get the focus off of the real issues. Cultists often employ this kind of manipulative strategy. Mickey rallies the church around a common enemy instead of a humble response. He is angry. But in his anger he cuts himself and others off from the very thing that will help – the truth and grace that comes from humility.

C.J. and Mickey crave respect and recognition. They thrive on the adoration and admiration they received from followers. That is why they become so agitated when people leave or expose them. They can’t bear insubordination.

Many of the those who have left CrossWay are mature saints and fine servants – some of the best. Moreover, “the unity that scriptures command” is not a false unity rooted in lies. Those that have left, left for good and godly reasons. We are called to maintain a unity that is grounded in truth and integrity. Unity grounded in error and deception is not something God blesses and we should not sustain.

Mickey Connolly

Letter to CrossWay

August 3, 2012

“I’ve been made aware that Brent Detwiler has emailed a document to many of you regarding what he calls the “ethical demise” in SGM. While I’m not surprised by this development I am saddened and angry. This is what we would have anticipated when, in November, we marked Brent as a divisive man because of his persistent gossip, slander, scoffing and threats.”

##

I pose a threat to Mickey because I am telling the truth not because I am spreading gossip or slander. And it is the Lord’s scoffing that should concern Mickey. Psalm 2:4, The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Lastly, I have not made threats. I have provided biblical warnings. The Lord is bringing down Sovereign Grace Ministries not me. Luke 1:51-52, He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 10:08 PM

To: Mickey Connolly; Joseph Lechner; Nick Swan; Larry Malament

Cc: Jeremy Oddy; David Moore; Jonathan Shea

Subject: An Appeal to Call Off Family Meeting

I am sending this to you [Mickey, Larry Malament, Joe Lechner, Nick Swan] tonight so you have time to cancel the Family Meeting scheduled for tomorrow night. You can easily reverse course by making an announcement in the morning at the Sunday meeting. Brothers, you are erring in many grievous ways and I hope you will change direction before you do greater harm to CrossWay Community Church…

Furthermore, it is tragic that C.J. has instructed you to take this action. You [Mickey] are now putting yourself forward as the first “courageous” pastor in Sovereign Grace Ministries to discipline me, mark me as divisive and treat me as heretic and unbeliever. SGM is going to implode. This strategy of intimidation and manipulation only feeds the distrust already in people’s hearts….

This strong arm approach will backfire. You can’t silence people. You can keep evidence from people. You can’t tell people you’ll do all the discerning and thinking for them. All of this will result in more departures. You are afraid of the truth…

Finally, your actions as senior pastor are analogous to your actions as a SGM Board Member. No one at CrossWay should believe the case you will now make against me tomorrow night. You will act as though their god but they must investigate things for themselves. You have proven by your words and deeds that you cannot be trusted….

Mickey, I fervently pray my appeals to you will someday be effectual and you will come to see the abuses about which I have written. Please don’t proceed with your illicit and coercive action. This is reminiscent of C.J.’s treatment of Larry Tomczak. Call off the meeting. Not for my sake, but for your sake. If you proceed, there must of necessity be divine consequences. God protect the saints from your example and the harm to follow. May they too appeal for your repentance. If you do repent, my heart is ready to forgive. If you have the meeting, please read this letter in entirety to all my friends at CrossWay Community Church. They need and deserve to hear my perspective.

##

Mickey has no choice but to attack the messenger because he can’t possibly defend against the message. His letter to CrossWay is an act of desperation. I’m afraid Mickey is in a state of panic. My campaign has never been against SGM or CrossWay. I’ve prayed and worked for their reform and preservation. My campaign has been against lying, deceit, lording, manipulation, injustice, corruption, concealment, dishonesty, favoritism, partiality, and hypocrisy. That is not the work of the devil.

Mickey says I am motivated by vindication and vengeance. Vindication of the innocent is a noble pursuit but this has never been my goal. Vengeance is also a holy enterprise but it is not my prerogative to pursue. It is God’s prerogative alone. Hebrews 10:30-31, For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. God is repaying right now, not me.

##

From: Brent Detwiler

Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:35 AM

To: Mickey Connolly

Cc: Nick Swan; Joe Lechner; Larry Malament; Mike Seaver; Jim Hawkins; Jonathan

Shea; Jeremy Oddy

Subject: RE: An Appeal to Call Off the Meeting to “Mark” Me

Your action [in excommunicating me] will bring shame upon CrossWay and that is not right. The members of CrossWay should appeal for your repentance and oppose your actions. Once again, you are lording it over the flock and acting as the supreme judge. I pray you will renounce your heavy handedness and allow for the hearing of evidence. I have hundreds of friends at CrossWay whom I love and carry in my heart. Don’t do this to them. Your sinful actions will have negative consequences for them. Instead, choose the way of humility and allow yourselves to be examined by others in a fair and honorable fashion. In condemning me, you condemn yourselves. I am not concerned for my good. I am concerned for your good and that of many brothers and sisters. You are choosing the way of abuse, not truth. Please stop for the sake of CrossWay, SGM, and the gospel. Don’t introduce this reign of terror, intimidation and control.

Brent Detwiler: The Coming Tsunami for SGM

http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/2012/3/18/the-coming-tsunami.html

The Coming Tsunami

Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4:43PM

When we first came out with the logo for Sovereign Grace Ministries the meaning was not obvious to me. I came to discover the droplet hitting the placid water surface that created outgoing and concentric ripples stood for growing influence of SGM and the gospel. When I look at it today, the ripples remind me of a fast approaching Tsunami.


When Dave Harvey was interim President, he signed off on letters or blog posts and typically added “on behalf of the Board.” C.J. is not affixing his name to anything. This doesn’t mean he is more humble than Dave. Just more street smart. Out of sight, out of mind. He’s happy to be the invisible President. But the letter below is C.J.’s letter. Not that other men didn’t make suggestions. I’m sure some did. But it reflects his heavy handed way of suppressing dissent in a nicely worded but deceptively written letter.


I’ve copied the letter and interspersed my remarks in blue ink. The underlining is mine also.

##


An update from the Board

March 13, 2012
Dear Brothers,


Thanks so much for getting back to us regarding the proposed board nominees. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts. We realize that for some, the time frame we gave for responding may have seemed short given the seeming importance of this, and for others the process we have undertaken in establishing a new board has raised some questions.


This should read, “Thanks so much, we appreciate your thoughts but we don’t agree with a word you wrote and we are not going to do anything you asked us to consider. Furthermore there was nothing wrong with the time frame. Anyway, picking a new Board is unimportant (even though we contradict ourselves later in this letter when we say, “The board of the next few years will carry an enormous responsibility for our movement.”). And get this straight. Pastors in the movement only have “questions,” not concerns (God forbid), about the nomination and selection process for new Board Members. So get over it and get with it. None of this is a big deal. It just seems that way to you.


We wanted to give some explanations as to why we’ve done it this way in the hope it may bring some clarity.


Is this a new polity? Our goal in this process is not to create a new polity. In fact, it’s just the opposite. We are seeking to avoid creating new polity at this point and instead are transitioning to a board that will work in partnership with our pastors to move the polity process forward. We believe the appropriate way to accomplish this transition is to honor our current polity while at the same time strengthening accountability for it.


Of course, the interim Board doesn’t want new polity (read “Candy Cotton”). That’s the problem. They want to maintain (“honor”) their lock down on power. They nominate and appoint all Board Members and Officers. This letter illustrates the kind of “partnership” the SGM pastors have experienced in the past and can expect in the future. Don’t expect any substantive changes as a new Board “move[s] the polity process forward.”


The board has always had the obligation to appoint board members, the freedom to expand the board, and the responsibility to appoint the leadership team. The interim board is acting under the authority of this current polity.


This will never change so long as C.J. is alive. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws grant all authority to the Board to appoint a new or expanded Board and select Officers. The same is true with the Leadership Team. That is their legal right but that is what Mark Mullery and friends want to talk about and change. This kind of change won’t happen on C.J.’s watch or his chosen successor’s. He not going to make a “Joshua” mistake again.   


However, we are advocating a board that will increase the involvement of SGM elders in our governance, broaden our leadership base, increase the accountability of the board to our churches (by subjecting them to an affirmation process for appointment and reappointment), and increase the accountability of the leadership to the board (by separating the two bodies and ensuring most board members are not SGM staff). These modifications don’t reflect a change in polity, but they do inject a level of accountability into our structures that we believe is necessary and helpful, and that is consistent with our communications with pastors and our general polity direction.


I’ve already shown in “Cotton Candy” that the affirmation process does not “increase the accountability of the board to our churches.” This is just hype! Likewise the creation of “two bodies.” These are mere “modifications” that DO NOT “inject a level of accountability into our structures.” More hype! They only thing that will result in true accountability is the one thing they are unwilling to do. That is, make serious changes in The Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Membership Agreement. If you change them you can change the power structure.   


There are 11 interim Board Members. The eight additions (Aron Osborne, Craig Cabaniss, John Loftness, Mark Prater, Mickey Connolly, Pete Greasley, Rick Gamache and Steve Shank) were handpicked in July 2011 by C.J., Dave and Jeff Purswell after Joshua Harris resigned. They proved to be pawns and puppets. A larger Board did no good.


Three pawns and puppets will remain on the permanent Board: Craig Cabaniss, John Loftness and Mickey Connolly. Six will be added: Al Pino, Ian McConnell, Ken Mellinger, Paul Buckley, Phil Sasser and Ron Boomsma. That means the permanent Board will have two less members than the interim Board.


You can have 4, then 3, then 11, then 9 Board Members. It is not the size that matters the most. It is the men who matter the most. None of these men will carry out “sweeping polity changes.” Like a newly elected President, they’ve been rewarded with Cabinet positions and Ambassadorships in order to carry out the wishes of their Commander in Chief. C.J. chose from his favorites’ list.


We understand that some pastors are advocating more sweeping polity changes, but to lead in such a process is beyond the interim board’s mandate. We agree with pastors who desire clarity on our polity, but we don’t agree that we will arrive at that clarity without a new board in place that has been explicitly affirmed by our pastors to take responsibility for that process. The board of the next few years will carry an enormous responsibility for our movement and it seems wise that they be installed for that task intentionally, not just as an accidental byproduct of what happened in July.


Some pastors are advocating more sweeping polity changes? By “some” do you imply 10-12? Or do you mean approximately 70 pastors from 20 churches and the list is growing!


The interim Board can do whatever they want. They are not under some kind of “mandate” that stops them from making significant polity changes now. The mandate is self-imposed. They are accountable to no one. They can easily hold on nominating and selecting a new Board.


Herein is the problem. They don’t want to change how Board Members, Officers and the Leadership Team are selected. They want to keep all the power to themselves. They don’t want to share it with the SGM pastors. This is a clever way of shutting the pastors out of the process while making much to do about nothing in regards to accountability.


In retaining their power, they retain their monopoly. They can pick a puppet Board of C.J. loyalists. For example, Ken Mellinger. He told friends he didn’t need to read any of my documents because his was wholeheartedly committed to C.J.


This affirmation process in no way assures a “new board [will be] in place that has been explicitly affirmed by our pastors.” This is super hype! The nominees become Board Members by default.


Why the rush? We understand this process felt rushed to some. We could have communicated better about this board, and we apologize for not doing so. The interim board turned its attention to focusing on seating a new board after we completed the priority assignment of evaluating the charges against C.J.


Out of nowhere the interim Board nominated 9 Board Members without discussing the process with the SGM pastors and allowed ten days for individual pastors to fill out a form in order to register any concerns for a particular nominee. Don’t you love the condescension in this paragraph? It “felt rushed to some” meaning it was not rushed, it just felt that way. And instead of “could have communicated better – we apologize;” how about “we didn’t communicated at all which is our long standing habit – forgive us.”


And can’t the eleven greatest leaders in SGM multitask? Did it really take 8 months of concentrated focus to come up with the three panel approach that only evaluated” 5% of the charges against C.J. and read their reports? Truth be told, the charges against C.J. have never been heard or evaluated.   


After determining a process for establishing a new board, we were left with a small window of time before the release of the AoR report. It was important to get a new board in place in order to respond promptly to that report—we know you men are eager to get to work on the changes that lie ahead of us and we didn’t want to delay that process unnecessarily. Regardless of what board is in place when we receive it, decisions concerning the AoR report will fall to the new board. The need to have a board in place to respond to the report placed some limits on the response time afforded our elders to register their affirmations or concerns for the proposed board members. However, since the only changes to the board configuration involved those that increase SGM elder-involvement and accountability, we felt the board could be formed within the necessary time-frame. We could have explained this much better at the outset of this process, and apologize for the confusion created by our failure to do so.


It was NOT important to get a new board in place in order to respond promptly to the AoR report. It is EXTREMELY important to get the right Board in place in order to reform the movement. C.J., take a vote of all SGM pastors. Ask which is more important. A new Board now? Or the right Board later? Imposing a Board now? Or talking and meeting with all the SGM pastors about how Board Members are nominated and appointed? Would you please stop and listen! What matters is who chooses the Board. All the other stuff is cotton candy.


And how about “we should have explained” instead of “we could have explained.”


How were the nominees chosen? We are grateful for the many encouragements passed on about the men nominated to the new board. Some had questions about how this slate came about that we thought it would be helpful to address. We listed the most important criteria in the letter we sent, and we believe each man solidly meets these standards.


I love the way this paragraph starts off. C.J. wants you to know they have received “many encouragements,” “some questions,” and no concerns (by omission) about the nominees and process. Could we hire a Big Four accounting firm to check his statistics?


Take note SGM pastors, any dissent regarding nominees will be like swimming up Niagara Falls. The Board has already determined that “each man solidly meets these standards.” The Affirmation Process allows for affirmation – that’s about it. You have a better chance of winning the Megabucks Super Duper Lottery then your concerns for any nominee making a difference.


We also sought a theological diversity—within the bounds of our doctrinal unity, the men represent a range of views on issues such as polity, pneumatology, and mission. We sought men who would bring a depth of pastoral experience, combining the strength of long pastoral experience with some younger men who brought fresh perspectives. We also wanted a diversity of experience: senior pastors, church planters, urban and suburban pastors, etc. Finally, we sought men committed to and experienced in our mission. SGM is fundamentally given to gospel expansion through church planting and care. So we sought to establish a new board comprising men with vision, wisdom, and experience in gospel mission as well.


Of course, NONE of the 70 men who signed the “stop and listen” letter have “theological diversity,” “depth of pastoral experience,” diversity of experience” or “commitment to and experienced in our mission.” Not men like Grant Layman or Kenneth Maresco. Or guys like Daren Lander, Mark Lauterback and Mark Altrogge. Or international voices (of which there are none) like Pat Sczebel or Christian Wegert. I guess all these guys are losers. Spiritual duds.   


This explanation by the Board is a travesty. The six additional Board Members are handpicked proponents of C.J.’s agenda. Together they represent the narrowest “range of views” possible. The interim Board is not interested in genuine diversity.


There are a number of questions outstanding that will need to be addressed as soon as practically possible. For this reason, we have wanted to get a new board in place that can do all that is necessary to serve SGM in working through these issues. Although we are not able to constrain the new board, we will be recommending—and it is the intention of present board members who are nominated for the new board—that they find ways to gather the thoughts and considerations of the pastors of SGM in ways that effectively allow for dialogue and interaction over these vital subjects. We feel the new slate of nominees has the desire, gifts, and abilities to serve all of us as we move forward together.


So John Loftness, Mickey Connolly and Craig Cabaniss will help the other Board Members “find ways to gather the thoughts and considerations of the pastors of SGM in ways that effectively allow for dialogue and interaction over these vital subjects.” Really? Just like in the past and present, right? Come on. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks? But you can expect, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Prov 26:11)


Thank you again for your patience, feedback, and support. We are eager to move ahead together in the mission of the gospel.


The last sentence should read. “We are eager to move ahead together if you do what we tell you, or move ahead without you if you keep challenging us, in the mission of the gospel.


The SGM Board


##


Next up, a few comments on the “stop and listen” letter originally sent and endorsed by 62 pastors representing 13 churches to the Board of Directors. The Board’s letter of response above avoids and denies their every request.


March 7, 2012


Dear Interim Board members,

Attached is the response of the Sovereign Grace Church (SGC) Fairfax Pastoral Team to your February 27^th request for our affirmations or expressions of concern about the nine nominees to the Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM) Board. Thank you for the enormous sacrifices each of you has made over the past months to serve our family of churches. Though we need to express our disagreement with some of what is being proposed, we want to assure you that we do so as friends who deeply desire to lean in and work together with you. We are eager to preserve the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, and to continue our mission together.
I believe they want to “work together…and continue our mission together” but the obstinate response of the SGM Board has made that next to impossible.
As you read our response, please hear the spirit that undergirds all that we say, including the tremendous appreciation we have for our long history together. On page three of the response you will also see the names of a number of SGM churches and pastors who share our concerns and have let us know that they would like to be included in our response. Collectively, we represent 13 churches, including three of the founding churches of SGM. Each one of us shares our goal of providing a reasoned, Biblically sound appeal to you, the Interim Board members, which reflects the love we share for our family of churches and our hope for reform in the movement.
If this many pastors and churches are “providing a reasoned, Biblically sound appeal…which reflects the love we share…and our hope for reform;” certainly a Board with any humility would hit the pause button. Instead it’s pedal to the metal.
We want you to know that we have no plans to leave SGM and strongly desire constructive dialogue with you. I welcome a chance to speak to you in person and can be reached at 703.691.0600 (office).
These men hope to stay with SGM but not without substantive reform. In their letter, C.J. and the Board expressed no interest of any kind in “constructive dialogue” before proceeding. Here’s the message from the SGM Board to the 62 pastors: “Request denied!” Talk to our puppet picked Board later when everything is set in cement.
Mark, on behalf of the SGC Fairfax Pastoral Team


##


March 7, 2012


Dear members of the SGM Interim Board,


“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 ESV)
We write to you on behalf of the Pastoral Team of Sovereign Grace Church (SGC) Fairfax in response to “An Update from the Board,” that we received on February 27, 2012. These have been very troubling times for our family of churches, and we thank God for you, as you have labored many hours serving as Interim Board members. We continue to pray that the Lord himself will preserve your souls in peace and that as fellow brothers in Christ, we all will remain focused on glorifying God our Savior.
These have been “very troubling times.” Particularly as it pertains to the actions of C.J., Dave and the interim Board.
When we received your update, the SGC Fairfax Pastoral Team discussed the changes in the leadership structure, the functions of the permanent Board, and the nomination and affirmation processes. We also reviewed the list of nominees for Board membership. In the light of our discussions, we are declining to participate in the process of affirming these nominees because we believe the process is premature and unwise.
These men discussed all the serious issues. The SGM Board addresses all the superficial issues. Based upon their discussions they declined to participate in the affirmation process for nominees. They are trying to get the Board’s attention. So are 12 other churches. But like the original 13 colonies in early America, King George III of England won’t listen! One person said this letter from the 13 churches is the nicest declaration of war he has ever read.


Our Concerns


The process is unnecessarily rushed.


You asked that the online feedback form with affirmations and concerns be submitted by March 7, just 10 days after we received the update. You do not explain your rationale for the urgent timeline. We suggest that it would be better to wait until after Ambassadors of Reconciliation releases its report of findings. We understand that this report will include key weaknesses and strengths in SGM’s cultural norms, polity, and structure, all of which could inform the way we move forward in seating a Board.
These are still valid points. Ten days is not long enough to examine, research, and discuss the candidates as an eldership.
More importantly, I hope AoR recommends a decentralization of power so all the SGM pastors play a vital role in determining leadership structures, functions, nominees, and Board Members. There is no question the selection of a permanent Board should have waited knowing such a report could have a bearing on how to proceed in selecting a permanent Board. This shows a prideful disregard for any wisdom contained in the AoR report and no consideration of the pastors’ perspective.  


Ongoing lack of or contradictory communications


We see an established pattern of a lack of communications, including the absence of regional meetings, over the last several years. The most recent example is that we received your February 27th update without any meaningful conversation about the process involved or the contents of the update. Within the update itself, there is very little explanation about how and why the new Board nominees were selected.
This “established pattern of a lack of communication” is due to an entrenched root of pride. C.J. is not interested in conversation with lowly pastors who strongly disagree with him and he reacts to correction from inferiors. He is not going to allow for dissent. That is what infuriated him with Joshua Harris and the pastors at CLC.
In addition, we have received contradictory communications that make it difficult to know what to believe about the actions being taken by the Interim Board. For example, you had explained in “Sovereign Grace Board’s Response to the [Panel] Reports that your “mandate as an interim Board was to evaluate Brent’s allegations,” leaving a “thorough examination of SGM’s leadership structure … to the next Board.” With your latest update, however, it is clear that you have made determinations about polity outside of your self-described scope.


Lack of diversity among the nominees


There is no doubt that the nominees are upright and godly men. However, the lack of diversity of opinions is of great concern. Such diversity would come by including broader perspectives on polity from all of our churches, as well as representation from the international churches, and would greatly enhance the pursuit of much-needed reforms in our family of churches.
I disagree that all the nominees are “upright and godly men.” Some are crooked, not upright. I fully agree on the lack of diversity. It is a GREAT concern. C.J. is not going to allow for “diversity” on big ticket items. There are litmus tests for all his nominees. That includes devotion to him and his way of governing the denomination. The international churches have no representation. The much needed reforms will never come because no meaningful diversity will be tolerated. The kind of diversity required will be seen as a threat and viewed with hostility.  


Ongoing polity problems


SGM’s new Board, like the previous and Interim Board, will have great authority without strengthened accountability. In effect, the Board remains self-appointed and self-perpetuating because we have no commitment that you will act on the concerns that SGM pastors express.
All true. Nothing has changed. The Board has absolute authority. They appoint themselves. They define themselves. They compensate themselves. They listen to themselves. They commend themselves. Accountability has not been strengthened. They can do whatever they want, whenever they want, without opposition. There is no commitment to act upon the concerns of pastors. Their response to this letter shows their total disregard for all concerns raised.
In addition, there is a lack of sufficient clarity about SGM as an entity. There needs to be a theological document that lays out the Biblical explanation of SGM that is published, peer-reviewed by those outside our movement, and discussed as a whole by all SGM pastors.
Actually there is a lot of clarity about SGM as an entity in the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Membership Agreement. That is where the battle must take place. These documents must be changed in order to reform the movement.
A theological document is a good idea and it should be discussed as a whole by all SGM pastors. It can be amended by the Board and resubmitted to the pastors. Those pastors who find the final draft unacceptable can freely leave without shame or fear. They may reorganize with other like-minded pastors who leave SGM.
There is a theological document that has been produced by Daniel Baker (Phil Sasser’s son-in-law) but it is badly flawed when it comes to putting forth a denominational model for SGM based on Acts 15. I wrote Joshua and Mark about it this week. For your information, Joshua and Mark never write me back. No one wants a paper trail leading to Brent. That would end his career.


Proposed Way Forward


The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 ESV)


Our dear brothers, we appeal to you to slow down. Please stop and listen to the churches you are connected to and emerge from; create forums for pastors to speak together and with you; and call a council of pastors from each church together to discuss our future and make decisions together.
The response of the Board is clear. They are not slowing down. They are not going to stop and listen. They show no interest in creating forums for pastors to interact. And especially, they acknowledge no need for a council to discuss the future and make decisions together. C.J. will never share decision making with the SGM pastors.
We make these appeals as one of the founding churches in our family of churches and as fellow followers of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who can redeem all circumstances and make right all relationships. Also attached is a list of churches and their Pastoral Teams who agree with our concerns and proposed way forward.


Please receive this letter as an expression of the desire we all share for the reform of our family of churches. For over three decades, we all have been walking together for the sake and advancement of the gospel. We hope to continue doing so fruitfully for decades to come.
The droplet on the Sovereign Grace logo represents the Board’s response; only the water drop has turned into a powerful bombshell. It has produce tsunami like repercussions that will hit the movement. The divide has widen because the invisible C.J. is back as President.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you,
Approximately 70 pastors and 20 churches last count.