SGM-Mahaneygate: Cultic Characteristics of Mickey Connolly (Part 2)

Sir Mickey Connolly

For those following the Baptacostalist meltdown-of-sorts in this micro-sect of about 28,000 members, called SGM, it is a beloved outfit by “Together for the Gospel,” Ligon Duncan, Mark Dever, Carl Trueman, Kevin DeYoung and other YRRers.  We bring you the latest from a former member and leader of their Sect, Brent Detwiler, as he writes about a current member of the Sect, Mickey Connolly.  Connolly, an uneducated enthusiast at Crossway in Charlotte, NC, is a strenuous defender of C. J. “It’s All About Me” Mahaney.  Detwiler draws parallels to Connolly and cultic behaviours.

We repeat what was said in Pt. 1. 

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.

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

Trait 6: Use Mind Control

The cultist does everything possible to control the information that reaches members of the cult. In so doing, he controls their minds. Cult members are forbidden from reading material not sanctioned by the cult leader. The actions and teaching of the cult leader are not open to criticism. Cult members are called to believe what they are taught without thinking for themselves. They are forbidden from using outside sources for information.

Mickey Connolly
CrossWay Family Mtg.
February 8, 2012

“Before I begin, I want to make a request…. I want to ask you to please not record this. At our family meeting in November where we talked about Brent Detwiler and divisiveness – that meeting was recorded by someone and sent to both Brent and the anti-Sovereign Grace blogs…. I want to tell you that I’m deeply troubled by that. I think it’s a real disloyalty to us as a family, not only to me but I think to all of us. I need to be able to come to these meetings and share openly with you, trusting in your confidence and your discretion, and I can’t do that if I fear that my comments are going to be distributed beyond these walls….. So I’m just going to ask please don’t record anything that I’m going to say.”

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This was a cultic request. No one is required to abide by such a restriction under these circumstances. Comments like “deeply troubled” and “real disloyalty” manipulate people into submission. At the November 13, 2011 family meeting referenced above, Mickey made a case for my excommunication by intentionally twisting Scripture and deceitfully citing bogus references. If the meeting had not been recorded, his lies and manipulation of the church would never have been exposed. There would have been no record.

I asked to be at that meeting in order to monitor what was said. I also offered to answer all accusations by the pastors before the church. I even told the pastors I was glad to field any questions from church members. Of course, all of this was forbidden by Mickey and the other pastors. They did not want me to hear or have any opportunity to defend and Mickey certainly didn’t want a record of his spurious case against me.

The quote above comes from a February 8, 2012 family meeting. This past week I was provided a complete transcript of Mickey’s comments at that meeting. Someone defied him and recorded it. Thank God. This statement was the most disturbing. “I need to be able to come to these meetings and share openly with you, trusting in your confidence and your discretion, and I can’t do that if I fear that my comments are going to be distributed beyond these walls.”

This statement if beyond comprehension. I simply can’t relate. It is irrational. If you tell the truth and nothing but the truth, you have nothing to fear. I’ve written more than 500,000 words the past couple years about SGM. I don’t fear their public distribution. I welcome it. What I’ve written will stand up under the most severe scrutiny. Here or there a minor mistake may be discovered but no lies, deceit, or untruths will be exposed. That is not true for C.J. or Mickey. Mickey’s paranoia is wrapped up in his lack of integrity (Prov 10:9). For good reason, he fears being tested, evaluated or held to account. The only way he can deceive people is by keeping them ignorant and not allowing his deceptive comments to see the light of day where they can be exposed.

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Mickey Connolly
Letter to CrossWay
August 3, 2012

“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.”

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This is a serious piece of mind control. Mickey once again labels my writings as “divisive speech.” Nothing new. He must beat this into people’s minds in order to control them. But this time he goes farther. He also scares people. He intimidates members into obedience. He compares the reading of my writings to taking poison. Ingesting my writings could prove fatal like cyanide. Stay away from such lethal substances.

But not only will my poison harm them it will also harm the church. Even more seriously, reading anything I’ve written displeases God. Therefore, only a person intent on suicide, damming CrossWay, and angering God will disobey Mickey. There is only one right way to please God and save the church and that is remaining absolutely and totally ignorant. Mickey is dangerous. Truth be told, reading what I’ve written will equipped you with the truth, position you to genuinely help CrossWay, and motivate you to take action that pleases God.

##

Brent Detwiler
Trust and Obey for There’s No Other Way to Possibly Stay at CrossWay!
November 14, 2011

“The exposing of major problems in SGM is a service to the entire movement. Division comes from its leaders who are unwilling to humble themselves, make public confessions, right wrongs, or identify individual and corporate sins. Instead they call good, evil; and evil, good. The charges against C.J. and SGM are serous and widespread and come from hundreds/thousands of people.”

##

Brent Detwiler
CrossWay Pastors Proceed with “Marking” as Divisive Despite Appeals for Adjudication
November 13, 2011

“No one can express differences or disagreements with SGM in public without fear of being mark, reproved or intimidated…. It is this kind of information that Mickey is trying to keep from people. He is willing to use passages of Scripture that do not apply, abuse his authority by using it to coerce silence, control people by telling them to stay away from those who know what is going on, and require the sheep to only listen to the authoritative information and interpretation he provides them as a “shepherd.” It is no wonder a growing number of people think SGM has become cultic in its leadership…. It is no secret why you [Mickey] don’t want people to read my documents and posts. In them, people will find a superabundance of evidence supporting my claims. Instead you must suppress the truth and keep it from the people of God by labeling me divisive and my writings slanderous. You are not guarding the flock, you are lording it over the flock and hiding your sins. C.J., you and the Board remain self-appointed, self-determined and unaccountable…. It is your misuse of Scripture, abusive use of authority, and complete lack of self-examination that frightens me the most. It is evidence of a heart that has grown hard and dark. I hope you do not destroy the dear church I worked so hard to build and turned over to you in 2003…. 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.”

Trait 7: Employ Lying and Deceit

Lying and deceit are used or sanctioned when necessary in order to protect the cult or the cult leader. The Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon calls this “holy deception.” Cult leaders use dishonest scholarship or make up historical claims in order to advance their false doctrines and promote their celebrity. Building a “cult of personality” is central to their mission and notoriety. When you think of cults you always think of their leaders.

This has been one of my leading concerns from the beginning. The truth about C.J., Dave Harvey, Steve Shank, Gene Emerson, and others has been concealed at all costs. Lying and deceit are now common place among SGM leaders. Here are two example from the secretly recorded family meetings at CrossWay on February 8, 2012.

Mickey Connolly
CrossWay Family Mtg.
February 8, 2012

“Were Brent’s desires to plant a church reasonable? Yes, they were. Brent was tired of traveling. He’d spent many years serving Sovereign Grace and being on the road and traveling and it’s tiring. And so he was tired of that.”

##

This is an utterly untrue statement but all the unsuspecting members at CrossWay would have no clue. I did not plant a church because I was tired of traveling. I planted a church because I was relationally and functionally cut off by Mickey after turning the church over to him. He wants to conceal that vital piece of information. I also grew increasingly concerned for his character and leadership as I observed him in his role as senior pastor. My attempts to speak into his life and address his pride were rebuffed. Larry Malament and Jim Hawkins preferred I come back as the senior pastor. I wanted to come back as senior pastor but C.J. overruled us and kept Mickey in that role. I was left with no choice. I needed to start over and build another apostolic base. Mickey covers all this up by telling CrossWay members I was tired of traveling. And here’s the really sad part for me – the other pastors (e.g. Larry Malament, Joe Lechner, and Nick Swan) know he is lying. You can only getting away with such deception in the absence of a recording or transcript. See pages 72-74 in A Final Appeal for the reasons why I wanted to plant a church. They are clearly documented.

The same kind of misinformation is true in relation to comments Mickey made at the February 8 family meeting about Larry Tomczak. Larry wrote Mickey a lengthy letter this past week. In part it reads,

“Mickey, you told people that blackmail has to have the monetary component which is incorrect and most significant to our situation. BLACKMAIL DOES NOT HAVE TO INCLUDE A PAYMENT OF MONEY[1]…. I think you should correct this most significant point with those to whom you spoke. Also, I believe you were very unfair to us in the way you emphasized our teenager’s waywardness and lightly cited what was done to us which was so ungodly, unethical and immoral…. You should have explained things honestly and fully, even though SGM would not have looked very good. That’s ok. People deserve the unvarnished truth…. Blackmail, defamation of character, breaching a clergy/penitent vow, etc., etc. SERIOUS CRIMES, Mickey!!... As you share with the flock there, please be accurate and consider the above points to more honestly convey the ‘whole story.’”

There are many other examples of deceit in Mickey’s comments at the February 8 family meeting but I am not going to take the time now to deal with them. Suffice it to say, this new transcript provides further evidence for why Mickey “fear[s] that my comments are going to be distributed beyond these walls.” He must cover up all incriminating evidence.

Here is another example from his recent letter to CrossWay Community Church.

Mickey Connolly
Letter to CrossWay
August 3, 2012

“The charges that Brent has brought against C.J. Mahaney have been thoroughly examined by respected pastors in SGM who, having all of Brent’s documents, other pertinent documents and the first-hand testimony of many witnesses had access to more evidence than any of us will ever be privy to.”

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This statement will be near the top in the 50 most egregious lies told by SGM that continues later this week. Everyone knows the review of my charges was restricted to three narrow questions designed by the interim Board of SGM in order to suppress a thorough examination. This kind of misinformation is at the heart of cultic activity.

But the most egregious example of lying and deceit by Mickey occurred when he excommunicated me last November. This illustration alone should result in Mickey’s removal as senior pastor. Mickey had no idea the meeting was being recorded. Neither did I. He thought he could get away with his blatant deception.

Brent Detwiler
Mickey Connolly’s Deceitful Use of Scripture and Commentaries
November 26, 2011

“Mickey Connolly should be tried by the church he leads for deceitfully using Scripture and commentaries in justifying his use of Titus 3:10-11 and Romans 1:17-18 to “mark” me and have the church “shun” me. For a pastor/teacher, there could hardly be a more serious breach of trust. Mickey misled the church and it was intentional…. A church assumes they can trust their pastors/teachers to formulate doctrine and practice with the greatest integrity. That is, not use Scripture to fulfill a self-serving purpose (e.g. health and wealth teachers). Mickey’s teaching had an obvious goal which was to implement C.J.’s instruction at the Pastors Conference to discipline divisive people. Of course, I am public enemy Number 1 on the SGM 10 Most Wanted List. In order to do this he had to abuse Scripture and misled the congregation by not having them open their Bibles, by not citing verses 19-20 when quoting Romans 16:17-18, by not dealing with the meaning of Romans 16:17-18, by not mentioning Titus 1:10-16 or 3:9 when interpreting 3:10-11, by giving the impression his statements and quotes about Titus 3 also applied to Romans 16, by badly exaggerating his claim that “many commentators” agree with him when the opposite is true, by intentionally misrepresenting commentators like Kelly, Fee and Murray, by saying Romans 16 and Titus 3 are not about excommunication, by misusing 1 Timothy 1, 6 and 2 Thessalonians 3, when comparing 2 Thessalonians to Romans 16 and Titus 3, and by wrongly applying Galatians 5 to my writings and actions…. What Mickey has done is tantamount to a partner at an accounting firm embezzling funds, a Congressman perjuring himself under oath, or a doctor diagnosing and treating a condition that does not exist for the money. Mickey should step down as senior pastor and work to regain the trust of the church over time.”

Trait 8: Threaten Punishments

Dissent is not tolerated. Those that threatened the unity of the cult are quickly silenced, threatened, shunned or publicly disciplined. They are made an example. Cult leaders become angry when they are defied. If people leave the cult, they are vilified by the cult leader and his lieutenants. Cult leaders fear defections knowing they can lead to exposure.

Mickey is prone to speaks contemptuously of people who leave CrossWay Community Church. That is common knowledge. He often refers to such individuals as “malcontents, grumblers and complainers.” He regularly talks about people who leave in a condescending fashion. Many people, including myself, have heard him do this. He is glad to see people leave when they cause him “problems” or won’t give him the trust and obedience he demands. This attitude has distressed me for years. Many good men and women over the years have tried to talk with Mickey about his pride. They leave CrossWay exasperated. It is no use. They end up being corrected by Mickey or his lieutenants.

Here again is what Mickey has to say to those persons who question or disagree with his handling of me. “So I want to be clear! Not discussing this with him [Brent] personally. Not reading any of his materials on blogs or Facebook…. 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.”

Mickey has also waged a war against other individuals. “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…. Please don’t let Brent or any other divisive man or woman destroy the unity that scriptures command us to be eager to maintain.” So often men and women who disagree with Mickey or confront Mickey are labeled “divisive.”

It is no wonder so many people fear Mickey. They don’t want to be forced out of the church, marked as divisive, or ridiculed by the pastors behind their backs.

Trait 9: Promise Eternal Life

Cult leaders supply false hope and promises of a better future. Following them leads to abundant life and the promised land. Their way is the way of salvation. It is not based upon authoritative truth (like the Bible provides) but on humanistic optimism. No matter how bad or hard life is in the cult, the hope of the future blessing keeps members from departing. Their well-being and comfort depend upon staying. Outside is darkness and despair and the loss of salvation. Followers live in denial.

I don’t know the future of CrossWay. It could hold together or it could fall apart. I do know it is the height of arrogance for Mickey to promise a future characterized by “the greatest fruitfulness we’ve ever experienced together as a church.” God is opposing and disciplining CrossWay because of its leaders. More and more people are leaving deeply troubled. Such profound arrogance by the pastors is the source of such presumptive promises. Self-righteousness always leads to a false sense of assurance.

I am reminded of Rev 3:17, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Doom can be right around the corner while promises of blessing lull people asleep. “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom 3:18). It also reminds me of the false prophets in the Old Testament who always prophesied peace and prosperity in the face of God’s impending judgment.

Mickey Connolly
CrossWay Family Mtg.
February 8, 2012

“Here, every pastor on the staff just has a sense from God that we are poised for a season of some of the greatest fruitfulness we’ve ever experienced together as a church. We believe that.”

Mickey Connolly
Letter to CrossWay
August 3, 2012

“The other pastors and I have sensed for some time that we are on the brink of some great things here. I am excited about our future together. Please don’t let these issues distract us from what God is doing right here, right now.”

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These things will only happen if Mickey and the pastors humble themselves and stop deceiving and dominating the sheep. My son, Jonathan and his wife, Katie were visiting last weekend from Augusta, GA. One evening they picked up some carry out dinner from a nearby Chinese restaurant. American fortune cookies have always humored me because they never promise anything bad will happen to you – only good. Here was my fortune. “You will spend many years in comfort and material wealth.” It reminded me of the pretentious promises made by Mickey and the CrossWay pastors.

Trait 10 - Produce Cult Followers

People in cults are brainwashed by the cult leader. Followers are characterized by subservience, dependence, passivity, indifference, fear, and silence. They lose the ability to think critically. They are only concerned for their happiness which they believe comes from the cult. That’s why they will fight for the cult and the cult leader. People have to be deprogramed and taught to think for themselves when they leave a cult. Human dependency and mindless obedience has to be replaced with inquiry, industry, initiative, and ingenuity. Life in a cult always ends in tragedy when the cult leader is exposed or “prophecies” aren’t fulfilled. The end result – skepticism and extreme disillusionment.

Mickey and the pastors at CrossWay should encourage people to read everything I’ve written and talk to me about it if they have any questions. Having done so these members can return to talk with their pastors in an informed fashion. Or if you wish go talk to Mickey about me first. Just make sure you come to me afterward.

Mickey and the pastors are concerned about my “gossip and slander.” At least I publish my “gossip and slander” for the world to see and evaluate. I’ll field any question or challenge. No so with Mickey and the pastors. They will only talk to you behind closed doors when nothing is recorded so they can mislead with impunity.

At the end of Mickey’s recent letter to CrossWay members he says the following. “As always, if anyone would like to speak to me personally about any of this please let me know and I will set up a time.” That is fine to do but it is the least reliable way of discovering the truth. What Mickey tells you in secret must be tested because the most vicious slander occurs in his office where it is not heard by others – particularly the victim. Only occasional does he blurt it out in public. “Let me be very frank with you…. Brent is driven by a sinful lust for vindication and vengeance.”

Cult followers are never willing to deal with reality. They believe it is godly to turn their minds over to the control of another person. They won’t listen to criticism against the cult. They won’t investigate. They bury their heads in the sand.

My friends at CrossWay are better than this but here are two examples of willful blindness that greatly concern me. I’ve changed the names of these persons. Instead of their example, I’d encourage you to follow the exhortation of Scripture. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph 5:11).

From: Brent Detwiler
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:00 PM
To: Harry
Subject: RE: SGM Panel and Mickey

Have you read both documents I sent you [about my excommunication] yet?

From: Harry
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:23 PM
To: Brent Detwiler
Subject: RE: SGM Panel and Mickey

No. I am not in faith to do so at the moment.

From: Brent Detwiler
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 7:54 AM
To: Harry
Subject: RE: SGM Panel and Mickey

Let me know when you read them. I can’t really help you until you do. You need to see the gravity of the situation and the decade long process I’ve walked through in order to understand my actions. Be like the Bereans. Acts 17:11 “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Mickey’s presentation [regarding my excommunication] on Nov 13 was full of deceit. He twisted the Scripture and used commentaries in a deceptive manner to support his unbiblical actions. You should be alarmed and appalled. You need to read what I wrote and call him and the other pastors to account. Mickey is misleading you and the church. I say these things because I love you and I am concerned for you. There is a lot of lying, deceit, cover up, manipulation and lording going on with C.J., Dave, Mickey, etc. Many churches are talking about leaving SGM. The problems are widespread and serious. It is not the same SGM I once knew.

From: Harry
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 12:26 PM
To: Brent Detwiler
Subject: RE: SGM Panel and Mickey

Thank you for your care towards me. However, I am not willing to read the 2 documents at this point…. I do believe that you are doing what you think is best to care for me. However, if you think that you can’t help me until I read your documents. I believe that you are deceived…. To reiterate though, I do not plan on reading any of the documents you are sending.

From: Brent Detwiler
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011
To: Harry
Subject: RE: SGM Panel and Mickey

Harry, I say this lovingly but you are a fool not to read my documents. How do you know who is right or wrong when you refuse to examine the evidence? You have a solemn responsibility to examine Mickey’s handling of Scripture and commentaries at the Family Meeting. You have no excuse. He deceived the church. It is these kind of sins, I’ve addressed along with many other people now, which are destroying the movement and bringing reproach upon the gospel. If you remain ignorant and silent, you too are contributing to the destruction of SGM and reproach upon the gospel. You should be confronting the evil around you. Love rejoices when the truth wins out. Not duplicity, manipulation, hypocrisy, lording, etc.

From: Harry
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 1:17 PM
To: Brent Detwiler
Subject: RE: God Holds Me Accountable

So, since I do not have the faith nor the time to read all of your documents and blog posts, how about we start simple?

From: Brent Detwiler
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 1:45 PM
To: Harry
Subject: RE: God Holds Me Accountable

Harry, my brother, it is not an issue of “faith.” It is a matter of obedience. God commands you to pursue justice [Prov 18:17]. You condemn me but you have no idea what has transpired over the past 12 years. If you had any concern for me or the well-being SGM you’d seek out the truth. Instead you choose to be deceived. It’s like you’ve been put under spell. Mickey has commanded you not to seek out the truth under the threat of being forced out of the church. That is coercion, lording, control, and domineering.

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From: Alicia
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 10:01 AM
To: Brent Detwiler
Subject: The Ethical Demise of SGM (Part 1)

Brent, do not send us any further communications in any way to us or our family. Do not write us back and tell us how you are only sending this out of love and concern for our souls, your actions speak otherwise.

I’m sorry but I do not respect the way nor the means you continue to attempt to bring down SGM and CWCC.

Brent from my vantage point you are in a very sad place. I find it very hard to believed that you actually think that your actions are pleasing to God.

I am stating again, do not send us any further communications in any way to us or our family. Do not write us back, remove our email from your arsenal.

Sincerely,

Alicia

From: Brent Detwiler
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2012 12:14 PM
To: Alicia
Subject: RE: The Ethical Demise of SGM (Part 1)

Hello Alicia

I think of you and Bob fondly. You are fine servants of the Lord and I sincerely appreciate all your contributions to CrossWay Community Church over the years.

I’m sorry I can’t oblige. I have a higher obligation. The principle of Ezekiel 3:16-20 applies to me. I am not the watchman of SGM but I am a watchman. Before the Lord I am endeavoring to be faithful to call C.J., Mickey and other SGM leaders to repentance in this time of discipline. I don’t imply by using this verse that C.J. or anyone else will die. I do, however, have an obligation before God to warn you and others about the on-going sin and seriousness of the situation. You can ignore this warning but then you are accountable to God for that decision and I am not guilty before the Lord for being complacence.

Ezek 3:16-20 At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: [17] “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. [18] When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. [19] But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself. [20] Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered and I will hold you accountable for his blood. [21] But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

You too have a biblical responsibility (Prov 18:17). You must examine Mickey by examining the evidence. I hope you fulfill it. You have not been told the truth. Half the pastors in SGM are giving serious thought to leaving SGM. That number could easily increase. This is not due to gossip or slander. Many pastors are appalled at Mickey’s excommunication of me and the abusive way in which he used Scripture and deceitfully used commentaries. The problems in SGM are extremely serious and Mickey’s cult like leadership in relation to me is but one example.

You’ll be receiving “The Ethical Demise of SGM (Part 2).” I mean no disrespect. I am not endeavoring to provoke you. But I am providing you a biblical warning and I am providing you rock solid evidence. You’d be wise to read all I have written. Mickey is one of the key men contributing to the destruction of SGM. Not the devil. Not me. Not the blogs. For instance, ten of the pastors from Covenant Life Church recently presented evidence against Mickey to the entire SGM Board for his slander of them. There are so many examples like this of which you are utterly unaware. I could write a full length book. Mickey has deceitfully and arrogantly led you. In time, I hope you will speak out against such transgressions.

Conclusion

Anyone in CrossWay can know the truth about C.J, Mickey and SGM if they are willing to renounce their blind followership and throw off the shackles imposed upon them by Mickey and the pastors. They must commit themselves to God (not Mickey or the church) and think independently. I love pastors but not when they control people’s lives. I love loyalty but not when it exceeds the boundaries of Scripture.

My friends at CrossWay can know the truth and be set free but it will take some work and courage. They must care, read, study, think and investigate. Their pastors have led them down the wrong road in asking for blind obedience and a call to arms. Like every church member in SGM, they have the tools to know the truth if they will apply themselves.

At my excommunication, Mickey said, “If I ever lose the trust of this church I will resign that very day.” Well, that day has come. These ten common cult-like characteristics in his leadership are convincing reasons not to trust him.

1.     Require absolute trust

2.     Demand unconditional obedience

3.     Claim divine status

4.     Surround with weak leaders

5.     Warn against outsiders

6.     Use mind control

7.     Employ lying and deceit

8.     Threaten punishments

9.     Promise eternal life

10.     Produce cult followers

Unfortunately, cult leaders and cult-like leaders never resign. They do down fighting. Mickey will force out of the church everyone who does not trust him before he ever quits. CrossWay may implode as a result. If so, it’s because of Mickey; not the devil, me or blogs. You cannot sow lies, deceit and lording without reaping destruction. The God who rules over all is demonstrating he will not be mocked by such sophistry.