I think she has done this already, and things are as muddy as they have ever been. Besides, what is there to clear up? Facts are facts, unless Bro. Tom Neal is going make a public statement that would shed more light on that specific situation, then I think what you desire is only wishful thinking.

How is attending the public services going to address past members? I wouldn't expect past members or their concerns to be addressed from the pulpit. The only way to get an answer on "why so-n-so left" is to have a direct, one-on-one conversation with the pastor.

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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Thank you for your many responses. As one can see, you're either for or against the church. Based on my own observations lately, it seems that several things are being made more and more apparent.

First, members seem to be more concerned with pleasing a man than they are serving God. Since our Auditorium is named the "Hyles Auditorium" and the chapel is the "Roberson Chapel", it's clear that these men are somewhat idolized. People there are looking for Neal approval rather than God approval. This is no different than Catholicism, if you ask me.

Second, the preacher is definitely living way outside of his means while MANY people in the church have lost their jobs and homes due to the economy. I think that it's ridiculous that he would continue to harp about money when he's living in a $400K plus home and drives a BRAND new 6-series BMW SUV and his wife is driving a new 5-series BMW. The members are told to pay their school bill over their mortgage and some are even in pre-foreclosure because of it. What is this about?

Next, people aren't entitled to make their own decisions without consulting the preacher first. If he finds out that you have made a major decision in your life without consulting with him first, you are called out in service. I can understand any decision that is going to make a major impact on your life spiritually, but whether you can join a gym or read "Twilight"....I mean come on, can't people think for themselves and make competent decisions in their life? Maybe they do need someone to think for them, but not me!

I just find it interesting that the kids in the school there aren't allowed to participate in ANY organized sports outside of the church. The church only offers basketball to the boys and volleyball to the girls. Of course you have to be in 7th grade or higher to participate. This leaves nothing for the smaller children. When you're in 7th grade, you HAVE to participate in their sports program no matter what. You and I both know that not everyone is athletically inclined so that is interesting to say the least. The kids are not allowed to play with other neighborhood kids and are told to not even write to the children of former members.

I've had a personal experiences with this type of "cultish" behavior. My sister volunteered a few years ago and worked at the New Beginnings Academy in Pace, Florida. This was a girl's home that was originally part of the Rebekkah Home for Girls founded by Lester Roloff. While my sister was there (doing ministerial work), she witnessed countless numbers of verbal and physical abuse. Her phone calls were monitored as well and she was only allowed one shower a day for 6 minutes. When she realized that this was a cult, she tried to call home to leave. She was told that she was backslidden and not fulfilling God's plan in her life. Those girls cried and begged my sister to contact their parents when she left and tell them the truth about what was going on. Of course, those "Christian" people had already contacted the girls' parents and informed them that a "disgruntled and backslidden young woman may be contacting you concerning our program. She's angry at God and is trying to harm our wonderful program here." When my sister got home she wrote and called those parents. She has posted blogs on the internet concerning the abuse and neglect that these girls endured.

Some of the same things are happening at Berean. First, they won't get accredited by the state, even for Christian schools. They don't want the state to come in and "tell them how to run things there." Neither did Roloff at his girls' homes. They want to completely separate their students from ALL non-affilliated kids and not allow them to play sports or join Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc. What is the difference here? I heard three people tell me that when their child was in the school there that they were hit so hard with a paddle that it left black and blue bruises on their behind for almost three weeks and that one of them actually drew blood to the skin. Now, I'm in favor of corporal punishment but this is abuse. That's why they don't want the state to come in.

Lastly, I just have one question for all those "in favor" of Berean....why are you coming to the "Fighting Fundamentals Forum" then? If you think this is "gossip" then why are you participating?

is this the same reform school whose director has been accused of sexually assaulting a resident?

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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Go talk to Dr. Neal.
He won't be mad at you for it. He will give you sound advice and even tell you if that Church is not for you. Too many people on this forum that hate the guy. Go talk to the pastor and pray about it and make your own choice. It's a good church!

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Beware of !

Sounds like you have a good handle on what is going on there based on your own observations and not what others are saying. If that's the type of church you want to be a part of, then by all means go for it. However, it would not be for me and my family, so I would already be gone. No reason to talk to the pastor about it, you have a brain that God gave you and intended for you to use all by yourself.

Good luck in your quest.

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All of the above is my opinion, sometimes humble, sometimes not so humble.

"The ability to speak does not make one intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn (Star Wars Episode One)

I haven't heard about this sexual assualt case? I know that Mark Neal used to be the principal and now it's David Wright. What happened at the school? That goes back to not being accredited and not allowing the state to certify/accredit the school. Nothing would surprise me anymore.

I'm wrong. It's Michael Palmer (Victory Christian Academy) in Jay Florida accused of sexually assaulting a girl in his care.

New Beginnings is where Mrs. Cameron went after she was banned from caring for children in Texas. My mistake.


http://www.isaccorp.org/faccca.asp

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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Amen.

I agree that it's a good church, and I believe that Tom Neal is a great man.

I think you have already said that. This is about a Christian making a decision on a church based on their observations.

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All of the above is my opinion, sometimes humble, sometimes not so humble.

"The ability to speak does not make one intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn (Star Wars Episode One)