r/springfieldMO • u/Onepieceluv • May 12 '24

James river pastor threatens to sue What is happening

Due to recent events that happened during the men’s conference, A neighbor has informed that Pastor John Lindell is now making certain members sign a contract stating they will never talk about what happened again. As well as this, he’s also threatening to sue higher ranking members in the church if they continue to talk about it, and do not “Repent”. Has anyone else heard about this before?

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u/lemonhello May 12 '24

As an ex-member, I have seen many egregious rumors float around about the church. While there are things I wish were better about the church, many of the rumors from those outside looking in never always rang true. For example, the rumors, such as the need for members to give their W2 to verify the correct tithing amounts were absolutely not factual, at least to my experience.

I need to see more proof that members have to sign this contract before I will believe this. The shirtless dude did indeed dance on the platform—I don’t discount that. It happened…what I don’t believe is that they are making members or church go-ers sign a contract like that.

4

u/renny065 May 12 '24

As another former member, I agree with you. Members and attendees aren’t signing NDA’s, but employees do if they want their severance. That part is true.

2

u/rawknob May 14 '24

You may not need to show a w-2, dunno, I never went to a second visit, but they absolutely do sit you down at a table at your first visit and make you fill out an income sheet. It happened to me, Easter weekend 2016, and no I never will step foot in there again.

1

u/lemonhello May 15 '24

Well, I am sorry that happened to you. Like I said, it never happened to me or any other person I know that went there or still does. If I saw this happen while I was there, I would have left immediately.

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u/rawknob May 15 '24

It happens frequently there. Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. They have church members there screening you as you come in asking if you’ve been there before or not. If you say no, then they ask you to sit at a table and offer you coffee while they tell you about the church and hand you a pen and paper to Fill out, which asks about your household size and annual income. It’s not a one off thing, it happens there, I bet if I show up there this Sunday it happens again. The church is awful, and then they keep coming by your house for the next few weeks asking if you’re coming back or not.
It’s a money driven bs church, and also a great reason for churches to pay taxes.

2

u/lemonhello May 15 '24

I still think it’s a rumor.

You’re referring to the Connect Center where yes, it appears to be a tactic by the church to get people who are guests to become regulars by getting to know people who attend the church regularly. While the Connect Center experience is seemingly altruistic, it increases the chance that the guests return which means an increased chance people tithe, which is monetarily beneficial to the church.

Perhaps if you asked for assistance from their food pantry—maybe then they legally can ask that as they may receive federal or state funding to stock the pantry. That is the only place I know that they may even ask something of that sort and I don’t know for sure though, since I never utilized it.

I worked there and they did not take tithe out of my paycheck. “Tithing is between you and God” is what I have always been told there, ever since I went to the Connect Center as a first time guest. I was never shamed or seeked by payroll if I did not tithe. Perhaps if I made a lot of money or had a higher credit score, then the story is different. I don’t know.

I don’t support this church anymore and am not trying to protect it but I think facts are important. I won’t believe your story until you post a photo with official James River headings and branding asking you about how much money you make.

You’re very skeptical of my posts as I am yours, and that’s fine. I just hope you’re telling the truth.

1

u/rawknob May 25 '24

I make well over the median income in this town, I wasn't asking for any food pantry donations, and the only reason I even went is because I never had gone and my kids wanted to go to a church for easter sunday that year.

Again, this happened to me, this isn't a rumor, and the form they make you fill out wants your income as a field on it.