Website: http://www.mvcf.com
Church Review
Scriptural View: 2/5 (Depends on the issue.)
Beliefs: 3/5
Community: 2/5
Website Review
Site Usabilility: 3/5
Site Design: 3/5
Site Content: 3/5
Summary: Mission Valley Christian Fellowship is affiliated with the Calvary system. (I’d encourage you to read: The Calvary Stance on God) I have had the chance of attending this church and meeting Leo Giovinetti. Leo, the preaching pastor came from a life of performing at casinos of Reno, Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. Their worship style reflects some of this background.
MVCF make the politics in Israel part of their concern. They have an Israel Bless God campaign. They frequently fly over and deliver checks (it most be in the $ millions by now) to atheists to use at their own discretion. This is something we do not find scripture! They take a number of verses out of context to create a whole sub-sect of the Christian faith centered around Israel. Leo has called non-believers who are Jewish his brothers, like we worship the same God. (Read John 8:44 to see how Jesus talks to religious Jews.) Anyway, certainly MVCF is a Christian church but there are too many holes in their teaching for us to recommend this church.
I would encourage you to read a few of the comments that have been posted by MVCF people.
There are good things and people being saved at MVCF, but there are too many things that disagree with scripture for me to recommend this church.
This is the church that has the “America Bless God” campaign, which is another example of how they have missed the mark of what it is to be a church of God’s kingdom. We as believers should spend more time communicating God’s reign & rule over the world than taking on political tasks and desires of perpetuating the lie that America is a Christian nation. Another reason to look elsewhere for a church to attend.
8/5/2004
Mission Valley Christian Fellowship
I appeciate your commentary. It is difficult to do such a service to the church and not be judgmental. It is challenge for a person to make such judgements and possibly be all knowing.
Your Comments: MVCF make the politics in Israel part of their concern. They have an Israel Bless God campaign. They frequently fly over and deliver checks (it most be in the $ millions by now) to atheists to use at their own discretion. This is something we do not find scripture!
I read this criticism and would like to help you find a Bible verse that supports MVCF Israel mission.
Galatians 6:10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open to us, let us do good to all people…. I think all means all and would include unbelievers, including Israel.
May the Lord God of Israel give you discernment.
In Christ,
Lanny L. Johnson, M.D.
Lanny,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you, we should do good to all people. Do you think Galatians 6:10 implies we should deliver large checks to atheists without the message of the gospel? I could also look at certain texts when it comes to handing money to a godless people:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”–Mark 8:36
“For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”–Luke 9:25
I guess the important question is what is ‘do good’? Instead of funding a wall to be built in Israel wouldn’t it be better to send missionaries? To buy and deliver Bibles? Or what about funding Church plants here in San Diego area? With 1 million dollars how many churches could be planted, missionaries sent and people won to Christ?
I guess I see those things as far better than providing earthly things to a people who do not know Christ.
First off a christian is just a jew who believes that Jesus is our lord and savior. Secondly JESUS WAS A JEW! What was he talking to himself like that in John 8:44. And last but not least I happen to love jesus and i Rock out to jesus. Leo is a great man who is trying to show isreal the truth. We do several trips a year and we talk to the same people in the hopes to bring them over to the full truth. God said to them that he was going to make a new covenat and that is jesus. Jews are far from athiest and infact they are your brothers and sisters..they just dont know it yet. Get your facts straight before you go around talking about things you dont understand..and i would advise you go over John again before you pretend to know what your talking about. Come to Mission valley one day and look me up we can rock out to jesus together.
Yes, Jesus was a Jew. You ask a good question, “what was he talking to himself like that in John 8:44?” I would examine this a bit further. Here is the passage:
John 8
44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Jesus is talking to the Pharisee’s, the religious Jews of his day. He is saying their father is the DEVIL. Powerful words. Jews were only saved people IF they had faith in the promise of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 9
6It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.
In these verses, Paul denied that physical descent from Abraham and physical circumcision would save anyone, and stated that the true descendants of Abraham were those who “are Christ’s” via spiritual regeneration. Consequently, we must reject the concept promoted by Dispensationalism that there are two separate people of God– the Christian Church and the nation of Israel.
Gal 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
The Jews are NOT our “brothers and sisters” that don’t know it yet. To believe this is to reject Scripture. It is by faith, through Christ, drawn by the Holy Spirit that we are saved. Everyone else will not be saved.
I would encourage you to not believe the lies you are being taught. This will be difficult but look to scripture, not to Leo to learn the Bible. I have met Leo on a number of occasions and I don’t deny he is a nice guy. But when it comes to preaching another gospel I have to reject his false teachings.
I have been to Mission Valley before and it is because of these experiences I would recommend those who attend, begin to look for another church to attend.
“i would advise you go over John again before you pretend to know what your talking about.”
Alex, I would suggest you re-read Romans, John, Galatians to understand that dispensationalism is a false teaching. I recognize it is going to be a difficult road for you to accept the Bible on these areas, because to do so will be recognizing the errors of Mission Valley, which is your family. I know many people who choose to believe the lies because the cost is too high for them to leave the people they love.
well i will still continue to go to mission valley cause i believe that what we are doing there is gods work. But thanks for your concern. If you still wish to talk to me please Email me.
Alex,
I understand you believe this. I would encourage you to re-consider though. (I’m sure Mormons believe they are doing gods work too.) I am confident the more you study God’s word the more this will make sense. The consequence of not understanding (Israel, how salvation works, etc.) is people are left with a Bible where the preaching (like at MVCF) never quite matches with the text. This can confuse a lot of people and causes doubt. Trust me I know churches filled with ex-MVCF people who recognized the many errors of Leo’s preaching. But I trust if God wants to open your eyes by His Spirit, it will happen.
The good news is you and I are on the same team. We both believe Jesus Christ is Lord and we both are called to spread the good news of what He has done for us. In this you and I are brothers in Christ. For that I am thankful.
I think MVCF is a good church to attend if you’re starting out, but like all Calvary Chapels/affiliates membership revolves around cliques. People usually leave because they don’t fit into these cliques. I loved my time at Mission Valley, but it was just time to move on. There are several good churches in town that came out of this ministry: East Valley Christian Fellowship, Kaleo (David Fairchild) and The Way (former worship leader Art Murillo.) So there are good things that come out of there.
As for the several church plants that came, I think there is another from MVCF called Oasis Blast up in Temecula by Sean Nelson. From my understanding at least 3 of these were not done “with the blessing of MVCF” and as such they aren’t church plants, more the people left on convictions. I could be wrong.
I never called them church plants, but people have left for various reasons. Calling them plants would be like calling MVCF a plant of Horizon. Suffice to say, it’s taken Mike MacIntosh 10 years to get over Leo leaving, he even said it one night at Chapter & Verse. People have gotten good teaching and sound doctrine at both churches, and just moved on to do what God’s called them to do.
Would someone PLEASE make a suggestion for a sound church in LAs Vegas. I have friends looking but are quite leary as they just left CLV. A mega mega church which my friends felt was being running like a “corporation.” Also felt uncomfortable with the many friendly references towards Benny Hin. Please help guide us to a church. Preferably not a mega one. Hows that Legacy Vineyard?
My email is [email protected]
You are right regarding Leo and MVCF. I have friends in a pro-life ministry who tried to get that church to provide sidewalk counselors in front of an abortion mill not very far from the church. My friends were roughed up and told by the police that they could press charges. They declined. One of their pastors agreed to discuss the issue further and provide some help. When held to his word in a phone conversation, he said he had no obligation to keep his word.
A church that will send millions to a country, whose occupants have not repented of crucifying their Savior, and stay silent and inactive in our present holocaust is a church being blindly and ignorantly led by a hypocrite and self-promoter.
His current effort to counter the homosexual festival scheduled this summer in Jerusalem completely ignores the fact that it is Jewish homosexuals in Israel who march every year in Jerusalem. It is Jewish homosexuals in Israel who invited this festival in. There will be thousands of Jewish homosexuals coming from around the world to celebrate. It was not for nothing that someone told John in Rev. 11:8 that the mystical name for Jerusalem was “Sodom.” But you will NEVER hear Leo point this out.
I find it highly ironic that Leo, having a homosexual stepson, won’t even do anything about homosexuality in his own backyard!
I am a now reformed individual who left MVCF for doctrinal issues. I feel that Calvery Chapels’ are good for beginning Christians but after a time a child of God needs a church who actually digs into the Word. Leo has openly stated that he abhors the Doctrines of Grace and Calvinist thought. He supports the pagan greek philosophic concept of “freewill” which ne never bothers to define. He also publicly stated in one of his sermons that he believes it is possible for a child of God to become unsaved. These are grave errors that musn’t be ignored.
Yes, MVCF’s actions toward atheistic Israel is Biblically wrong. I reject dispensationalism. But some of you have crossed the line. Shame on you for bringing Leo’s son into this! That was far below the belt and has nothing to do with his doctrine. Your comment sickens me. We are discussing DOCTRINE – not personal issues for which Leo (our brother in Christ I might add) has no control over.
we each must do what we believe God is saying to us and if we are wrong He is able to show us truth. some of us are slow learners and after all only He can judge the thoughts and intents of the heart. there will be a day there will be no “churches” as we know them and it will be then, at that point, the we will find if we are the dwelling IN HIM or not. we must seek Him now while we can. there will be a day when we will see the ground work that has been layed. may we all learn to abide now in that secret place.
This banter back and forth is absolutely hysterical. If I were a non-believer reading these, I’d pop some popcorn. Sheer entertainment. But, I am a believer. The Mission Valley Christian Fellowship might get a little too political at times…..Leo might push the limit sometimes, heck he might sound the horns too early, but that’s Leo. At one point that church had about 3,000 people attending, they lost their facility and in many ways lost their security. Many people couldn’t deal with it, so they left. But Leo still preaches, and I feel as though I’d be damned if I didn’t stand up and say I didn’t grow in his church. I remember leaving church walking to my car one day thinking… I can’t believe I actually stood up, raised my hands and sang. I have never, ever experienced that kind of joy for the LORD in my whole life The point of MVCF isn’t to teach you the bible…its to give you the confidence to read it on your own and not be intimidated by the words. All pastors have flaws, they’re people. Personally I don’t understand what all the beef is about. Leo’s great. He’s excited about believing. . Leo Giovenetti has a huge heart and if you want to understand the excitement of God’s love for you. Check out one of these services. Heck you can hear one of his teachings on am 740 at noontime “Real Life.” See for yourself if this man is filled with the Holy Spirit
I say he is causing more of an awakening than a revival and I consider it my home. Job Well Done! Go Leo!
HE IS RISEN!
I have never attended Mission Valley CF due to the fact that I live in Richmond, VA. I have been a believer for 25 years. For those of you who have never lived on the East Coast, let me assure you that in many ways “religion” is very different here. It is hard to find a church that is “alive” without being VERY charismatic. While searching for a new church home (moved from vicinity of former church McLean Bible Church) I began listening to CSN on my way to and from work. I have been listening to Pastor Leo since then. I enjoy his enthusiasm and the joy he apparently gets from serving the Lord. Any differences in approach/doctrine are, I believe, minor ones. If he is leading people towards the Lord Jesus, let’s not assume that Jesus can’t and won’t protect his children from the small differences and fail to lead them to the truth. Those who are not for the Lord are against Him.
Conversely, those who are with Him are not against Him. We are not of “Leo’s” chruch, or “Chuck’s” church or “Skip’s” church. We are members of the Church of Jesus..Please do not let details that are not important, cause dissention among us. Satan would like nothing better than to keep us busy debating the issues in order to prevent us from doing His work…. This doesn’t mean we blindly accept any old doctrine…we need to rightly divide the word…..but let’s not loose sight of the goal before us. In love, Robin
B gone soon…
Well, For one thing the worship sucks bigtime, of that there is no doubt. Leo also always likes to weave into his sermons how terrible it is for the congregation to disobey him because God made HIM their leader. He also never misses an opportunity to knock the people who have left his flock because of no permanent facility. Of course he never mentions that fact that you never know from one week to the next what hotel banquet room you will be meeting in and you have to hire yourself a full time secretary to keep up with the time and location changes. It gets old and many left because of this and Leo can’t handle it and is not bashful about lashing out about it and blaming the flock for not putting up with the constant inconvenience and lack of stability in his ministry. He’s pretty much a blowhard, likes to hear himself talk and blame his problems on other people. Do yourself a favor and find yourself some place other than MVCF to worship.
I am absolutely amazed and appalled at the backbiting on this site, it is tentamount to gossip, not too far removed from the sleazy secular tabloids. Those of you who have posted denegrating comments should be ashamed, even if you do disagree with what this pastor is doing. Instead of engaging in this Spirit Grieving negative campaign, you should be on your knees crying out to the Lord.
Satan is referred to as the “Acuser of the brethren”, night and day he stands before the Throne of God building his case against God’s children. Any time we are punitive and judgemental against a fellow believer, we join the “Prosecuting Attorney” in his chorus of accusations. We become a witness against our defender, our High Priest, Jesus, who forever lives to make intercession for us. May the Lord replace our heart of criticism with His Heart of Intercession. May we join with Him as a witness on behalf of our bretheren, in agreement with His prayers and supplications. May we remember that Pastor Leo is our brother.
My wife and I attended MVCF for about 4 months about three years ago. We just saw too many red flags and decided to attend church elsewhere.
First, I have always been impressed with Calvary Chapels. I became aware of them while doing mission work in Europe. They were the missionaries and church pastors that I ran into the most who seemed to have success at reaching the Europeans and were making a real impact. In other words, they were doers of the Word not just listeners.
When we attended MVCF, they were meeting at the old theater in Mission Valley, which they have since left. The first thing that puzzled us was the fact that they did not put words to the music on any of the three big screens they had. I found this perplexing and annoying since three movie sized screens were available. While I had been attending church for over 20 years and knew most songs, unsaved friends or those who were recent converts had no way of knowing the words to the music. It’s bad enough being new to church without feeling like a “fish” out of water because you did not know the words and could not sing along. So both my wife and I wrote to the church. Both times we received a curt email reply. Then one day Leo announced from the pulpit that the reason they did not put the words to the music on the screens was the Worship Pastor felt it would “distract” from the worship. Excuse me? Not being able to sing along was what was distracting to worship. The fact that Leo felt compeled to say something told me others must have been complaining about it also. Can you imagine, they did not do it because one person, the Worship Pastor, did not want to do it. I have never been to a church that did not put the words up on the screen so people could sing along, if a screen was available, let alone have three screens to use. That was strike one.
The second thing that bothered us was they were having a fund raiser to raise money for Israel. They were going to have a $1000 a plate dinner. Yes, you read right, $1000 per plate. So for a couple to attend it would have cost $2000. Don’t know about you, but we sure could not afford it. I guess they sent letters out to several pastors in other churches. Leo openly criticized one pastor who responded with a letter but sent no money. Leo felt if you could not afford to go yourself then you should give what you could so someone else could go. Excuse me? Who decides who gets to go, Leo? I thought back to the Bible when Paul was raising money for the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Did he have a $1000 a plate event, which obviously excludes numerous people, allows only the wealthy to attend, or did Paul graciously accept all donations? Strike 2.
The next incident was when they announced they were sending ALL the Pastors AND THEIR FAMILIES to Hawaii for vacation at church expense. Wish my employer would send me and my family to Hawaii, I wish they would send us on any vacation. I wondered how many people in the audience couldn’t afford a trip to Hawaii for their family, yet were faithfully sending their tithe so others could frollic in Hawaii. I asked myself, What would Jesus do, or say? Strike 3.
As I said, way too many red flags, especially in the area of stewardship. The ones listed above are only the three main ones. This is not gossip or rumor, it is what we actually witnessed and experienced and the reason we left and went elsewhere. If they weren’t ashamed to do it, then they should not be ashamed to see it written here. While Leo was a good preacher, he had too many other short comings for us to continue to support huim or MVCF.
It unbelievable how you can be so open or rude about things. Maybe you need to Interview the Pastor. How about setting up an appoinment to meet with the Pastor Perhaps you can gain some understanding of the things that you dont understand. The Staff is very helpful. Most of the time when a person has a problem with something they are looking at it from thier perspective only. Does anyone look at the Fact that MVCF helps to support the troops through various types of Donations. I do not see any other churchs along side with Roger. Or that Israel is where it all started from. Maybe read the BIble and remember when your pointing the finger at someone there are three fingers pointing back at you
Pastor Leo is a man of God with a heart so big that it encompasses even sinners. At Mission Valley Christian Fellowship, the Word of God is read, the Bible is taught, the Love of God is preached, the Love of enemies is practiced, and people who come are blessed, prayed for, and grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The motto of the Church is Love, Grow, Help and this is one church that does just that. It truly is reminiscent of the First Century Christians who were known by their love and by their service. (Whereever Christians lived, the poor were fed, the dead were buried and they shared all things in common…even with the unbelievers in their midst.)
May the Lord continue to bless the pastors and the church with the agape love of the Lord.
Wow!! I found this ironic as after church last sunday, my family and I decided to seek another church. I study my Bible and also the NWO/Illuminati. All governments of the world are basically in the hands of youknowwho w/ a little g. I would tend to agree w/ Anthony on his 3 strikes to a small degree, but they are not my strikes. I have attended MVCF for about 3 years and there was a break for about a year while I was w/ my brother who had cancer out of state……I went on one of the Israel trips and it was an awesome trip, but right about that time I started doing more research into 911; yes government sponsored terrorism and the bush family crime syndicate is a reality. Faux news is not. Suffice it to say in all of these things we just have to follow the money and who stands to benefit? Now you too can do some research.
To me there is no doubt about the love, the teaching, the preaching are mostly right on. Lots of additional commentary well maybe not so.
Yeah sending staff to Hawaii, being absent from the pulpit on a regular basis, and at first no words on the screen made me sweat for a few weeks, I didn’t know all the songs, but it does make you remember, but was very uncomfortable. I was used to accountability w/ my tithes as well, but they were not noted unless you gave I think it is greater than 300.00 at one time. So we started saving our tithes to get a better record, and no it is not for taxes, but for reflection. I also can’t stand to go one more time to the Devil’s Masonic Lodge for service looking at the Phoenix on each side of the stage. So I went and prayed around the lot and thought that made it better, but in reality it doesn’t. We ran away from the gay rodeo at the Sheraton into the building that Satan built!! I admit my ability to serve in the church doesn’t go well w/ other things going on in my life so I couldn’t be consistant. I won’t say what I was going to say…..Money that is given to Israel is no strings attached and Leo always gets the Word to the Jews In Jesus Name! And for that I do believe there are blessings. Standing up for righteousness on the gay festival in Israel was important too, but we seem to be losing our relevance in some areas while we “fight homosexuality” in San Diego…..How about going to war in Iraq based on LIES!! How about the fact that bush is a satanist at heart and is still a self confessing honored to be member of Skull&Bones! How about his family ties/fortune to Nazi Germany and IG Farben steel contracts via Kellog Brown and Root (KBR)?! Hello, that is why grandpa roach bush was busted for trading w/ the enemy and here he was a senator to boot!! Cou de tat bar none:::: 911:: wow! Papa roach bush having a little eggs and bacon w/ 2 of the half brothers of the supposed master mind plotter from a cave somewhere in Afghanistan OBL osamabinforgotten in downtown Wash. D.C!!! Discussing Carlylse group stuff to be sure getting ready to suck down some no bid contracts in the future Lie of all lies the “War on Terror” only people I know getting our constitution shredded and became the “accused” after 911 was us!! The worst catastrophic failure in National Security ever! I sent about 10 teachings on the New World Order and the Illuminati to Pastor Leo, Dennis, and Robert. Robert my cousin had all ready told me that he and Dennis screen the e-mails and delete the ones they feel Leo won’t want to read. I have not received one word back on these studies, and no they are not just rants they are informative and I thought would be helpful. So, w/ that I am sick of Romans 13:1,2 being slammed down my throat this past month, the WHOLE council of the Word of God has to be in play for such a 2 verse bow to the government pretext, posttext, syntax! What happened to looking at the fruit of a supposed believer? Bush’s fruit is ROTTEN!! Where is the Watchman?? Ezekiel 33: 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, he is taken away in and for his perversity and iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Any church in San Diego that is not sounding at least once in awhile the alarm about what is really going on in our country while castle building is in a sad state of affairs building or not. We have lost our integrity w/ the World as being a relevant force for good because hellllllooooo we are the “christian right” we are the supposed moral majority that voted for this vile man you call the prezident!! Election Fraud see http://www.blackboxvoting.org. We spend more resources and accountability in the voting for third world countries than we do in our own country. Every thing I am saying is documented, it is time to wake up!! Judgement is coming, but alas will it in the church???
I would like to thank the pastoral staff and the members of MVCF for their loving kindness to me and for the dedication to HIS WORD. Their heartwarming-welcome in everything from home fellowship to the youth group is a true example of walking the walk! THANK YOU!
I took lunch today and read the comments here on Sandiegochurches.org. I listen to Leo from MVCF sometimes in the morning and have enjoyed his preaching. I’ve lived here in metro Atlanta all my life and it is refreshing to hear Ca pastors. Many of the churches here are either very traditional or wildly charasmatic.
I have learned, after being a believer for 34 years(I’m 51) that God has many pastors that are so different! God is very creative and full of grace. He’ll use a Leo or a calvinist pastor, and after we find out they do not agree with us on some doctrine, we tend to ‘turn them off’ and move on.
I certainly do not agree with Pastor Leo on everything, I certainly would not want my church sending money to Jewish people in Israel, but I must admit, there are many Bible promises that encourage us to bless Israel.
I have a heart for the Jews, but I believe in stewardship starting at home and then moving outward. Who am I to critizice Pastor Leo or any other Pastor.
Here is my deal, I attend a church where I respect the integrity of my Pastor, he is not perfect, but a good man. I do not know Pastor Leo, and I have no ax to grind either way. But I will say this: he can preach, and I have been encouraged at times (I do not listen to him regularly).
Young believers tend to get so ticked when a Christian leader or pastor says dumb things, or does dumb things, but after 30 yrs of hearing thoussands of sermons from different pastors, and knowing many…..well…they just make mistakes and they can have ‘bad doctrine’ and they can ….well….be like you or me.
I am extending more grace to pastors these days, but I do not think anyone should attend a church where they do not respect the integrity of the leadership….hey….find another church dude….but I suspect when we get to heaven….we’ll find that Pastor Leo has done the best he could, not without mistakes and flaws. If you attend his church, love him and bless him. If you can’t stomach the church moving around or giving money to Israel, just leave and move on.
I remember in college one of the best preachers in our town, and he led so many to Jesus, was so ‘Baptist’ that one Sunday evening his sermon was titled ‘Why I do not believe in speaking in tongues’. A week later, a very charasmatic ministry was on campus leading folks to Jesus and speaking in tongues. I myself, was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, leading folks to Jesus but not really worried about tongues….guess what…..we were all believers…..all working for the kingdom….(I just wish that good ol’ Baptist pastor would have left his sermon title off the marque! he was young…..headstrong……and proud….but God matured him and today he is doing well).
Go preach Pastor Leo! Start other churches you who disagree with him! I’m so happy the Lord saved me I love you all.
Selah!
Hey follow—whatever drugs you are on….well buddy they are doing you no good!!!!
Since Harbor Presbyterian is obviously a Presbyterian church, they must surely believe in pre-destination and Calvinism. Is this true?
I recently discovered this church via the radio in San Antonio,Tx and decided to check the web about this church. I have learned some interesting things from pastor Leo and have wondered about a couple of, what I consider to be small things. But so far nothing worth dividing over. I’m over 50 and do missionary work in Africa sometimes, and other places, as well as in the US.
Why is there a gap in the comments between 2006 and now?
Also, upon reading the above comments I find there are only a few mature Christians that are commenting.
When you spatter on about this or that, remember that you will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ one day. So make sure your words don’t get misread by unbelievers who are reading this and trying to find their way in the spiritual world. As in the manner of the watchman on the wall verse above says, you might find their blood on your hands.
One thing must be said about this church and pastor Leo, they get the blood to stirring.
OOPS! Sorry, in my comment I mentioned that I do missionary work in Africa, etc, but forgot to mention why I made that statement. Through my experiences with various “foreign” cultures I have learned not to be too quick to judge churches and pastors because I don’t see the whole picture the way God does. Remember, we all have to start some place but the Lord will take us to a point of maturity in His timing. “He is performing a work” in each believer. During the first century church many serious mistakes were made, even by the Apostles, yet God did not through out the baby with the bath water; He guided them along the path of maturity. So, why not tone down the spiteful rhetoric that some of you have offerred.
In closing, however, there definitely is a point where a “break” in fellowship must be made but doesn’t that usually happen when the essentials are transgressed? Such as “Who do you say Jesus is?”. Thanks. Bye Bye