You are brave-please hang in there, I think you did the right thing.

I have been reading through some of the previous posts, as time allows….re: accountability, I just want to say that in general, accountability can be a very positive, uplifting way of encouraging each other to follow Jesus closely. But …….in our SGM church, accountability was really a smokescreen for the free for all, face to face bashing that took place. Everyone was taught to point out sin in others, regardless of age, position, or even whether or not you actually KNEW a person. For example, a kid ‘felt led’ to point out a sin to me….he was young enough to be my son, he was rude, patronizing, disrespectful–wrong about what he thought he ‘saw’ as sin AND he hardly knew me. When I tried to have a discussion with him about it, he shouted over me and told me I needed to get right w/God and w/the leadership. That is NOT accountability!!!

This is one of those times when I feel like I have to be a darn pesky censor. While I believe it is appropriate to discuss in general terms situations that arise where injustices might have taken place, I feel like the specifics of these situations (such as the one we’re talking about right now) are veering a little too close to gossip for my comfort. That’s why I edited the comments (mine and “Blacklisted’s”) for mentions of the state where this took place and the details of the particular sinful situation.

I hope everyone understands. Sometimes I’m not even sure myself where to draw the line. I just have to go by my conscience. I’d appreciate your prayers for wisdom to know when to step in and when to sit back.

Thanks! :-)

This is the first I’ve heard of the situation you mentioned. How long ago did this all come out, do you know? What was the “word on the street”? Do you have any more information? Do you know if an official statement has been issued about the situation or anything thing like that? Considering what a high priority SGM places on children as evidence of effective parenting and leadership skills, I’m very surprised that the leader you mentioned hasn’t been sent to the SGM Rehab Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland for a full evaluation. Very intriguing.

Also, I know what you mean about SGM missions. It seems their idea of missions is to plant churches and I don’t see much money being used to support community and/or missionary work outside of SGM – unless someone sits on the board of a particular organization.

Hi, and welcome to the site!

I don’t know that anyone has ever actually brought up the specific situation you addressed in your comment about the [State Name] overseer. While I agree with you that this situation doesn’t sound appropriate (and seems quite atypical for SGM, actually), I think I’d be almost MORE uncomfortable if it were standard operating procedure for an SGM overseer to be punished or penalized for the wrongdoings of his adult children.

Your point about SGM’s lack of support for non-SGM missions is really too bad. While I do know that several SG folks have come on here and stated that their churches actually DO support missions, many others have shared stories similar to yours. Did you ever get any “official” feedback as to why they did not support your non-SGM trips?