BULLYING ULTIMATUM FROM SCRIBNER FORCES MASS EXODUS FROM FOURSQUARE CHURCH - 16TH SEPTEMBER 2006 {originally found on another message board}

Source from http://www.habakkuk2-4.com/5.html

This letter came from pastor Rob Scribner who is in charge of the Foursquare church in Santa Monica , California. He had been trying to allign the church to C.F.M for some time. In July 2002 he sent a threatening letter to all those who he believed didn't approve of the move. {regards...naboth}

Our church has been put through a very difficult and divisive time. The difficulty and division hjas been the result of a few individuals who were in disagreement with and /or antagonistic to the vision of the church, it's direction and leadership. It became clear that the goal of these individuals was a complete disassociation with C.F.M and/or the removal of Pastor Rob by the leadership of the Fopursquare denomination. Public statements and criticisms were made by those individuals which, in many instances, did not reflect the truth, or the motive, attitude or heart of the pastor.

It is our belief that these actions were wrong and were designed to divide with the ultimate purpose of taking the church in a different direction.

We believe that you were one of these individuals either by your statements or associations. { * see note at end of letter} It is unclear as to whether or not you desire to continue to be a part of the Lighthouse church. If you do, it is our position that you must recognise that your actions were wrong and that you can, with a pure heart, commit to the direction of the lighthouse church and submit to and support the pastoral leadership of pastor Rob. Anything short of that would not be in keeping with sound biblical teaching. This is not in the spirit of retaliation but rather reconciliation if that is possible.

If you are unable or unwilling to do what is set forth in this letter then it is our position that you find another chruch where you will be able to fully support the pastor and direction of the church. WEe believe that this is way that Jesus would have it and how he would conduct his church.

Unless you directly contact one of us to discuss your continuing association or membership at the Lighthouse within 3 days, we will understand that you either cannot or will not seek reconciliation and will no longer attend or have any association with the Lighthouse church. In that case we ask that you do not continue to speak against The Lighthouse or it's leadership as we believe that would be coming against a work of God. This would be of no benefit to anyone.

When Jesus prayed for his disciples, he prayed that they would be one as he and the Father are one. Unless that unity is at the centre of the church, we go against the gospel and His will.

We stand firm on the essentials of unity and hope that you can understand it's necessity and importance.

In His grace, pastor Rob {scribner}, pastor Harrison {Sommer}

* You are recieving this letter because you were at the meeting on June 3rd or if you did not adopt the spirit of those that are spoken of in this letter then you should acknowledge that it was wrong, repent and decide if you are going to stay at the Lighthouse in agreement with it's current direction and pastor Rob.

{naboth says} Ihoipe you can see just how immoral, dictatorial and downright unethical Rob Scribner is from his letter. This church is a Foursquare chruch and the building is owned by Foursquare. The congregation have EVERY right to question the direction of the church and it's leaders when that direction is away from it's legitimate authority and towards another denomination. Scribner has given an ultimatum which basically says bow to me in all things or get out. Scribner is a small minded, religious bully. Surely the church in Santa Monica under his leadership is becoming more and more like a hyper control cult.