How come???

[stevenson]

How come when you leave the COGOP, and you respond to a post, people think you have an axe to grind? This is the second time I have been accused of this.

The truth is, I don't! I come on here less and say less now-a-days. But when I come on, I still speak my mind. Pastor Gary and me have had differences (long time ago) but he has always allowed me to speak my mind. Now I speak and I'm grinding some axe?

I remember getting called into my SO's office because I posted on Jude2 that I was in favor of the marriage document. I also got called in another time and my credentials threatened for my postings on Jude2. But I have never changed and nor will I.

In the 10 years I spent in the COGOP, I got called on the carpet many times but not once was any charge brought against me. I left the organization on my own free will because I got tired of fighting the system and wanted to start seeing souls saved.

I still love the COGOP and have many friends within the organization. I still preach in several COGOP churches. I was just offered 2 positions within the COGOP, wich I refused. So I have no axe to grind. I'm just a man who speaks his mind!

[free]

Why is it always an axe? Aren't there any other tools we can grind?

[scooter]

How come when you leave the COGOP, and you respond to a post, people think you have an axe to grind? This is the second time I have been accused of this.

The truth is, I don't! I come on here less and say less now-a-days. But when I come on, I still speak my mind. Pastor Gary and me have had differences (long time ago) but he has always allowed me to speak my mind. Now I speak and I'm grinding some axe?

I remember getting called into my SO's office because I posted on Jude2 that I was in favor of the marriage document. I also got called in another time and my credentials threatened for my postings on Jude2. But I have never changed and nor will I.

In the 10 years I spent in the COGOP, I got called on the carpet many times but not once was any charge brought against me. I left the organization on my own free will because I got tired of fighting the system and wanted to start seeing souls saved.

I still love the COGOP and have many friends within the organization. I still preach in several COGOP churches. I was just offered 2 positions within the COGOP, wich I refused. So I have no axe to grind. I'm just a man who speaks his mind!

Response: I hope you're not talking about how this is kind of personal to you. The truth is, it is.

I'm not saying that I wouldn't feel the same way if I had experienced what you did, only that it flavors your perspective.

[stevenson]

scooter,
I totally agree with that. All of our experiences flavour us to some degree. And I didn't take what you said personally. But I did wonder, how many are thinking what you are saying. And with that in mind I wanted to set the record straight.
I caused trouble while in the COGOP and I'll cause trouble outside of it. LOL!
But seriously, some of my dearest friends are with the COGOP and the actions of a few will never change my feelings towards those friends and their ministries.
Personally, I would like to see COGOP swing towards the COG and merge together. I think united they could do incredible good for the kingdom of God.

[stevenson]

BTW, for those asking.....

I am a Bishop with the "Church of God". I pastor a church called "Life Church" in Westerville, Ohio. Westerville is on the northeast corner of Columbus, Ohio.

And I didn't leave COGOP for COG. I was in the COG for many years, went to the COGOP to support a very dear friend and finally, came back to the COG.