tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post7531664810746160997..comments2023-12-01T01:00:34.093-05:00Comments on The Paranormal Pastor: The Not So Holy Spirits of the ChurchPastor Swopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-75948377063543586092012-10-01T15:32:19.602-04:002012-10-01T15:32:19.602-04:00On another note concerning sexual misconduct in ch...On another note concerning sexual misconduct in churches, I recall hearing an interview several years ago with an actual witch. This was not a wiccan, but a woman who claimed to have had meetings with the devil himself. In the interview, she told about how she was commanded by demons to move about the country and join churches posing as a christian in order to gain the trust of the people in the church. Her main mission in doing this was to try and seduce as many church leaders as possible, bringing the church down in the process. This person struck me as being authentic as she told things that only someone who spent a lot of time in the church would know about. She also told about how she and her fellow satanists actually believed in what the Bible taught. If you wish to hear this interview, it may still be up on youtube. It was one of Art Bell's classic call in shows from back in the mid-90's. I think it's titled, "Art Bell interviews Patsy the witch harlot" or something to that effect. But be warned and ready, hearing this may disturb you. This woman is either very demonized or is a very good actress. I have reservations about relaying this info to the people reading this but, I believe that christians need to know that this stuff really goes on. We are in a war people!davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-9014013348559770652012-10-01T15:02:25.572-04:002012-10-01T15:02:25.572-04:00Unfortunately, I can relate to the experiences you...Unfortunately, I can relate to the experiences you've had concerning judgementalism in the church. I was once a member of a certain church that was filled with people who had grown up there. They seemed proud of the fact that they had almost never missed a church service for any reason and were always involved in anything that the church sponsored. These folks it seemed, had never swayed one bit. Never had they a sip of booze, played cards, dated anyone other than the person that they ended up marrying or used bad language. It's sad to think about but, I believe that some of these people may have thought that they were sinless. They certainly believed that they were in a position to decide wether a person was worthy or not to take a position in the church based on things that they had done before coming to the Lord. There was an instance when deacon elections were being held. A certain man who was on fire for the Lord Jesus and devout to God in all ways was openly black-balled by one of the church members based on the fact that the man had been a bit of a hell-raiser before coming to Christ. I just don't understand someone thinking this way if they really know what Jesus is all about. <br />This church is dead now. There have been countless pastors to come and go in the last thirty years but none has been able to bring this church back to the way it was when I was a child/teen. The reason I decided to respond to this blog with my story is not just because it is relative to what was originally said, I felt like sharing my experience might help to warn those who might be in a church where a parallel situation may be going on. If there are folks in your church who treat others as if they are there to judge them, take action but pray first. Then, talk to this person or people and base your converstion on what the Bible has to say about it all. Not only may this help save your church, it might also serve to wake up the people who are using their pride and self righteousness in place of actual salvation. <br />Thank You, Pastor Swope for the informative message. It has really helped me to realize that I'm not the only one to experience such things inside the church today. The enemy isn't just waiting on the outside of the church building, he's on the inside too!dave.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-8593977429590874252012-08-08T16:05:12.155-04:002012-08-08T16:05:12.155-04:00Hi Misha,
I think I relate my experiences from 3 ...Hi Misha,<br /><br />I think I relate my experiences from 3 different churches here. But there have been more, but not with overtly dangerous spirits. Most common as I stated is the spirit of gossip or judgement. Sometimes mixed with a spirit of hate and pride. they are from Evangelical and Mainline churches. since I have done traveling tours to minister in various churches, I have been in hundreds, if not thousands of churches.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-9640275907855886092012-08-07T14:55:33.005-04:002012-08-07T14:55:33.005-04:00Hmm I've been reading and re-reading these blo...Hmm I've been reading and re-reading these blogs for quite sometime, and frankly I've been getting a little bothered when it comes to some of these blogs that are religious focused. I've been meaning to ask some questions for one, how many churches have you visited that may be infested and kind of churches are they as well?Mishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13763770794983104558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-11154049659229347342008-07-29T17:39:00.000-04:002008-07-29T17:39:00.000-04:00Hi Mojo Mom,I think it's the Lord also. Sometimes ...Hi Mojo Mom,<BR/><BR/>I think it's the Lord also. Sometimes it's good to take a rest after being in a dysfunctional church.<BR/><BR/> But you owe it to yourself and to those whose lives you could touch with your openness to God's Spirit to put your foot back in the water to test what it's like at another place at some point. <BR/><BR/>You might hurriedly pull your foot out if the water isn't right, or you might find the lagoon of peace that you have been yearning for. But you will not find it unless you try.<BR/><BR/>I've been there myself.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-9680076842501796072008-07-29T14:39:00.000-04:002008-07-29T14:39:00.000-04:00Very well said. When I was a teenager, I went to ...Very well said. When I was a teenager, I went to a wonderful church. It was an experience that helped shape the very deep faith I carry today. That church grew into a mega-church with an empire that is still thriving. And where once my absence would be noticed and inquired about, now my prescence is barely noted. You can feel it in there, too. Something has gone wrong.<BR/><BR/>And though this church now has tens of thousands of members, the QUALITY of the congregation has diminished. These are the people that think their best clothes and large tithes will buy forgiveness for the unspeakable deeds done behind closed doors. <BR/><BR/>I alternate between disappointment and frustration at the bulk of society. And like many others, I have my reasons. But I still have hope. I've always had hope.<BR/><BR/>Currently, I don't belong to any one church. In fact, I haven't been to a service in 10 months. But that doesn't mean I'm not worshipping God daily. I just see Him at work in my life in ways too numerous to go into here. And once in a while, like an incident that happened last week, I feel the overwhelming Power of the Holy Spirit compelling me to do things that the selfish and angry person in me just wants to ignore.<BR/>But then, maybe it's not a special moment, rather just the voices in my head and I need to be on medication. I prefer to think it's God. :)Mojo Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06405333602262856550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-34890490612112311402008-07-28T21:24:00.000-04:002008-07-28T21:24:00.000-04:00Hello Pastor Swope, Loved the post, and have bee...Hello Pastor Swope,<BR/><BR/> Loved the post, and have been to some churches that almost exuded the "self-rightuosness" like a bad smell. The problem that I personally am experiancing is that while I consider myself a follower of Jesus, I do not feel comfortable in a church and I have been like that since my own father died. I cannot explain why, but even at my mothers funeral in a small chapell, I felt as though I was not welcome there. any thoughts?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-65062574065106519772008-07-26T21:54:00.000-04:002008-07-26T21:54:00.000-04:00Thanks for the comment Ian,Welcome! Your comment d...Thanks for the comment Ian,<BR/><BR/>Welcome! <BR/>Your comment doesn't sound demeaning or anything of the sort. <BR/><BR/>I have had my experiences of healthy Churches as well as the ones described here. <BR/>I am very glad you have never had any such experiences-they are distressing! <BR/><BR/>A lot of people have left the church or the Ministry because of things such as this. Some of them very talented men and women of God who had to take some time to heal before they re-entered church life.<BR/><BR/>I do encourage anyone who has experienced these unholy spirits of the church to NOT give up. There ARE some sincere, loving and understanding people out there in the Christian community. But as with everything else in life you have to search...and not be discouraged. You will find them where and when you least expect it. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again Ian! Feel free to comment anytime!!! They are appreciated!Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-21374517350351713632008-07-26T20:08:00.000-04:002008-07-26T20:08:00.000-04:00This is the first time I've commented on your blog...This is the first time I've commented on your blog and I just don't have the experiences that you or the good folks who have responded. Even so, I enjoy your blog entries. They are well written and I find them enjoyable. That is not meant to be demeaning as a lot of what your write comes from distressing experiences. <BR/><BR/>Once again thanks for sharing your life experiences in such an interesting way.timitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03394427583110458135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-31711169097236587282008-07-23T01:54:00.000-04:002008-07-23T01:54:00.000-04:00Thanks for your comments. It was a long time ago....Thanks for your comments. It was a long time ago. That denomination didn't feel the love on having me continue with them. The seminary I was attending for my DMin, even though declaring it was a "scriptural divorce" decided I would tarnish their reputation if I graduated from their institution. Fortunately, God doesn't think the way we do :) I finished my DMin at a different school, remarried, and work as a Visiting Pastor (read hospitals, shut-in, etc) in a huge church that realizes that sometimes things just happen. <BR/><BR/>I do know that the church I served was built on to of a cotton farm field. We did pray for cleansing in the building and there did seem to be a change in the vibe - but, since many of the people that were there were original members...well, hearts aren't changed so the place doesn't change.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-46903164036550365462008-07-22T13:23:00.000-04:002008-07-22T13:23:00.000-04:00May the Heavenly Father walk with you always. For ...May the Heavenly Father walk with you always. For a look at well documted evil within some churches see www.hiddenfromhistory.org, which deals with the rape,torture and abuse of Native children held in church run schools.There hasbeen and still is a massive cover up to prevent the public from knowing...like I'll betcha haven't heard that in June the highest levels of the Canadian ogovernment apologised to many high Native leaders, carried all day on National stations. Same situation here has yet to be adressed. CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE FACTS STRONGLY SUGGEST NAZI TORTURERS SOUGHT TO ESCAPE PUNISHMENT BY HIDING IN SOME CHURCHES.EVIDENCE SUGGESTS MORE THAN RACISM MAY BE INVOLVED<BR/>It looks to me like some darkgroups have penetrated some churchs to destroy from within.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-25340720549569407242008-07-22T02:09:00.000-04:002008-07-22T02:09:00.000-04:00Pastor Swope, you are so right. I have attended ch...Pastor Swope, you are so right. I have attended churches were things just didn't feel right and sure enough a scandal involving a pastor or youth pastor (in many cases)would manifest itself sooner or later. I left my old church after 15 years because I had sickening feelings about the new assistant pastor. He and his wife had adopted many older children and even though he never behaved inappropriately in public, I just knew he was evil. A few years later it hit the papers that he had been arrested for rape and gross sexual imposistion with three adopted daughters. He's sitting in prison now. On a personal note, my father was a Lutheran pastor who had affairs with several of his secretaries before my parents divorced. It's strange how the one place that is supposed to be a sanctuary from evil seems to be crawling with it these days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-77635555131818102922008-07-21T23:42:00.000-04:002008-07-21T23:42:00.000-04:00Thanks Cryptidsrus,That time in my life was rough ...Thanks Cryptidsrus,<BR/><BR/>That time in my life was rough but eye opening. <BR/><BR/>It is funny how people judge movies without really opening their eyes. I have a friend who thinks the Lord of the Rings is satanic. Little did she know that it was Tolkien who was the religious influence to C.S.Lewis. I find the religious imagery in the Rings trilogy (Books and movies)is quite inspiring. <BR/><BR/>With this story as in life itself, sometimes all people want to do is look at the Trolls.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-78975598568046970072008-07-21T16:55:00.000-04:002008-07-21T16:55:00.000-04:00Pastor Swope:I'm sorry about what happened to you....Pastor Swope:<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry about what happened to you. Life is indeed full of irony. <BR/><BR/>I once read of a guy who was developing a relationship with a woman who was some sort of child therapist or social worker. It had not advanced beyond the flirting stage but it was "getting there." One day she was talking to him over the phone long-distance and she asked if he could recommend to her a movie she could watch while she was away. He recommended the first Addams Family movie. She promised to rent it. Next time she talked to him she said "I just watched the movie and I must say I can't believe why anybody would watch it. I cannot date anybody who would like that movie. I can't see you anymore."<BR/><BR/>Maybe the opening scene with the boling oil and the children offended her. Maybe she just does not like Christina Ricci. Who knows?<BR/><BR/>Not quite religion-related, but it does show how people sometimes take personal beliefs and prejudices to an extreme. Not bad people, but extremist. But then, maybe they're right. After all, we all know Tinky-Winky is a secret Gay Icon, don't we, Pastor? <BR/><BR/>Hey, could be. Heh-heh-heh.cryptidsrushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184539509191478028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-7720222089305943772008-07-21T14:52:00.000-04:002008-07-21T14:52:00.000-04:00Thanks Aaron,Yes I know the church. I didn't post ...Thanks Aaron,<BR/>Yes I know the church. I didn't post the comment for general readership though just to be on the legal safe side for both of us. But your every comment is appreciated. I hope that the new name of the church means a new Spirit is there as well...Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-6547952428012866102008-07-21T01:39:00.000-04:002008-07-21T01:39:00.000-04:00Thanks for the comment Teri,Sorry for your obvious...Thanks for the comment Teri,<BR/><BR/>Sorry for your obviously heartbreaking time. Been there. <BR/><BR/>I just wonder what happened at that site before that first church was built? Or if something just clung to the area after the first church was demolished. Time to have a ritual cleansing of the building it seems!<BR/><BR/>Hope and pray your ministry is going well!Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-79235009232868330082008-07-21T01:33:00.000-04:002008-07-21T01:33:00.000-04:00Thanks Cryptidsrus as always,With the second congr...Thanks Cryptidsrus as always,<BR/><BR/>With the second congregation, you just had to be there. It was oppressive. For brevity I did not include everything that went on. I don't think they were evil, or the other people and examples that I mentioned either. I would not classify these as possessions but rather severe influences. And I think the influence grows as people give into the spirits and it's like their power grows. At that second church I met person after person who felt so judged that many never went back to church. And every single family I brought in they were pushed away.<BR/><BR/>I wish my wife would have appreciated my faithfulness. Why I say I was burned as well is because she turned into a rabid fundamentalist and judged me for everything under the sun. She even thought the movie "Big" was sinful(They showed a woman in a bra). And we did end up having a divorce, which meant I could no longer serve in the Christian and Missionary Alliance. My Fundamentalist ex-wife had an affair with a colleague at work and after moving back home and telling her parents what a sinner I was for reading fantasy and sci-fi books and listening to non-Christian Rock and Roll she moved back to the city we were ministering in to live with her lover. Life is full of irony.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-42585425951657596732008-07-21T00:10:00.000-04:002008-07-21T00:10:00.000-04:00I would have argued with you until my last ABC (Am...I would have argued with you until my last ABC (Amer. Baptist Churches) assignment. The Church at the time was 47yrs old and had been through 9 pastors (I was the 10th). All 9 were divorced while serving in the church and all but two had had affairs. Of the two that did not, their wives did. I was the 10th pastor. My husband had multiple affairs and our marraiage also ended in divorce. The 50th anniversary of the church, was the day the doors were closed and the congregation disbanded. Coincidence? Hmmmm. A different denominational church purchased the building and began with a congregation of 50 people, increased in size to 150 and built a new building over the foundation of the old church. The current pastor is in process of divorcing his wife. It does make one's mental eyebrows raise!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-51011038837022910272008-07-20T19:21:00.000-04:002008-07-20T19:21:00.000-04:00There are many, many demonic entities and Infernal...There are many, many demonic entities and Infernal Lords and Powers that specialize in carnal desire and lust. BAAL, the quintessential "false god" of the Israelites, caused them to forsake Moses and Yahweh for worship of him by having relations with lusty Moabite women. People who've read that part of the Bible know what happened next. <BR/>Moses had to go "Old Testament" on their behinds and started hanging and putting to the sword as many people as he could and enslaving their women and children at the command of Yahweh. <BR/>It is "nice" stories like these that make me dislike the Old Testament and prefer the New Testament. I'm sorry, but as "blasphemous" as it is for me to say it, Yahweh of the OT is very, very, very unpleasant. We all know this, even if we do not acknowledge it. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, to get back to the subject---<BR/><BR/>Moloch, Baal, and other of their ilk are particularly good at arousing lust in people. It takes a devout and sincere believer to resist their strong temptations. Glad to see you are one of those. <BR/><BR/>I'm sure your wife appreciates this as well. (Wink, wink). <BR/><BR/>That congregation that rejected anything "not of the Spirit" I refuse to judge. They simply look at things differently. They were 100% wrong and very anti-Spirit of the Lord, but hey, they're not evil---just "lost." Another congregation gained you. The first congregation's loss. All one can do is pray for them seeing the light. Good post, overall.cryptidsrushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06184539509191478028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-57877419618390295382008-07-19T23:12:00.000-04:002008-07-19T23:12:00.000-04:00Thanks for the comment Aaron,Your CMA pastor was a...Thanks for the comment Aaron,<BR/><BR/>Your CMA pastor was a good man of standards. And you are a committed Pastor's dream. I pray you not only find a home but a fruitful field where everyone's souls can ripen. <BR/><BR/>I'd love to know which CMA church, I may have visited it. <BR/><BR/>Funny thing about those churches that refuse change, they all get old and die. Then perhaps they can be reborn with true love and acceptance.<BR/><BR/>I have found so many of my friends are refusing to call themselves Christians anymore. I like that. I love the term follower of Jesus. So many Christians follow Pauline influences and not the teachings of Jesus.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-2299514933595262152008-07-19T23:04:00.000-04:002008-07-19T23:04:00.000-04:00Thanks for the comment Julie,I've heard rumors of ...Thanks for the comment Julie,<BR/><BR/>I've heard rumors of such societies for over a quarter century myself. I think the were part of a series of book by the Christian horror writer Frank Perreti, were they not?<BR/><BR/>I think most of what we face in churches is not organized by mortal hands but by the spiritual. I might be adding a second part to this post, I had a lot more material (as I am sure many of you readers do as well). It always struck me funny that the church is always overlooking gossip, slander and glory seeking as just as bad as any other sin the Bible speaks of. That to me is the sign of a spirit at work.Pastor Swopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16008265694116146151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-81363335329658122592008-07-19T13:28:00.000-04:002008-07-19T13:28:00.000-04:00That was a very good post. I myself have gone to ...That was a very good post. I myself have gone to several different churches and have noticed things like what you mentioned. I haven't had the experience of anything sexual, but there are a lot of churches where the elders and pastors have egos and traditions the hold on to that are larger than the church itself.<BR/><BR/>The last C&MA church I attended before my current church (a Lutheran church to my surprise) had a serious issue with keeping a pastor on staff. The pastor at the time was very good, but unfortunately the old guard (and elders) at the church are extremely resistant to any preaching styles or worship music newer than circa 1950 and basically forced him to throw up his hands and say "I quit" after he had tried to bring the church into the 21st century. I called him at home after I heard that news and reassured him that he was one of the better pastors I've had.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-914842448114558426.post-75769318469509073822008-07-19T09:04:00.000-04:002008-07-19T09:04:00.000-04:00For about 8 months, I've been listening to several...For about 8 months, I've been listening to several podcasts that deal with topics from the paranormal to end times discussions. This post you have written is fascinating, and reminds me of a couple of podcast episodes. They are about infiltration of the Church by people who carry evil spirits (a.k.a. Satanic Chosen Ones). The goal of these people is to undermine whatever church they are assigned to, whether through sexuality, infighting, or other means. Their plan is to insinuate themselves in the regular operation of the Church in order to get closer to their targets - the pastors, leaders, and the congregation in general. It's easy to dismiss these ideas, especially for people who don't believe in Satan, the power he possesses, or the fact that people can be influenced by him or his demons. <BR/><BR/>People also don't want to believe that something this sinister could be true. I had reserved part of my mind for this final doubt, because I ask myself "why would God allow these attacks on his Church?" After reading this post, my doubt is now gone. It now seems completely plausible that the situations you've written about are being caused by unholy influence. I feel that this is a confirmation of the warnings I have been hearing in my podcasts.<BR/><BR/>I don't know if you've ever listened to Preemption Broadcast before, but I'd like to share the links to a 2 part podcast on Infiltration of the Church. I'd really enjoy hearing your views on the podcasts after you're done listening, especially in comparison to the experiences you've had.<BR/><BR/>http://snipurl.com/319v2 <BR/>http://snipurl.com/319vo [preemptionbroadcast_podomatic_com]<BR/><BR/>Thank you very much!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17974092666147444930noreply@blogger.com