Dear Jeff, I write this letter in the spirit of brotherhood as someone who regards you as a friend. I will always be grateful for the ways you came alongside me and supported me as I was navigating church struggles as a new pastor and then later as I was navigating personal struggles. On several occasions I have watched as you were moved to tears while preaching about the beauty and power of the gospel to transform lives. I have always experienced you as thoughtful, compassionate, and pastoral. That is precisely why I was profoundly disappointed and hurt by your recent
Thank you for writing this very thoughtful missive. I read Rev. Matas’s “response” this morning, and was honestly deeply shaken. I told my wife (an ordained CHOG minister) that if this had been the first thing I had ever seen from the denomination I would have headed for the hills. Thankfully, I’ve been a member of Park Place Church of God for more than a decade, so I know that this screed is not indicative of the entire organization. I’m sorry you felt like you had to walk away from the CHOG, but based on what I saw this morning I understand why you did. Park Place is the first church I have ever wholeheartedly called home, and I was cheered to see how many people I know from there who signed on Chogaffirm. Thanks again for your rebuttal. And BTW I love your podcast!
Thank you for writing this very thoughtful missive. I read Rev. Matas’s “response” this morning, and was honestly deeply shaken. I told my wife (an ordained CHOG minister) that if this had been the first thing I had ever seen from the denomination I would have headed for the hills. Thankfully, I’ve been a member of Park Place Church of God for more than a decade, so I know that this screed is not indicative of the entire organization. I’m sorry you felt like you had to walk away from the CHOG, but based on what I saw this morning I understand why you did. Park Place is the first church I have ever wholeheartedly called home, and I was cheered to see how many people I know from there who signed on Chogaffirm. Thanks again for your rebuttal. And BTW I love your podcast!
Thomas thank you for modeling Christ-like discourse. Appreciate your time, attention and spirit of love in this important conversation.