I have a tendency to say it how it is and usually I'm not too worried about whether or not someone actually likes me or not.
Through my life experiences I have come to realize that most Christians have no idea how God handled the Christian leaders who misrepresented Christ and his church.
While being a Youth Pastor, I realized that God held me to a higher level of accountability than those I was to Minister to,council, work with, and take care of. I realized that it was not a position to be taken lightly and that I would need to answer to the pastor and many youth and parents for the decisions that I made.
I would have to give account to many for all teachings,activities,finances,
These are all normal things that any person would expect from any pastor, so why should I be any different? Why should any pastor be any different?
They shouldn't and that's where my story Part two begins!!
I will start off by asking a few questions...
#1. What would you do if you knew you had the truth to many unanswered questions about church situations and dealings that people needed to hear about for their well being?
#2. What would you do if these situations involved your pastor and some of the deacons?
#3. Now, what would you do if you did as the Bible states and even took two other pastors with you then found out that the pastor then went to the church and accused you of lying,slander,bad mouthing other church goers, and told everyone that you where living in sin so no one was to associate with you any longer?
These are just a few of the things that I experienced when I first confronted PMS about several serious concerns that I had noticed and witnessed.
I was often told that it was just hear-say. I was even told on many occasions that they would prove to me that they were blameless, I'm still waiting to see their proof.
Not once was I ever shown any proof of the truth behind their statements.
I brought witnesses and proof of my concerns only to have them torn up and thrown in the trash or told that if these people{witnesses} were to speak, they would have to leave the meetings.
It was asked of me who these other pastors where that attended my meetings.
I knew I would need men with good standing and of good report to stand behind me, so I chose wisely.
The first man I had join in the meetings with me, was Pastor Alan Brooks.
He was my college professor, and a close friend. I helped him start up his church in Winnipeg, MB and spent much time learning from his years of experience in the ministry.
His family has always been very dear to us and we admire him for the work and hardships that he and his family endured while in Manitoba.
I am repulsed at the way that Pms has treated him and his family, and disgusted with the lack of respect and dignity shown towards them.
Pastor Brooks was and is loved by many and he is known for his wisdom, honesty, dignity,great preaching and love for the Lord's work.
I have spent many a hunting trip with him and his family and always appreciated their friendship and help .
The second man that attended some of the meetings with us, is Dr Pastor Raymond Dell.
This is one of the wisest men that I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
He has years of experience in the ministry as a pastor, church planter,college professor,music teacher,Sunday school teacher, Etc.
He has sacrificed his life to do the work of God. He gave of his time,experience,knowledge, finances,resources,and everything else that was in him to give.
Once again I'm totally disgusted with the way that PMS treated and disrespected this man.
He was lied about, abused, and falsely accused of many things.
When I take a look at what PMS has done to myself and these men I see PMS's true identity.
PMS has had to dis-credit us so that the truth wouldn't get out for others to hear or see.
PMS destroyed the life of the Brooks and their ministry in Wpg.
PMS lied about Dr. Dell and dis-credited him and ruined his ministry.
PMS lied about me and dis-credited me to the entire church. All just so that the truth wouldn't get out.
How could all three of us being in the ministry all be wrong, all be lying, all living in sin?
I'll tell you why, so that no one would come to us to hear the truth behind what's been going on for all these years.
Dr.Dell called me up one day and asked for me to meet with him and I agreed.
When we met he asked if I knew about the meeting that PMS, Laura and himself attended in the U.S.A.
I told him that I heard about them going but wasn't sure what came of it.
Then Dr. Dell proceeded to tell me everything that took place during this entire trip and meeting.
He told me that he felt that it was important for me to know what really happened.
After he finished telling me the truth to what actually happened he said, "Pete, I never thought I'd ever say this, but PMS is the biggest liar,deceiver and manipulator that I have ever seen in all my years of being in the ministry. He has lied about everything and has asked me to do the same regarding Laura."
He also told me, that after witnessing what he had during this meeting, he would honestly question PMS's salvation.
He couldn't believe how a saved man pastoring a church could go on and lie about the things he did and use one lie to hide behind another lie.
Tell me something,what would you do if this is what had happened to you?
Dr.Dell was an honest man, a respectful man, he has had a good track record, well respected and appreciated in Canada, U.S.A. and world wide.
Why would he lie about something like this?
Why do you think PMS lied about Dr.Dell, and falsely accused him?
The things that PMS has done so that the truth wouldn't be revealed.
Dr.Dell has now passed on to be with his Lord and Saviour and is missed by many, but I believe he told me the truth to Laura's meeting so that I too would know, and make it possible so that I could share it so that others too would know the truth.
I know that it is hard for me to share all the things that I have experienced while at PVBC, but I honestly believe that if people even knew 1/4 of what I do they would question things too.
I'm sure many will choose to dis-credit that which I shared but trust me, when I recall all that I know, I have barely even started to share my experiences.
One thing that I always want for everyone to know and realize, is that these are MY EXPERIENCES and the things that I have witnessed .
I don't share my stories to destroy a church but I will share how certain people in PVBC have destroyed my life and the lives of many others.
Pete Reimer.
Thanks for sharing Pete. There is one thing that keeps coming to my attention when more and more information comes to light.
ReplyDeleteEveryone who was at one time well respected and considered a man of God who has tried to confront pastor Sullivant, soon becomes full of sin, full of lies, and not trustworthy. It blows my mind how much influence one person can have on so many. I feel sorry for you (Pete) and Mrs. Dell, and pastor Brooks. At least all of you and God know that you have done the right thing. That's what is the most important. May God give you all the strength to continue to stand up for truth and honesty.
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely. Sadly, pastors with absolute power are not immune. If it can happen to Pastor's of Christ's Church ... it can happen to anyone. Humility is required to admit our error and turn from our ways.
ReplyDeletePete, you are the biggest hypocrite, you are doing the exact same thing you accuse Pastor of,you are a Destroyer!!! Keep having your secret little meetings in trailer parks keep your little band of followers happy by spouting lies. You did not say that your ministry was ruined, is this your new ministry? I don't think you are edifying anyone you great hero of your own faith. is that what you mean when you said you were a pioneer? I don't know, but you sure are way out there, Typical FALSE TEACHER..
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that you, anonymous May 19 12:40 am would spout things you know not of. You either make up your own stories or you spout things that someone who also knows not of what they speak, tells you. Your credibility doesn't take you very far I am afraid.
ReplyDeleteJason I fell sorry for you if you believe all that is on this blog.Someone once said that "GOD gave us good forgetters" When we talk about the good old days, we seem to forget all the work that we had to do to get the results we wanted.The same is true about us hanging on to things we think someone has done us wrong. The more we think about how wrong that person was the BIGGER the story gets. The devil is out to steal kill and destroy not to try to heal. Please dont believe what is written here. The LORD is not in this. An eg. is that Pete says there were 125 youth by the time he was done. Sorry but the church was only running appox. 350 people Sun. morning. The half of these were not youth. And a youth leader is NOT a youth pastor. These are not the same and pete was a leader not a pastor.
ReplyDeleteWhen you consider that MS and Brenda have 8 children, it wouldn't be unrealistic to see that easily 1/2 the attendance could be children
DeleteThe truth spoken is a gift given. Truth withheld is more than a gift denied, it is an arrow aimed at the heart. It has been said that "the truth hurts," but the exact opposite is true. No truth is too hurtful , and no lie is harmless. Because every truth opens your heart to another, and every lie separates it.The way you say your truth can be hurtful. So speak your truth, but soothe your words with peace.
ReplyDeleteKeep talking Laura, Pete, and everyone else involved...your opening up the truth....as this is our gift! I dont know either of you, but know you are loved! When truth is revealed...Angels dance!!
Does the PVBC not allow other youth, other than Sunday morning attenders, to attend their youth nights? If they did, that could account for the higher numbers. Most other youth groups around here are open to non-church attenders, so have a ministry that way, thus an increase in numbers.
ReplyDeleteTo May 19 5:33pm. Wow! Well spoken! Your message was truly insightful and so eye-opening. Truth will either hurt us if we don't want to see it for what it is, or it can help us see other truth. And, in the way we deliver truth can be very hurtful at times if we don't speak it in love.
ReplyDeleteI too say, Laura, Pete and the rest of you who have stories to share, keep revealing the truth. Hopefully someone out there will have an open heart to hear the other side of the story and be helped by it.
The youth group is open to anyone. But in order to attend special events i.e. youth retreats etc, all youth no matter where they're from, no matter what background they're from, or what stage of spiritual growth they're at MUST adhere to the dress standards and rules in order to participate.
ReplyDeleteSorry if you believe this stuff i have some lake front property to sell you in Winkler!!!! Yes there are non-church attenders but not that many. At that time there were only about 50 youth at PVBC.
ReplyDeletewhat do people do when their backs are up against the wall? They get defensive. That's exactly what the PMS clan seems to be doing. They will see the light. Sadly, it will be on an occasion when they too will be disciplined by the church for questioning PMS. I have NEVER met a pastor that didn't allow members to question him.
ReplyDeletePastors should be like an open Bible. People should be able to feel free to go to their pastor and ask him about anything they have a problem with. The pastor then should be humble and loving in answering the question. AND I believe the pastor should count it a privilege to be able to answer the question. I also believe that anyone who goes up to their pastor with a question should be able to feel better about themself or their situation after having spoken to their pastor than before they went to him. In other words, when people come across our path in life, they should be better off for having met us than if they had not met us. For a pastor to not be questioned is unbelievable! Where in Scripture do you find that?? Where is the humility in PMS when he is above being corrected or simply being questioned? I pray that the Lord will oepn the eyes of PMS so that he may begin to see the error of his controlling ways and repent.
ReplyDeleteWhat's interesting is how people still choose to chase rabbit trails. I said in story#1 that I have the records which show those in attendance at youth functions and I will gladly show them as proof of backing up what I said. I offered this to "Wagon Burner" and still have not heard from Him. It only goes to prove that I do know what I'm talking about; I have nothing to hide unlike those trying to dis-credit me. It was mentioned about me having meetings in trailer parks. To enlighten everyone on this , My company happens to be doing work in the trailer Park and I never received a note saying that I needed to get permission to do so. If what I do is so interesting to you; may I suggest putting up some surveillance camera's? It's pretty obvious that what I have been revealing is the truth otherwise The opposing comments wouldn't be so lame. I'm sure the pressure is starting to come on , but remember I have given all those involved many a chance to redeem themselves and have left out many valid points in my stories. Points that could do damage. It bothers me less for anyone to speak harshly of me that's already been taken care of by Pms and some of his confused followers. The lies that Pms continues to feed the people at "confusion Corner"at Pembina and first in Winkler will soon be seen, the truth is going to come out piece by piece, one comment after another. What do you think would happen if I got into detail about the topics that where discussed in those meetings that we had? I've only begun revealing the truth to what's been going on in the past several years. Titus Chapter One talks about False teachers and I worked for and with one for several years. According to Titus Chapter one I have every right to expose Pms and those involved so don't try to twist this chapter too. I have been quite for too long its time for the truth to come out. Too many have been abused, mis-treated and destroyed by Pms and those who choose to help him. A wise man once told me "IF the bullet fits ... shoot it!!!" Pete Reimer
ReplyDeleteIgnorance is not bliss. Ignorance is a blight leaving those in that condition in jeopardy. How about those that are, "willingly ignorant"? How terrible their predicament when they are made to see truth.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it so hard for people to listen, ask questions, or investigate a matter and pursue it thoroughly until a proper judgement can be made? Blindly defending someone... for whatever reason, reminds me of all those who stood in attendance as Stephen made a defense of himself and of the Christ that he preached, and the bible tells us that, "Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears". This is an example of being willingly ignorant.
Calling someone a name or making disparaging comments, is hardly a convincing or intelligent argument. Stopping your ears and refusing to even listen to someone, because you don't like what they are going to say, is maintaining a position of willful ignorance. I don't know how you can make a good defense of your position when you won't even permit yourself to listen to what some people are saying.
The best way to solve a problem is NOT to deny that their is a problem. Pretending that all of the claims of abuse are just fiction and lies shows a lack of due diligence to properly deal with serious claims of wrongdoing. It is NOT BETTER to marginalize the people involved and dismiss them as fakes.
Is there anybody who will take these stories and concerns seriously and determine what the truth is? We do't need history lessons to remind us that even "a man after God's own heart", can be guilty of grievous sin and then refuse to admit it and try to cover it up. Just understand that NOBODY is above or beyond reproach.
One final comment on 'the stopping of the ears'. As Stephen was preaching his final sermon on that significant day, one person was listening attentively. His name was Saul. He did not act like those around him and refuse to even hear what Stephen had to say. He didn't accept what he heard as truth or agree with what Stephen was claiming, but he hard what he had to say and he, very likely, understood what he heard. God was able to use that message to bring about conviction in Saul's heart and mind. The rest of the crowd that decided to stop their ears and chose to be "willingly ignorant", we never hear of their being saved or any other good thing.
Am I saying that by listening, and I mean listening in such a manner as to understand what you are hearing, that you will be convinced that Pastor Sullivant and PVBC is wrong or guilty? Absolutely Not!! I am saying that you will never be sure that you have God's blessing on your stand until you decide to listen properly and carefully. There is no good argument to be made for refusing to listen.
Pete If you could kick the person most responsible for your troubles, you wouldn't be able to sit down. Consider how difficult it is to change yourself, and you'll have a better understanding of your chances of changing someone else. We should swap our problems; seems like everyone knows how to solve the other fellows. The only people you should try to get even with are those who have helped you. Faults are like headlights on a car; those of others are ALWAYS more glaring than our own.
ReplyDeleteTO: May 19, 2011 11:26 PM
ReplyDeleteYou are making a false accusation about "Pete". You are accusing him of "getting even..." Then you make a very strange statement: You are telling Pete to "get even with those who have helped you". Could you please explain what you mean with such a weird statement??
I don't read Pete as trying to get even with anybody. He is just trying to alert people to the truth. Good for him for that!
May 19, 2011 11:26 PM was just copying some clever statements trying to sound, well... clever. Ended up not making sense. Seriously, is there a list of these? Someone should Google them. They sound like church sign messages.
ReplyDeletePreacher1,
ReplyDeleteyou don't sound like a pastor. what point were you trying to get across?
Just to let you all know there is not a problem in the PVBC. Are you there at all services? A true christian does not go around condeming other churches the way the blog is. It is a disgrace what is happening. Now don't go and say he is a disgrace.We have the the best pastors I have ever heard speak. And the devil does not like it.And Laura , she decided to be a rebel. Pastor had no control of her rebellion. She left and was rebellious. She knows it but does not want to admit it so she blames, blames and blames some more..Are your kids perfect? And it is none of our business how he disciplines his children.Does he come to your house and tell you how to discipline your kids if you have any.People go and do good works for the Lord and quit picking. You all seem to be so self righteous. You are all quoting scripture which is very good but listen to it. I thank God every day for our pastor and he has been a blessing to all of us. You should come and listen to God's messenger and you would agree.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused. Why are members of Pembina Valley Baptist Church reading this, and then arguing against what Pete Reimer is sharing? Pastor Mike would NOT approve of members reading this blog. So if these same people are disobeying Pastor Mike, and then adding to this blog by criticizing those who openly share their experiences, is that not hypocritical? I wish all the best for Pastor Mike, but it is time for him to move on. Pete Reimer and Laura Sterk are not doing this to "get even". That's ridiculous, and anyone who believes that is nucking futs. They've sacrificed a great deal to share their stories, and have suffered greatly because of this abusive (yes, abusive!) man. He needs to go, and it's just a matter of time now before his grasp on the hearts and minds of his congregation weakens. My heart goes out to the spiritually and emotionally wounded, now and in the future. It didn't need to be this way. The deep family divisions created by the mentality of us/them, we're always right/you're always wrong that PMS has created has caused so much damage. He may preach that any resistance from others is persecution in the name of Christ, but that is such a farce. It protects him from being challenged, and from accepting accountability for the damage he has inflicted on an entire community. The pain created runs very deep, and the healing process will not be a short one.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused. Why are members of Pembina Valley Baptist Church reading this, and then arguing against what Pete Reimer is sharing? Pastor Mike would NOT approve of members reading this blog. So if these same people are disobeying Pastor Mike, and then adding to this blog by criticizing those who openly share their experiences, is that not hypocritical? I wish all the best for Pastor Mike, but it is time for him to move on. Pete Reimer and Laura Sterk are not doing this to "get even". That's ridiculous, and anyone who believes that is [* nuts *]. They've sacrificed a great deal to share their stories, and have suffered greatly because of this abusive (yes, abusive!) man. He needs to go, and it's just a matter of time now before his grasp on the hearts and minds of his congregation weakens. My heart goes out to the spiritually and emotionally wounded, now and in the future. It didn't need to be this way. The deep family divisions created by the mentality of us/them, we're always right /you're always wrong that PMS has created has caused so much damage. He may preach that any resistance from others is persecution in the name of Christ, but that is such a farce. It protects him from being challenged, and from accepting accountability for the damage he has inflicted on an entire community. The pain created runs very deep, and the healing process will not be a short one.
ReplyDelete** This comment edited by administrator **
Pete Reimer, I am just wondering if you there are going to be more parts to your story. I am glad that the truth is finally coming out. May God bless you as you seek to help others who may be used and abused in the church to free themselves of a controlling pastor.
ReplyDeleteMay 20 4:19pm said "And it is none of our business how he disciplines his children."
ReplyDeletePMS made it public within the church when he brought his "family matters" before the church members in regards to Laura, or don't you remember that part of the story? PMS was trying to cover up the fact that he did NOT have control of his family.
May I kindly remind you of one of the characteristics/role of a pastor in 1 Timothy 3:4-5 "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Instead of stepping down, PMS chose his position in the church over reconciliation with his daughter. I don't know if you have children or not, but I would do ANYTHING to heal a broken relationship with any of my children, unlike PMS. Shunning will NEVER do that. It is NOT biblical nor does it show the love of our gracious God.
Clearly, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul did instruct Christians to expel from the congregation's fellowship any person who was purposely practicing willful sin. The disassociation would quite naturally exclude them from being greeted by the identifying "holy kiss," as well as not being allowed to share in meetings and the meals for Christian worship and prayer. However, Paul's instruction did not prohibit normal conversation or witnessing to former members. Nor were they barred from attending worship in the temple or the synagogues. Jesus, the apostles and Paul, along with the rest of the Jews, worshiped God both publicly in the temple and synagogues, and privately with small groups in various homes. (Acts 5:42) It was from the private Christian fellowship for worship that sinners were excluded.
Doesn't sound like that's what PVBC is practicing at all.
To anyone who maybe interested, besides Anonymous. I am not a pastor and have not tried to insinuate that I am. I adopted the title from Ecclesiastes. To be more expeditious, I will not quote the Book but I will give you one verse. Ecc. 12:10 "The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth."
ReplyDeleteThe point that I was trying to make is quite simple. Have you ever noticed or thought about how many times in the bible the phrase, "I would not have you to be ignorant", is used in some fashion? It is clear that God does not want us to be in darkness or unaware of certain vital truth. He provides a way for us to learn and understand. There are many many things that we do not know and are, therefore ignorant of these things. As time unfolds we have opportunity to learn more and become more informed.
Some people impose ignorance on themselves. As an example, have you ever heard someone respond to a bible message by saying words like, "I don't want to hear all that hell and fire and brimstone stuff"? Or, maybe they are so biased in their beliefs that they won't even entertain the idea of God creating the entire Universe along with all life forms. They will not look at the evidence or examine the arguments. They choose to be ignorant in this and other matters. Ignorance is not just a condition of not knowing or being aware. It is, very often, a willful disregard of the facts in spite of opportunity to hear, see, and understand.
I believe that most of those who are regular readers or contributors to this blog have had experiences where they were trying to have a conversation with another person to make them aware of a serious matter. Perhaps, they were discussing a substance abuse problem of a common friend or family member. (Please feel free to substitute any other possibility, such as gambling, thievery, infidelity, here). One party to the conversation refuses to listen to the accusation and supporting evidence. They might make a statement like, "I'm not going to stand here and listen to these awful things that you are saying about my (dad, mother, friend,pastor sister, brother). Again, choose the most appropriate term. None of us want to hear awful and horrible things said about somebody that we love and trust and depend on. Unfortunately, sometimes those awful things are true and when it is finally discovered, tremendous hurt results. End of Part 1 More to follow (I hope)
Part 2 Continued from Part 1
ReplyDeleteFor years, there was a very well known preacher of great reputation. Unknown to many, this preacher was abusing young children. Accusations were made and denials followed. It required a tremendous amount of energy and people to shelter and protect this pastor The refusal to listen to claims of wrongdoing is choosing to be ignorant. Whatever the reason for not wanting to know, there is a responsibility to listen carefully to the person and examine any evidence put forward. There is real danger in remaining willfully ignorant.
from those who put forward claims and demanded some kind of action. In the end, there was enough collateral damage to set an example of "How not to handle disturbing accusations against a Pastor".
If you think that by reading this blog, reading or hearing the stories that have been told, that you are informed and now qualified to render judgment, you are mistaken. Listening is an art and few people ever do more than the basic passive listening. Maybe some of you reading are not guilty of stopping your ears... or avoiding this issue and the claims made. I would like to persuade someone to get engaged in this matter and actively listen to what the claimants are saying. Investigate, examine, and come to an accurate and truthful decision.
Those who choose to remain in and enjoy their blissful ignorance, no amount of persuasion or argument will be enough. You have determined to obstruct any legitimate inquiry and you believe that the best way to deal with this serious matter is to castigate those who claim to be victims of abuse. Whatever the outcome of all of this, there is a certainty; Truth is on the side of those who tell it and purpose to live by it, and it will make them free.
I think preacher1 is talking about a Bob Gray from Florida who abused children in his Independent Fundamental Baptist Church for a number of years and when he was found out, all the leadership in his church helped "cover-up" for him for a number of years. It proves that preacher1 one is right that people choose to be "willfully ignorant.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite a big Church. Then he moved to Russia and after that.....I forget how it went from there. He has since died.
You can Google that name for more info.
" A true christian does not go around condeming other churches the way the blog is "
ReplyDeleteWould going to other churches on Sunday morning and stcking papers behind the cars windshield wipers condeming there services be included in your statemant ?? I know PVBC was famous for that a few years back .
Founding pastor Bob Gray is jailed on child sex charges.(Florida Trinity Baptist Church)
ReplyDeleteChurch service makes no mention of arrest or accusations.
http://www.stopbaptistpredators.org/scandals/trinity
The Church covered this up for a long time but he was eventually found out and charged, went to jail and died sometime later.
Today's message Sunday May 22, 2011 was by the assistant Pastor. It was about Psalms 1:1. It was quite out of context so it took him quite a bit of "juggling" to make it say what he "wanted" it to say. Here is the verse and sort of how it was interpreted:
ReplyDeletePsalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
He used the three words, ungodly, sinners, and scornful to describe the people like Laura and all those who have left PVBC since Laura's blog was started. Since all of these people that left are born again Christians and since PVBC teaches Eternal Security (very strongly), now we hear PVBC say that "HEY, those people are all wicked sinners and they are all ungodly and they are all scornful."
I also say, "HEY, all TV, all movie theaters, renting movies, all Hollywood movies, all movies that have nudity in them, all movies that have any swearing in them, all rock music, ALL of these things are of the Devil,(and all of these things are UNGODLY, SINFUL, AND SCORNFUL!!) and all of these things or most of these things will be found in the member's homes and leadership homes and the Deacon's homes!! Also you will find that many of these people(women and girls) will wear pants at home and then wear dresses at Church - (that is hypocrisy)
And the following things are also UNGODLY, SINFUL, AND SCORNFUL for women and girls: Anything pertaining to NUDITY, low cut blouses where a lot of the women and girls at PVBC are showing far to much of their breasts to the men at Church. women and girls, that kind of wicked dressing is for at home only and women you are showing men in Church "things" that you should only be showing to your husbands at home in the bedroom. PERIOD!!
SO, you Pharisees at PVBC on the BLOGS should be ashamed of yourselves criticizing God's Children who have been scattered and driven away from the Church. Eze 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
With parts of your breasts hanging out in Church, and wearing all kinds of SKINTIGHT, ungodly clothes you criticize a sweet lonely girl like Laura Sullivant Sterk who can no longer see even her own mom and dad and siblings. Shame on you, you bunch of hypocrites. That is so typical of IFB's, kicking their own when they are down!
The bottom line is that God says we are ALL a terrible sinful people. We all need to be cleansed from our sins everyday. None of us need to lord anything over the other. We should just all confess our sins one to another and then we could forgive one another and that should apply to the leadership especially. There were far too many accusations made this morning. There is far too much cover-up going on.
The bottom line is that God says we are ALL a terrible sinful people. We all need to be cleansed from our sins everyday. None of us need to lord anything over the other. We should just all confess our sins one to another and then we could forgive one another and that should apply to the leadership especially. There were far too many accusations made this morning. There is far too much cover-up going on.
Just wondering do you go to church anywhere now? Are you not related to Lyle and Helen? Why do you not help them or are you?I heard that church is for sale? I gather they could use your help. Just think about ALL the teens that you say liked you, where do they go to church now? Someone said that PVBC only had 50 teens but you recall teaching 125 so were do they go now? They need someone to teach them.
ReplyDeletefor the one commenting on this mornings message...he was talking about critical people...how is this pertaining to you and other bloggers?
ReplyDeleteWhat was being covered up in the sermon?
sounds like conviction was yelling what the sermon wasnt.
why dont you go to a different church? Only a fool would waste their christian life continuing to attend where they felt they cant grow, trust leadership, or be taught.
fun to spy?
1 Peter 2:21-23
To May 22 3:37pm. I was so impressed and blessed by your comments. Finally you are someone from the pvbc who has his/her eyes and ears open to see what is going on and the big cover-up that is taking place AND being brave enough to voice your opinion!! That is very commendable and may God bless you for it. It is scary to think what leadership is willing to cover up when they think their "skin" is on the line. I mean, for leadership to cover up for a child molester is the height of sinfulness, yet it happened. For pvbc leadership to cover up whatever is going on their just shows that they are either truly blind, or wilfully ignorant. You had so many good points, but I think the verse which you quoted from Eze. 34:4 was says it all. If God our Heavenly Father does not rule us with force, what makes PMS think that he has that right? Thanks again for your imput. It really touched me.
ReplyDeleteAccusations in the morning service? So now Psalm 1 can't be preached? We cant explain what a scorner does without the 'bloggers' taking all the credit thinking they were the focus of the message? WOW.
ReplyDeleteHow people dress and what they do in their homes? Is that a judgmental attitude or what. Hear we have a sermon on how to be blessed according to Psalm 1, and now we get criticized personally for appearance and watching movies or something?
UNFAIR FIGHT GOING ON HERE. You would nail someone talking of Laura dressing immodest or watching movies, etc. You complain of the frumpy unhappy IFB ladies, you complain of the dresses, then you complain they wear pants, you say only PVBC bloggers in support of their church are negative and the others are all just love and support...
I'm disappointed at the level of immaturity here.
Speaking of being judgmental I would also like to know if PVBC still does the windshield wiper paper drive at other church parking lots Sunday mornings.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that someone felt the need to put the tracts on cars at other church's but this is not the way we hand out tracts. Our church tracts are all stamped with our church stamp which has our church name and address on it. The tract which i have seen that were put on cars where not stamped with our name on it. We were in church Singing and worshiping the LORD and NOT out handing out tracts.
ReplyDeleteSo just to be clear are you saying that PVBC has NEVER handed out tracts in this way and is not associated with it in any way ??
ReplyDeleteYes i am saying that the tracts that i saw did not come from PVBC. We always use the church stamp for all the tracts we give to anyone. The other thing is that Sunday morning we are all in church ourself. Sunday school starts at 10 am. Sunday morning service starts @ 11 am. Sunday evening service starts 7pm. This is the same way 12 months of the year. We have Sunday school for the WHOLE family. We would love to have everyone attend our church because we think we have the best one out there. I hope you feel the same way about your church. If not then and only then it is time to find one that you agree with and can serve the LORD with ALL your heart.!
ReplyDeleteTo,"UNFAIR FIGHT GOING ON HERE". 1:13 AM May 23.
ReplyDelete["So now Psalm 1 can't be preached?"] Here is a short quote from 1:13 AM May 23. He is trying to create a "Straw Man" here and then proceeds to argue with the Straw Man. That tactic is so old it becomes boring. He knows I never said anything like that in my comment. Re-read my comment and you will see you are creating a straw man. Sorry, it won't fly. I didn't say anything even remotely close to your statement.
In your 3rd paragraph you make a very weird statement here, and I quote, "You would nail someone talking of Laura dressing immodest or watching movies, etc."
Me: IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE SAYING THAT (I am saying) "that Laura is dressing immodest or watching movies..." I don't think that "I was nailing someone talking of Laura dressing immodest.." Could you please interpret that as to what you are trying to say here? It sounds very convoluted. In fact your whole comment is quite convoluted. I wish I knew what you are actually trying to say here?? Oh well. No hard feelings here. I hope and pray that God will help you to understand what all is going on here.
Please read the website I posted on a blog before all this. Also please read the very KIND compliment one commenter gave me about the long article I wrote. I think it came up one comment before your comment. Maybe you were at the meeting where Pete Reimer told "His story" to a bunch of people. Let's not try to do a cover-up on that story. We all need to pray very much about that story. A lot of bad things have happened to a lot of good people here in the last 12 years. Many stories have been told by many people who have been hurt badly. You can't now just take a big WIDE brush and say, "Oh, all those people are just a big bunch of liars." And only ONE person is telling the truth?? NO, no, no!! That is not the way things work. Read all of Ezekiel Ch 34 and all of Jeremiah Ch 23 and you will be very shocked at what you read, and by the way, Almighty God wrote those Chapters(He also wrote the whole Bible) and when you read those two chapters, you won't be able to sleep for two days. Especially if you don't pray before and after you read those two Chapters.
Here are just two verses from Ezekiel Ch 34:
Ezek 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
Ezek 34:16 [God says], I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
Almighty God says, "but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment". Who are the "fat and the strong"?? Look around folks and you will see. They spend a lot of time at Smitty's and at Tim Horton's. Read the rest of the two Chapters I mentioned and you will be amazed.
You end up by saying:
"I'm disappointed at the level of immaturity here."
Yes and I am disappointed your "convoluted" comments.
Pete is it true that Kathy and Randy Hildebrand are your sister and brother in law? Why don't they have anything to do with your family? Have they shunned your whole family? Is it true that they won't allow their children to talk to your children or any others in your family? I hear that they don't even go to visit or talk to your{their} Mom, is this true? What did she ever do to them? I was told that they haven't attended any family gatherings or functions for the past 13 years, but attend Randy's family gatherings all the time,do your kids even know each other? Being Deacons of PVBC shouldn't they act more mature and Christian-like even though you don't attend PVBC anymore. I have meet Kathy and Randy Hildebrand before and find them very rude and prideful what's up with that? I know I have alot of questions but I have a problem with the Deacons of a{MY} church if they choose to be un- christian in their walk of life but pretend to be holy and spiritual and so in with the Pastor yet choose to treat their family like heathens. I knew there were some problems in the family of yours but What makes Kathy and Randy so above the rest of you? We are beginning to see this happening more and more with families of PVBC. We had thought of making this our home church but find things questionable so we are asking for some answers. WE thought this was said to be a "church with a heart for people" , but by the sounds and looks of things not ALL people. We had wanted to find a good church for our family but have since heard and read your and Laura's story we are told that the stories are all lies but we are really starting to question things. Many things are just not making sense and we see more and more people leaving all the time. Things just don't seem quite right and people seem to be getting cold. I hope you understand that we cant leave our name, however any answers from your side may just help us to understand. I know some of your family and they are good people so things just don't add up, Pleas explain if possible.Hurting Family
ReplyDeleteAgain To,"UNFAIR FIGHT GOING ON HERE". 1:13 AM May 23.
ReplyDeleteThere is a saying, "If it's too hot in the kitchen for you, then you should get out." I think that should apply to anyone contributing to this blog. You should not be contributing to this blog if you can't "take the heat." This blog should be only for mature and sincere and honest Christians. Christians who are seeking for Truth.
Furthermore, quoting Shakespeare about people who are in denial: "Methinks he doth protest too much."
If PVBC leadership is as innocent as they insist they are, of all the "charges" that have come forth in the last 12 years and especially all the charges that have been listed in the last five months, then they would just quietly go about living a good Christian life AND NOT PROTEST AS LOUDLY AS THEY ARE. I think PMS would be very happy if all his loyal "protesters" would just get off this blog and go and do some Christian service somewhere. So please be "loyal" to your pastor and just go away. Our feelings will not be hurt.
There is a nice Hymn that says, "God will take care of you...." And you know something PVBC? God will take care of you too if you let him. Let's all just "Cast all our cares upon Jesus, for He cares for all of us." Pray for us as we pray for you. I'm sure we all will meet most of you in Heaven someday. Not the unsaved of course.
For anyone who is not saved and is reading these blogs, you need to get saved and ASK Jesus to forgive your sins and ASK Jesus to save you and ASK Jesus to wash you clean of your sins with His own shed blood. If you don't get saved, then you choose to burn in Hell forever. It is your choice. In Hell you will not point your fingers to Christians and laugh and ridicule them. You will be screaming so loud about the awful fires that will burn you forever. And to think you could have ASKED Jesus today to save you from these awful fires of Hell.
If only ONE person gets saved because of Laura's blog, then it will be worth it all. Amen!
Christians are not PERFECT now, but PRAISE THE LORD, someday in Heaven we will be. Unsaved sinner, would you like it if Jesus would take His own shed blood and wash away all your sins too? Jesus will IF you ASK Him to. Amen.
Regarding the "files" that MS has on people: Is this allowd under privacy legislation like PIPEDA? The principles of PIPEDA are:
ReplyDelete- Accountability;
- Identification of Purposes;
- Consent;
- Limiting Collection, Use and Disclosure;
- Retention and Destruction;
- Accuracy;
- Security;
- Open Information Practices;- Access and Correction; and
- Complaint Investigations.
I don't know if any of this applies to churches, or if the "files" are his personal ones. It might apply in cases of people wanting to cancel their membership. I don't see how the church can stop people from withdrawing membership. Just something I was curious about.
I wonder if they have been singing the hymn "Blessed Quietness" at PVBC a lot lately?
ReplyDeleteMay 23 818pm Hurting Family; Do you know of any family where there is not at least one member that is not upset at the rest of the family? This is in every church around this area. Now a days we are ALL too busy with our own life to spend time with extended family. We all just look after #1 which is ourself. As soon as someone just looks at us the wrong way or what we think is the wrong way we are upset at them. People it is time to grow up and leave our childish ways!!! Go to church for the right reason and with the right attitude. We ought to be there to hear from the LORD and to praise HIM!After ALL HE has done for us and as good as we have it living in Canada lets thank GOD instead of having our pity party's.
ReplyDeleteTo: May 19 @ 11: I do believe everything that Laura, Pete Reimer, and Laura's grandparents have shared here. These people have nothing to personally gain by sharing the truth. The reason for them sharing is to help others, not for revenge. All parties involved would love to see Mike repent and make things right.
ReplyDeleteIf only 10% was true, would that not already be enough to make you realize the abuse and control that is going on?
I feel sorry for you if you don't believe ANY of this blog. One day soon, when you will know the whole truth, you will be in shock. I hope that you don't feel mis-led and turn your back on God.
On a side note, yesterday I listened to the pastor Sullivant's sermon from 11/07/2010 on sermonaudio.com It is titled 'The sin of pride'
It is very good and so true. Please pastor Sullivant, listen to your own advice. This sermon applies to all our lives. Pastor Sullivant, please go back and listen to it. God will convict you to see the truth of your ways; He did to me! In your sermon you mention that sometimes God gives you a wake up call to show you the errors of your ways. Don't you think that it is possible that the recent blogs could be your wake up call?
I truly believe that you have a gift to teach to word of God. You started with the best intentions and God was with you. Now you have let pride be your stumbling block. I know that there is still good works being done at the PVBC, but the hurt and pain that families are suffering must stop.
Please, please pastor Sullivant, put your pride aside, listen to what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you.
To Jason Sterk May 25 9:31am. That was very well spoken, Jason. And I could hear your hearts cry for PMS to make things right. I found it very nice of you to listen to a sermon that Laura's father had preached last year when all he has done is push her and your kids out of his life. That tells me that you are the bigger man here trying to bring peace to the family. God will reward you for it, but He may just have to crumble pvbc before Mike will get that he is NOT above reproach.
ReplyDeleteThank you may 24 9:07 I now know how my family will be treated at PVBC if we continue to go there and ask questions. Your Christianity shows through your statements. I see that the concerns that we have in regards to leadership upholding righteous morals and standards is frond on and we we be scolded for looking into finding the truth. This only leaves for us to believe that there are some serious problems within the leadership of PVBC and the stories that are being told from these blogs are true. Thank you for showing our family your true colors. May God have mercy on your souls!
ReplyDeleteTo PVBC. From the very recent blogs it sounds like something very 'ominous' and 'drastic' will soon come forth about bad things things that PMS has done.
ReplyDeletePVBC please pray very much that PMS will quickly repent to God about these ominous and drastic things he has done (and maybe is continuing to do.)
It seems like Pete Reimer is being very kind to PMS in that Pete is giving PMS lots of time to repent before Pete will reveal ALL the 'ominous' and 'drastic' things that are going on. So I think it will behoove PVBCers to "back-off" and give their pastor the time he needs to repent towards God and then repent towards the people of PVBC and confess the things he has been trying to "cover-up."
If PMS repents before all the "ominous and drastic" things have to be revealed, then maybe Pete will not have to reveal anything further. Let's pray that PMS will take the more NOBLE route. I'm sure PMS must realise that this will not go away until ALL is revealed.
To the one who questioned Pete Reimer on his sister and brother-in-law .I am Pete's oldest brother ,and to answer the question on whether they attend our family gatherings? No they Don't and they have not in way to numerous years already.They have been invited many times but they always decline,or we end up hearing that Randy has to work.I guess our Family is not important enough to them I guess.My Sister Kathy and I used to be very close years ago but now that to seems to have withered away.I remember going to the ice rink we had in the village where we lived to go to play hockey,no matter how cold or stormy the weather.I sure miss the sister I once knew and had.So many things have changed over the years,as have people.We all Claim to know and serve the same God but we can't seem to get along.Why not? Somehow our differences in beliefs always get in the way.As I grew up as a child the verse in the bible that talks about sister against brother and so on always bothered me for some reason.I hated to think of that fact that it may some day happen to me.I thought we were a fairly close family,although we did have our differences at time,however we always got through those times and focused rather on what we had in common,than our differences. What will it take for churches to be united and uplifting to one another? I Know I to am guilty of Bashing some churches for the ways they have dealt with certain matters.I have however done so in believing that the churches way of dealing with things were not done in a scriptural manner.Is there room for forgiveness and grace in our hearts.All of us act to quickly or harshly at times,and regret things that we have either done or said at times.None of us are perfect out of ourselves,and are we ready to admit when we are wrong ? are we humble enough to ask for forgiveness when we need it?
ReplyDeleteTo Pete and John Reimer. Was your whole family Baptist at one point, but now you 2 brothers see the Light? Are there other members of your family besides your sister Kathy that attend the pvbc still? If Kathy and Randy never attend your family gatherings, does Kathy at least ever phone you or your parents and let them know what's going on in their life? I hope that your family will be restored as well as the Sullivant family. I realize that Pete is being very kind and patient with PMS, but the Bible does say "Be sure your sin will find you out" and that is a promise since God cannot lie. I feel if PMS won't repent soon, his church and his life may crumble all around him, but it doesn't have to be that way for our God is merciful and gracious, but He expects us to be the same way to others. If PMS will not be merciful and gracious to his own family, what makes his loyal followers think that He is the man of God that he professes to be? May the Lord have mercy on all of us and help us to be Christ-like in all we do.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Laura, Pete and John Reimer, and any other family painfully affected by that institution.
ReplyDeleteMembers of PVBC are happy and willing to give up their families... all for the cause of - not Christ, but for the cause of Mike.
Very sad indeed. I long to see families restored to one another that have been torn apart by and/or through an experience at PVBC.
T. Michnik
May 25 343pm My family is not Baptist! The ones that go to church go to church in Morden. I was just saying that this thing of families NOT getting along is nothing new and not limited to one church or one family. Whenever a gathering is called someone is always working or just won't come because someone that they do not see eye to eye with will be there. In fact my sister says she is the only daughter in the family. Everyone claims to be saved and some day i guess we will all be together in Heaven. How sad but this same thing is happening in alot of families and has NOTHING to do with which church you attend. This is sad but a sign of the times in which we live.
ReplyDeletePart 1 comment
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Pete. Us as Christians should be filled with hope, faith and charity, charity the greatest of the three. I am sorry you had to experience what you did, but one thing I have found during my own life is what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. Everything happens for a reason. Whether God was preparing you for something greater has yet to become known. I have read these blogs from the beginning and have seen the pain and anger come from the people within.
One thing everyone forgets is that trouble starts from within the church, not from outside the church. Something has gone terribly wrong here to create the amount of turmoil that is going on in this blog.
As a Christian we should not take an offense to the comments, but analyze what is really going on down deep in the matter of things.
There is a lot of pain out there. I'm sorry that everyone one of you has to experience, but remember as a Christian, everything happens for a reason.
The easy way to end this is for the right people to step up and SERIOUSLY APOLOGIZE for their mistakes. If pride is stopping you from doing so, then you know you are wrong. I'm not speaking to anyone in particular, but as a whole.
Everyone has to be convinced in their own mind of the errors of their ways. What greater of a way to do so then spend it with God and ask him to reveal the truth to you.
It works, I've tried it.
But until the pride is gone and humility takes over, there may be some really tough days ahead and sleepless nights.
The Holy Spirit is what guides us as Christians.
I was just reading Matthew 23 and 24 and I think those would be good chapters for all to read.
Pick it apart and study it. God looks at our hearts, not how we look to those around us. He knows the truth. He knows everything. The ones that are guilty and do not repent will be held accountable and their sins will become known.
In the end times the ones that are not saved will be able to be deceived by Satan. The ones who are saved will not be deceived. They will see the truth.
Everyone search your hearts and see which master you truly serve.
It is simply really. Ask and it shall be given until you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open unto you.
Continued in part 2
Continuation of part 1
ReplyDeleteI don't know you Pete or your family. I wish I did. Remember there is growth in pain. Without suffering you would not know what you know today. God is molding you and making you into who he wants you to be. Without pain and suffering there is no wisdom.
And somewhere down the line you prayed for that. Right?
And to the leadership, I hope you know in your hearts what you are defending is right. You are in a station to be accountable for everything you say and do.
Not because one person tells you to say and do, but because God has led you there. If you are defending because you know truly in your heart and mind what you are defending is right, you better be sure of yourself.
"That through your mercy they also may obtain mercy"
Even Jesus prayed, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do."
Christians are supposed to strive to be like Jesus. This is something we should all be saying.
John 8:45-47 (King James Version)
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
I hear leadership speaking out and defending their pastor when they weren't even there to witness the truth. From the sounds of things there isn't too many in leadership that remain from the beginning. Ask yourself what you are defending. At the end of time, you will be responsible for you, not for what you are defending.
I hear everyone calling out false teachers. I would be very careful before you judge Pete Reimer unless you were physically there to see what really happened. Anyone that speaks out about something they haven't witnessed should not be speaking out. Pete has a story to tell and if you as leadership were a witness to what happened, then you need to speak out in truth.
There are many people that are reading this and hurting, but they themselves fear what will become of them if they speak.
26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
To Jason and others who are calling on Mike to repent: I too have family at PVBC but I do not attend there. Could you clarify what he should repent for?
ReplyDeleteHis sin is not only how he has treated Laura and others. Those are only symptoms of THE problem. THE problem as I see it is Mike's interpretation of scripture which convinces him to run the church the way he does. By asking him to repent he needs to throw aside his convictions on parental authority, pastoral authority, shunning, church discipline, tithing among others. That is a pretty tall order!
To merely repent for how he has treated Laura and others and still keep his core beliefs does not solve THE problem.
Let us pray that Mike finds it within himself to also repent of the way he is running the church. With God everything is possible.
To Laura and Jason Sterk, Pete Reimer, and all of the others that have contributed to this blog, I thank you. This blog allows people to freely share their thoughts and feelings in a public forum. This does not bode well for churches like the Pembina Valley Baptist Church, where communication is so tightly controlled, and any opposition or differing views is quickly thwarted. Social forums that reveal the corruption beneath the underbelly of power and control, such as this blog, are exactly what is liberating the middle East from centuries of corruption and abuse. For people to actually speak their minds without being censored is the biggest threat that Mike Sullivant and Pembina Valley Baptist Church can experience. In order to survive, he will need to either begin acknowledging some of the injustices and corruption taking place, of which he is largely responsible for, or he will need to find more effective methods of controlling the uncensored communication of former members.
ReplyDeleteSince my previous comment wasn't posted maybe this one will be...
ReplyDeletePete, your family issues DO NOT stem from or have anything to do with the Pembina Valley Baptist Church. I have known your family a long time and have known it to be "disfunctional" long before the Baptist church was even established.
Dear Anonymous May 26 2011 2:10 Pm Dis functional? what a crock,that comment can go straight back to the pit where it came from ! you don't know me,you may know who I am and that's about it.Yes, These issues do stem from this so called church.We used to get along although we did not always see eye to eye we still got together.I have never attended this baptist church nor am I baptist ! I am an outsider looking in seeing what has and is happening to our family and to others as well. I have a question for you pvbcers:has anyone that has either been on church discipline or been shunned ever been called or allowed back into fellowship at your church? I have my doubts.if so who? I have not heard of one person or instance where this has happened.I tend to think there is no hope of reconciliation intended at all.the shunned or disciplined people have rocked the boat so speak and therefore were excommunicated from this church with no intent on truly trying to resolve the problems.Put the people on church discipline,downgrading them and hoping that they would leave.That's no way to solve a problem,avoid it maybe,at least for a little while.However the problems build if you don't deal with them properly,and wont go away until the issues are dealt with.Avoiding Problems doesn't fix them.
ReplyDeleteTo:John @1:42 P.M.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, the sin goes way beyond what has been done to Laura and many others. We are all capable of sinning, and we all do. Pastor Sullivant is no exception. I don't think that he sees what he has done wrong. Only God can show that to him.
By repenting, he needs to admit that he has handled many situations wrong. From Laura, his parents, and the many who have been lied about, had their names run through the mud and then church disciplined in an non Biblical way.
To: May 20@4:19
You say that there are no problems at PVBC and you have the best pastors you have ever heard speak.
I will admit that Pastor Sullivant is an amazing speaker. He has a way of keeping your attention and wanting to hear more. I also agree with most of his beliefs.(not all) The problem is that he preaches the grace of God, but does not seem to show any himself. He preaches on the sin of pride, but he seems to be one of the most arrogant men I have ever met. The list goes on, but I think you get the picture.
I heard a sermon at our church a couple weeks ago. It was about the grace of God and his forgiveness. To make a long story short, God shows grace to those who sin and TRULY repent and make an effort to change their ways. Grace does not cover a person who continues sin and not make any effort to repent or change their ways. This is what pastor Sullivant is doing when he refuses to admit the hurt and pain that he has caused and and continues to cause.
To anonymous: does your wife come from a dis functional Family? our family was not disfunctiional.So either your wife is disfunctional or you were lying about our family.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI am laughing my head off at the stupidity of those that are disgruntled with the PVBC. they all have different beefs but they are feeding off of each other so that they sound valid.
To me you all sound like a little kids that can't have their own way. crying about you bad your dad is for not giving you what you want.
But what is it really that you want? nothing but to get your own way. you don't want anyone to tell you what is right and what is wrong. you want to do what you think is right in your own eyes. I think the Bible has a lot to say about people like that.( oops did I just judge someone?) I have heard all kinds of childish stupidity in my life but this I must say tops them all.
It is evident that reconciliation or healing is not the point of all this.
you people are filled with hate and vengeance. and many of you are scorners, backbiters,gossips and talebearers. read what God says about you.
Jason, this is what Laura is doing not her Dad. the hurt that many speak of is that of wanting their own way. then when the get it they see that it was not what they wanted and then rather then repent they want everyone to forget what they did to cause the separation. prove that it is not so.
ReplyDeleteDear VST You don't seem very bright in your self esteemed wisdom.Making Fun of people who's lives have been abused! Maybe post your real name so we can make fun of you and your troubles ? I think not.Taking pleasure in others misfortunes or troubles is not of God,but a mockery coming from the evil one ! Have your laughs now, for in the end the truth will be revealed. by the way I'm still waiting for a answer from the pvbcers on my previous posts question about people being reconciled.Will anyone answer me ?
ReplyDeleteto VST 4:45pm God calls truth a Blessing and that it will set a person free !!!! and if God says it WE as Gods children can believe it!!!
ReplyDeleteTo VST: You must look rather foolish with your head stuck in the sand. You do know what sticks out when your head is stuck in the sand, right!!?? As I have said before, it doesn't matter to the blinded pvbcers who tells what story. But, should it happen to them, then they would feel TOTALLY different. TEAK said it so well when he/she said that in order for PMS to repent, he would have to change his convictions. And unless he humbles himself before the Lord, and is willing to admit that he is wrong here, PMS will not likely change. I wonder how he sleeps at night when he realizes that people are beginning to see though him and are leaving the church. It must be very tiring to live such a double-life, but praise God! when we ask Him to open our eyes to the Truth, He will show us. God loves PMS inspite of what he has or hasn't done, just as He loves us all unconditionally. But, God expects us to bestow that same unconditional love to our families and loved ones. If PMS doesn't choose to do that, he will have to answer for that sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteTo John Reimer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for proving my point about what I meant about disfunctional. You ASSumed that I am a male...I clearly am not. You ASSumed that I am a PVBC'er...which I am not. You ASSumed that I am a supporter of PVBC....once again, I am not.
You and Pete are so quick to point fingers, accuse and talk about how you've been wronged....It's no wonder that your sister and her family want nothing to do with you.
Why don't you try a little forgiveness and love...it will take you alot farther in life than hatred.
John Reimer, you have been attacked and maligned for sticking your neck out and sharing some of your painful experiences in order to help others understand what you and MANY OTHERS have gone through. I hope you're not expending any emotional energy on the woman that's deciding to take her cheap shots at you and your family. It's cowardly of her to take such cheap shots at you and your family, and then hide behind her "anonymous" post. We're all dysfunctional and wounded in one way or another, are we not? What would be the value of God's grace if we were all perfect?
ReplyDeleteI'm Lyle and Helen's daughter-in-law. To May 22, 10:20 pm - the Ambassador Baptist Church building is for sale, but only because they're switching locations. The church is in no way shutting down.
ReplyDeleteTo May 23, 8:18 pm - I know your question has been answered about whether or not Randy and Kathy Hildebrand are related to Pete. I would just like to add that I have yet to meet Randy and Kathy or any of their children and I have been married to Lyle and Helen's son for over a year and a half. My husband even made the effort to personally deliver a wedding invitation to them and they made no effort to attend. They claimed that they had no problems with him or his siblings, only with Lyle and Helen, so they shouldn't have had any problem coming to support us in getting married. We have never received a Christmas card or anything from them. They have not met my son. I would very much like to meet them, and ask them how they can completely shun their entire family, even those who have never attended Pembina Valley Baptist Cult. It hurts me that they have made no effort to meet or get to know me. It's like I have been condemned by association. To Uncle Pete and Uncle John, I'm proud of you for sharing. To Laura, I only wish I could be as brave as you in posting your story. The truth will set you free. PMS needs to be exposed for what he is.
To those at PVBC,
ReplyDeleteI understand that you want to support your pastor, which we should. I understand that you want to trust the man that preaches God's word to you and your families every week. We need to love, help and pray for our pastors daily, that He will protect them and give them wisdom. They are taking on a big responsibility and yes, will they be accountable for every word and deed, good or bad. My heart goes out to all of you that can't see the forest for the trees, and I so say that with deep concern.
There have been comments made about this blog being hateful and such. I can see that you are just defending your pastor and church, which I would want to do as well.
Let me ask this... if you went to a restaurant and as you were ordering, the waiter didn't hear what you ordered, was rude, and after waiting an hour for your food, brought the wrong food to your table and it was cold. Would you not want to tell others not to go there because the service was very poor? Why can't we tell others about what we personally have experienced in church? Sure, we can do that when the experience is great, but what about when it's bad and are really hurting over it? How come we can talk freely about a bad restaurant experience, but not a bad church experience and in doing so, be called, and I quote, "scorners, backbiters,gossips and talebearers"? Would we be called that if we talking about a restaurant?
FOOD POISONING IS FOOD POISONING WHETHER IT IS LITERAL FOOD OR SPIRITUAL FOOD
ReplyDeleteWell said John. The commenter on May 26 @ 5:07 seems to think that Laura and all the other hurt people did this to themselves, and now are not happy with what they did to cause the separation.
ReplyDeleteI know you all did what you needed to do to stop the abuse that was inflicted on you. Most of you knew what the sacrifice would be by leaving. Does this mean that you should be happy with the outcome? Of course not! You guys were not given many choices.
Here is an example of the choices Laura was given.
She was told by her dad that she needed to make a choice. Choose his way, or the way of the trasgressor. What a loaded question. That is like saying 'what would you like for supper, liver or liver with ketchup?' Both are not appealing, but the ketchup (Mike) can disguise the nastiness. Now Mike can say that in Laura's own words that she chose the way of the transgressor.
I would also like to make a correction for Mike Sullivant. On the Wed. night when he addressed the 'church matters' he said that at least he still had 7 children loving and serving the Lord. Well Mike, if you had taken the time to know your oldest daughter over the last 12 years, or taken the time to read her profile, you would know that Laura does love and serve God. Just because she isn't doing it in your church does not mean that she is a heathen. Who are you to judge her relationship with God? You don't know her! This is just another slander tactic used from the pulpit.
I hope you guys can see that the people involved were forced to make decisions where they would be hurt no matter what choice they made.
A huge YES to May 27, 10:54 am. I am not from PVBC, but as I read the articles by Laura, Pete, John, etc. I sense a great love and concern as Jesus wants us to have for one another.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is very wrong when church leaders use means to threaten or make people feel guilty for being discerning, for asking questions, or for enlightening others to their experiences.
And why does this pastor Mike need so many people to defend him and say such hurtful and hateful things to the people who have left the church? A true servant leader would take care of these things himself, wouldn't he?
At PVBC, it seems to me that LOVE means shunning and tearing down character. Am I right? So in order for all of us to be doing right, should we all start shunning and tearing down the character of others?
To the person making derogative comments about Pete and the size of the youth at PVBC when he was a leader there. The youth group swelled to an enormous size during the time Pete & Connie worked with it...I know this because my child was in youth, and we often brought 3 or 4 extra kids with us and others did as well.
ReplyDeleteWe did this because we appreciated the relationship the kids had with their leaders and the fact that they came home uplifted and wanting to grow in their relationship with Christ. This was thanks to Pete and Connie's kindness and the way they treated all kids equal. Christ was the center of youth and the kids loved it...They looked forward to youth every week..When Pete and Connie left so did the excitement alot of the kids felt!
Is that your best shot? What a joke ,you will have to do much better than that !I have dealt with people of your ignorance before so this is nothing new to me.Try harder next time and please get your facts straight before you make an azz of yourself ! This is suppose to be an attack on me? Hardly..I have been through enough Crap in my life to see how utterly asinine some peoples so called wisdom is !
ReplyDeleteI had not accused my sister and brother in law of anything in the past,and have invited them to our gatherings but they would not come.They have only come to one gathering we had at our place and have never since come to one again(years ago).Women apparently have no mind of their own or have any say in anything,they are only to be submissive to their husbands.(More like Slaves) You also state that you are not a supporter of pvbc which I highly doubt.(Then why are you trying to knock me)better try much harder.I see you are still spineless and cant post your name..all show no go !
ReplyDeleteTo: May 27, 2011 8:57 AM (Woman)
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that you (as a woman) have taken it upon yourself to make such a vicious attack on John and Peter Reimer. If I was your husband I would be embarrassed to admit it. You really would need to take an "Anger management course". You point out that you "are not a PVBCer, and not a supporter of PVBC" so what are you doing here on this blog?? Why are you reading and commenting here?? Why don't you go and wash dishes or something? Maybe you are only 15 years old so then we could excuse this attack.
Here I will make some corrections or clean-up the language a bit: (see word "assumed")
Anonymous said...
To John Reimer,
Thank you for proving my point about what I meant about dysfunctional. You assumed that I am a male...I clearly am not.(Your language would make it sound like you a MALE!!) (You would be an embarrassment to the female race with your type of language!!) (I took it upon myself to CLEAN-UP your bad language.) (I think you should ask God to forgive you of this vicious, bad language attack on two fellow Christians.) (This thing you have done here will haunt you till the day you die.) (This ATTACK will haunt you the next time you sit there in YOUR Church and are about to put that communion bread into your mouth and "eat it unworthily"!) (It will haunt you the next time you sit there in YOUR Church and are about to "drink this cup" unworthily.) I feel sorry for you. Just now I prayed that God will help you to not have such bad anger, hate?maybe?) (This is so sad.I hope your pastor does not find out about this.)
You assumed that I am a PVBC'er...which I am not. You assumed that I am a supporter of PVBC....once again, I am not. (Three times I had to "clean-up" the word "assumed" that you use so derogatarily!)
You and Pete are so quick to point fingers, accuse and talk about how you've been wronged....It's no wonder that your sister and her family want nothing to do with you. (TSK, TSK,,,)
Why don't you try a little forgiveness and love...it will take you alot farther in life than hatred. (Hatred?? Wow!! and You talk about HATRED!!?? Wow again. I can't believe it.) (You're the first PERFECT WOMAN I've ever met--by email or otherwise.)
Hey Jason whats wrong with liver? I for One happen to like it. lol Whats appealing to some may be disgusting to others.
ReplyDeleteOur family was dis functional before this church came into being .When members of our family started to attend this church I started to notice the strife and conflicts that were rooted in this church.Slowly but surely some of my our family members also saw what was going on.This Church is on a power trip of control over the people(dictatorship)if you don't conform you are put on Church discipline,or you are ousted from this church.
ReplyDeleteIt comes as no surprise that a so called "Anonymous" must leave their rude remarks regarding my family. I always say cowards,liars,and those wishing to hide something while making froward statements as such hide behind an anonymous title. The thing is I have pictures along side many fond memories of family get togethers which show the good times my family has shared in the past. I think its pretty bold to suggest the comments brought forth about my family and would like to extend an offer for this individual to share their proof of their remarks. The truth still remains that I have nothing to hide unlike those wishing to bring things off topic and badmouth those that speak the truth. Remember I was once too very involved in PVBC and know full well; how many families have a close, honest, loving relationship with ALL family members regardless their church denomination or belief. Although I may not be able to change the relationships in my family at this time, there is one thing that I can do. That is to continue to tell my stories and experiences of who and what Pms and his followers truly are. I continue to be VERY patient as to the things that I will reveal , hoping and praying that those involved will make things right. No matter what anyone says I do have the truth and I will let it all out if needed. I have been challenged regarding the number of youth and offered to give proof of my statements and still have not had those who accused me come see the proof. You see I have nothing to hide or loose in all of this I am open and free to share my proof unlike some others who have been hiding behind many a lie for many a year. The Mercy and Grace that God has given in regards to everything concerning these situations goes far beyond what I can understand. I believe God has things take place at certain times for certain reasons. People often ask me why I don't just let it all out, My response is God will let me know when it's time for more. However in the meantime I wont sit back and watch a few rotten apples spoil a good crop{MY GOD'S NOT INVOLVED IN THAT} AMEN!!! Pete Reimer
ReplyDeleteThe May 27, 5:52 p.m. person is drawing a line as to who is eligible to comment on this blog. Laura, would you please re-clarify who can comment. Is it only PVBC'ers and ex-PVBC'ers?
ReplyDeleteMy comment on May 27 8:01 Should have read " Our Family Was Not Dis-functional before this church came into being".So I'm sure I will get some pokes for my spelling error in it saying otherwise.Like the old saying goes to err is human to forgive is out of the question !
ReplyDeleteI see there is still no one bold enough to answer my question on either this blog or on the bridge is out in regards to: has anyone that has ever been on church discipline-Shunning ever been allowed to and or been invited back into fellowship from the Pvbc Church? Well you Pvbcers? how come you are so quick to reply to other posts and not mine? My belief is no one has ever been called or allowed back.Prove me wrong.What is your church's motto?
ReplyDeletewe are thinking that the reason you have not gotten a reply is that those who have scoffed the effort to "open the eyes" of those who do not want to realize the problem is that OF COURSE THEY HAVEN'T been invited back. we just chose to leave quietly and with no malice to anyone and we were shunned when we attended a wedding at PVBC.
ReplyDeletewe would also like to say, not only were we shunned we were informed that certain other churches in town were informed that we were congregation disturbers lol which is SO far from the truth lol. we feel that everyone has there own relationship with the Lord and that they are responsible for it. we have no business delving into someone else s relationship with the Lord unless it goes "AGAINST" Gods word.
ReplyDeleteI was taking courses at Canadian Baptist Bible College for Pastoral leadership. One Text book "What Every Preacher Should Know" by Hugh F. Pyle, has this to say about people who leave the church. "...it is always good to have a splinter church nearby for your come-outers to go into when they come out! Our church never really missed those who left. I remember (even though this was in the early days of my ministry), that on the Sunday bulletin the next week the following verse was featured, 'The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us Whereof We Are Glad!"
ReplyDeletePretty much sums up what Baptists preachers are taught to emulate in their churches...
What is the job of the elders in a church? One of the jobs is to help shepherd the Flock.The elders should be like a shepherd who tends his flock,as he uses the crook of his staff to pull(Not Beat)people back into fellowship.Another job Elders have is to help correct the pastor and to make sure what is being done and said is confirmed and lines up with what it says in scripture.Who of these elders,or deacons have gone and tended to these sheep? They have been thrown out to the wolves and are outcasts.They are not Good shepherds for the good shepherd leaves his flock to save the forsaken and outcast, and downtrodden ones. We seem to have forgotten where we once came from and the Good shepherd went out of his way to save us despite of our unworthiness.Who will tend my flock? will you? will I ? where is the grace and mercy that God himself extended unto us? Let us open our eyes and hearts, and see the call and duty that we as believers need to extend to one another.
ReplyDeleteThe fire will stop if we quit putting wood on it. Tina
ReplyDeletehave you not heard of marsh fires, they lay dormant till one day when the wind blows just right they light up and burn. "when the wind blows just right" is the key, the wind is blowing today........ when truth is finally told!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't Worry this fire wont be extinguished.It may settle down a bit,and just as quick by roaring.All in Good time
ReplyDeleteThe reason for emphasizing the first three letters of assumed was to show you what it makes you look like when we assume something. There was no anger behind my words written. Once again it was assumed that there was. Too many of you are assuming the role of God and judging everything that is said and are assuming the tone in which it is being said. Anyone is allowed to comment on this blog, whether you agree with what is being said or not. It is, after all, out there for the entire world to see.
ReplyDeleteAs per usual no one from Pvbc Will answer my former Questions,they always change the subject and get off track ! Dear anonymous if you were so bold as to post your name there would be less confusion as to who we are talking to.However you seem to enjoy playing with peoples minds making them guess or as you say "ASSUME" whom we are talking to.To many list posts as "Anonymous" Do you know that some are deceitful in doing so ?then why do you not post your names to avoid further confusion amongst posts ? for Most I would say No accountability and being deceitful. I take it from your reply that you in fact are the one that was trying to insinuate that I was the first three letters in assume?Assuming the role of God ?.... Yes this is here for the whole world to see.God said he would make known the works of the evil one and make an open display of them! Do you forget that we are Gods chosen ones,we are to live our lives the way he wants us to,and in this case it is to show what is truly going on in this church. If you are in right standing with God then you have nothing to fear,however if you have something to hide or are not in right standing with God then you have to Fear God and his judgment.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea who this John Reimer is but it is getting a bit comical how everyone avoids his simple question like the plague. I wish someone would grow a pair and answer it .
ReplyDeleteHey Pete. I am just wondering if you are going to share part 3 of your story soon. I understand that you want PMS to admit to his faults without you having to do that. But, I also think that by you sharing your whole story, you will be helping many people see what's going on and that they don't want any part of such a controlling pastor. Not only a controlling pastor, but one who refuses to make peace with his own daughter and parents. May God bless you as you continue to expose what has happened to you.
ReplyDeleteThus far, this blog and it's comments have been therapy and healing for me.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe this man's issues are about obtaining money, rather about power and control. Perhaps unresolved issues from his past, i.e. bitterness, etc.
The following link to one woman's blog on having grown up with control and abuse - http://narcissists-suck.blogspot.com/ - may be helpful to some. Warning: she does use strong language at times, so if you're too sensitive in that area, you may not want to go there. Although, I find that if you have experienced this type of abuse, it is understandable that she would go so far as to use some of the words she uses.
Also, it is my opinion that an abused person aught not stay in abuse just because there will an adjustment period (learning how to live outside of the abuse) after leaving.
The CALM before the STORM.....And the thunder roars, and the thunder roars!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura and Jason,
ReplyDeleteThe first time I started reading these blogs, I was shocked with all the information I have read. It had cast doubt in my mind, not only with PMS' character but with all preachers I see now, the effect in me is bad that I had to think a lot of negative things on all preachers I talk to.
What is my point? Not all Christians are matured enough to understand what's going on here. These blogs might not have an affect to stronger Christians, but how about newly saved people? I'm not talking specifically about PVBC newly converts but to baby Christians anywhere. What would they think if they have read all these blogs and how it will affect them? I'm sure you have an idea of what might happen, it's either they will get discourage and turn away from God, or just don't mind this, or share the same feelings for you.
Matthew 6:33 says:
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all this things shall be added unto you.
Romans 12:19-21 says:
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Like what I said before on previous blogs, I am not siding with anyone here. Let's say PMS have done that evil more than 10 years ago, if you still believe what was said in Romans, avenge not yourself, Vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
You have done what you want here, you have exposed the truth as you say, when is it going to stop? This is not only affecting your parents, brothers and sisters and members of PVBC but this blog also casts down doubts to every reader in the character of their preacher. Since this is in the web, you are affecting the world in this blog. Please think and pray about this. I believe that there is no harm in trying to solve this problem in person, if you had to do it the Bible way like what you have done more than 10 years ago, please do.
I am praying for you and your family Laura.
John, You ask a valid question. Galatians 6 teaches that the purpose of discipline is restoration, not punishment. It also makes it plain that only the spiritual can accomplish it. When told to treat someone as a heathen and a publican, does it mean to shun? (Matthew 18:17) As an Independent Baptist Pastor, I believe we are to treat the heathen and publican as Christ did. Christ was known as a friend of sinners by the Pharisee crowd. The reason why was that he might bring them to Himself. Within the Independent Baptist ranks there is much similarity to the Pharisee crowd who taught for doctrine the commandment of men making the Word of God of none effect. (Mark 7:13) Christ warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1) There is much hypocrisy on the part of Pastor Sullivant regarding his treatment of his parents. His actions are very dishonoring, (Eph. 6:2).
ReplyDeleteI spent eight years in Canada as a missionary pastor helping to restore hurting churches. I arrived in 1995 to the city of Winnipeg and left in 2003 from Fort Frances, Ontario. As a family, we chosed to become dual citizens because we thought God would leave us there for life. His plans were otherwise. Having lived in the area, I have followed this sad situation and am well acquainted with several of the people involved. (Alan Brooks, Raymond Dell and Lyle Nuefeld, Dave Millar, and Archie Dyck as well as Mike Sullivant)
I grew up under a similar pastor who learned his tactics under Dr. Jack Hyles. The pastor's name was Tom Smith. Tom was found out to be an adulterer and eventually left the ministry. Recently through facebook, I discovered that his daughter, who was molested by her father from the age of 11, has a ministry now called Captivated by Grace. It is refreshing for me to hear the stories of Wendy and Laura who have become survivors. One from sexual abuse and the other from emotional abuse. Both did not allow the abuse of their earthly father to distort their view of their heavenly Father.
A pastor is not above being rebuked for sin. I Timothy 5:19 says the accusation must be brought with two or three witnesses. Mike's own parents along with former staff constitutes the Biblical requirement. Verse 20 says, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." One sin I know that Mike is guilty of is the sin of dishonoring his parents. This is no light sin. I am praying for God to bring about repentance and restoration for all involved. What a mighty God we serve! With God all things are possible! One final thought: to receive God's grace there must be a humble spirit. God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
Pastor Chet Cooper
Victory Baptist Church
Fort Valley, GA
Bless your heart, Pastor Chet Cooper!! Finally someone from the same teachings has spoken up about Mike Sullivant's arrogant ways. It is so refreshing to know that not all Independant Baptist Pastors are control freaks. I believe Pastors should always encourage their memebers to seek the Lord on things that they need an answer for. I find it so disturbing that Mike Sullivant thinks he has the right to choose marraige partners for the young people in his church. What he is actually doing is practicing arranged marraiges. I don't know how the parents of the young lady or the young man fall for that. I believe that the parents should be the one to guy their children when it came to choosing a life partner, not the pastor.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks again Pastor Cooper for your encouraging words. That really made my day! May God bless you for it! Signed Tina
Tina,
ReplyDeleteI Peter 5 makes it plain that we as Pastors are not to "lord" it over God's heritage but be "ensamples to the flock."
Mike brought his daughter up as a "railer" for church discipline for her actions towards him. His actions or "ensample" towards his parents are equally railing by his definition and use of the term. Where is the "ensample"?
We as fathers are commanded in Ephesians 6:4 to avoid provoking our children to wrath. As a parent of nine, I have found that inconsistency on my part will provoke my children more quickly than anything else.
I am praying for God to open Mike's eyes to his faults and put a spirit of humility in him so that "where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." As long as he maintains his pride he cannot experience grace for the situation.
As for those who would assume that because there are large numbers of people going to the church:
Phillips Drive Baptist Church where Tom Smith pasotred was averaging over 1000 when Tom was first discovered to be practicing adultery. Over 100 people left including most of the staff, but 900 blindly followed him for another 3 years. Only when he divorced his wife to marry one of his lovers were their eyes opened. Sadly, at a healing and restoration service in January 2010, there were some that continued to place him on a pedestal.
II Timothy 2:4 says, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, . . ." I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 give other qualities required to hold the office of pastor. In Titus 1 two given are "not selfwilled, not soon angry . . ." From what has been shared on this blog, each of these Scriptures appear to have been violated.
Meekness is required if we hope to help in the restoration process. (Galatians 6:1 and II Timothy 2:25) How easily the devil can cause us to practice the very thing we condemn in others. May God help all of us to be conformed to the image of his Son! (Romans 8:29)
Pastor Chet Cooper
really........ what is left to say. i believe that this is where God has spoken LOUD AND CLEAR Mike. This may be your last chance to rectify things before they GO ALL THE WAY!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems fairly obvious to me that those that have been shunned or put on Church discipline,were never and are still not being sought after in regards to reconciliation.Which now in turn makes one wonder why not? do they take joy or pride themselves in shunning others to make themselves look or seem upright and in right standing with God? It Does seem very odd that none have ever been asked back (accuse shun and oust ) These are not Gods ways of dealing with problems.Hopefully God will help restore some of the wrongs that have gone on and to help this pastor change his ways.There is a place for Grace,Mercy,Forgiveness and restoration all in God's Perfect Time ! after all God is the Potter we are the Clay,... how will you let him mold you? Are we resisting him or are we submitting ourselves fully unto him ?
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonder that none of the loyal Mike followers have nothing to say against the honest and truthful blog that Pastor Chet Cooper wrote. It would be so nice to hear what Mike himself thought about those true words. But, I guess as long as PMS doesn't repent, his camp will choose to stay rather quiet. Thanks Chet Cooper. I do believe that you have given all the Pembina Valley Baptists, including Mike, real food for thought.
ReplyDeleteJune 7, 8:36 said, " . . . this blog also casts down doubts to every reader in the character of their preacher." I think it is a good thing what this blog has done. We should not be blindly following any pastor, no matter what denomination, but rather we need to be more discerning. Should pastors not be held accountable to the accurate teaching, preaching, and living out of God's Word?
ReplyDeleteIf Pastor Mike is so wrong in what he is doing, how can he continue in sin all these years and not get chastised by God? and take part in communion.the Bible says we are to examine ourselves, those that take part unworthly could get sick or taken home prematurely.
ReplyDeleteA side note....God blesses the PVBC over and over again.
Is this the end of everybody's story? I am wondering if Pete Reimer has anything more to add to his story, or Laura, or anyone else for that matter. Just wondering if the blogging is over?
ReplyDeletePastor Cooper
ReplyDeleteHow does one know what the truth is when everyone says they are telling it.Who do you believe?
Pastor Sullivant has done a lie detector test and it proved him innocent.what does one make of all the accusations against him?
Ultimately it is the Lord who will judge Mike Sullivant. A lie detector is not reliable since it is done by humans. It really doesn't count at all. Each person must diligently study God's Word for himself, not to find scripture to judge the next person but rather to grow in the grace and the knowledge of Him. Then the Lord will reveal to us many things through the Holy Spirit, but we must come with a heart willing to listen and make changes in our own life. Only then will God bless our efforts to help other Christians in their walk with the Lord. Almighty God, convict us all to look after our own spiritual health so that our helping of others will be directed by You only.
ReplyDeleteTo the anonymous writer of the comment dated June 14, 2011 at 1:43 PM:
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at all the anonymous comments. Why does everyone think it necessary to hide behind anonymity? Lie detector test are not allowed in a court of law for a reason: they are unreliable. A good liar knows how to beat them.
To answer the anonymous comment from June 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. I will use two Scriptural teachings: One is that God is longsuffering and merciful. Psalm 103 tells us that God hath not dealt with us after our sins or rewarded us according to our iniquity. The second point I will make is that Hebrews 12 addresses the subject of no chastisement. I do not know whether Psalm 103 or Hebrews 12 is in play. I can only look on the outward appearance, God knows the heart.
I was still in Canada and witnessed first hand the vindictiveness toward Alan Brooks. If Alan Brooks was so wrong, why is God continuing to bless and use him?
Phillips Drive's congregation thought God was blessing them under Tom Smith who was practicing adultery and child molestation. It was three years from the time the first accusations happened and the TRUTH came out. I was at church on a Wednesday night when two families were voted out of the membership for slandering the pastor. It turns out the two families weren't slandering after all. In fact, when the truth did come out, the situation was worse than any could imagine. During the three years, there were still souls saved. I do not know why other than to say that God's Word is powerful and will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it is sent forth.
Pastor Chet Cooper
Victory Baptist Church
Fort Valley, GA
June 14, 2011 1:43 P.M.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me! lol He has taken a lie detector test! Are you serious . . . with whom, where? That is almost humerous. I for one am so very thankful that God looks on the heart of man . . . and that if not here - then before eternity begins MS will have some repairing to do . . . you'd think it would be preferable in the now! If even a fraction of these stories hold even an ounce of truth ( and I tend to believe they do and then some) that should be enough for some serious soul searching on a Pastor's part. For all the full page ads the PVBC takes out in the local paper to announce events - I would have thought it far better use of church funds/and a sign of sincerity that a formal apology be forthcoming!!!! p.s. I do not attend PVBC or even know the people involved - but I sure am rooting for a positive outcome.
For those on this blog who desire to see this situation resolved in a Godly manner, please be in prayer. Contact has been made to me by Mike and Brenda. I am a great believer in the God of the impossible and believe that this situation is not beyond His ability to resolve. My only reason for involving myself is this blog is to let those who think all Independent Baptist endorse what has happened know that there are those of us who disagree with how things have been handled.
ReplyDeletePastor Chet Cooper
The latest message on the PVBC billboard says, "Godly fathers live by example." Isn't this statement somewhat ironical in light of what has and is happening at PVBC?
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much, Pastor Cooper, for this comment. I have been much in prayer for the Sullivant family and others that are hurting as a result of misguided ministry. I, too, have had complete trust in the Lord since I first heard of this, that He is able to resolve this. I fully believe that someday Laura and her father will have a close relationship as father and daughter! Let's keep praying!
ReplyDeleteOne more note, Mr. Cooper...you mentioned the volume of anonymous comments...in this community, unfortunately, people are very easily labelled, ignored, blasted verbally etc. by others who might not agree with their opinion. Many are commenting and asking questions because they are in a quandary...they have been attending the PVB church and for many reasons would love to continue but are trying to weigh the pros and cons, and are sincerely grappling with how to proceed; they love their pastor but know that he has not dealt with many in a godly manner and are confused. They can not leave their name for fear of how they might be treated as a result, within the church, with family and with friends. May God truly restore all the broken relationships and bring healing to the nation (Winkler and area, specifically)!
What is the Cost of following Christ ? Even Peter one of Christ's Disciples thought he knew what it meant and denied Christ three times.It was not until later when Christ talked to Peter and Peter "changed, and lived, and knew" what it meant to "truly follow Christ." Thanks Chet for the update in regards to this pastor.Yes our God is a God doing the impossible and improbable,Why is it that we often try to limit him? I do believe that great things will come from this.God is allowing an awakening in his people,seeking out those that are earnestly seeking him and his ways.What a Gracious,and Loving God we Serve,for he is overflowing with his love and mercies upon his Children. Now can we extend his love and mercy to those who have wronged us ? As we grow and mature as believers and experience the goodness of God how can we not?
ReplyDeleteThe story of Amaziah is found in II Chronicles 25. In verse three it is said of Amaziah, "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart." II Kings 14:3 says of Amaziah, "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: . . ." What was the difference between David and Amaziah? Both were guilty of sin: David's was adultery and murder and Amaziah's was idolatry. Both were confronted by men of God. The difference was their response to the men of God. When confronted by Nathan the prophet, David repented and from his repentance we have the beautiful Psalm 51. When Amaziah was confronted, he responded the following: II Chronicles 25:16, "And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel." Several Godly men have sought to bring resolution to this situation and their counsel has been ignored and their character assailed. The Bible equates the sin of stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry. (I Samuel 15:23) King Saul's stubbornness was a result of pride. Verse 17 reveals that Saul started out humble, but allowed pride to fill his heart. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." All of us have to be constantly on guard against this terrible sin. It creeps up on us subtlety. Micah 6:8 tells us what God requires: " . . .to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
ReplyDeleteThanks to the comment June 15 10:09, I agree on staying anonymous for some of those reasons.Well spoken.
ReplyDeleteI am praying as well, for the truth to come out one way or another.Also Please pray for Pastor Sullivant,I believe he means well.
what i would like to know from Mr.Cooper is do you believe in "once saved always saved no matter what"?
ReplyDeleteIn answer to Anonymous of June 15, 2011 4:28 PM:
ReplyDeleteI do believe the Bible teaches an eternal salvation. Here are the reasons why:
John 10:27-29 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Romans 8:35, 38,39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom, ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
II Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Hebrews 12:2a
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith . . .
I Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
My eternal salvation is not dependent upon me. I am being kept by God's power. I am not holding on to God, He is holding on to me.
Many would argue that this promotes a doctrine of "license to sin". We as Baptist do not believe you can be saved and then lost, but we do realize that many "profess" salvation without "possessing" salvation. Matthew 7:22 reveals that "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Verse 23 says, "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Notice that the Lord says,"I never knew you". It isn't that he knew them for a while and then no longer knew them. It is that they are pretenders. Real Holy Ghost conversion results in eternal salvation.
Hebrews 12:6-11 teaches that a mark of a genuine believer is the chastisement of God. His children receive chastisement for sin in their life. Verse 8 says, "But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons."
Sadly, many are like the Pharisees, "for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleaness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." (Matthew 23:27,28) All too often we focus on the external and clean up the outside, but are never converted on the inside. One can only play the game so long before what is on the inside is revealed on the outside.
To Pastor Chet Cooper. I am so glad that you decided to come on the blogging scene here and give us a humble pastor's perspective knowing that you may hear from Mike Sullivant. Your imput has been so refreshing and edifying. I hope that the Winkler Baptists are reading your blogs and saying to themselves, "Wait a minute. Maybe we should open our hearts and eyes to see what is going on here with Mike Sullivant. We don't like to think bad of him, but if Chet Cooper knows the bad side of him, at least we should be open to hearing what the hurt people, especially his own daughter, his parents, and others have to say." Thanks again, Pastor Chet Cooper. Even though you are letting the public know that Mike Sullivant is not doing things right, you still didn't bad-mouth him. You did it kindly, yet honestly. Signed Tina.
ReplyDeleteMr. Copper: Just a few questions. Did you ever go to Mr. M. Sullivant and ask him what had taken place? As a pastor i am sure you would want to hear both sides so that the advise that you give would be correct. Does the Bible not say to go to that person to confront them. When David had sinned did Nathan not go to him in person? My Bible says to first go to him yourself then if he won't hear you to take with you two or three people. As a pastor would it not be better to pick up the phone and make an appointment for you, Laura and Jason to see Mr. M. Sullivant and try to make things right? I just can not believe that people will not humble themselves and say I am sorry, I was wrong. For the cause of CHRIST it is not worth holding a grudge.
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous of June 16, 2011 @ 11:06 pm:
ReplyDeleteMike has been approached numerous times in a Biblical fashion. Several have gone individually and then followed up with trying to take two or three witnesses. I have advised Jason, who has taken the first step two different times to take the next step and take witnesses. I have also suggested to Mike and Jason that they find neutral persons to help arbitrate a solution. Mike's parents had their pastor to try and help according to their own words on this blog with no success. From the words of those directly involved, Mike sets the rules of the meetings, surrounds himself with his deacons, and refuses to allow the witnesses to participate.
I agree that holding a grudge is not worth it. I have no grudge against Mike. I only desire to see him and his parents and his daughter have the kind of relationship that brings glory to God. I believe this has gone on too long already.
As David said, "Is there not a cause?" I believe the cause of Christ demands that this gets resolved. If I thought Mike would respond to me differently than he has responded to other men of God, (Raymond Dell, Dave Millar, Archie Dyck, Alan Brooks, Lyle Neufeld) I would make the trip to Canada willingly.
Matthew Sullivant posted on the guest book of our Church website: "Don't destroy what the Lord is doing." I have no desire to destroy what the Lord is doing. My actions are not responsible for the destruction of many people's lives that has happened the past 12 years.
A correction to my previous post:
ReplyDeleteMatthew Sullivant said: "Don't attack what the Lord is doing" instead of Don't destroy.
My writing on this blog is not to attack but to bring about action that produces resolution.
Well said Pastor Cooper...
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed the intent of those who tell their story to bring about action that produces resolution. I pray God brings about revival and restoration in the hearts and lives of all who are involved in this sad story.
Don't weary in well doing...
Pastor Cooper,
ReplyDeleteSo you take their "word" that the way they said the meeting(s) happened or were handled by Pastor Sullivant is truth?
That is not talking to him personally. Sorry.
The Pastors you listed here are your guide for faith and practice? By your own writing you have stated this otherwise I would not have known you nor your stand, or commented. We are all supposed to "blindly" entertain the thought that this bunch are above him or blameless in all character and actions concerning this situation, but Psstor Sullivant couldnt possibly be?
I am greatly disappointed in your level of discernment and sadly I would love to be able to trust my family members in your area to go to a good church, but this leaves me grieved.
Some of the Pastors in this group may have contributed greatly to a serious matter, and you would be foolish not to consider that.
You perhaps should have remained neutral, till you sought out the matter, or remained quiet until you could produce a more informed and wise opinion. People get their que from Pastors, from your very writing on here.
And to the comment by the lady who said that you did not bad mouth Pastor Sullivant, and were gracious in your post. Why post? By posting here, you are bad mouthing him, you are essentially saying he has not handled it right, and this is based from a very limited stand point and this is bad mouthing based on No comment from hom here or you knowing or talking to him.
Woe to the Pastors and teachers. (Relax, I mean Pastor Sullivant included!) You all are so important to people's lives and attitudes in leadership and this is EXTREMELY DISHEARTENING, because face it, you DO NOT KNOW what you are talking about. VERY FEW DO on here. SHAME.
A healthy fear of the Lord is lacking in all people....children, mothers, fathers, for PREACHERS.
May God have Mercy.
To Anonymous of June 17, 2011, 11:49 a.m.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you feel the need to remain anonymous?
You do not know what I know or how I know it. I have chosen not to share everything. You seem to think that Mike has handled it all correctly. If so, why has no one been restored? Spiritual leadership has the ability to restore broken relationships. In the church that I now pastor, we have had a situation that required discipline. (an adulterous affair) This family is now attending again and on the path to restoration. Another family left twice and is back a third time because of the Biblical practice of seeking restoration.
I know the character of the five preachers mentioned and all are Godly men. All had nearly identical experiences concerning their interaction with Mike in this situation. Is that mere coincidence?
I was present when two deacons from PVBC showed up at another church to try and intimidate that pastor in the early days of this matter. I was amazed at their actions and attitude. I admit I am not neutral. That's why I suggested to Jason and Mike that they find neutral parties to help resolve this. I believe that Mike's parents told the truth in their blog regarding how they have been treated and find their treatment very dishonoring.
I do know Mike and preached at the dedication of the college building in Altona. I even considered at one time starting a church in Altona back in 1996. I led the church I pastored in Dryden to support the college for $500 per month while I was their pastor.
Perhaps you do not know as much as you think you do. Maybe it is because you too are only getting one side of the story.
As for the fear of the Lord, Proverbs 8:13 defines what that is: "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth do I hate." I involved myself, without remaining anonymous, because I believe this situation is full of pride, arrogancy and the evil way and I hope by my speaking out to provoke people to "love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). I knew that Mike would find out and he did and has had e-mail contact with me.
Pastor Chet Cooper, thank you for 1) disclosing who you are and 2) providing an additional level of legitimacy to the spiritual and emotional abuse that has taken place. Did Mike Sullivant's parents lie in their account? Of course not. "Church discipline" is not done out of love by the church, but done out of fear in order to maintain control. For a single man to present himself as being above reproach by his congregation because he understands the will of God better than they do is absolute blasphemy and spiritual abuse. Adam and Eve were given a CHOICE. If God wanted it to be different, he would have planted a Mike Sullivant in that garden to tell them exactly what to think and do. And for those familiar with the strict dress code at PVBC, I can assure you that Eve's fig leaf was shoulder-less at her wedding.
ReplyDeleteone part needed in restoration is repentance. even your wonderful love can not conjure that up in someone, even if it somewhat inspires.
ReplyDeletei have seen many people restored in the church we attend, and pvbc as well and from much worse situations then even this one.
you mention all of these Pastors are godly men. we make our judgments based on the fruits we see. some call all this confusion and hurt the "bad fruit" of pastor sullivant, some would dare call it the bad fruit of laura and several others who took advantage of her situation to their own lusts.
apparantly all sides feel confident in their answering for their actions...let every man be fully persuaded. WOW, sounds like a situation for the LORD.
it really is a nuisance to me that i personally have witnessed curses and hatred and repulsive behaviour on numerous occassions from these leaders mentioned. And we won't even get into the behaviour of some of their wives.
i grieve to say that i question their godliness.
AND SO, we agree that this situation is full of pride, and we both eagerly anticipate a revealing of the truth.
i have NO DOUBT that God is at work.
i suggest that if indeed laura has been living a lie, there might be issues to address here on all sides.
if she has not been, then the handling of the matter in "her camp" is still in question. there are several resources available to her in her situation. they do work, i have used them and directed others to them.
perhaps they have already been involved and their help did not accomplish what she was looking for.
May God direct Laura and her father closer to Him and closer together.
everyone seems to agree on that, let's let it happen without US in the way.
I can't count how many times the commenters on this blog have tried to use "SHAME" to accuse people as in June 17, 11:49 AM.
ReplyDeletePeople seem to use the emotions of shame and guilt to motivate and correct the people around them. Shame brings with it thoughts of fear and anxiety. We tell our children shame on you, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. By speaking shame into their lives, we have built into our children a sense of failure and feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.
Unfortunately, the church ignorantly plays into the devil’s hands every time someone representing the church uses SHAME-based tactics to try and keep God’s children in line.
The Bible teaches in Romans 2:4 that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance; not shame or guilt.
God does not want us to stay bound to shame and inferiority. And He does not want us to speak shame into other people's lives.
I couldn't agree more with the previous post. Controlling others through fear and shame is not just a tactic, but an absolute necessity to keep members in line. Let's be honest here; where are the checks and balances with Mike Sullivant? Essentially, he has the final say. The main website states that PVBC's slogan is "A Church with a Heart for People." Which "People" is Mr. Sullivant referring to? The people that agree with him? It certainly isn't directed to close family and friends of church members who have gone through years and years of pain and hurt after being cut out of PVBC members' lives time and time again. Yes, there are times when it's OK to be angry and at what has taken place. PVBC has flourished in the Winkler area, partially because it has been a ripe breeding ground for people (i.e., passive Mennonites) that can be easily controlled through fear and shame. It's ok to speak up. You won't be struck by lightning, and you won't be damned to hellfire forever simply for speaking your truth. The community deserves to hear what has taken place. Yes, carefully crafted words and mediation, as Pastor Chet Cooper suggests, can be effective. However, there's also a time to simply stand up and say Enough already. This distortion and damage has gone on too long!
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting for some PVBC ERS to tell me why no one has ever been allowed and or restored back into this Church ? WEll ? In not seeking and implementing restoration this Church is Truely showing that it does "not have a Heart for People! unlike what this Churches Motto is.They have a form of Godliness but are so far of Course.They serve God in Bondage and have never experienced or they have forgotten the Goodness of Our Loving God.I don't serve my God because of do's and dont's that's not what the Bible is about.The Bible is a Guideline teaching us About the love of God for all of mankind !It Also teaches us about God's character and Gods ways and Principles.There are far to many so called Religious men nowadays claiming to know God,But dont ! they know of a God with no Heart experience.These men keep preaching thou shalt do this or that etc.That is truth, however most people respond and act out of obligation.We should be acting out of our love and us experiencing God in our own personal lives.It is one thing to know about and be saved,and a totally different thing to having experienced and having a personal relationship with our Loving and merciful and gracious God ! The actions that have taken place in this Church and the (FACT) ? that no reconciliation taking place tells me that they have not experienced God to the degree that Truly Changes People.Serving God out of Bondage always trying to earn Gods Favor.We as believers already have Gods Favor most of us still don't seem to see that.God is not Mad at us,nor is he this cruel God that a lot of people think he is.How can you have a Close and loving relationship with someone that you are afraid of ? Also to many believers are still living under the Law...Bondage they need to "Experience the Gospel Good News " KEY WORD "EXPERIENCE" that's Life Changing. For all to many Believers the Bible may be God's Word but these people have little or no Experience into a life changing progress.The Goodness of God should be our driving force to works,not People trying to control our actions toward God !
ReplyDeleteTo John June 18 9:52am. Your last two blogs have been very insightful and meaningful. I agree that there comes a time when we have to stand up and say it's enough already. Mike's followers keep saying that God will deal with it. Yes, He will, but God also uses people to get His work done here on earth. We are the Lord's hands, feet, and mouth-piece here. I do believe that the Lord has given Laura, her grandparents, Pete and John Reimer, etc. the "go ahead" to share their story, thereby exposing Mike's sin. Just like the Lord used Nathan to confront David when he had grieviously sinned. PVBCers, please open your eyes and hearts and start seeing that unless you admit that Mike is wrong here, you too will obediently do whatever that man tells you to do EVEN if it is wrong. You are putting Mike's control over you above the freedom that the Lord has given you and that is the freedom of Choice. God is a jealous God. He craves that you would follow Him as zealously as you follow Mike. You have made PMS your idol and that is wrong. Signed Kath.
ReplyDelete