Banned From Their Church

After posting on the East Waynesville Baptist Church that excommunicated nine of its members [and its pastor now says it was all a big misunderstanding], I received an email from Barry and Jennifer Pendergast of BleatingLambs.org. They were also kicked out of their church in South Calgary. Here's their story:

Barry & Jennifer Pendergast belonged to South Calgary Community Church for 9 years and invested willingly and lovingly in many ministry areas. Barry & Jennifer were delighted to initiate the first Alpha Marriage Course at the church especially when a marriage retreat in March 2003 identified so many couples in medium to serious difficulties. It pained them greatly to see little being done to assist the couples. When after 9 years they lovingly questioned the unethical behavior of elders, pastors, and a pastor's wife on issues relating to the Marriage Course they were treated cruelly, threatened, excommunicated and banned from all church buildings and activities; the first time in October 2003. Despite repeated requests, the Pendergasts were unable to have the proof of the mass accusations leveled in the elder's letter of 22nd September 2003. Nor would Kevin Phillips, Chairman of the Elders, and the elders agree to outside assistance to help resolve the conflict. Both Kevin Phillips and Senior Pstor Jim Wallace refused to heed the Executive Director of North American Baptist Conference Ron Berg's insistance that a third party be called in. It would take almost a year for the Kevin Phillips to admit, infront of the mediator, the decision to discipline was based on a single confidential email sent to a Denise Chaulk, friend & spiritual advisor to the Pendergast and elder. A friend who herself and her husband had voiced open concerns about the senior pastor's controlling attitude.

I wonder how many cases like these there are out there.

Comments

[Rebecca Chaulk]

Hi
Well now that people have gone around slandering my mothers name i feel as her daughter and as the person who grew up in Jenny and berrys care that this is so stupid. I really enjoy how some strenger has posted things about my family and this person has no clue who we are. I also would like to say that this is the most inmature things i have seen in forever,why are we posting all the imperfections of the church instead of fixing them? Ya it's easy to go around blaming the church but heres something we forgete WE ARE THE CHURCH... so how are we helping other people we care about by tearing it all down. adults always teach kids to forgive and not hold grudges and yes i don't know all that happened in this case but really how is this helping the situation. I miss people that have loved and that supported me, cause of a church thing?.. I don't get it.So heres my two sence and about 17 dollors more... hey we all get hurt in the church welcome to the world now we can stay angry and run around cutting people off in our lives or we can simply be the bigger person and move on... and trust me this is coming from someone who knows and if jenny and barry get to see this they know what I am talking about. So I am sorry for what happened don't mean to offend anyone but I have to stick up for my family any good daughter or son would do the same. But I love you and hope you'll be okay and get in touch and come to my wedding when it happens cause you two always supported me so ya there ya go do with it what ya will
20 year old Rebecca Chaulk

[Paul]

Hey Rebecca,

You have a LOT of growing up to do.

You have no idea of how serious abuse and authoritarianism is in many churches. YOur attitude is an insult ot all who have suffered so much at the hands of power hungry church "leaders".

Please show a little respect.

Paul