A Done Deal: Longtime Member Says It Appears That Major Decisions At Mount Zion Are Made In Closed Meetings

Re: Letter to the EditorDear Mr. BennettI am writing to express my appreciation to you for providing the “infomercials,” “Pot Pourri” editorials, and letters related to concerns by members of Mount Zion Baptist Church. I do not know who authored the “Concerned Members…” information, but I am writing to express some procedures in the church that are destructive to the spiritual edification desired by most in the congregation.I have been a member of Mount Zion for 62 years. I joined in my late teens and became active immediately. I have sung with the Sanctuary Choir most of this time and served in other volunteer capacities in the Church. Without the information published in the Medium, most of Mount Zion’s Membership would have had little opportunity to know the many confusing issues we are facing.It appears that most major decisions are made in closed meetings with little input or agreement from the majority congregation. Such decisions are “done deals” when finally brought to the congregation in Church meetings. Members vote on important issues with no knowledge of the impact of many of the important proposals presented. Many appear to be “designs for destruction.” I am fully aware that others have written The Medium enumerating and expressing concern about the leadership at Mount Zion. Discord in the congregation is rampant. The Spiritual element has dissipated despite the oratorical talents of the Senior Pastor.Mount Zion’s illustrious past has had its dark periods before. Approximately fifty years ago, we faced a situation very similar to what we have today. When this situation was finally resolved, we progressed under our now Pastor Emeritus for forty years. I recently read a quote by Daniel Bostein (Historian, Library of Congress) which stated, “trying to plan for the future without knowing the past is like trying to plant cut flowers.” Our “new direction” bashes and dismisses our history. Mount Zion has hopes of building the future on the successful past to achieve ever expanding goals. This has been summarily undermined with the “Visions” of some who have little familiarity with Mount Zion’s constitution, its needs and its many contributions to the Seattle community. Those members who dare to question the irregular actions of the Senior Pastor are often “put down.”The many volunteers who have served in all facets of the operations of the church and in many capacities, at no cost to the Church, are being pushed aside. Costly contractors are now providing services that were previously performed by willing and able members which allowed the Church to have more opportunity to spread God’s Word with charitable contributions to many groups and individuals in our own City. New members are “brain washed” and many disappear after a short stay in the congregation.A few months ago, a list of the membership was published showing financial contributions of each member listed. This invasion of privacy was not only demeaning, but included deceased members…members in nursing homes…non members…”first time visitor” (no name)… “deficit contributions”… and many mistakes. It was made available to members who signed for it in the office. This did not preclude the opportunity for many more to receive the list. A member provided me with a copy and made others to pass on. A television news release on Channel 5 described a major scam by a “financial advisor” who presented workshops at Mount Zion a few years ago. How we fell heir to this kind of this activity is a mystery to me, but the very fact that it was held at Mount Zion gave the membership the confidence to believe it had merit. The Mount Zion Congregation needs to have full information before important decisions are made. Some decisions being made shake the very foundation of the church’s spiritual commitment. As a member of Mount Zion, I can only hope that the Church moves forward in a more responsible way to achieve its primary purpose of spiritual enlightenment through the love of Jesus Christ and under the direction of Almighty God.Yvonne F. Beatty, MemberMount Zion Baptist Church