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Mt. Zion A Church Divided Both Mentally and PhysicallyJeremiahThe Lord said to Jeremiah, “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” . . . . . Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them , I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done.” The Lord goes on to tell Jeremiah . . . “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing . . .” (Jer. 23) Clearly, since 2000, many Mount Zion members have scattered. Why do a once-satisfied people scatter? Could it be that they do not like being “dis’ed”, disdain, disliked, disillusioned, disappointed, or discouraged? Could it be that they do not like being regularly chastised from the pulpit during one of the pastor’s fire and brimstone sermons? Mount Zion is a church that is divided; the people have scattered both mentally and physically. As the weeks pass, the chasm is becoming deeper and wider.There are two ways to look at Mount Zion’s situation. One could say that some Mount Zion members and friends are attempting to burn the pastor at the stake by challenging his new vision. One could further argue that what he [the pastor] is doing, what he has done, and what he is capable of doing, is burning Mount Zion “Traditionalists” at the stake. When one looks at the Mount Zion image through a microscope, clearly, the slide is transparent and full of the fingerprints and footprints of the shepherd.When more than a century of successful church leadership and pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance can be tangibly measured, what then drives the urgency, determination and doggedness to drastically change and/or cripple the will of the people. What manner of man would knowingly want to trample and crush that which has taken generations to grow? What manner of man would dare to denigrate the work and struggles of so many? What manner of a man would instantly upon arriving began to make major changes to members of the pulpit, church operations and staff resulting in costly litigation? What is driving the urgency, determination and doggedness to drastically change the infrastructure and the foundational and community structure that has grown the church to this present age and made great contributions to the community of faith? What manner of man would incite a long-term member to stand and say “That You Make Me Sick” publicly to him during his recent fireside chat? What manner of man when questioned, will constantly and consistently point the finger and pass the buck, shift responsibility and accountability? What manner of man would make a brazen attempt to chastise and muzzle the members of the Diaconate as if they had no voice as long-standing members of the church? What manner of man would want the Diaconate to be viewed by the congregation and the community as being useless and irrelevant? After talking about healing and reconciliation, what manner of a man would openly chastise members of the congregation who dare disagree with him, referring to them as “misinformed” and as “sinners?” Let us be reminded that according to Hiscox, that not only does the Diaconate have charge of the sick and needy members, they are also to serve as counselors and assistants to the pastor in advancing the general interests of the body. The language in the “Vision 21st Century” document and the pastor’s behavior to date, clearly indicate and dictate that no matter what, he will have his way, even at the risk of further causing unrest and deepening the chasm between the pastor, the officers, ministries and members of the church. Mount Zion, what is at stake here spans several generations . . . spiritually and physically, structurally and historically? How many generations will it take to realize the damage done and begin the arduous work of rebuilding, restoring, and renewing? Each person examine for yourself what was, what is, and what might be. No one is averring that Mount Zion and/or previous pastors have been perfect. But the case can be made and won, that the sheep were not scattered and the reputation of our church while it was not thornless, the pleasing fragrance and admirable beauty were discernable within the confines of the church, the community of faith, and the community-at-large.To the members and friends of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Central Area, Seattle, Washington, remain true to your purpose and do not allow yourselves to “bought and bossed.” There is much too much at stake!Paid for by the Friends of Mount Zion Baptist ChurchPage of 5Page of 4