Came across an article today that had this very accurate image that took me back to my encounters with one of several pastors over the years.

Illustrated by the talented NakedPastor.
Titled Invitation to Intimidation

I remember when I stepped into the office of “Pastor” Fred Eaton, somewhat of an arrogant aggressive individual – my terminology for the insufficient description of “bully” (Updates: now at Christ City Church, **as of Dec 2020 he no longer has been a preaching “pastor” for some time at CCC taking up “teaching” as a traveling “preacher”**) during Crossway Church’s round 1 demise (round 2 is in the works it appears as a call for church unity sermons are trending in preparation for change management and a merger that’s in the air) with their corrupt nondisclosure agreements in place at the time, I stated to his face and any one listening that stepping into the Crossway offices felt like stepping into a lions den. He asked why and I stated it just does, as he eyed Pat Sczebel who was behind me, in their toxic scheming with members one at a time, who were known to be consistent “givers”.

BTW for those caught in the middle of this potential “merger” (a benign church-speak terminology in several mergers I’ve observed recently for declining numbers, “transition” opportunity and turnkey clientele goodwill acquisition) be well versed in exactly what amounts of church funds are being used to either obtain the new paying/ tithing membership or what the dissolving church lead pastor or “eldership” is demanding to “strategically” transition their loyal paying congregation to the new “church body” within the “merger”. In other words all financial dealings – expenditures – agreements should be disclosed to the stakeholders/ regular doners of the receiving church. Unlike the rushed slight of hand “transition” and coup that was carried out in secrecy by some of these same men and their “close friends” and family claimed to be “at arms length” – with utter contempt and disrespect for the congregation as a whole – not that long ago with undisclosed amounts in the tens of thousands used to broker their plan.

I take it I’m not blocked here? Good.

Shortly after I extricated my family from that toxic mess, I can only imagine what it must have been like for Diane to face these men as some of them proceeded to plan and strategize her excommunication and threatened humiliation.

Much like this image, but real for her and maybe for you. Add to that their documented “assessment” that she was mentally unstable simply for calling them out. Yet would these men ever be considered “unfit for ministry” themselves? Unlikely because as a modern 15th century mob patriarchy, that’s the way the church rolls “Bro”.

If you find yourself in this position, now you know it’s not the first time with you. Stand your ground against such arrogance and coverups on any issue, make records and documentation of what is taking place for clear future references if needed then close the door behind you and leave dystopia behind for the well being of your family and a much healthier future with your walk with Christ as a christian. They know of their toxic gospel environments they just don’t know what else they can do to match their gospel salaries and asset managed retirement plans, so they press on “with the Lord’s blessing and calling”. Hoping they have enough well positioned “givers” in the camp who relish their favoured status to sustain the gospel narrative and their “nonprofit” tax haven status, salary, benefits and deductions. So with all that at stake does one really think it’s your serious issues, questions, concerns and best interest that is at heart?

These kind of antics would rarely be accepted in the real world backed by meaningful legislation but are common within the church and religious societies.

” All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell – Animal Farm

*** Sept 2023 – Update for consideration if you might find yourself considering being “under the ‘pastoral’ covering” (cringe terminology to flee FAR from) of Fred Eaton.

Since the infighting demise of Crossway Church, he has been through SEVERAL church “pastor” positions, and for good reason. Crossway Church, then to The Bridge Church, then to Christ City Church (Kitsilano “plant” as lead pastor till he was no longer welcome after an event being confronted), made some itinerant stops as far Alberta as a visiting speaker before recently taking the lead pastor position at Valleyview Bible Church moving the family to Kamloops. Unfortunately, but predictably, that role has lasted just short of a year before finding himself moving back to the lower mainlands Vancouver /Surrey region and not without him bringing blaring attention to his condition and battle with depression on social media. A medium and platform he openly opposed and discouraged its use as self aggrandizing, and a platform of sinful gossip for years, the very platform he now appeals to for… support, sympathy and attention possibly? Support many wish they had.

With a history of this kind of pride and opposition to others while attempting to always run a pseudo controlling fiefdom, its very understandable how this can eventually affect the mental health of one who does not recognize or read the room in that it does not work, nor is it “Biblical”. But yet many of us were subject to this type of “leadership” for years, till, thankfully, we weren’t when it was clear the emperors had nothing on.

I and others truly hope he finds the REAL help he needs, and also no longer chooses to enter the religious space of “pastor” any longer, or at least not until after several years of self reflection, considering the YEARS of harm he has inflicted to many with arrogant teaching and preaching using the pulpit as a pseudo PSA platform and bully pulpit, weaponizing the Bible to attack and literally humiliate those who either disagree with him or dare challenge his status, “integrity” and “Biblical” ideologies.

For him, find the counselling help you need (that for years you actively opposed saying only counselling within the church should be considered and was approved or qualified) and stay away from the pulpit. And for others, be careful and watchful in placing your families in a church where he (quite frankly, several others like him that all came from the similar cadre of indoctrined pasts) may be involved in any capacity where he is given any amount of authority to speak or “lead”.