What is happening in MCF these days?

[Faith Hopegood]

Good point Stargazer,

I have observed over the decades I have been involved in/left/watched the Christian Fellowship organisation of groups, there is a common theme - there are no longer any people (apart maybe from Ian Barlow) who had any formal theological training. Any older men who did come across from other main stream denominations have long since either passed away or been neutered or drummed out of the CF.

Their modus operandi of training is more the apprenticeship/nepotism model and having complying naive young men, whose pride is tickled by being “picked” to be a chosen one. This leads to a group of men who have “groupthink” which is driven by a religious spirit and pride. (look for evidence of the Fruits of the Spirit). There is no reference or training or effort to seek theological training outside of the CF structure - this is becomes cultlike just like the Brethren or North Korea - closed off to the outside world.

All the above is really no different to the Exclusive Brethren model - no training, just blind submission and keeping people and families in line with the threat of terror of losing their families if they dare speak out or which to attend another Christian church elsewhere. Throw in a love for the drink, double standards of treatment and you have the whole unhealthy group practices.

Additionally, any businessmen, who have perceived resources to be consumed, are courted and put up on a pedestal (this also happens in other churches too).

My best advice for anyone it to have a quiet time each day, pray, listen to God, read the bible. God will speak to you as an individual because the veil has been torn, we have access directly to God through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was resurrected and now intercedes on our behalf. God loves you and his covenant of love and blessing to individuals is fulfilled in Jesus and continues. Pray that the Holy Spirit (which was given to us at Pentecost as a helper and guide) can be active in your life each day, guiding and leading you to Christ.

[guest]

oh my goodness!
Why did Peter Hill, the apparent secretary, in April or May, claim to be bringing transparency, make us all feel terrible and sinful and called us to repent as we were not giving enough to cover the churches expenses in the general offering. I think Peter said we were giving only half of what was required to meet the churches expenses.
This feels pretty deceptive. And we are called to submit, trust and obey these men as messengers of God !?!

[guest]

... I think Peter said we were giving only half of what was required to meet the churches expenses. ...

I'm not close to the details, so anything from me is pure speculation. But you have to admit, it's a bit of a head scratcher.

If I were a member of a small congregation that had $6.5M in cash, and the pastor was publicly saying "We need more to cover our expenses...", I'd be asking, "Why?". Members of the church should know exactly where every dollar is going. But more importantly, members should be convinced that every dollar is being spent wisely and for the advancement of God's kingdom.

My recollection of 'transparency' in RFI is that members get passed a few sheets of paper (which all must be handed back) once a year at the AGM. The paper summarises finance at an extremely high level. Someone gets up and asks, "are there any questions?". All in attendance are too scared to say anything (for example, "What's included in this $2.5M item?"). The meeting is adjourned until next year with 100% in favour of all suggestions. Next year is rinse and repeat...

Members don't get much of a say in any meaningful way.

[Stargazer]

There’s a lot of questions regarding money usage at MCF. Like why do they need to do a $12 million dollar reno and expansion of the property when there are only 150 people there at the most! They say “it’s for the great revival that will happen”… Here’s a newsflash for ya MCFers…no one wants to go to your deceptive palace! There has to be tax implications for sure if there’s $12 mill floating around CF “not for profit charity” bank accounts….

[guest]

Does anyone know who Peter Hill is? Is he one of the full time or part-time pastors? Does he have a background in financial management and should know better?

[Stargazer]

Peter Hill moved to MCF from Adelaide to further his engineering career. He is not a leader just another lap dog to the elders.

[guest]

Is this Peter Hill, the Secretary on the Board of MCF?

https://harc.com.au/harc_member/peter-hill/

[Stargazer]

Yes correct

[guest]

Just putting an idea out there:
considering the ages of RK RJ GW JP JR
RB CH who are all over 80 now, I am wondering if they are intending to build retirement villas for these people; they certainly have enough vacant land for this; then they will all be close by to each other to drink the koolaid together!

They had better get a zip on and have enough fetes to raise the $12,000,000 needed before they're 90.

[guest]

I am interested to understand why you chose those 7 initials.
Why them?
What about DB LH WH RS DB?