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Me. Me. Me. This story is all about the allure of power and wealth. What about the members of the congregation?

Why couldn’t your church be a home church

I JUST WANT TO GIVE THE "IMPRESSION" I HAD IN LISTENING TO THE THOUGHTS AND REASONS FOR CLOSING THE "CHURCH" (AND I MEAN TO COMMUNICATE THIS IN RESPECT): 1) THE STATEMENT THAT BY LOSING THE LEAD PASTOR, THE WORSHIP PASTOR AND THEIR WIVES, THE CHURCH WOULD ALMOST BE "CRIPPLED" BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO HANDLE THE BULK OF THE CHURCH'S RESPONSIBILITIES. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LORD GIVING THE CHURCH LEADERS FOR "THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS"? ( EPHESIANS 4:12). WHEN THIS IS NOT BEING DONE, THEN THE COMMUNITY BECOMES "TOP - HEAVY". AND THEN IF THE LEADERS MOVE ON, AS IS THE CASE NOW, THE "FLOCK" HAS NO CLUE WHAT TO DO. 2) THERE WAS A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON THE SAME "PRIORITIES" THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT A "BUSINESS" TO FOCUS ON: NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS AND A MARKETING PLAN TO GET MORE (ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY SHARING THE GOSPEL AND MAKING DISCIPLES? THAT'S "HOW" THE LORD HAS ASKED US TO SPEND OUR TIME AND WHAT HE WILL BLESS TO BRING AN INCREASE), FUTURE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO GAIN FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO DISTRIBUTE TO OTHER "OUTLETS". 3) TALK OF HOW THE CLOSING WILL IMPACT THE LEADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. WHAT ABOUT THE BODY OF BELIEVERS?? WHAT ABOUT THE COMMUNITY OF CHRIST - FOLLOWERS THAT SHOULD HAVE BUILT INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER OVER THE PAST 14 YRS., WITH THE FOCUS OF REACHING A LOST WORLD FOR CHRIST?? NOT MUCH AT ALL WAS REALLY SAID ABOUT THEM AND ABOUT THEIR "READINESS TO CONTINUE IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, EVEN IF SOME WILL BE MOVING ON. I'M SORRY, BUT IT REALLY SOUNDS LIKE A "BUSINESS" IS SHUTTING IT'S DOORS, RATHER THAN A "FAMILY" OF CHRIST - FOLLOWERS.

Did you diligently try to find a new pastor who could take over the ministry? If not, why not? As a church planter myself, I would jump at such an opportunity.

God opens doors/closes doors.. blame it all on God without any personal responsibility?? Hmm

Is this church or corporation?

Good success in all you do.

Your an idiot you need to advertise your a true worthless idiot

That’s hard stuff brother. God help you and the members of your church as you all figure out what’s next.

The one thing I don't understand is that there is really no mention of the congregation and what their thoughts are. It seems like you and a few others made a decision; was the congregation aware of the possible plan to close? What were the options offered? Was it strictly a financial decision, meaning too many years that the church would be in the red in terms of Finances ultimately made this decision a reality? I think you mention the right things in regards to praying for the right direction and next steps. I also think that you make a great observation that many would ignore: the closed doors. I think most would think, "This church simply cannot close!" I just feel that based on the reasons you gave, it doesn't really warrant a closing of a congregation. It feels like a piece is missing. We will be united in prayer!

This can't be real. You're closing a church because you didn't get 20 new families visiting the church?? I heard a lot about you in this video, but I didn't hear much about God or the gospel. Church growth has become an idol.

This is a familiar story for me. I went through the same thing with a team of people that started a church in 2005. We all laid down our lives for the ministry. A lot of people got saved and changed over the years. We were successful in a lot of ways. We did get to a point where we lost key people and couldn’t replace them . Doors kept closing and it wasn’t fruitful anymore. We really sought the Lord and asked him to show us that he wanted the work to continue. Things got worse- the young couple we had postured to take the church didn’t want it. I knew that the assignment of this ministry was coming to an end. It’s harder to end a church than start. We had served Gods purpose- some people had a hard time with it. I see a lot of pastors just holding on when their ministry is not fruitful or growing. We also had a building which we sold for over 1 million. How the funds were distributed and to what non profits became a real point of contention that we didn’t expect. I would tell the pastors of Exponential to be prepared for battles over the money and some members having trouble moving on

I do wan't to be respectful but It seems God was actually trying to tell you not to close the church but to stay the course. but I also understand that many people can have different interpretations of the events that lead up to this decision. I will be praying but if for some reason even selling falls through reconsider.

Did you consider that Church Candy simply failed on their marketing promise? From that inflection point in your story all doors for you to leave seemed closed. I pray God‘s grace for you during this time of transition.

Sounds solid - sad to see the body of Christ devouring their own. In the comments. Prayers for the Lord’s leadership in the next steps for both the stewardship of resources as well as you and your family as well.

Why do you believe that you are indispensable to the church?

There seems to be a real misunderstanding about the purpose of the Gathering of the Saints here. It concerns me that you talked about the advertising campaign at the beginning. That tells me that you were focusing on the wrong things. You grew by adding 9 additional families this year...and that was a closed door? God grows His Bride as He desires. It may be simply that God is calling you and the worship leader to a different ministry. Consider selling the building and starting several home fellowships with qualified elders. That may be a better route than closing the doors entirely. I really don't want to come off as judgmental. I know it's hard. I've been in ministry for several years. For the past 2 we have been hosting a weekly fellowship in our own home. It is a huge blessing.

Praying for you, your family and the assembly you Pastor. The Lord bless, lead you all as you transition into the next season of his will for you and the congregation.

What does any of this have to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ or the authority of Word of God? I could be wrong, but this all sounds like it's about this guy and his easily swayed feelings.

Interesting… was there no thought of raising up leaders to carry on? Or resign and look for a pastor? Are there any other churches around Harrisburg that could come along side? Are there elders that help oversee or was this just your decision? Honestly just asking questions… may the Lord bless you and his people.

That sounds more like a lesson from god. Less about numbers and was a calling about depth with what you have. Watching and waiting to hear that they are going to Costa Rica.

Prayers for your next steps brother! ❤

I’m concerned about the me centered message. What about Christ Centered? Don’t forget Christ is the head of the church. Closing vs developing new leadership so the church continues. Brother, I’ll will pray for you.

Lol, this should become Trump's Church.

God bless you brother! I have planted two churches and have been through some very hard stages along the way. It is a challenging calling but I have a ton of respect for you as you have followed God's leading and walked through open doors. May God bless you and your family as you discern next steps in your life and ministry.

So sad to hear, but at the same time so excited for your new chapter, Pastor Gilbert! I loved coming to Exponential when I was in PA, and prayers and blessings to you on your next adventure. God bless!! Robyn from NJ

Hi Gilbert. you and I had coffee together several years ago and you shared with me the steps that led you to start the church. Things don't always make sense according to our human reasoning, but your testimony resonated with me then and I believe you are doing the right thing now as well. I've moved to North Carolina and back to my home state of Indiana since we talked. I recently lost a high paying job (closed door) but God enabled me to buy a house and a newer vehicle before I lost that income. I'm on social security now and it is enough to pay my mortgage and my car payment, but I am praying for direction and open doors as well. God is faithful and He will provide for us all.

Praying for next steps, also, it cannot be understated the amount of courage and humility to decide to close. We have so many new churches in our area looking for a home, and so many churches that are in more dire shape than Exponential that will not close and be a blessing to others. Love the Kingdom-minded focus.

Don't know you or your church, the only word of wisdom I have is that an open door doesn't mean you should take that door, king David had multiple doors open by God to kill king Saul, the bible says in one instance that God put the people of the camp to sleep, but he didn't take advantage of those opportunities because he stayed true to the word of God and what God had told him despite the situation around him. I am not saying this applies in this situation or this doesn't apply here, just wanted to encourage every Christian to stay with what God's word says and not change because of eternal situations. Praying for the best.

God??

I really just dont get it, but .....

??

Apparently you didn't follow God's direction.

Blessings brother praying for you...don't know you guys but I love your hearts

Good job Gilbert for make the video

Great message

Worshiping the band and the big projection screen.

Krachtige worshipsong voor wie op Hem vertrouwen, deze song raakt mij diep en geeft mij hoop en moed in deze gebroken wereld. Love You God ❤

I was unclear on this part of the book. Thanks for helping me understand it better!

Greetings! I'm Robert from Bridge of Hope Church in Orosi, I'm in the Praise Ministry, Hello Bill and Gilbert 🖐🇨🇷🙏 God bless you

'Promo sm' 🎉

Hello friends, Greetings from Costa Rica, I'm Robert from the Puente de Esperanza church, I'm from the music ministry, and thanks to Bill for joining us in the music ministry, and we are very grateful for what you did, thank you very much for the work what they did for the platform. And when Bill comes back he has to play with us again, and greetings to Bill, his wife and also to Pastor Gilbert and his wife, Blessings❤

Did you paint the back wall or is it a cloth?

🍀 Promo_SM

Fantastic

I took a lot of notes on this. I been holding bitterness too long. I'm praying everyday to forgive. No one I been feeling so sick. Thank you Gilbert for serving God and the community. God Bless your great soul❣️

❤❤❤❤

Great😍😍😍

Awesome message, Pastor Gilbert!

My friend told me about your channel! I subscribed !! Do not waste another day > 'PromoSM'.