She flies twice a month to follow Dr Leroy Thompson on his speaking circuit to attend his "Money Cometh" conferences and considers herself to be one of his spiritual daughters. Brags about the thousands she "sows to her man of God" while her church of 15 people continue to contribute to a new sanctuary that is still vacant after a year and a half. Yes, after 5 years there are only 15 adults attending her church. (WHY?)
She teaches the "Money Cometh" prosperity gospel, so we did the "MONEY COMETH TO ME NOW" shout and money pull. Repeated so much we believed this as coming from the bible, "You have a need, sow a seed", "I live by the seed I sow", "I want to be rich!" became our mindset. Giving to her is job number one.
She teaches the "Money Cometh" prosperity gospel, so we did the "MONEY COMETH TO ME NOW" shout and money pull. Repeated so much we believed this as coming from the bible, "You have a need, sow a seed", "I live by the seed I sow", "I want to be rich!" became our mindset. Giving to her is job number one.
I was the worship leader there for three and a half years and was instructed to flow with her to enhance her anointing and to usher God's presence into the meeting to prepare hearts to hear her message. Not exactly what true worship is to God. I repent to God for manipulating my brothers and sisters and not worshiping Him in spirit and truth!
In my time there, giving to her directly (sowing into the anointing) was encouraged and we were to sow level to level, (more and more) It came to the point our sowing was about $300 a week, (which was almost 50% of our income) in addition to our tithes, first fruit offerings, birthday, pastor "appreciation, building fund, jet airplane fund for Dr Thompson) We had minister of helps meetings about the importance of showing our pastor honor through our giving of lavish gifts, followed by on going fund raising for the pastor.
It stopped for me recently when we forgot to "sow our seed" one Sunday. I got a call on Monday morning out of concern that we not miss our blessings since we were so connected to her. I was reading a book from WoF grandfather Kenneth Hagin Sr called "The Midas Touch". This was one of his last books before his passing in 2003. It was about bringing balance to the prosperity gospel. Funny thing, Leroy Thompson was one of his spiritual sons and refused to heed the warning from his mentor. She told me to destroy that book and never read it, adding it was a book with a message from hell! She later called me and told me, that Kenneth Hagin Jr actually wrote the book out of a spirit of vindictiveness.
This is a MONEY CHURCH, all money flowed to her, no oversight, no benevolent fund, no charity giving, no outreaches. Everything is tightly controlled, no association with other Christian ministries, must attend 3 plus meetings a week, (each meeting you were to sow money into her). We became her personal servants, I was her personal chef two days a week in addition to my other duties at church.
The best experience I've learned here is DISCERNMENT. I wish it didn't take me so long. Stay away from the "Money Cometh" preachers!
Bill,
ReplyDeleteI pray that you will come to your senses. This is not right.You know that Pastor has prayed for your family and walked you though many trails. you also know without Pastor's direction you would not have been blessed or overcome many things. You do have the right to your option, but i would be very careful about hindering others from walking in this. You are sowing negative words and could possibly prevent some folks from being saved at all. The enemy just does not want you to come full circle. You just quite a little to soon. I really miss you and Candy, but this has got to stop. it is very dangerous for you, you have your whole family to think of so please for you own good, keep your options to yourself. And you were never a personal servant to anyone. Everything you did was by your own choosing. No one twisted your arm and made you do anything. The material you are posting is not true. you know we did so many outreaches, among other things. You need to think back of how life was going before you steped foot into Pastor Joyces Church. i say that based on your own public testominies.
lisa
Don't you know that Light of the World church is to God a name of joy,a praise and a glory? Don't you know that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Light of the World Church?
ReplyDeleteBill,my spirit,my heart is terribly grieved when I hear of the deception and the lies that you are putting out there for all to see.
I've been with Pastor Joyce for almost six years now and I must say, you've missed it badly.You never got to know her heart.You obviously never got to know the heart of God concerning this church and my Pastor.
The things you,ve said are twisted and are not the truth. Have you learned nothing here?
Words can not express the pain I feel inside about what you are doing.
My life has been restored and I am thankful to God and thankful to Pastor Joyce Leiphon.
Her heart is for God alone and the people He has given to her.She is the real thing Bill,and nothing you have to say will ever change that!
I see a lady with so many jewelries preaching the Word of God, and she was infront of poor people, and yes she is a black lady preacher. I called the 800 number and told them I am embarrass to see them exposing the poor for their own merit.
ReplyDeleteI am not going to judge but Jesus will be the one to judge this preachers in Jesus time.
Thank you Grace for your comments!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm free from that bondage! Joyce Leiphon became Jesus to the people of this church. You can see from the comments made that LOTWC was her church and pastor worship runs rampant. As you read this, please ask yourself, what Jesus I you worship?
ReplyDelete"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression," (1 Tim. 2:12-14 --
ReplyDeleteAt the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context. But this does not extend to the political/economic world. In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men. Also, in the New Testament, Phoebe played an important role in the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16). There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Acts 2:17; 18:24; 21:8). But what Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure, not in a social or political context.
When we look further at Paul's teachings we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2) who manages his household well and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity" (1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife..." Again, in Titus 1:5-7, We see no command for the overseers to be women. On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" (1 Tim. 3:11).
Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers?
It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel.
Additionally, in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male. There is not one instance of a female priest. This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices. This was not the job of women. Therefore, from what I see in Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man.
What About Galatians 3:28?
ReplyDelete"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus," (Gal. 3:28).
This verse is often used to support the idea that women can hold the offices of elder and pastor because there is neither male nor female in Christ. The argument states that if we are all equal, then women can be pastors.
Unfortunately, those who use this verse this way have failed to read the context. Verse 23 talks about being under the Law "before faith came" and how we are brought closer to Jesus and have become sons of God by faith. We are no longer under law, but grace and we are "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise," (v. 29).2 The point of this passage is that we are all saved by God's grace according to the promise of God and that it doesn't matter who you are, Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, or female. All are saved the same way, by grace. In that, there is neither male nor female.
This verse is not talking about church structure. It is talking about salvation "in Christ." It cannot be used to support women as pastors because that isn't what it is talking about. Instead, to find out about church structure and leadership, you need to go to those passages that talk about it: 1 Timothy 2 and Titus 1.
Being a Pastor or Elder is to be in Authority
God is a God of order and balance. He has established order within the family (Gen. 3:16; 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-21 ) and the church (1 Tim. 2:11-14; 1 Cor. 11:8-9). Even within the Trinity there is an order, a hierarchy. The Father sent the Son (John 6:38) and both the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me," (John 6:38). It is clear that God is a God of order and structure.
In creation, God made Adam first and then Eve to be his helper. This is the order of creation. It is this order that Paul mentions in 1 Tim. 2:11-14 when speaking of authority. Being a pastor or an elder is to be in the place of authority. Therefore, within the church, for a woman to be a pastor or elder, she would be in authority of men in the church which contradicts what Paul says in 1 Tim. 2:11-14.
But Doesn't This Teaching Belittle Women?
ReplyDeleteNo, male leadership does not belittle women. Jesus was given his authority by God the Father (Matt. 28:18). He was sent by God (John 6:38). He said the Father was greater than He (John 14:28). Did this belittle Jesus? Of course not. Women are of great value in the church and need to be used more and more according to the gifts given them.
Does the wife's submission to the husband mean that she is less than the husband, less important, or belittled? Again, not at all. Not having a place of leadership in the church does not mean a woman is less of a person, less important to God, or inferior. All are equal before God whether it be Jew, Gentile, free, slave, male, or female. But in the church, God has set up an order the same way he set one up in the family. The chain of command is Jesus, the man, the wife, and the children.
What About Women Who Say They are Called By God to Be Pastors?
There are women pastors in the world who love their congregations and have stated that they are called by God to be pastors. Of course, I cannot agree with this considering the previous analysis of the biblical position. Instead, I believe they have usurped the position of men and gone against the norm of scriptural revelation. Additionally, those who state that they are called by God because of the great job they are doing and the gifting they have received are basing their theology upon experience and not scripture.
The issue is simple: are they submitting to the word of God or are they making the word of God submit to their desires?
Does this also mean that women shouldn't wear jewelry?
ReplyDelete"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve," (1 Tim. 2:9-13).
Some argue that if we are to forbid women to be elders then the context of 1 Tim. 2:9-13 demands that we require women to no have braided hair, wear gold, or have costly garments. Since no one wants to put that sort of a demand on a woman (since it is cultural), then why should we also demand that they not be elders since it would logically follow that it was also a culturally based admonition?
The problem here is that multifaceted. First, the objection ignores what the scriptures plainly teach about the elder being the husband of one wife. Second, it fails to address the real issue of biblical headship residing in the male. Third, it fails to properly exegete the scripture in question.
In 1 Tim. 2:9-13 Paul tells us that women should be modestly dressed. He uses the example of the then present day adornment as an example of what not to do. This is a culturally based assessment by Paul. Notice that Paul emphasizes good works and godliness as a qualifier (as does Peter, see 1 Pet. 3:2). This is not a doctrinal statement tied to anything other than being a godly woman in appearance as well as attitude.
In verse 11, Paul says that a woman should quietly receive instruction. Please note that "The word, heµsychia, translated “quietness” in 1 Timothy 2:11 and silent in verse 12, does not mean complete silence or no talking. It is clearly used elsewhere (Acts 22:2; 2 Thes. 3:12) to mean “settled down, undisturbed, not unruly. A different word (sigaoµ) means “to be silent, to say nothing” (cf. Luke 18:39; 1 Cor. 14:34).”3 Paul is advocating orderliness in this verse.
Then in verse 12-13, Paul says, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve." Notice that Paul directly relates the authority issue with the created order. He does not do this with the woman's dress code. Therefore, the dress code is cultural and the authority issue as doctrinal since the latter is tied to the creation order and the dress code and authority issue are not.
God's word clearly tells us that the elder is to be the husband of one wife. A woman cannot qualify for this position by virtue of her being female. Whether anyone likes it or not is irrelevant to the fact that this is what the Bible teaches.
What abut a woman who preaches or teaches but is under her husband’s authority?
ReplyDeleteAccording to scripture anyone can preach the gospel, including women and children. The question is not in the ability to teach or preach, the question is about authority. The reason a woman can not be an elder or pastor by the biblical definition of elder or pastor, is because those offices would give the woman authority over men in the church.
Can women function as a prophet, evangelist, teacher, or apostle?
Yes, the New Testament is full of examples of women functioning in these callings. Remember in Acts when there was a discussion going on and you had the apostles, prophets, evangelist and teachers along with the elders of the church having a discussion. This included men and women. James who was the pastor of the church gave the final word and had the final authority, again because he was the pastor. That means that Peter, James and John and everyone else, women included submitted and got quiet.
So What about Light of the World church and Pastor Joyce Leiphon?
ReplyDeleteJoyce Leiphon is serving as the senior pastor of her church and is the final authority. This obviously is a contradiction of scripture. She obviously is a great teacher and may or may not have a unique revelation on the prosperity. However, she is not submitted or under the authority of her husband. She and her husband are listed as pre marital counselors in Saint Lucie county. According to legal documents she filed for, and divorced her husband a few years ago. She is obviously not under any ones authority within Light of The World church. She is listed as the President of Light of the World church with the state of Florida. There is no Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer listed as officers of the corporation. There are only two directors listed who are related. This is also a violation of Florida Corporation law. There is obviously no system of checks and balances in this non-profit. One person handles the money and it is the same person that is the president and the pastor, Joyce Leiphon!
No matter how noble her intentions are, no matter what kind of revelation is on the word she is teaching, you can not violate scripture. You will only hurt the people you are trying to help. The only thing believers can do is pray for her and her congregation. Pray that the true light will shine on this and she will repent and set things right according to scripture.
This is a wonderful testimony of grace, Bill, and coming out from among the wolves. The cultish nature of that group is clearly evident within their doctrines and behaviors, as you have pointed out. However, it is especially noticeable within the comments of some of the remaining cult adherents, who saw fit to make their deceived condition known here on your post.
ReplyDeleteI have added a link to your testimony to my our own new post, "Leroy's Love for Lucre" on www.KennethCopelandBlog.com on the web. (BTW: I noticed that you linked to our post about Hagin's rebuke of Copeland, Thompson, and others...so thank you for highlighting that fact.) The hyperlinked text toward the end of the post which says, "Thankfully, some people have already realizing that Leroy and his throng of subordinate 'wanna-be-just-like-him' junior cult-leaders are nothing more than covetous wolves" contains the link back to your page. You can find the full post here: http://kennethcopelandblog.com/2011/06/01/leroys-love-of-lucre/
God bless you, Sir. Keep up the great work!
Always in Jesus,
-Rev. Rich Vermillion
A TRUE woman of God does not criticize other religions or tell people that they will "go to Hell" if they do not see eye to eye with her on issues or agree 100% with HER religious beliefs, as many of us in this community have witnessed over the years. And apparently she doesn't follow her own "counseling" advice too closely, considering the # of husbands this woman has divorced.
ReplyDeleteRev. Rich Vermillion is totally correct about this group having a "cultish" nature. Anyone who would use the name of our precious Lord as a means to justify doing something they know is not the case, for example "God told her to divorce her husbands," well, that's about as "cultish" as you can get.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that not only this pastor, but sadly, many others out there as well, practice the lifestyle that they do with their doctrines and behaviors, but are always the first to condemn others for their actions or beliefs. Hypocrisy at its worst !
ReplyDeleteJust curious......wonder if the people in this church dance around like they've got ants in their pants, shouting, "Moneeeeeey cometh to Meeeeee" just like Leroy Thompson does.
ReplyDeleteThis is obviously a MONEY CHURCH; otherwise, it doesn't seem plausible that Leroy could justify continuing the licensure and ordination of a pastor who has consistently divorced husband after husband after husband after husband after husband.
ReplyDeleteAt least her flock doesn't have to worry about the "pastor" spending their money on a $25,000 dog house like Jim and Tammy Bakker did, because she dislikes all of God's creatures.
ReplyDeleteFunny that the pastor mentioned the book you were reading as being a book with a "message from Hell." Many of us in the comunity over the years have seen this woman connect things with "Hell," particularly if it is something that she does not agree with or is not to her liking or benefit. She has been heard to say, "and you'll go to Hell, too" when someone else's opinion differs from hers. And this is a Pastor.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jolie, Jolie, Jolie, IF YOU ONLY KNEW
ReplyDeleteWhen I prayed to the Lord concerning tithing and giving of monetary funds because it had become a stumbling block to me in my spiritual walk, I believe the LORD woke me up from the deception that you, in effect, buy God's blessings with money. Just think of Acts chapter 8. Simon the sorcerer saw what being filled by the Holy Ghost was doing to the christians of that day and he approached Simon Peter and offered him money for this 'power'. The Apostle Peter answered him saying, '..your money perish with you because you thought you could buy the GIFT of God (meaning the filling of the HOLY GHOST) with money." That should tell you something right there. Christians are to be lovers of God, through Jesus Christ, with all of their hearts, soul, strength and mind. Not lovers of money with all of your heart soul strength and mind. Because, the love of money is the root ( I like to say, root-cause) of ALL MANNER OF EVIL. Wake up Christians! Stop thinking that you can buy anything that actually comes from the grace and goodness of God Most High with dirty filthy corrupt money. Just ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, if you belong to JESUS CHRIST and are HIS he will open up your eyes about this if you pray. And the Spirit of Truth, will not lie to you or twist scriptures to deceive you about HIS HOLY WORD.
ReplyDeleteI really hate these attack websites. If all you can do is attack other Christians that is pitiful. A lot of hurt people need hope and they Jesus. It's not going to happen if Christians keep abusing each other.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to hurl your hate at me for posting this, please do. I welcome it.