The historic Oakhurst neighborhood north of downtown Fort Worth, Texas, looks like a typical urban community, with modest homes surrounding a pocket park where neighbors frequently gather. It’s also the only community to win Fort Worth’s Neighborhood of the Year award three times, most recently in 2022.
But according to Landon Schott, lead pastor of the adjacent Mercy Culture megachurch, Oakhurst is inhabited by people he believes to be “witches” and “warlocks” who are putting up “insane demonic resistance” to the work of God.
Specifically, the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association opposed Mercy Culture’s proposed location to build a three-story, 100-bed facility for survivors of human trafficking. After a two-year battle that culminated in a contentious, hours-long meeting Dec. 10, 2024, the Fort Worth City Council narrowly approved the church’s plan.
The church still needs additional city approvals as the project moves forward, and it’s not clear when construction could begin. But the tensions between the church and many of its neighbors remain.
The association claims it opposed the project location because of safety and traffic concerns. Plus, the association alleged that Mercy Culture was not following best practices for a facility of this type.
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But according to Schott, the opposition was far more insidious than that.
“If anyone resist (sic) helping the most abused victims in our community its only because they’re EVIL!” Schott posted on Instagram.
And in a Jan. 1 episode of “Holy Disruption,” a Mercy Culture podcast, Schott labeled the clash with the neighborhood “spiritual warfare.”
“We are in a battle. It’s not against flesh and blood, which means it’s spiritual,” Schott said on the podcast. “So, if we have a group of people that are trying to actively resist us around every corner for two years from helping survivors of human trafficking, this is spiritual.”
Schott’s wife and Mercy Culture Lead Pastor Heather Schott added that the opposition had become personal, and multiple people had tried “to kidnap our children from church.” She said the church even received a $1 million ransom request for the threatened kidnapping of her husband.
The Roys Report (TRR) tried to confirm these allegations with Forth Worth police. A public relations officer was unable to find any reports related to the alleged incidents at Mercy Culture.
TRR also reached out to Mercy Culture for evidence and clarification but did not receive a response.
However, TRR was able to speak with residents of Oakhurst, who said they’re appalled by Mercy Culture’s and the Schotts’ allegations and attempts to vilify them.
“In the congregation, they teach them that we’re terrible people, that we’re non-human, that we’re possessed by the devil because we don’t go to that church,” said Kathryn Omarkhail, a lifelong Christian who’s lived in Oakhurst for 20 years. “It’s disheartening.”
Omarkhail, who serves as vice president of the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association, describes her neighborhood as a “melting pot” where everyone knows their neighbors. But living there has been marred by the “sinking feeling” she gets every time she drives past Mercy Culture. She said the Schotts’ rhetoric about their neighborhood is dehumanizing and wrong.
Similarly, Natalie Lopez, who grew up in the neighborhood and moved back six years ago, said she is “very offended” by the pastors’ treatment of Oakhurst residents.
“It is not the language, attitude or character that I would typically equate with a pastor or anyone that claims to be a devout Christian,” said Lopez, who was raised Catholic. “Everything that they do and stand for is the antithesis of what Christianity is supposed to be.”
Church relationship with neighbors turns contentious
Before it became Mercy Culture, the building at the bottom of the hill from the Oakhurst neighborhood was occupied by Calvary Cathedral International. For years, the church had a positive relationship with its neighbors, offering use of meeting space and equipment for free and serving as a partner in community events, Omarkhail and others said.
That ended once Mercy Culture moved into the building five years ago, according to several Oakhurst residents.
“It was an immediate change. You could just feel it,” Omarkhail said. “It became an abrasive conversation, versus ‘How can we help you?’”
Mercy Culture’s beginning dates back to 2017, when Landon Schott walked the streets of downtown Fort Worth asking God to make him a “spiritual father” of the city, according to a 2021 article in The Washington Post. It states that Landon Schott said God told him he needed “spiritual authority,” which he received through the blessing of Robert Morris, founder and then-pastor of nearby megachurch Gateway Church.
Morris resigned from Gateway in June 2024, after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted a woman from 1982-1986, when she was 12 to 16 years old.
Mercy Culture began holding services in its current building in 2020. It initially filed a request with the City of Fort Worth to be permitted to build the Justice Residences in 2022. Two weeks before the city’s zoning commission was set to review the request, the church hosted a meeting to present project details to Oakhurst residents and answer questions.
The week before the meeting, Heather Schott, who is also founder of Justice Reform, a nonprofit that aims to end human trafficking, posted on Instagram that neighbors opposing the Justice Residences were motivated by “pure selfishness” and “evil.”
“I share this today not because I feel threatened, not because I’m intimidated, but because I won’t give these people an inch. NOT 1 INCH!!!,” she stated. “I won’t let bullies think for a moment that their opinion matters. God’s opinions, ways + truth matters to us. PERIOD.”
Chanin Scanlon, then-ONA president who recently moved to San Antonio, went to the community meeting and said Landon Schott told attendees they could not record it. She said many of the neighbors’ questions, which were written down and turned in, were not answered and still have not been answered.
She said one of her ignored questions centered around what would happen to the building if the plan to house trafficking survivors fails or the program ends. Mercy Culture leaders contended on the Holy Disruption podcast that they answered every legitimate question.
Both sides agree the meeting became contentious. On the Holy Disruption episode, Heather Schott described the neighbors as turning into a “a mob” at the end of the meeting, with the situation becoming so unsafe she was escorted out by security.
Scanlon said some neighbors became frustrated and raised their voices but denied anyone was unsafe or that security escorted Heather Schott away. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram story covering the meeting does not include any indication the attendees became unruly or violent, or that security intervened on anyone’s behalf.
The Oakhurst neighbors also refute other claims made by Heather Schott on the Holy Disruption podcast. In it, she said news coverage of the church’s battle with the neighbors led to “massive personal attacks.” These included the kidnapping allegations and the alleged slashing of Heather Schott’s tires.
The Schotts did not present any evidence of the allegations on the podcast, and Omarkhail, Lopez and Scanlon said they had not heard of them previously and did not believe them to be true.
Mercy Culture withdrew its 2022 request to build the Justice Residences days before the zoning commission was set to review it, according to KERA News. The media outlet states that city staff had recommended denial of the project because the site was not suitable for the requested use or consistent with the area’s comprehensive plan.
When Mercy Culture leaders submitted plans to the city for the Justice Residences in 2024, they described it as a discipleship center, which they said is a permitted use on the property per zoning code. Zoning for the site allows “church-related activities” but does not clearly define what they are.
The week before the council vote, attorneys representing Mercy Culture sent a letter to Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and members of the city council, threatening legal action if the project was not approved.
According to KERA News, Parker said she voted in favor of Mercy Culture’s proposal to avoid a legal battle, which she said “the city would most likely lose.”
Pastor calls neighbors evil, demonic
As pushback from the Oakhurst neighborhood continued to grow, Landon Schott publicly decried their opposition from the pulpit and on social media.
Two days after the meeting with Oakhurst neighbors, Landon Schott posted on Instagram a screenshot of a news report about the meeting.
“Another front page story… If anyone resist (sic) helping the most abused victims in our community its only because they’re EVIL!” he stated.
During a May 2023 sermon, he claimed a witch conducted a seance, leaving behind blood and feces, on the front porch of an Oakhurst resident who attends Mercy Culture. The pastor said the church member sent a photo as evidence, but he did not show the image or present any other proof that a seance had occurred.
TRR requested to see the photo but did not receive a response. However, Landon Schott concluded that “witches and warlocks” live in the neighborhood.
He used the incident to justify previous comments about Oakhurst residents and their intentions.
“You thought I wasn’t being nice when I was caught talking to demons, and people forget about the Jesus that flipped over tables. They forget about the Jesus that said, ‘Get behind me, Satan’ to Peter,” Schott said during the sermon.
“I’m not talking to people. I’m talking to devils. Some of you are trying to counsel out devils. Well, can’t we just make peace with demons? Go for it. Let me know how it works for you. So, the challenge is, that in spiritual warfare, we’re dealing with spirits while we have to engage with people.”
Omarkhail said she had seen a photo of the alleged seance evidence. She said the photo showed what appeared to be remnants of dropped food, such as a burrito.
Omarkhail and Scanlon said the Oakhurst neighborhood hosts a Witches Stroll every year in the fall, a light-hearted event where residents dress up and pass out candy to children. But they said they are not aware of any actual witches or warlocks in the neighborhood.
Landon Schott clarified his comments about witches and warlocks during the Jan. 1 Holy Disruption podcast. He said he was not calling every resident of the neighborhood a witch, warlock, or demonic and apologized to residents who were offended.
But he backed up his previous comments by saying that—in addition to the alleged seance—an Oakhurst resident claiming to be a witch attempted to intimidate a board member. He also said that another resident who sells rocks as part of her business is participating in witchcraft.
He added that the morning after the neighborhood’s annual Witches Stroll, curses were taped on every door of the church. The Holy Disruption episode included a blurry photo that shows what appears to be references to the book of Exodus.
Landon Schott, who does not have any seminary experience listed on his Mercy Culture biography, used Matthew 16 to justify his behavior in which Jesus said “Get behind me, Satan” when addressing Peter, his disciple.
“Jesus wasn’t mean,” Schott said. “So, this is for mature Christians that are real disciples of Jesus. (Jesus) turns to Peter and says, ‘You’re acting like Satan. Your behavior is demonic, and you have to get that spirit of offense behind me.’”
Omarkhail, who said she moved to Fort Worth to attend seminary, said she feels Landon Schott often misuses Scripture to mischaracterize those who disagree with him.
“He knows how to pull out whatever verses he wants and goes from there,” she said.
Pastor ties political signs to building project opposition
In addition to calling some Oakhurst residents demonic from the pulpit, Landon Schott used his Instagram account, which has more than 42,000 followers, to share other opinions about the community.
In October 2024, Schott posted a video while in the Oakhurst neighborhood, pointing out yard signs supporting then-candidates Kamala Harris for president and Tim Walz for vice president, as well as a Palestinian flag.
In August 2024, the pastor posted online that anyone who votes for a Democrat can’t be a Christian. He then implied that the community’s opposition to Mercy Culture’s proposed Justice Residences stemmed from its liberal political leanings.
“You have a group of people that love Harris/Walz signs, Palestinian signs, I’ve seen some Ukrainian signs—not many American flags—but all sorts of different flags up here,” he said. “This group of people have no say in what we build in our property, in our church, that the United States constitution, the Texas constitution and even the city ordinances of Fort Worth give us permission to do. It’s one thing to not be for something. It’s another thing to actively resist it.”
In a Dec. 5, 2024, letter to city officials, the Oakhurst association stated it is against the location of the Justice Residences, not the church’s desire to help victims of human trafficking.
“In fact, many of Oakhurst’s neighbors dedicate their own professional careers and personal time to serving and assisting those in need,” the letter states. “Oakhurst neighbors are doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, prosecutors, peace officers, social workers, civil servants, victim advocates, and regularly volunteer with churches and local non-profits to help the same or similar populations that applicant also seeks to assist.”
Scanlon said she supports human trafficking survivors getting the help they need. She said she is an atheist who will fight for freedom of religion for anybody, as long as they’re not using their beliefs to bully or force their views on others. But that’s exactly what Mercy Culture is doing, she said, which is why she’s continuing to speak up for Oakhurst even after moving hundreds of miles away.
“Therein lies the crux, and that’s what makes this matter tenfold worse. It’s actually stunning to me that a pastor can behave the way (Schott) does,” Scanlon said. “What’s even more stunning is that people follow him, that people think that’s not hate, that it’s actually love. He will say, ‘We’re all about love’ as he’s bashing the LGBTQ (community) and the neighborhood and convincing his congregation that people who oppose them are demons.”
Future remains uncertain
While the city council’s support of the site plan amendment to allow the Justice Residences is a major hurdle cleared, the building will need other city approvals as the development process continues.
In a statement posted to its Facebook page the morning after the council vote, Oakhurst Neighborhood Association board members and officers stated that they are “exploring all available options up to and including legal action.”
The association provided a statement to TRR regarding the status of the Justice Residences project and future of the neighborhood.
“Although the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association has not received communication from Mercy Culture Church or the Justice Reform since the December 10, 2024 Fort Worth City Council meeting wherein Council approved the proposed site plan amendment that would allow for the construction of the Justice Residences, ONA stands ready to communicate and collaborate with both these entities, as well as the City of Fort Worth, as this process moves forward,” the statement reads. “In the meantime, Oakhurst will continue to be the loving and welcoming neighborhood it has been for over 100 years.”
Omarkhail said Mercy Culture has had a “very negative impact” on the neighborhood and that some residents regret moving there.
“It’s brought so much animosity, being treated like an enemy in our own neighborhood,” she said. “A church is supposed to be a part of a community, not take over the community.”
*Update: After we published this article, Landon Schott published a video, accusing TRR of not listening to the Mercy Culture podcast on the building controversy and asking why TRR didn’t call him. TRR called Mercy Culture for comment prior to publishing this piece and was told all media requests must be submitted by email. So, we emailed the church three times, but it did not respond. Ann Marie also viewed Mercy Culture’s podcast on the controversy twice, transcribed it, and included quotes from the podcast in this article, so Schott’s allegation is false.
Email Thread between TRR and Mercy Culture:
Mercy Culture Requests for Interview_Redacted
Ann Marie Shambaugh has reported as a print journalist in multiple states, including currently in Carmel, Indiana.
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52 Responses
This is out of control. Christians don’t have any right to bully those around them nor do we have connections to one side of politics or the other. We are called to live at peace with those around us and kindness is how people are brought to repentance. Not fearmongering, lies, deceptive and manipulative practices. Thank you for your reporting.
These narcissists need to get out of ministry. He’s throwing a temper tantrum and making up lies because they are getting in his way. And of course he believes he can minister to 10,000s without going through seminary.
I would love to hear how this article fulfills the mission of “Restoring the Church?”
Agreed, Erik. What is the desired outcome of stories like this? Also, The headline writer (JR, perhaps) lately lacks “nuance “, to put it kindly.
Simple, by exposing the false church. A church of “Mercy” which shows absolutely NO MERCY. A white-washed snake who has the maturity of a five year old, along with his wife demonizing others while disobeying Jesus Christ by attempting to lord his authority not just over his demonic church but everyone. I take it by your comment that you love jerks and want them to be in charge of every church everywhere. If Satan has a true church that is what it looks like. Hypocrisy staining the name of JESUS CHRIST!
I agree that current Democrat policies are NOT in line with biblical principals, but MC seems rude to their neighbors. Dont they trust God to move instead of their social media name calling? That’s a bad witness! Also the Bible is crystal clear- women are NOT to be pastors, Heather.
Many republican policies are also not in line with biblical principles!
Can you try to think about this a little more deeply?
Is there any reason why the church can’t build this thing somewhere else? If it is being built for what they say it is being built for – survivors of human trafficking – then it can be built in many different places.
Of course if the church decides to use it for some other purpose, say something to do with their church services or activities, then they would probably want it in their own neigbourhood.
Hmmmm…. interesting.
Yeah, build it in a low income neighborHood somewhere where the neighbors don’t have the wherewithal to object, and the dealers can deal drugs to the influx, and maybe the pimps can nab some new workers. Someplace where the abuse victims can worry about their safety some more. Certainly don’t let them in a wealthy sanctuary of heavily policed streets and shops where they can feel covered, protected and heal! Just let big business megachurches do what they do best; build coffeehouses and fellowship halls for social get-togethers of those who love to pay $21 (with tip) for a coffee and a scone.
Just building bridges to the unsaved neighbors in Jesus name… Sheeesh. No wonder the world is not interested in our faith. Pastors like that give the name of Jesus a black eye.
I am stunned by this article. I am a Christ follower.This pastor seems out of control. If, his neighbors are indeed vandalizing property. let the law handle that. As, for calling individuals witches and warlocks for not being believers or not attending his church is ridiculous. The fact that there were believers interviewed for this article says a lot. This is not what Jesus would have done. Pastor Schott seems to forget that Jesus called out many religious leaders for hypocrisy.
If God told him to be a “spiritual father” to Ft Worth and he received his “spiritual authority” through the “blessing” of Robert Morris, who are the people of the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association to question that? The nerve!
While I may not agree with every detail. I (having a very close intimate relationship with Christ) believe that there is probably no greater cause these days than helping sex trafficking victims and abused children. Yes I believe also that this pastor is not wrong for stating that it’s impossible to be a Christian in right standing and be a Demonicrat at the same time. This seems to be a classic case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). I found it interesting when Liberals were approached about illegal invaders in our country, how they voiced overwhelming support. Then when asked to house a family… “no way! I can’t!” Notice Martha’s Vineyard didn’t want any When DeSantis Airways brought the border to them. Noticing flags of all other nations and notions and strongly opposing helping the most broken of the broken into your neighborhood to give them so much as a cold drink of water; a warm and thoughtful look and a smile… sounds coldhearted. To kick them to the curb, while espousing support for more illegal invaders to pour in (which of course facilitates the cycle of even more sex trafficking), yeah, pretty much evil by Christ’s standards!
I’m usually one of the last people to totally support mega church business these days; but if they are going to put their money where the Word is!.. Then for Heaven’s sake!
Which liberals where are being asked if they would house a family?
Also, racist much? The majority of black Christians vote democrat…. Are they just not smart enough to figure out God wants them to vote republican?
Alan –
Being a Christian in right standing with the Lord is about one’s relationship with Jesus Christ alone, NOT one’s relationship with a political party. And the same could be said of the other viewpoint: where is the Christianity in refusing to “help the most broken of the broken into your neighborhood to give them so much as a cold drink of water; a warm and thoughtful look and a smile”, but instead putting them on a bus and lying to them about where they are going?
In the case of Schott, he’s bearing false witness against the Oakhurt Neighborhood Association: there is a difference between opposing a shelter for those escaping child/sex trafficking in their neighborhood- and opposing helping anyone who has escaped child/sex trafficking. The ONA NEVER said the latter. They NEVER said Schott’s church couldn’t or shouldn’t build the shelter elsewhere. Schott is putting words into ONA’s mouth and twisting their concern into something that it’s not as part of villainizing them.
Unfortunately, Schott’s method has become all too common in our public and political discourse: there’s a difference between “we don’t want busloads of immigrants roaming our streets in the middle of the night” (which happened due to ZERO communication, and therefore ZERO preparation) and “kicking illegals to the curb to espouse for more to enter the country”. See the leap I made there? BTW, NONE were asked to house a family; NONE were told any were coming (nor were the immigrants told where they were going). That changes the narrative.
Christians need to stop bearing false witness, period. No, it’s not ok to do to “advance your narrative or cause” either.
It is absolutely not a case of NIMBYism. As mentioned in the article, many people in our neighborhood are victims advocates or otherwise volunteer with the same population. We work with organizations that use best practices, one of which is not publicizing the location of a safe house, especially one right off a major highway!
Alan. Do some research on this specific situation before applying the generalities of your particular belief flavor. Start with looking up lists of congregants of this faith community and then lists of folks with realtor licenses and then comparing those two lists.
It is good to open your heart, but usually better when you open your eyes at the same time.
Not a big fan of this pastor’s behavior, but this article is clearly one sided and sympathetic to the complaining neighbors. Seem to be taking their statements at face value.
We did all we could to include Mercy Culture’s perspective. We reached out to Mercy Culture for comment but the church didn’t respond. We also tried to verify Heather Schott’s kidnapping allegations, but police confirmed no report was filed.
There is just so much more to this, as there always is, but I’m just in shock and discouraged. As a member of this church, I agree with the gentleman above that this seems one-sided and I have lost respect in following your work. There is always room for improvement and growth in the body of Christ and there is always context to every statement. I’m sad to have read this as it is.
Are there inaccuracies in the reporting? Did your pastor NOT accuse the neighbors of being witches or demons? If your church is unwilling to share their side of the story, The Roys Report… can’t report on it.
If there are factual errors, please share them.
Lynne, it would be helpful to readers if you described the “other side of the story” from your perspective and gave context to statements that, in your opinion, were taken out of context. You could also provide links to other articles or news reports. Thanks.
@julie Roy’s. I read tons of articles about Heather and London. Unfortunately I can tell you lots of inconsistencies with her personal testimony as a former drug addict. Lots of information need to be verified. The church seems to be transparent by looking at their website but once again as we know, church with outside apostolic overseers such as Michael Brown and Gateway leaders, we know it means nothing much in terms of accountability
And, herein lies the root of the problem: “ Mercy Culture’s beginning dates back to 2017, when Landon Schott walked the streets of downtown Fort Worth asking God to make him a “spiritual father” of the city, according to a 2021 article in The Washington Post. It states that Landon Schott said God told him he needed “spiritual authority,” which he received through the blessing of Robert Morris, founder and then-pastor of nearby megachurch Gateway Church.”
Spiritual arrogance and biblical ignorance can lead to grifting and abuse- all in the supposed name of God.
And we are to believe completely a Washington Post article about this? This story, like a lot of others on TRR, is more or less a screed. I’m not sure I would give a statement to TRR either. Julie has an agenda, not to simply report truth. Sad.
I agree. That he asked God to make him the “spiritual father” of Ft Worth instead of surrendering to what God would have him do says it all.
Not much mercy in the culture?
This just sounds like a case of “not in my backyard” when there were definite concerns about how they were going to operate the place and the Schotts overreacted.
Mercy Culture church is in the building that was built by my home church, the church that was in that building prior to Calvary Cathedral. I grew up in a nearby neighborhood and spent tons of times in Oakhurst at my friend’s houses growing up. I was shocked to learn of Robert Morris’s connection to mercy Culture. If Robert Morris is connected in some way to Mercy Culture I too would align with what the community is saying because I know the people of Oakhurst and I also know about Robert Morris!
Thank you for your reporting. The unsubstantiated claims of kidnapping attempts and no video footage of the signs being put on the church show a tenuous hold on reality at the least, or outright lies as the worst. Please continue to shine a light where it is needed.
I am so glad the Roys report is exposing the unbiblical and harmful practices and teachings of Mercy Culture. Mercy Culture has hijacked my church in Pa. After my former church joined their ‘presence driven network”, we were forced to leave after being deeply involved at our Church for 12 years.
I had to laugh when I saw the “He then implied that the community’s opposition to Mercy Culture’s proposed Justice Residences stemmed from its liberal political leanings.” Yup, liberals sure do hate to help victims of human trafficking LOL. Sure.
This is amazing, it’s like a real-world internet troll. This could be “NIMBYism” (“Not In My Back Yard”) and the neighborhood wouldn’t want this building regardless. But all this rhetoric, alienating themselves from their neighborhood, is sure not going to help them make their case that’s for sure!
The neighbours are typical Not in My Backyard types. They were angry that the church didn’t allow them free use of their building as the previous church allowed. Now they don’t want human trafficking survivors a place to stay. The community is selfish.
It doesn’t seem like they’re NIMBYs- it seems like they had some valid unanswered concerns about having a shelter of this type in their neighborhood, and that the church and org weren’t utilizing best practices in this work (like that trafickng safe houses should not have publicly known locations for the safety of their clients). I think they mentioned the relationship with the previous church not because they liked getting “free use”, but to show that it wasn’t contentious on the neighbors part- that they don’t have a problem with churches, but with THIS church and the way it’s interacting, which seems pretty valid.
As an Uber driver I had the opportunity to drive a lady ‘Anne’ who is on the board of an international agency that combats sex trafficking. This was a few years ago when MC was making its first attempt to implement their plan to minister to survivors of sex trafficking. MC was encountering the same kind of resistance from people already living in a proposed site for a shelter. Anne said what MC was proposing was not the best solution. Individual homes with husband/wife providing a functioning family atmosphere is the optimum model.
Your comment is probably the best one in this thread. MC’s leaders do not appear to evidence any awareness of best practices. It’s leaders say they want to end human trafficking. Great. That does not happen via building another buildings or starting an institution. It happens by focusing at the roots where demand for trafficking begins. Best ministry I ever saw do this was in London where a group of believers raised awareness in pubs across the region. It worked- demand dropped significantly as men (primarily) began to realize the women they were hiring were not there via freewill.
I believe I have attended three Sunday morning meetings at MC. I don’t know Landon Schott or his wife but I have close friends, one of whom has known LS for several years and is a member of the MC congregation. I believe this article, the oppositions comments and LS’s own words paint an accurate picture of LS & MC.
I will never forget the first meeting I attended. My youngest daughter just happened to be there that morning. At some point LS instructed the audience to stand in agreement with him. I remained seated. When I located my daughter she remained seated as well. (We both separately had previously experience this kind of manipulation, control and abuse.)
LS and MC will collapse and someone else will be falsely blamed.
Wanting a sfe place for victims of human trafficking, and abuse, GOOD idea
That ANYONE but staff and clients including family know it’s location, for the ongoing safety of clients and staff.. .BAD idea. This church needs to be aware of this. They need to source out another location and be incognito. Existing organizations who have safe homes can advise them accordingly.
Calling your “neighbours” demonic due to their concerns? BAD idea. (Consequntly, not likely will result in any reconciliation unless the CHURCH responds appropriately. )
That professing Christians behave this way, disheartening. I would go so far as to say, “Ya can’t fix stupid”.
I was skeptical before reading this article but I believe it was very impartial and well written. More could have been said about the Schutte and the church itself. Over the years many online have mentioned the testimony of Heather is not that true. She did modify it and made it more sensational. The Schotts tend to exaggerate things and this article highlighted that. Whether we like it or no churches are not supposed to be partisan and endorse, they have been doing. Over spiritualize everything . Last but not least the idea of the sex trafficking center is not a bad one they just need to prove they will have the staff to handle that.
Same victim mentality Mark Driscoll spews here in Scottsdale when his church moved into the middle of a quiet neighborhood, blatantly broke multiple noise and parking and signage laws. And claims persecution.
I volunteer with a prison ministry for felons both inside and then through their transition outside. The ministry had to find areas of Phoenix that would accept group housing for felons ( we do not accept sex offenders due to housing restrictions). It was not easy but we are aware we are salt and light to the neighborhood.
Schott just needs more money to live his lavish life, just like Joel Osteen. Fancy Houses, cars and cash. Money is the root of all evil ” right schott”!!??
Exactly, it’s otherwise known as a Wealth Building Institute.
I wouldn’t discredit the Pastor’s credibility based on Robert Morris’ endorsement. If there is such a thing called A Witches’ Stroll, that is troubling. This wouldn’t be the 1st time that a City Council or City organization opposed a churches’ building project. Lakewood Church and John Hagees’ church faced opposition but didn’t give up. I believe that spiritual warfare, itself, can be carried out without getting angry.
My favorite Pastor-Pastor James McMenis of Word of God Ministries-Shreveport- hasn’t been to seminary.
He is very successful and hasn’t had any major scandals. This article seems biased to me. It is true that if it’s God’s will for the ministry to be built or expanded, He will make a way- no matter the location. We need to be careful that we’re not touching the Pastor’s Anointing or the Bible says that blood will be on our hands. I leave that to each conscience to discern.
if he truly has the power of Christ and the gospel – there’s nothing to fear or even fight with in regard to demons. Jesus and the discples spoke a single word and they would leave immediately. No “struggles”, no Bob Larson days long excorism nonsesne and certainly no need to attack.
This church is clearly a case of “tell me you don’t have have the power and spirit of Christ in you without telling me….”