Florida Church, Pastored by Rev. Henry J. Lyons, Facing Foreclosure
July 17, 2011 by Admin
Filed under Church, Ministry Updates, News
Many churches across the country are In the grip of the foreclosure crisis that has affected millions of families. African American-led churches are especially vulnerable, due to the fact that job losses are at an all-time high among their members. Efforts to stem the flow of church foreclosures are being heralded by Rev. Jesse Jackson, among others.
On Sunday, July 17, 2011, according to an article in the St. Petersburg Times, the 105-year-old New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, could lose its historic home and a hoped-for new campus off Interstate 4 after defaulting on a $1.1 million loan. The church has been under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Henry J. Lyons, the former president of the National Baptist Convention USA. since 2004.
However, church officials confirm that they, not Lyons, made the decisions that led to the current difficulties.”Rev. Lyons is a hired employee, a contract employee,” said deacon Rufus Spencer. “He does provide leadership. But our church is run by the board.”
This is more of a question than a comment. Where in the Bible does it says that A broad of director of deacons has more authority over the decision making and function of the Church? If GOD has appointed the angel of HIS house, do GOD bypass HIS appointed and speak to the Broad on how HE wants the church to functions? Never have I read this in GOD’s word…Please advise me where to find such a passage in the word of GOD. The deacons were established to assist the pastor, not to take his place in leadership from what I have read. Am I wrong?
Hmmm…. I am just wondering how can a church that has exited for 105 years be in debt like that. Shouldn’t the church be paid for already especially since they are looking to build another place of worship. Just my thoughts. On the flip side, that church and all other christians should be praying for a miracle to get out of it’s distress. God is still able despite economic distress.
I am preparing myself for the things that are going to happen in and to the house of God! We as Christians have to prepare ourselves for the possibility of not even having a church home, but have home as the church. The Bible says that the body is where the spirit of the Lord dwells, so why are we so worried about the closing of the doors? Wouldn’t it still be church if we ourselves have to do praise and worship, testify, have and deliver scripture, pray, and even take our own communion in the privacy of our homes? We are in for a rude awakening and this is going to prove who are the real Christians and Soilders for Christ. We have to be willing to sacrifice our lives when we quote or read God’s word and it will be outlawed.. We have to be able to know and stand firm on the ordnancies of God when people are telling us that their sexual orientation is approved by God, or that they have the right to disobey their parents.. We better wake up or be left behind.. it’s not a building that increases the kingdom of God, it is the faithfulness of his children to his word and way of life.
Everybody that really knows “Dr. Henry J. Lyons” ought to know that no “Board” has more authority in the church than HE does……That’s about the most stupendous comment I’ve heard in a while. Tehy’re making those comments I’m sure to protect him because of legal issues that may arise. They’re smart but believe me Dr. Lyons is the real genius in this.
In the church’s defense and to answer a previous question. As I understand it they leveraged the current church property to secure a loan in order to purchase the new property. The old building/property was free and clear, I believe but they were trying to move to a better location so they collaterized the property where they are to try to make it happen. Giving is down in most churches and many other churches besides the one Dr. Lyon’s is pastoring are losing and some have already lost their properties…..Like Paula White and the Lakeland property and many others…..So let’s pray for all the churches and pastors that they will honor God in all that they do.
@ Joyce – If the house of God is in debt because of the decisions of the board, it is quite clear that something is out of order. God made it clear to Aaron and Mariam Moses Sister and brother that to them he may speak to through a dream of vision. But to his Servant Moses he speaks face to face. There are many churches now on a rapid decline and are on life support now for failing to do things the way God has ordered.