City Church spends 1.4 Million on Row House in DC.
Posted on November 8th, 2006 by catalyst into the The City Church category 
According to the Capitol Hill Property Sales Database, on September 18, 2006 the City Church purchased this Capitol Hill row house on the left for 1.4 million dollars. (I apologize for the grainy picture, my cellphone isn't that great).
One and a half million dollars seems like a lot of money for a church in Seattle, Washington to spend on a church/home in DC. Especially, when there are literally hundreds of churches already on Capitol Hill. (I know because I live on Capitol Hill, and I pass several of them every weekend on my way to the bar.)
You'll also be interested to know that Frank "Give til it Hurts" Damazio is on the leadership team of this church, along with Wendell Smith. So next time you CBC'ers and City Churchers write that tithe/Faith Harvest check, remember you're not feeding the hungry, you're not clothing the poor, you're buying a House in DC.
But then, helping people isn't Wendell's vision.
The Vision of the new church is to influence the nations of the earth from our nation's Capitol.
That makes sense. I mean who has time to help the poor and the lost, when you're trying to influence nations.
November 8th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Isn’t that where the Cosby’s used to live?
November 8th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Hey Justin,
Do churches typically meet in row houses in DC? In terms of getting people together for ’services’, it would seem to have made more sense to lease a office/retail space in a business area, like where there’s parking available, not in a neighborhood of row houses where on Suday mornings when people are home, there’s no parking available for church goers.
Note, I was in my mid 30’s the first time I visited the east coast, having lived all my life in the Seattle area. The lifestyle, history, architecture there was an eye opener - houses without yards, parking on the street 2 vehicles deep, congestion. What I’m asking is, for us life-long PNWers, accustomed to steepled church buildings on large lots and ample parking, what’s the church scene like there building/lot wise? Is a row-house church typical?
Thanks bro!
Jack
November 8th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Why don’t you guys add “influence the nations” to your list of one-liners. What the hell does that even mean? Why don’t they narrow the scope just a wee bit–hey, maybe they could start by reaching out to the poor…in SEATTLE.
Also, don’t forget “take this city” when you compile your list.
I’m sorry, but spending that money on new digs at Capitol Hill strikes me as lame. That money could have done a lot of good elsewhere. I wonder how much The Global Fund could have accomplished with that money in Africa. But, then, I guess it is more important to fly MFI pastors to Africa for conferences at existing church plants than it is to supply meals to orphans and purchase anti-viral vaccines for HIV-positive pregnant African women.
Go Democrats!
Karli
November 8th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
With the fall of Rev. Haggard, someone needs to slide in and fill the void. Why not City Church?
One does wonder, tho, how much influence the religious right will have in a post-2006 political landscape.
$1.4 million could have done a lot of good at home.
November 8th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
Funny you should mention Reverend Haggard, since he also seems to be on the leadership committee.
November 8th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
I guess Wendell didn’t think his cousin’s D.C. rowhouse prayer center was influential enough.
November 8th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
You’ll also be interested to know that Frank “Give til it Hurts” Damazio is on the leadership team of this church, along with Wendell Smith
November 8th, 2006 at 11:13 pm
oops.. that came out backwards on the quote
November 8th, 2006 at 11:45 pm
And anyway, the poor and the “lost” don’t always smell nice, look nice, or generally have anything nice to offer you in return. I love that the church people I grew up with were quick to use that verse about the poor always being with you to justify (constantly) spending their money on material things. You know, cause the poor…. they are always there. So why get too worried about them? Never mind the actual words and work of Jesus, who certainly never taught that status and material things would be the hallmark of his followers. Damn that Jesus and the way he always messes with our tidy little lives….
November 9th, 2006 at 6:19 am
Yes, absolutely. But I don’t think this is really about setting up a church. This looks more like a lobbying office. To me, this seems to be about getting Wendell more power and influence. aka something similar to The National Prayer Center, which is right around the corner from Wedell’s church.
The crazy thing is that Wendel’s late to the party. Yesterday’s election was pretty much a repudiation of most of the hardcore evanglical right. Santorum lost. (big) Katherine Harris lost. (big) and Conrad Burns lost.
Not that Evangelicals can’t have a say in politics, but the Evangelical message better be tied into raising the minimum wage, providing better health care and getting us safely out of Iraq.
November 9th, 2006 at 6:32 am
Not that Evangelicals can’t have a say in politics, but the Evangelical message better be tied into raising the minimum wage, providing better health care and getting us safely out of Iraq.
Exactly. It’s no that they’re late to the party, it’s that the party’s over. O-V-E-R. A year ago a million-and-a-half would have been a good down payment on a place near the federal teat. But that baby is drying up! There will be no more conference calls. No more power breakfasts. It’s over.
I did get a chuckle out of the Thursday night services. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Thursday the last day of the week in Congress? So that leaves just enough time to get together, sing the new Bebo Norman tune, pass the collection plate, and get down to Reagan National on Friday morning. Because as we both know, only losers and poor people fly out of BWI.
November 9th, 2006 at 6:49 am
You’re absolutely right. That is their plan. I spoke to a girl who attended the Thursday Night Service and she said they were meeting on Thursdays, because they wanted to attract Senators and members of Congress, who were probably flying home on Friday.
Of course, when you only have a 3 day workweek, you end up working pretty hard those three days. And most votes go until late Thursday night, so the Church probably isn’t going to attract that many high profile politicians.
Also, I fly out of BWI. And yes, I’m a loser and I’m poor.
November 9th, 2006 at 7:33 am
Catalyst, I think it’s worth pointing out that the location couldn’t be any closer to the Offices of the House members. They didn’t just buy a row house in D.C., they bought themselves a location right across the street from where the legislators do their business.
So this “church office” - it makes me wonder if they will try to walk the fine line of having it function as part of the church, or as a means to lobb- er, have vision for the nations. Couldn’t call it a lobby now, could we? That would cause them to lose their non-taxable status. I’d hate to see the church have to pay taxes on a home worth $900k.
November 9th, 2006 at 9:21 am
I just got some fascinating news last night…thought you might get a kick out of it in light of City Church’s new digs in Washington DC….perhaps they are needing to cut costs to pay for their ‘house’…
City Church called CLF last night and told them that they would no longer be allowed to pick up food from their distribution center for their “Lord’s Pantry” ministry where they provide food for the poor in Grays Harbor…They told the fella who runs the ministry that what CLF did to poor “Dougy’ was an abomination, and so they didn’t want to have anything to do with CLF. They also told the fella, who attends CLF, that if he wanted to move to another building that City Church would provide in Aberdeen, that they could still pick up food. He confirmed, “You mean I have to leave my church for you to allow me to get food to feed the poor?”
“Yep”….:o)
November 9th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
A D.C. house and cutting off food banks?
Tell me where to send my thanks.
Seems to be a little blithe
And not good stewarship of tithes.
I’d rather send my money to The Gospel Mission.
They’ve got more of a Christ-like vision.
Food is not purposed for power might
In the midst of two churches’ leadership fight.
No, food is not meant as a weapon in war,
It should be used as a blessing to feed the poor!
November 9th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
I have so much to say about this I am speechless! Ask some of us who actually stayed at the Prayer Center –many indeed –we felt like we were at someone’s
‘east coast condo.’
It’s finally time to tell you —research Tom Delay and Ed Buckham –and their indictments –Christian brothers there on the hill–helping set us up in the house money connections. When will this all come out? We’re waiting to see.
If you want to see how this could end just read the blogasphere on these fine fellows—–’our good friends’
November 9th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Would love to hear how you ran across this sale info.
Did city church make the info public yet or is this happening behind closed
doors.
Ask yourselves what is the real reason behind the DC ministry.
November 10th, 2006 at 6:43 am
The City Church has been meeting in DC for the past six months and I knew they were looking to buy a place. I live on the Hill and I think DC is experiencing a Housing Bubble, so I’m constantly checking the sales price of homes to see if they’re coming down. (They are.) Anyway, I accidentally stumbled across the City Church sale, and yadda yadda yadda… I had to check it out.
November 10th, 2006 at 8:59 am
“You just yadda yaddad the best part”
November 10th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
There’s more to the story on the house in D.C.
The Church is not happy with “as is”, you see.
The City shows action, remodeling, and such.
There’s laying on of hands with a gentle touch.
The City gave permits 3 times in October
For the Church to give the place a once over.
New doors, new windows, new fence.
Will this up the price for their rents?
Why a “church” there? I simply don’t know?
Perhaps next they’ll buy into Embassy Row!
November 10th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
I hate it when you guys keep the good stuff to yourselves!
November 10th, 2006 at 9:41 pm
http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/lib/dcra/services/permits/permit.pdf
131 C Street is the location, to wit.
Follow this link to see each permit.
November 10th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
Actually the building they were going to provide was in Hoquiam.
It’s almost sick to think about… who would really do this kinda stuff to people when they are “Perfect”? I think these City Church people really need to find out what this “Pastor” Doug did! I have seen this guy in action. If I didn’t know what was going on I would totally be drawn in by his lies. I think that if Wendell really knew what was going on none of this would be happening! Do they think that senior pastors are “gods”? They are just people like everyone else. What makes them any different? All this stuff that is going on just makes me sick! What the heck! it isn’t right to take from the poor (that by the way have done nothing wrong) just because you are angry at people (who did the right thing) who are trying to protect the sheep in the flock. The people who were supposed to be respectable have just lost my respect completely.
November 11th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
The City church purchased the house in D.C. so visiting pastors, politicians, ambasadors from other countries would have a nice place to stay, FREE. I guess that could be a sin. I have’nt found it in my bible yet.
November 11th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Is it really just to have a nice place to stay?
The math doesn’t seem to pencil out that way.
Invest the $1.4 million at 6 percent
And you get $84,000 per year to pay rent.
At $500 per night, which is high in D.C.
That’s 168 hotel rooms per year, you see.
A higher percentage or lower room cost
Gets you more hotel nights, if my point is not lost.
And let’s not forget, when at hotels you stay
There’s no staff wages for the Church to pay
Who makes the bed, cleans the room, serves the meal?
Factor that in, and its not such a good deal.
Better to preach the Gospel of Christ
Than to offer hotel rooms like those others high priced.
You favor the favored, and offer them ease
But what do you do unto the “least of these?”
While letting the mighty and high through the door
You are turning your back on the hungry and poor.
November 12th, 2006 at 3:01 am
Isn’t it a shame that ‘poor’ Ambassadors can’t afford a hotel room?
Right! ‘like lambs to a slaughter’
November 12th, 2006 at 8:32 am
If the City Church wants to spend millions of dollars to help out the rich and powerful, then fine. But I don’t think that glorifies Christ. I think that glorifies Wendell Smith.
November 12th, 2006 at 10:27 am
and certainly makes them look good and charitable to all their rich pastor friends.
November 12th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
there’s a scene in Forest Gump where his girlfriend Jenny throws rocks at the windows of the house she grew up in –a place that obviously caused her great pain. Forest later says: sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks.
Where’s my rock?
November 12th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
You are of course entitled to your opinion, but don’t you think that providing a place for politicians to stay provides a useful tool to lead unsaved politicians to Christ? Especially those from unsaved nations? I suppose you could just put them up in a nice hotel, but then you wouldn’t be able to influence them as well. It’s not about the money or the reputation. It’s about the great commission. I suppose you could also give the 1.4 mil. to the poor, but Jesus himself said the poor will always be among you. Are we to cease all other missions to focus on just feeding the poor? That wasn’t the only thing Christ told us to do. That was just one thing.
make disciples of all nations
That’s not even the real issue. I don’t know if anyone here claims to be a christian, but if you do I would warn you with this scripture.
Matthew 7:1 “Judge not , that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Only God knows the heart of a man. Unless you know Pastor Wendell Smith personally I would challenge that you would have no clue as to what his true desires are, and therefore all of the conjectures that have been made at Pastors expense are hallow and do nothing, but perpetuate your own hatred and disgust.
November 12th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Let’s see here……… Many of us posting here have known him and his MO for over 30 years. How long have you known him and his MO? (It sounds like you are very young Matt… MO means modus operandi… aka how he operates).
And Matt… if you don’t like what is said here on this blog… DON’T read the blog. Obviously you are just a newbie or you would have read previous postings that explain the MO of this blog.
November 12th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
Please enlighten me. What is the “MO” of this blog?
November 12th, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Providing a venue for blind fools to post. So how’s that braille keyboard working out for you, Matt?
‘Scrupe
November 12th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
I apolagize for my previous comments. I was just a bit hurt when I stumbled upon a blog that was bashing my pastor and church and its vision. I am a changed man, because of the city church and its pastors. If you can ever recall a time when your parents were bad mouthed by some one you’ll understand how I feel. I won’t comment any more, because it is obvious to me that the only responses I will recieve are sarcastic and insulting. I really do wish everyone the best and do not mean to offend.
November 12th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
Matt— Many of us had positive impact in our lives when Wendell was over the youth and young adults, teaching in PBC and an elder at Bible Temple. God does use Wendell as a vessel. God uses lots of people as vessels.
Wendell is a very charismatic, generally likeable guy. He has vision and enthusiasm and people are drawn in by that. Many of us were. This does not mean that he is perfect. This does not mean that he does not abuse his authority. This does not mean that people are not mislead. Look what Jim Jones was able to accomplish with his charisma and position.
Wendell has always been a “bigger is better” person when it comes to promoting what he believes he has heard from God to be the agenda. Is he wrong in his beliefs? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Is his method of achieving the vision/agenda/plan on the straight and narrow and pure? That is questionable.
Why a ministry to the flashy, financially solvent people in D.C? Why not put all that money and effort into reaching the community where you all live? In tight econonic times and many people struggling to feed and clothe and house their families, pouring $1,400,000 plus remodeling expenses, plus insurance, plus taxes, plus utilities, plus upkeep, plus staff salaries…….. is this a wise use of God’s money?
November 12th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
There was an elderly charismatic woman who lives nearby, who has a heart to see revival come to the small die-hard traditional midwest town in which she lives. She often received words and talked to me about them - and many of them sounded flakey to me - but I was respectful of her as an elderly woman.
It’s a poor community - farmers were hard hit that year due to drought - there were other members in her main church that didn’t have enough and were forced to choose between food, heat, medicine …
She was also a TBN addict, and routinely sent “seed money” off to Virginia Beach to ministers who promised to pray for you for a donation - and particularly ministers who promised to pray for revival in your town for a minimum donation of ___ (fill in the blank). One minister used to preach from the Psalms and often would ask for a monetary amount equal to the chapter and verse from the Psalms he preached from. For example, preaching from Psalm 81:11 he’d ask for a faith pledge for $81.11 - so she would write and mail a check, because it “sounded right” to her.
Finally came the last time I ever talked to her. She asked me what I thought of sending $81.11 to a man in Virginia for revival in Princeton, Illinois.
I replied “It’s foolishness. Why would you send money to someone 1000 miles away for revival here? If I asked you for $81.11, you would think me a heretic.”
…
If it’s foreign nations Wendell wants to influence, why not take that same $1.5M, and send out 30 missionaries at $50K apiece to 30 different countries? That would sponsor many missionaries for 2 years or more in some of the poorer 3rd world countries … that kind of money would buy you about 60 man-years of seed-sewing / reaping labor. How does that compare to a few hours a week of Thursday night meetings, or the occasional foreign dignitary who flops in that row-house?
Which is the better stewardship? I think the answer is clear, but since they did something contrary to practical common sense, I’m left wondering what is the ulterior motive / hidden agenda?
Jack
November 12th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
I can’t answer those questions. All I know is if God told me to start a church in DC and to buy a house there I would do it even if it doesn’t make common sense. The bible in several stories and instances, I believe, challenges us to not be held back by common sense, to step out in faith, so God can show himself all powerful. Do I know if this was a wise use of God’s money? No. But I can say with cofidence wherever there are unsaved people there is a need for more churches.
When I was trying to decide which college to go to there was one that made the least amount of sense, but the doors were wide open. The other colleges reallisticly had the same basic program. I could have saved 15,000 dollars by going to a local college. Common sense told me go to a local college, God told me to go to the expesive one 2000 miles away from home. Since then I’ve had several people tell me I was stupid for going there and that I could’ve recieved the same training for a lot less money. I might have saved money, but in my heart I know God told me to go and looking back I can see why. Being that far from home caused me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have locally.
That is my issue in all of this. The only thing we have as far as visible means for judging whether or not it was the right use for the money, is the fruit. In my opinion only time will tell. I don’t believe the answer is so clear and I don’t believe anyone on this planet can know the true answer to any of those questions.
I appreciate you guys responding in a way that assumes I’m a semi-intelligent human being. If you don’t want my presence on this forum I will leave, but personally I appreciate a challenge to what I believe every once in a while.
I know I made a sarcastic response in this comment and I apologize, but I was trying to get intelligent responses not a bunch of comments that were insulting to me and my intelligence or lack there of. I believe that if your going to debate the validity of a pastors decision you need some one on the pro side. Which presently there doesn’t appaer to be any.
November 12th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
So, Matt. What do you think about your pastor stopping food from coming to our church food bank? 200 families used the food bank.
What did Wendell say about CLF and Doug Cotton at your church?
Do you think it was right for Wendell to provide your staff lawyer for a senior pastor that was verbally and emotionally abusing church members?
November 13th, 2006 at 6:46 am
Stick around. You seem thoughtful and intelligent. And you use proper grammar when writing. This is a plus.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:10 am
Matt, if I’m reading this correctly, it sounds like you bankrolled the project? And on the premise that you wanted to start a church there? In a row house? I can see why you take it so personally then. You are personally vested both in finances and vision. You are the best person to speak on the “pro side”, yet you have yet to truly defend your position. I can’t speak for everyone here, but I’m not adverse to you posting here to tell your side of the story. I couldn’t think of a better opportunity than to hear it straight from the man who is driving this thing.
Can I ask some questions? Whose idea was this? What I mean to ask is, did you feel the leading of the Holy Spirit to start a church there and buy that house completely independent of the influence of Wendell Smith and the City Church vision for D.C.? Or were there a lot of messages, talk, and prophecy from Wendell about his dream for a place there, and you said to yourself, well, gee, I’ve got enough money to buy something there, so maybe I can be the one to make it happen? I’m not being accusatory here, I’m just asking. Are you a pastor yourself? Do you plan on moving there? What’s your role in this now that the deal is done?
Really? Why? Because you didn’t ask them yourself? Seems to me like if it was me that was going to spend $1.4 million on a “ministry” that had no seemingly concrete goals, I’d be asking a lot of questions first. Maybe the money doesn’t mean that much to you, but the knee-jerk reaction of the folks around here (as you’ve seen for yourself) was that it might have been spent better elsewhere.
My premise may be wrong here, and maybe it wasn’t you that financed the purchase and the money came from other sources. But every contributing (tithing) member of Wendell’s church should be asking these same questions! If you don’t believe in the “vision” and that this was the best decision, then speak up!
November 13th, 2006 at 10:25 am
Matt,
I’m sorry. Sometimes I’m an ass. Hang around, K?
‘Scrupe
November 13th, 2006 at 10:29 am
OK. Most of the time.
‘Scrupe
November 13th, 2006 at 10:36 am
All right all ready, Lord! I’M ALWAYS AN ASS! There, are you happy now?!?
‘Scrupe
November 13th, 2006 at 11:28 am
I don’t think a national prayer center is warranted when you consider how God used twelve uneducated and unconnected fisherman so long ago.
Somehow I can’t see one of the disciples or Paul lobbying their congregations for more giving so that they could buy property in Rome for the “empires prayer center”.
You have to admitt that the comparison makes you think.
Hmmm………………..
November 13th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
Joey,
The Roman National Prayer Center got to me. The comparisons are endless.
November 14th, 2006 at 8:31 am
And you use paragraphs. I’m a big fan of paragraphs.
November 14th, 2006 at 11:07 am
Matt, I used to help with the National Prayer Center, give money to it, pray for it. I so know the excitement you are coming from that this will make a difference and do the things you hope it will do. It all sounds great –a whole new vision and ministry within a ministry.
There is so much recent history with Tom Delay and Ed Buckham who worked closely with the NPC. As a good steward and supportere you need to look up what their recent history is. How do you think we got involved with them and why did they get involved with us more importantly.
Even with the best of intentions unwillingly Christians can get involved in the shadiest of dealings when it comes to politics and money.
Ask yourself how the house was purchased –what people are they accountable to when spending 1.4 mil on such a residence. As a non profit
who are they accountable to as far as financials –can you ask to see them?
How about are there any financial records even public?
Are things just ‘done’ and then announced later in church- then you are asked to give to the ‘nation’ and ‘get excited about it.’
As you see other benefactors come into the process keep asking questions.
Having your ‘good friends or relatives’ on your board doesn’t cut it any more for financial accountability. The history is right around the corner from you –look at their financial records –or rather ‘good luck’ if you are able to.
Remember Influence Peddling works both ways.
A Concerned Citizen
November 14th, 2006 at 11:35 am
This is one of the ways we go astray as Christians, looking to our pastors or leaders as parents when 2 adults shouldn’t engage in a parent/child relationship. We set ourselves up for great disappointment, which most of us on this blog have learned the hard way. It’s really pretty embarrasing to learn that you’ve been looking to your pastor as a dad, at least it was for me.
I don’t think Jesus ever intended this type of relationship with our leadership. It reduced grown adults into children and undermines our own effectiveness for God. We should be busy about our true Father’s business rather than emotionally binding ourselves to a fellow servant who thinks he or she is a father.
November 14th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
So true TCR. We felt like it was something we had discovered and ‘figured out’ that they truly felt we were children and they were the parents till we stumbled onto the MFI web page and this is spelled out as one of their tenets.
The leaders feel and are instructed they are the Parents and we are the children.
That explains alot doesn’t it? You wouldn’t ask your children for input or advice if you were thinking of buying a new house in Washington D.C. would you?
November 15th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
Matt -It has occured to me you don’t know why we’re giving you this information. We are trying to protect you from walking down a road
of pain we all experienced. Believe me nothing will rock your faith world more
than trusting in all of this -esp. the D.C. stuff and then to find out its
not what thought.
Remember you have every right to ask questions and ask them now.
Out of curiosity are you a 20 something intern?
November 16th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Don’t forget to research Jack Abramoff who is now in prison as of Wednesday
morning. Oh yea he was also good friends with Buckham and Delay -
and look up the NPR interview with a pastor who felt ‘used’ by the whole bunch
when he was asked to be on their board. Its very interesting reading.
Would you like to know who went to his club in Washington D.C.?
Sorry you’ll have to do your own research.
November 16th, 2006 at 11:48 am
If your point is that Tom Delay is corrupt, then yes I agree with you. If your point is that Tom Delay used an Evangelical leader in MD to make himself more powerful, I also agree with you. Delay used the Christian Community to further himself.
For more fun on the corruption within the Christian Coalition read about Ralph Reed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_E._Reed%2C_Jr.
If you have information that ties any of these people to churches in the NW, that would be great.
November 16th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Of course there is more information but we’d have to meet in a garage
aka: All the Presidents Men to tell you. Actually I’m not the Deep Throat
needed in this scenario. We’re waiting to see how it will all turns out too. We scan the blogs and wait.
The point being if you set up shop thinking you’re going to influence those who are firmly entrenched there -be wise who you get involved with or who you take money from. I
Our big question is why do Pastors from the Northwest even have to set up shop back there. Or if they feel they are called to it Catalyst than why not delegate others locally to take care of their sheep. No one person can do it all as Haggard would probably now have to agree.
If the Northwest Pastors are called to do it then when will they learn from Buckham’s lessons that you are considered a non profit agency. When you
don’t use money or designated funds for what you said you were raising the money for it is a crime.
Question: if a church doesn’t make any of its financial records open even to its elders why is there reason to believe a ministry set up on the other side of the country will be open with their dealings too?
November 23rd, 2006 at 3:21 pm
It’s kind of ironic that the guy that they’re getting to pastor this new church
has a degree in Law and has been doing law stuff “on the side” while pastoring in the past. What better place than DC?
November 26th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
I’ll give you $5 to TP the place Justin, and post a picture here. $10 if you put a neon BUD sign in the window.
Sam
November 28th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
The Kirkland City Church is my neighbor. I feel as though I live next to a compound. In my experiences with them I find them to be oppressive and devisive. They do not seem to me to be concerned with my family’s well being at all. They play loud “rock music” and strike me as generally inconsiderate towards us.
In the lobby during “business hours” you can often find some young man in security mode complete with earpiece on a cord. I can’t tell you what kind of hell it is living beside them. It’s bad and we are trying to leave.
They seem to have a great deal of money.
November 28th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
City Church Neighbor, I am so sorry to hear about how miserable it is for you to live next to that church. Just more evidence that their view of themselves differs drastically from the view of “outsiders.” I hope you can move elsewhere soon…although the housing market up there is pretty insane, isn’t it?
Good luck!!!
Matrix
December 11th, 2006 at 11:24 pm
Sorry pal. i don’t know what you’re smoking but tom delay has never even been to the national prayer center. sure, he’s had people pray for him in the national prayer center….two different things. “east coast condo”, i’m sorry you must be poor because you’ve obviously never seen a real east coast condo. and ed buckham has nothing to do with the national prayer center either…neither does this new dc church.
people…if you’re going to blog then at least do some proper research. my gosh.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
and you’re a so-called young republican you lives and works on the hill as a pseudo-intellectual. you may think that’s successful…i call it a dime a dozen pal.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
what is this “we” crap about? who are you? stop trying to speak as one with authority in this sweet heart.
just because you gave some money and prayed for the national prayer center, ONE DAY, doesn’t mean you “worked” for the national prayer center. give me a break. stop creating your own credibility on something you have no credence in.
December 11th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
out of curiosity, are you a freak? stop talking to him like he’s 4. sweet heart, do you hear a helicopter? because i hear something hovering. STOP TALKING TO HIM LIKE YOUR HIS MOM….its insanely annoying.
December 12th, 2006 at 6:29 am
Well, this freaking war turned me into a Democrat. So while I’m still registered Republican, I identify with the D’s.
And yes, young intelligent people are a dime a dozen in DC. But there’s a sersious lack of young funny people, and I’m trying to fill that void.
December 12th, 2006 at 8:34 am
I always thought that people who post in all caps were talking like a mother.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Rae sounds like Jr High and I find that insanely annoying. (Way to totally miss the point Rae. So mature of you.)
December 12th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Rae I wondered when someone would finally respond to this bit of truth - So do you work for them now as an intern? And for how long?
Ed Buckham has never been there? I think you are smoking weed. Who do you think got them the property or ‘helped behind the scenes.’ –do you think these prime locations just come up out of nowhere? Have you even looked into the other investigations associated with Buckham and his ‘Hill real estate dealings’ for a purpose–do some digging first–on the internet.
Exactly how many non profits do you think he was behind and why? What do you think is being investigated at this moment?
It is a tangled web but the noose is getting tighter. What is it you think you know exactly and how would you know it–they allow no one to see who they are working with-but many figured it out –many.
It will all come out in the wash–so we wait. And by the way do you know Lou Sheldon –do some checking first before you go on a rant. Do you know Light On the Hill and understand all the relationships there.
Your emotion is great now back it up with one shred of intelligence and investigation or how about even a fact or two. You have no idea what you are even into and believe me this is no mother talking.
Another one bites the dust of deception.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:08 am
You forgot the “Im”.
;-)
December 12th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Dear Rae,
It sounds like you may have a personal stake in the NPC. Perhaps ownership is what makes your voice so defenseness. I have to agree with NPC Girl’s information which has been gathered from a collective group, all of which experienced what she mentioned, not the lone voice of ignorance you have illuded to. So, why do YOU care so much?
December 12th, 2006 at 9:40 am
Hi Rae –so do you have a list of all those who gave - worked - and stayed at the NPC over the years. We easily can come up with a list of 100.
Re-read the condo comment –that was the common term referred to by those
who witnessed what it was like to be a personal guest there. It ‘felt’ like you were staying at someone’s personal residence –not the headquarters of a quote
non-profit organization that we all helped to buy and pay for weekly -monthly.
Of course the record shows that when anyone got too much information they were quickly booted out of D.C. We know.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:49 am
I don’t remember anyone saying Tom Delay was actually at the NPC. The NPC had no relationship with Tom Delay? Ya, right.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:54 am
We remember weekly trips to meet with the man.
You can’t pull the wool over our eyes —its all on record out there –
Hate to disappoint you but you thought everyone had a 2nd grade education
and couldn’t put two and two together.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Meant to say defensive. So why ARE you so defensive? Do you OWN the NPC?
December 12th, 2006 at 10:10 am
As Abraham Lincoln said:
You can fool some of the people some of the time and some of the people
all of the time,
but you cannot fool all the people all of the time.’
December 12th, 2006 at 10:14 am
Thus, the indictments!
December 12th, 2006 at 10:16 am
I believe the quote is actually:
“You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
December 12th, 2006 at 10:22 am
NBN is correct, but we didn’t personally meet with TD. However, our pastor did fly back to DC frequently to meet with the esteemed leader. We had to pray for him while they met, I guess to assure he would say and pray the right thing. I suppose that infers if we didn’t pray right, he wouldn’t pray right.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:27 am
RH
I knew I’d be slammed if the quote wasn’t right
looked it up on brainy quotes just to make sure –
its not an easy one to get right.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:32 am
Either way –no one wants to be made a fool of and thats what we were
for supporting something that wasn’t out in the open in all their dealings-
not that DC is known for that esp. within these confines.
Have you heard they put people in the slammer for not using designated
offerings for what they said they were used for –no matter what your
accountant may have told you –he’s not an attorney;
especially when the amounts get up in the tens of thousands girl. Ck it out.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:39 am
Hey Rae –if the facts aren’t right here than please set the record straight.
It might be safer here than in the Washington Post.
If there’s nothing to hide than blog away –tell us all –after all you have
unsuspecting church members from all over the country giving money to what they think is the same as giving a tithe –at least it was said that way.
Shouldn’t someone be held accountable. Please enlighten us –where can we see their financial records since its inception. Shouldn’t non profit organizations be open with all the monies given to them especially when it is a national prayer organization
associated with Christians? It’s not too much to ask is it?
December 12th, 2006 at 10:45 am
Rae Rae? are you there?
December 12th, 2006 at 10:47 am
Nah, she said her bit and doesn’t want to hear what y’all have to say. long gone.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:49 am
Prada purses anyone?
December 12th, 2006 at 10:57 am
No slam intended. I happen to be a history buff.
December 12th, 2006 at 11:10 am
Give her 2-4 hours until she gets home from school. Longer if she has to take the bus.
Sam
December 12th, 2006 at 11:42 am
If NPC Girl is poor, then she is in good company since the Lord seems to enjoy the company of the poor and resists the proud.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.”
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
1 Samuel 2:8
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.”
December 12th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
Thank you RH –knew if I used an historical quote it might speak their
language!
And to Advocate –love those quotes and if you see ‘The Nativity’ movie
you will see visually from alot of research –what humble conditions
Our Lord came from and it totally lines up with these verses.
Isn’t there something also about taking advantage of the poor or widows?
Which is why people get upset when leaders like Buckham who say they are
Christians and working on family values behalf put over $300,000 in an account for his former boss Tom Delay’s wife. We were meeting with these people and had relationship with them. That is why we go off when
bloggers say ‘we don’t know what we were talking about’ –when i sat right
across the table at lunch with the man on our trip there -listening to ‘his plans’
for us.
Its all right — I was just one of many who saw him there and right now
everyone is saying they didn’t know him –There was a great article to that
very effect in the L.A. Times just yesterday –’I never knew the man’–says a former lobbyist with The Dept. of the Interior about Jack Abramoff who outed
this whole web of deceit and money laundering. Again read the papers.
Does that sound biblically familiar? It should –it goes all the way back to Peter when he was being pressured about knowing Jesus. Nothing new
under the sun. At least his story had a great ending!
December 12th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Somewhere, there is a cock crowing…
December 12th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
“And the walls came a-tumbling down”
December 12th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Maybe one of the reasons all this whirlwind surrounding Abramhoff and Christians he’s had dealings with is happening is that the Lord may be saying ‘Enough.’ Could it be that the old and corrupt rules will now no longer apply? Is this a judgment happening with people who use His name yet cut deals under the table and so now they are being called on the carpet? I was reading on this blog somewhere earlier where someone said ‘Follow the money trail’ so how far will it trickle down? If it’s a judgment thing, will he leave no stone unturned?
It’s time for Christians to return to Christ’s original intent. I do know that much. As a whole, we waste far too much time posturing and vying for position, establishing ministries and such, when we should be advocating for the poor and sick of the world. It’s far less glamorous for sure. But I get the feeling God won’t be happy till we are doing it and doing it out of love and humility. The sooner we set out do that, the sooner we will feel his power and enablement and blessing to get it done. Then I think his church will feel his full-on smile again and maybe, just maybe the world won’t disrepect us as a group so much.
My soapbox.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Personally, I feel that it is abominable for pastor wendell smith to be spending that much money in D.C. when there are literally people starving in his own State.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
For starters, Wendell should send Jonah to charm school. Or at the very least, foot the bill for Miss Manners to tutor the boy.
BTW, why didn’t Wendell send Dougie back to pilot the DC church?
Sam
December 12th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
pastor wendell smith should send Jonah to charm school AFTER he sends him to a good hair stylist and a good tailor.
Good question about why wendell didn’t send doug to D.C.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Prob’ly thought he’d choke a senator or somepin’.
December 12th, 2006 at 2:03 pm