Ministry News

Pastor Scandal Brings Out Best in Church

Details: Tuesday, 01 December 2009 11:43

A pastor-related financial scandal that halves your congregation and diminishes your community impact typically isn't seen as a good thing. Yet according to members of Live Oak Community Church in Oakley, Calif., the last nine months of turmoil have resulted in a "wonderful" transformation that's returned the church to its giving roots.

In March Live Oak elders filed a lawsuit against then-pastor Arcadio "Larry" Pineda, accusing him of deceitfully using the church's name to incur personal debt and support a lavish lifestyle. Pineda resigned amid the allegations—which included filing false documents to take out a $110,000 mortgage loan on a church building—but the scandal surrounding his actions split the congregation. In addition, a lien was placed on the church's historic building.

Though membership dwindled to about 40 people, those remaining in the church have decided to heal and rebuild through serving others. Rather than hire another pastor, church leadership opted to use Pineda's nearly $4,000 in monthly salary for outreach projects such as feeding the homeless and stocking women's shelters. Church members also volunteered to take care of day-to-day activities such as cleaning the sanctuary and mowing grass, while a trio of elders now split preaching duties.

"We don't take in as much," elder Albert Dunmore says, "but we have just as much because we don't have any paid employees. It's been wonderful. Nobody complains. We haven't any problem with getting volunteers."

Pineda was arrested and charged last week on suspicion of grand theft, and prosecutors say he spent all but $10,000 of the $110,000 loan to make payments on credit cards taken out in the church's name but used for personal expenses. Authorities also claim the 65-year-old former pastor used church offerings for personal use.

Although the arrest means the church will save money in future legal fees as it fights to lift the lien from its property, few members were happy to hear about Pineda facing charges.

"We prayed today for mercy," church trustee Robert Reeves said on Monday, "and that he would be able to learn from the experience. … This has been very expensive, and we really don't want to waste God's money."

According to Dunmore, the church is confident it will rebound from a trying season. "We are going to be a giving church, and we are going to continue to give," he says. "We'll be reaching out in the community." [contracostatimes.com, 11/25/09]

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Comments

0 #3 Terrace Crawford 2010-01-14 00:08

This is very encouraging to see. I know of a church going through the same struggle... and they are making decisions [now] about what to do next. I hope they come out on the side of it like this church did. wow.

--Terrace Crawford
www.terracecrawford.com
www.twitter.com/terracecrawford

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0 #2 Mr. Rick 2009-12-07 02:30

read this

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+2 #1 Sam the man 2009-12-01 06:05

By golly I am pleased with

you folks! Remember the Holy Spirit is your teacher and you do not need a "store Bought" preacher miss educated in our times. Stick to the book, prayer and renew your minds as scripture tells you to do. Also, seek holiness and humility. Remember honor all of those who got you where you are as you honor your father and mother.