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You're the problem. There were plenty of people able to verify. It sounds like a predator. Read about "grooming"---I'm sure Pastor Bryan was just getting started with Dawn. He's probably been on his best behavior for a few years while this lawsuit went on---but he'll have a hard time keeping his mouth shut. By then the church will be renting out rooms to anyone who will give them money so they can keep paying his salary and the building utilities.— February 11, 2020 9:37 p.m.
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Not untrue. Totally true. Super sad.— February 11, 2020 9:34 p.m.
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Yes. Unsafe. Great warning.— February 11, 2020 9:33 p.m.
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This situation completely breaks my heart. I too know Dawn Neldon and she is an incredible human being and leader. There isn't a chance in hell that she would falsify any of this information or make up a story about this "pastor." Listen. Pastoral leadership is a magnet for a narcissistic leader. Unfortunately the way that the American church elevates pastors to stardom invites this behavior and personality to thrive in this environment. The other thing that's so appalling (and we see it daily in the news) is how frequently churches cover over abuse. Believe the best. Move on in the name of "protecting the church." Friends. The church IS people. Protecting the church? The way you do that? You build a barbed wire fence around your church and keep predators OUT. Even and especially when they go by Reverend or Pastor. THAT is how you protect the church. Dawn Neldon was abused by her congregation that raised her, employed her and called her their friend. Unfortunately, this group of people who claim to follow Jesus and want the Kingdom to be here on earth took the side of a man they barely knew (who was still on probation by the way and could've been easily dismissed) and abandoned a woman they had known for over a decade. It's shocking to me because Dawn's reputation and integrity speak for themselves---stellar and trusted. No one protects the Church when they allow manipulative narcissists to stay in their pastoral senior pastor roles preaching a fake gospel for a whole lotta cash and advantages. They get a pass---and the abused? They are silenced. This is not Jesus. This is not the gospel. Many will leave the faith and the church because "leaders" protect abusers. Dawn Neldon was and is brave. Braver than many. I'm so proud of her. I would be willing to guess there are others that this man has harassed. You don't wake up one day, start working at a new church and out of the blue start flirting with and grooming the youth pastor for the first time ever. That's patterned behavior. Just wait. Keep your eyes open, church. Be careful who you're loyal to---you might just find yourself on the wrong side of the story. You know what would've saved this church from decline? Honest examination. Humility. And the Elder Board's willingness to say: "Oh crap, we hired the wrong guy. You need to go back home to Texas. We won't allow that behavior here." My guess? After three years of the Holy Grease Lightening Grinding Reverend Bryan dismantling a wonderful church community? There are many wishing they could rewind the tape and change the story---but then again, pride is a liar. Matthew 24: 10-11 "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."— February 11, 2020 9:16 p.m.