Setting Things Straight and Moving On

This was an awesome weekend at Fellowship Church! I am humbled by the outpouring of love, encouragement and support from so many people. Before I spoke, I took the opportunity to thank the church and address some recent news coverage. And now, we will continue to move forward and follow God in the work He is doing here.

Comments

[Curt Whitfield]

I am a pastor in a small town in Florida and our church is 4 years old. We have been to the C3 regional conferences and have been very blessed to learn from Ed. We also use the Elevate and Elevate Jr. resources, which we absolutely love. Ed, I know that God has a plan for this situation. You handled it biblically and with great humility. May God continue to bless you, your family, and Fellowship Church!!!

[Troy Greisen]

My family and I are members at FC now for almost 2 years after living overseas (India) for 5 years. I grew up as a PK (Preacher's Kid) and my grandfather was also a Pastor and taught at a Bible college. While living in India, I saw Satan's attacks on Christianity and His church overwhelmingly on a daily basis. As a PK growing up I saw how satan frequently tried to disrupt the congregation, pastor and our family. Lets face it, the church is the strongest "stronghold" God has in this world, so of course satan is going to go after the church with every thing he has. Its a battle ground, and FC congregation needs to stand together and firm for God's house, His work being doing thru Pastor Ed, Lisa, tha family and this church and its "experiences" across the globe. Notice the story did not mention anything about the facts that show phenominal proven results of good works being done, lives being changed, and the reasons the plane is being used...

[Robert Muro]

Great video! I am so blown away by the attack on high profile pastors in the past year or so. With the recent events that have been shared around the country, it seems like people are beginning to ask the question, "who's next?" It's such an inspiration to see that Pastor Ed has kept himself under so much accountability. I think that was the downfall of many other great men. I think this too shall pass and it's awesome to see what will take place in Fellowship Church from this day on!

[Kem Meyer]

Ed Young...

Well done. Well communicated. Know that the leadership team at Granger Community Church is behind you and celebrate you.

Press on!

[Renee']

I never have found a church home where I felt truly comfortable, accepted and excited to attend until I went to Fellowship Church (plano). Thanks to you Ed, I finally was able to learn and have fun at church without falling asleep or bored to tears and unable to focus. I had a huge spiritual void in my life until now. I am still learning but with God, you, Lisa and the church I am sure to become a better person and gear my life into the right direction. You are a very down to earth person and should never of had to go through this. Bless you and yours!

[Eyriche Cortez]

Here in the Philippines, we have a saying. "People only throw stones at a fruitful tree."

[Beverly Dear]

It is so sad that some former disgruntled church member would take such a story to the media. If Ed were doing anything wrong, wouldn't you take it to the church board to rectify the situation? Taking it to the media shows that the intent was to tear down the church and Ed. Obviously this person HAD to remain anonymous because of their own reputation. I watch every week from Florence, MS, and will continue to do so. You have a fantastic church, and a fantastic pastor!!

[Lisa Allen]

I am not a member of your church but I am a Believer and follower of Christ and a member of another church in the same area. I have a ton of friends and church friends who at one time were members or had attended on a regular basis, and some that still attend Fellowship. So this has been a topic of frequent conversation in my life lately..First off, I pray that the truth is revealed in either WFAAs story or through your own actions as a church. I hope that they do a follow up piece that clears it all up for everyone... I was happy to see that your response covered almost all of the topics covered in the investigation. I pray for the members of your congregation, that they feel no less shepparded during this.
I know the Book of James says "consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials"...so consider it joy as this is a trial. I am sure that you also know that the book of James says "Not many of you should become teachers,my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."....
I pray for the hearts of those who hear this investigation, that they would not use it as an excuse to not go to church, or to continue to live in sin. May those people turn from sin and turn to Him, the only One who saves.
My Best to Yall, just down the street in Flower Mound! God Bless.

[Ben Jameson]

Ed and Lisa
I am a pastor in Alabama and I have been greatly influenced by your ministry. Thanks for all you do. Hang in there and know that I will be praying for both of you. I look forward to meeting you in heaven one day!

[Kyle]

As a pastor who has been dealing with viscious attacks over the last 8 months I want you to know that I stand shoulder to shoulder with you Ed. Lies and rumors spread by those who do not look for the truth can hurt, but at least we know that God is on our side.

To all of you at Fellowship Church, I want you to know that you are a part of something great. You are part of a church that is advancing the kingdom of God throughout this earth and that is the most important work you could ever be a part of. This attack on Ed, his family and you is only going to serve to catupult you into the next phase of your destiny. Thank you for giving of your time and resources to make Fellowship Church the light that it is to the rest of the world.

[Eimi Middlekauff]

You know.. I was wrong.. I thought you owned a plane... but I honestly thought it would have been cheaper with all the traveling you do.....

This past Sunday was AMAZING! I feel so proud to be a part of church like FC

[Todd Cleaver]

Ed, I love how media seek out the investigative stories from the former staff aid, the disgruntled ex-associate, the former employee for their take, whether it be Corporate America or the Church, as though their word is "Gospel" of all things. They report "Hearsay"... What does God say about "Hearsay", "Slander", "Gossip", "Back-biting"? And these alleged former employees, certainly they know what Matthew 18 is all about right? Sounds like something God will asks tough questions to when their number is called. I pray they all get right with God, before that day. While they seek such individuals, is it too much to ask that they seek current board members, current employees, aids, staff, congregants, for their objective take?

Your ministry has blessed me beyond what I could wrap my brain around. I attended your all day C3 Leadership Conference in Mesa, Arizona a year or so ago, and I'm here to tell the world, I can't wait to participate again. You can't buy education like that! The closer we get to Christ, the more attacks we'll fight off. And His presence must be so near for all of you at Fellowship. Just keep steppin', just keep walking the walk as you always have. You are the Godly example that most ought to step up and take notice too. By the way, has the media heard of Allaso Ranch? They probably have children that ought to be making a visit there. God Bless you all. Galatians 2:20!

[Ryan]

I attend what's defined as a megachurch, and I've seen a lot of preachers on TV. Out of all of them, Ed, you seem to be the most real. Your sermons are based out of scripture, and that's intensely evident. Though not a member of FC, or have ever been to the great state of Texas, I consider you an incredible leader. One thing that concerns me though, where on your blog or FC's website is the actual message from this past weekend? That's what I missed!

Keep on keepin' on!

[Sheila Gerald]

Love the Champion life of Ed and Lisa Young! Fellowship Church is touching lives across the world! Rock on! -Sheila and Kevin Gerald

[Martin Salazar]

I just wanted to start by saying that you have been a great blessing to my life and my Family and most of all my church and my circle of friends you have inspierd us so much Ed God Bless you, this is just the enemy, We have a saying in mexico that Says "if the dogs are Barking thats means we are Advancing in are Path" Just keep on doing the Great work Pastor!! see you in C3 Great things are coming..... Get ready to go to another Level after this

[Sue]

What a glimpse into what God will do at the C3 Conference & 2010 through Fellowship Church. GREAT things are in store that --would be the only reason the enemy would attempt to distract. You are shaking and moving things for the Kingdom of God and the enemy is threatened. This is the moment His Church will shine.

Thank you for being on the frontlines of the Greatest Awakening to a revival of His Name. Our prayers are with you.

[Becky G]

Ed, I know you are receiving hundreds if not thousands of messages, so I will keep this short and just say this. My family has been blessed by your words. God came to us through you and Fellowship church, and I will forever be grateful for His gift---a gift given to us through your ministry at Fellowship Church. I trust you because I trust God. You are our gift from God. Thank you for answering His call.

[Ryan]

Ed and Lisa,

My family is praying for your strength through this. We are behind you 100% and know that satan is the cause of all this drama. The lord is going to take it to a WHOLE NOTHA LEVEL. Thank you for all that you do.

[i <3 FC!]

God blessed my sons and me by leading us to FC ten years ago. I am forever indebted to Him, Ed, Lisa, the staff, and the volunteers... forever.

[Karen]

I too had e-mailed Mr. Shipp and WFAA claiming the same misconduct in reporting and my pledge to cease viewership because of the choices made by the reporter and the station. Mr. Shipp wrote me back in a pandering tone ultimately defending himself as one would expect. I wrote back to him today after thinking about the response for several days now and stated that I am praying for him along with many others.

I respect all Pastors that are doing the Lords work and am very proud to count Ed among those Pastors that are living a life of integrity.

[Ophelia O'Shea]

Pastor Ed,
It saddened me to see you have to defend yourself, but I realize that we live in a world that requires such.
I cannot describe what your gift of conveying the teachings of the bible and God's Word has done in my life. Your influence and teachings are so inspiring for this new believer.
Thanking God for you and the abilities that He has given you,
Ophelia O'Shea

[Randy Dane]

THE FOLLOWING is an email I have sent to WFAA and Brett Shipp:

I have watched and read the piece by Shipp, and I have watched and read the response from Young. Either Shipp and WFAA have done some very weak investigation and are guilty of irreparable harm to Young's very important reputation, or Young has moved beyond secrecy to distorting the facts. Frankly, after reading and watching both sources, Young's response is far more convincing. After all, his witnesses were willing to show their faces and speak with their own voices. Unfortunately for Young his convincing response has a much smaller audience.

It is WFAA and Shipp's responsibility to either substantiate your claims or clean up the mess that you have created. At the very least, WFAA is compelled to settle the differences between it's claims and Young's response regarding the details. I was pleased to see that you posted Young's response to your website.

I have trusted WFAA as a news source for many years, but will promptly cease to do so if this type of investigative journalism is acceptable. It appears that a disgruntled former member or staffer from Fellowship Church has manipulated WFAA, and regrettably both WFAA and Pastor Young lose.

I would hope that WFAA cares as deeply about the significance of this story as myself and many other loyal WFAA viewers do.

Accountability is at issue here. If WFAA's reporting is in question, and it is, then I would expect that many other concerned customers will also hold you accountable. Just as you intended to hold Young accountable.

Expecting a response,

Randy Dane
WFAA Viewer

[Jennifer Roberson]

I stand by you 100% God is good and has blessed you well!!!!! I will be praying for you and your family during this time.

[D. VonZ]

Thank you for all you do. Appreciated the board members addressing us as well. By the way, WFAA has pulled the comment section from their website regarding the story they ran...hmmm, who's really hiding the truth...Not Ed!

[matt bortmess]

I appreciate your honesty and openness. I'm praying for you and Lisa, your family and for Fellowship. God is doing great things through you...this is just a bump in the road! Keep pressing on...