I’m Sure There’s A Reasonable Explanation…
“The Rozells could not be reached by the Daily Inter Lake, but Rob McCoy, the lead pastor of Godspeak, who is also the mayor of Thousand Oaks, California, reported they will not be taking questions out of respect for the interns and staff. The Rozells, as well as former board members with the Potter’s Field nonprofit, have stepped down from the ministry and will have no part in the liquidation process moving forward.”
According to the Montana Corporate Division these are the officers for Potters Field Ministries and Ranch.
There has been no articles of dissolution filed as of about 3:00 PDT this afternoon.
McCoy was added on Monday…
What do you think this means Michael? I feel like I’m not seeing the significance in this that you are. Help me understand.
It might help to back away from personality issues and look at what is actually taking place: A religious not for profit has had credible accusations of abuse, fraud and possible embezzlement brought against it. Now, what should be happening?
Prior to dissolving the corporations(s) the board has a fiduciary responsibility in law to investigate and to recover mis-allocated assets. This step includes:
An external audit by an independent certified accountant.
The involvement of external counsel (lawyer) to evaluate any criminal wrong doing.
The securing of all relevant papers, financial records and files.
The recovery of financial assets which have been misappropriated or embezzled.
If criminal conduct is discovered, referral to outside law enforcement agencies.
Address state and federal reporting requirements and, if required, penalties.
The tracing of overseas wire transfers and the existence of off-shore accounts.
By statute, the board, now including Mr.McCoy, has the responsibility to “act with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances.”
The above document suggests that nothing even approaching such measures is taking place…
Thank you, Duane, well said.
Madj,
It was my understanding that all the people involved with PFM had resigned their board positions.
They haven’t.
Yesterday, a number of calls were made to these agencies to make sure that these legal documents were indeed correct.
They are.
Legally, the Rozells control both boards should they so desire to do so.
We reported yesterday that to dissolve these corporations they needed to file a notice to do so with the state.
They haven’t done so.
There has to be transparency in these issues, especially when the church and the name of Jesus has been so publicly defiled.
Michael
As simply a point of information, we should note that Mr. McCoy served on the Thousand Oaks City Council “Finance/Audit Committee” and is, therefore, fully aware of what should be taking place. If it does not take place, he cannot claim ignorance and, indeed, may bear liability.
Thanks Michael. That helps.
PLEASE DO NOT let this be another abusive cc/501c3 business as usual, scam the sheep and walk with $$$Millions as good people look on like a dear in the headlights….
ENOGH IS ENOUGH of this MOCKERY and THIEVERY in JESUS name!!!
For all who are interested, comments can be left on the Daily Interlake story on PFM. Additionally, those with relevant information can contact Michael on this site or contact the reporters of the story. Reporter Kianna Gardner may be reached at 406-758-4439 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com. Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 406-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.
Roger Gale was a financial planner before he became a California pastor,
Tony Croteau is a Montana Real Estate broker,
Steve Miller was a Chicago art professor before pastoring and becoming a staff at Potter’s Field Ministries,
Austin Haitt is a Calvary Chapel missionary to Potter’s Field and Potter’s Field staff member
4 board members are directly involved with the ministry: the Rozells, Haitt, Miller.
I would think 5 have a financial interest: the Rozells, Haitt, Miller and Croteau.
The only one somewhat removed seems to be Gale.
This appears to be a caretaking board (rubber stamping whatever the President wants)
Potter’s Field Ranch has a 1 star rating at Charity Navigator, the overall ministry isn’t rated.
This board could be in for a world of hurt if the state takes an interest.
Somehow I missed this post completely! Thank you, Michael, Duane & Bene D, for all this information. For me it is precious. It is so needed to completely expose the dark way money is handled by these people. Sadly, it also exposes the true, corrupt heart of many.
The Amplified Bible seems to be quite explicit in its rendering of the I Peter5:1-3 passage concerning pastoral behavior:
“I warn and counsel the elders among you–the pastors and spiritual guides of the church–as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): Tend–nurture, guard, guide and fold–the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office] but eagerly and cheerfully. Not (as arrogant, dictatorial and overbearing persons) domineering over those in your charge, but being examples–patterns and models of Christian living–to the flock (the congregation).”
So many “Christian/Church” leaders seem content to simply blow past the clear teachings of Scripture. (There are so many passages that cover leaders in the church.) It makes it reasonable to ask what they do with other passages. There is a clear lack of the healthy fear of God and a clear lack of true love and devotion to God’s people, the sheep. These men simply cannot claim to be a Shepherd of God and proceed as they have. This elitist attitude is the leaven with which they have been modeled from the top down. If the upper guys have been “getting away” with all this corrupt and immoral behavior for so long and the ground has not opened up–why should they worry? Church and leadership, as they have made it, has truly become a cold and calculating corporation just as you have essentially said, Michael. On another thread I even proffered that they become “ministries” that are in business to keep themselves in business.