Pastor Bans 103-yr Old From Lifelong Church

Laela

Sidestepping the "lynch mob"
I'm speechless.....


ATHENS, Ga. - A 103-year-old Georgia woman, who said she was kicked out of her life-long church in Elberton, is causing a schism in her small church.

Genora Hamm Biggs said she and the current pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Tim Mattox, have disagreed over his preaching style, which Biggs characterizes as a "Holiness style” since he was hired 6 years ago. Biggs told FOX 5 News that they are a Baptist church and that type of preaching doesn’t belong in her church.

"At one point, he had a crew in here and they were hollering and falling out in the middle of the floor. We don't do that in the Baptist Church," said Biggs.

The disagreement came to a head early in August when Rev. Mattox sent Biggs a letter stating that she could no longer attend church there “for any reason what so ever.”

“This letter is to inform you that according to the By-Laws of the Union Grove Baptist Church, and by vote of the active members, any membership or associations that you have had with this church are now officials revoked,” the letter dated August 2nd read.

Biggs said she attended church this past Sunday as usual, but had the police called on her. Police said there was nothing they could do as this was a civil dispute between Biggs and the church.

Rev. Mattox and the several church members who signed the letter sent to Biggs could not be reached for comment Monday.

Ezell Land, another former member of the church, told FOX 5 News that he left the church after 50 years over the whole issue. He said close to 20 other members of the congregation have left over the past year because of the pastor's particular preaching style.

"You can't do that to somebody. She has been part of this church her whole life. She was even the church secretary for 40 years. That's just no good pastoring to do that," said Land.

Link to Video: http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/19870672-story
 
This is just so wrong on so many levels of 'just wrong'.

This pastor is a bully and full of pride. What bothers me even more is that when she returned to the Church for service, the police were called on her to have her taken away.

Biggs said she attended church this past Sunday as usual, but had the police called on her. Police said there was nothing they could do as this was a civil dispute between Biggs and the church.

Really ? ! ?

I'm so glad the officers did not have the heart to do so.

I feel so bad that she was so mistreated. She's 103...for Heaven's sake, accommodate her. They could have very easily have come to a compromise to accommodate the faith of those who were used to the 'status quo anti bellum'....
 
I will refrain from taking sides without the full information from both sides.

On the surface it seems wrong...but...a leader cannot allow someone to cause division within the church...no matter what "rights", position, or length of membership a person has. Now her age sparks our sympathies and causes us to question what could she possibly do so wrong...but...I have witnessed old people be straight hell-raisers so...I'll reserve judgement.

But it does seem a bit much to call the police.
 
They're both absolutely wrong! Shame on both of them. She needs to make the adjustment to the new ministry style or find a new church. Churches are allowed to flow with the Spirit, providing the Spirit even resides at the church, and minister as such. Besides, a new pastor brings his own style. So, she should either adjust or find a new church. The pastor, shame on him for telling her she's not allowed to attend. He knows better and should've behaved better.
 
I'm going to look for the letter from the church in the other thread on this topic...

Edited: http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/21043233-story

Ms. Biggs invited another minister into the church to take his place... sounds pretty disruptive.

No one likes the idea of a grandma or anyone for that matter being removed from a church, but you do have to maintain order. It sounds like both of them need to chill. lol
 
Last edited:
@momi, I saw another version of this story too and I have to agree, Church Momma may not be as innocent as she seems... she said she and some other folks tried to oust the pastor. But how?

God is not a God of confusion.

I'm not Baptist but it would seem this attempt to ouster wasn't done the right way. Any Baptists in CF care to shed some light?
 
@momi, I saw another version of this story too and I have to agree, Church Momma may not be as innocent as she seems... she said she and some other folks tried to oust the pastor. But how?

God is not a God of confusion.

I'm not Baptist but it would seem this attempt to ouster wasn't done the right way. Any Baptists in CF care to shed some light?

I can only share my experience growing up in a Baptist church. Mosts decisions were made via the ballot or governing (deacon or trustee) board. Basically the church voted to elect the new pastor and granny's side lost. I can understand her wanting to make a stand since she'd been there practically her entire life....

SN: Since the story has aired, a group of people have travelled down there to side with Granny. New pastor has been removed.

http://www.11alive.com/story/life/f...r-out-church-has-now-been-voted-out/72786254/
 
Wrong on so many levels. I've been at a church where there is division and nothing gets done. The sermon is no longer a word from the Lord, but pastors taking the opportunity to share their side of the story and using the pulpit as their personal platform.

I agree with those who said that Granny gains sympathy because she is 103 year old, but if she were 30 years old would everyone's reaction still be the same?
 
Wrong on so many levels. I've been at a church where there is division and nothing gets done. The sermon is no longer a word from the Lord, but pastors taking the opportunity to share their side of the story and using the pulpit as their personal platform.

I agree with those who said that Granny gains sympathy because she is 103 year old, but if she were 30 years old would everyone's reaction still be the same?

@mrselle... :giveheart:

Regarding the bolded....

I'm so guilty. You got me. :look: :look: :look:
 
SN: Since the story has aired, a group of people have travelled down there to side with Granny. New pastor has been removed.

http://www.11alive.com/story/life/f...r-out-church-has-now-been-voted-out/72786254/

Whaaaaaaattt???

I have to be honest. The Pastor brought this upon himself. He could have handled this a different way. I am more than certain that he was acting out of his flesh and did not seek the counsel and guidance of the Holy Spirit; he chose to seek the counsel of his flesh and the flesh of other humans.

Remember when Moses 'smote the rock'? Although the children of disobedience were in rebellion, God still held Moses accountable for he was God's chosen leader and God expected more from him. Plus Moses had a one on one relationship with God with whom he could ask anything and receive the right answers.

This Pastor did the same as Moses, he 'smote the rock' (he reacted to this woman out of anger) when he should have sought the Lord instead. God expected more from this Pastor, he was set there as a leader and an example of one who yields to the Holy Spirit.

God's word is clear..."To whom much is given, much is required..."

Also, as the Pastor he is not to bring a reproach upon the Church, however this is exactly what happen. By dismissing this woman and calling the police when she returned, no matter who was right / wrong, he is the one that folks are looking at as the villain. He should have taken this into consideration to shun the appearance of evil...on his part.
 
Honestly, I cannot think of any other way the pastor could have handled the situation
Wrong on so many levels. I've been at a church where there is division and nothing gets done. The sermon is no longer a word from the Lord, but pastors taking the opportunity to share their side of the story and using the pulpit as their personal platform.

I agree with those who said that Granny gains sympathy because she is 103 year old, but if she were 30 years old would everyone's reaction still be the same?

I wonder what other way could the situation could have been handled? Should leaders continue to allow disruptions during service and church meetings? If Granny was indeed right maybe she should have prayed and trusted God to work it out.

It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. Psalm 75:7
 
Thanks for that insight momi!

I found this vid that shows the vote to oust him...








I can only share my experience growing up in a Baptist church. Mosts decisions were made via the ballot or governing (deacon or trustee) board. Basically the church voted to elect the new pastor and granny's side lost. I can understand her wanting to make a stand since she'd been there practically her entire life....

SN: Since the story has aired, a group of people have travelled down there to side with Granny. New pastor has been removed.

http://www.11alive.com/story/life/f...r-out-church-has-now-been-voted-out/72786254/
 
Thanks for that insight momi!

I found this vid that shows the vote to oust him...


:nono: I don't like this. Not one bit. I only hope the other side hasn't been as ugly.

I still believe that none of this had to happen the way that it did on either side. I can see where both sides are wrong. It's just heartbreaking to see this among those in Church. I know feelings can get hurt and offence does happen in any and every walk of life, but this is not what God wants. :nono:
 
An update:

Georgia woman, 103, returns to church after exit of preacher who banned her


By Cristina Corbin Published October 01, 2015 FoxNews.com

Biggs2.jpg

Genora Hamm Biggs, 103, is pictured in this photo provided by Fox affiliate WAGA-TV.


Nothing could keep 103-year-old Genora Hamm Biggs from her church -- not even a pastor who expelled her from her place of worship for nearly a century.

Biggs is now allowed to return to the Union Grove Baptist Church in Elberton, Ga. -- and the pastor who gave her the boot is the one who won't be back, according to her attorney.

A parishioner since she was 11, Biggs was banned last month from attending after she disagreed with the church's pastor over his preaching style. When Biggs decided she'd attend anyway, police were called to the small church, where Biggs also worked as the secretary for some 40 years.

"This is the only church she's ever known."

- Ken Dious, attorney


Following her expulsion, the Rev. Tim Mattox, the pastor of six years, claimed he received death threats. On Wednesday, parishioners announced that Mattox was leaving along with other members of the congregation to form a new church.

Biggs was then handed the key to the church and is now responsible, along with a handful of other members, for electing a new pastor, her attorney, Ken Dious, told FoxNews.com.

"She’s elated," Dious said of Biggs on Thursday.

"This is the only church she's ever known," he said. "It was her grandfather who started that church."

Biggs and Mattox had long sparred over his preaching style, which she characterizes as a "Holiness style" that she claims doesn't belong in the Baptist church. Tensions between pastor and parishioner came to a head in early August when Mattox sent her a letter stating she could no longer attend church there "for any reason whatsoever," Fox affiliate WAGA-TV reported.

"This letter is to inform you that according to the By-Laws of the Union Grove Baptist Church, and by vote of the active members, any membership or associations that you have had with this church are now officially revoked," read the letter, dated Aug. 2.

Mattox and other members of the flock are planning to start a new church, called New Bethel, which they said Biggs would not be welcome to join.

Biggs, however, said through her attorney she hopes those church members will one day come back.
 
This story is getting more bizarre by the minute...

If the pastor's claims are true, I certainly hope those "sanctified" church members aren't the ones placing those death threat calls! At the same time, I'm saddened by his attitude that she is not welcome at the new church. What starts wrong, will end wrong.

While I'm glad the old lady can live out the rest of her years in her home church, she and her crew seem to be using members as pawns to get their way. She seems set in her ways and this whole thing is a battle of wills. What if they decide to put vote in a new pastor to lead this flock that wasn't sent by God? Oh wow... please keep this congregation in your prayers. @Shimmie, this is sadder than sad!
 
Thank you for the update @Laela. I watched the news conference where the pastor announced that he and his supporters were leaving to start their own church. There were members there who also supported the removal of Ms. Bigg's membership - saying she was loud and also disrupted service.

Now that the church has split, this also means that resources will be split as well. People don't often consider things like: who will open the doors for service and meetings, who refills the communion supply, cleans or maintains the facility, gives financially to support the ministry.... Hopefully all those who support Mother Biggs will step up and ensure the church is able to survive.
 
This story is getting more bizarre by the minute...

If the pastor's claims are true, I certainly hope those "sanctified" church members aren't the ones placing those death threat calls! At the same time, I'm saddened by his attitude that she is not welcome at the new church. What starts wrong, will end wrong.

While I'm glad the old lady can live out the rest of her years in her home church, she and her crew seem to be using members as pawns to get their way. She seems set in her ways and this whole thing is a battle of wills. What if they decide to put vote in a new pastor to lead this flock that wasn't sent by God? Oh wow... please keep this congregation in your prayers. @Shimmie, this is sadder than sad!

Why in the world would she show up at the new church where the pastor is the man she fought to have ousted? That would be rather strange...

ETA: After further thought, I am not sure why they decided to even share that she would not be welcome.... it sounds pretty vindictive.
 
This story is getting more bizarre by the minute...

If the pastor's claims are true, I certainly hope those "sanctified" church members aren't the ones placing those death threat calls! At the same time, I'm saddened by his attitude that she is not welcome at the new church. What starts wrong, will end wrong.

While I'm glad the old lady can live out the rest of her years in her home church, she and her crew seem to be using members as pawns to get their way. She seems set in her ways and this whole thing is a battle of wills. What if they decide to put vote in a new pastor to lead this flock that wasn't sent by God? Oh wow... please keep this congregation in your prayers. @Shimmie, this is sadder than sad!

@Laela, thank you for the update. As I was reading it, I felt so sad about everything on both sides. Then I read your post below it. You truly know *me* -- your 'sister', don't you. :yep:

Laela this is so very sad. I just feel broken inside for this is not what Jesus wanted from either of them on either side. It's just so demonic, God is not in any of it.

The new pastor sounds 'bitter', especially with that last comment that Ms. Biggs would not be welcome into his 'new' church. That was so unnecessary to say, and especially to the media who is already biased against the Christian faith. :nono:

Jesus said this in Matthew, Mark and Luke...

King James Bible

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.

Mark 6:11

"And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."

The new pastor wasn't received so all he had to do was just leave, just as Jesus said to do. The folks and Ms. Biggs were not innocent. They are not kind hearted nor loving nor welcoming. Such a shame this had to happen.
 
Thank you for the update @Laela. I watched the news conference where the pastor announced that he and his supporters were leaving to start their own church. There were members there who also supported the removal of Ms. Bigg's membership - saying she was loud and also disrupted service.

Now that the church has split, this also means that resources will be split as well. People don't often consider things like: who will open the doors for service and meetings, who refills the communion supply, cleans or maintains the facility, gives financially to support the ministry.... Hopefully all those who support Mother Biggs will step up and ensure the church is able to survive.

@momi, do you have a link for the news conference? Thanks either way. :yep:
 
Here it is @Shimmie...


http://www.11alive.com/story/life/f...hurch-pastor-and-other-members-quit/73118918/

Biggs' attorney spoke after the news conference, saying "I am glad the other faction came to this decision.We gracefully accept what has been done. We hope this ends the controversy and I will escort Mrs Bigg to church this Sunday."

Other church members who are leaving said 103-year-old Biggs has been rude and disrespectful to church members and former pastors.

"The sweet innocent 103-year-old carrier character that the media has tried to portray with Ms. Biggs is not the person that we had to deal with each Sunday," former church secretary Homerzell Heard said. "Ms. Biggs was often loud and disrupted the service and talked talked over the preacher pastor."

Her granddaughter said Biggs is happy to regain control of the church she has attended for more than 70 years.

Deacons at Union Grove will get the key to the church on Thursday.
 
Here it is @Shimmie...


http://www.11alive.com/story/life/f...hurch-pastor-and-other-members-quit/73118918/

Biggs' attorney spoke after the news conference, saying "I am glad the other faction came to this decision.We gracefully accept what has been done. We hope this ends the controversy and I will escort Mrs Bigg to church this Sunday."

Other church members who are leaving said 103-year-old Biggs has been rude and disrespectful to church members and former pastors.

"The sweet innocent 103-year-old carrier character that the media has tried to portray with Ms. Biggs is not the person that we had to deal with each Sunday," former church secretary Homerzell Heard said. "Ms. Biggs was often loud and disrupted the service and talked talked over the preacher pastor."

Her granddaughter said Biggs is happy to regain control of the church she has attended for more than 70 years.

Deacons at Union Grove will get the key to the church on Thursday.

Thanks so much @momi.

:nono: This is just one sad, sad, mess. :nono: It's so ugly and deeply rooted in ugly.
 
Back
Top