Hello there! I hope you remember me? Of course you do. I am the only one with that name. Which is why I do not have to put up my full name. A lot has happened since those days of Campus Church in Minneapolis. I remember the enthusiasm, love and special bonding among the young, idealist believers. It was wonderful! No regrets at all. Because all of it was genuine, from the heart.
What we did not know was that there was a malicious mole among us. A vicious wolf masquerading as a lamb among lambs.
This wolf was/is no other than our Pastor. In whom we had full trust and confidence. This man is the “Reverend” O’Neill. Now that I know better, everything is crystal clear. But as they say hindsight is no good because it does not help when we need that clarity and light.
There is hope here. This man is still alive. He has reincarnated himself in Raleigh, North Carolina. He thought that people like me do not count.
Well he is wrong. O’Neill, here I am. I openly challenge you, “Reverend,” to reply to me. I challenge your shallow theology, your pitiable knowledge of history and science. Your phony claims of being “born again” and the outrageous claim that you know “reality.”
This site is dedicated to exposing this phony, the “Reverend” “pastor” ERNEST O’NEILL.
I was a member of Campus Church, Minneapolis. I lived in shared housing inhabited by other believers. I worked with the so-called businesses owned by Christian Corps, International. In reality nothing was owned by anyone. Everything was owned by Ernest O’Neill. Which is why when the right time came — when the expenses became much more than the income — O’Neill ran with whatever he could collect. In this cowardly act of betrayal, he left hundreds stranded.
The stranded ones included his one-time inner circle comprising of “ELDERS.” For years these “elders” supported O’Neill like faithful servants (boy, did we not all!). Nearly all “elders” sacrificed by accepting minimal pay and worked hard to make Campus Church and its satellite businesses successful.
O’Neill had no compunction in betraying such a loyal bunch.
A singular characteristics of spiritual predators like O’Neill is that they never look back and they never have any regrets. To this day O’Neill has made no attempts to apologize to any of this former “elders.” An apology is too much to ask. This man never cared to even contact them once he fled from Minneapolis.
If this man can betray people who were so close to him, imagine what regard he has for people who he once hypocritically called his flock.
O’Neill, I, Kush K is your worst nightmare. You thought you have gotten by fooling everyone. Except one. This one was a fool. But thank goodness, my foolishness did not last forever. Although, you wish that I were as great a fool as your ardent followers are who followed you to Raleigh, NC, and those fools in London, who still maintain your shady operations there.
So here I am. Liberated and free. Ready to expose O’Neill. Those who have the courage to hear the truth read on…It will be wonderful to especially hear from exCampusChurchers who are now free from religion.
Kush K would like to know if you have progressed intellectually, and “humanistically.” However, don’t shy from leaving a comment or contacting me even if you are still bound in superstition. It is OK. There are may who are today “spiritual” and have seen the real Ernest O’Neill.
This is not about you or me. This is about remembering our sincerity and the regard we had at a personal level. This is about friendship. We did not betray each other. The only person who betrayed us all is still deluding himself and other in North Carolina.
I call upon all who have conscience left to come forward and join me in exposing this villain, the so-called PASTOR, REV. O’NEILL.
My look alike!!
EXPOSING Rev. "PASTOR" ERNEST O'NEILL 
Kush,
I never met you, but I knew of you. I was involved with the church and Fish for about five years, as was my husband. Yes, how is it possible that O’Neill has taken his road show to N.C. At the time I would have scrubbed the floor with a toothbrush for the big O. I believed that my life would be with this body of people for the rest of my life. I am very sorry for the elders and that he escaped with money and just started everything all over again. We live in Northern Califonia now and struggle with any belief.
I know that you were a friend of Scott Larson. Do you have any contact with him? We don’t sadly, and miss him. He introduced Jeff (my husband) and I in 1973.
Kathleen (Engstrom) Munson
Hello… interesting site!
I recently took over all three official ernest o’neill sites, beleiving I was helping a Brother in the Lord; I perhaps should have looked into Mr. O’neil!
Nonetheless, I would be interested in receiving names and numbers of former church members to confirm your claims; then I would decide whether to trash the sites or not.
These claims are serious.
As well, might I pray for you? If in fact Mr O’neill and circumstances pressured you into giving up your Faith in Jesus Christ, you may be interested to know that Jesus Christ has not given up on you, dear friend.
In Christ,
Dan Lirette
Hi. You posted,
“I was a member of Campus Church, Minneapolis. I lived in shared housing inhabited by other believers. I worked with the so-called businesses owned by Christian Corps, International. In reality nothing was owned by anyone. Everything was owned by Ernest O’Neill. Which is why when the right time came — when the expenses became much more than the income — O’Neill ran with whatever he could collect. In this cowardly act of betrayal, he left hundreds stranded.”
It is not clear to me what was done that was unethical or harmful here. It seems that there were businesses all under one legal entity. It may have been fully ethical to fold businesses when they were losing money.
A suspicious person might like to think that Mr. O’Neil took any “profits” or “salary” from the business. But a sympathetic person would assume that he had a subsistance income in proportion to how everyone else was doing.
Peter
Kathleen Munson says:
“I believed that my life would be with this body of people for the rest of my life. I am very sorry for the elders and that he escaped with money and just started everything all over again. ”
I am wondering if the phrase, “escaped with money” is a fair description. Are you saying that the man simply had his own savings and property which were separate from the CCI organization… or are you saying that he escaped with CCI money which you believe to have been rightfully yours collectively?
[I apologize for leaving two replies in succession … but I realise I sort of typo’d in the first one and could benefit from expanding my statement.]
As with Kush, you seem to equate “departure” with “escape”. To me, it is not clear that this was an escape or a flight. Why cannot it be viewed as a change of direction?
The cohesion of the group…which provided so much joy and nurturing for you at the time… was disrupted. Was the disruption of the group a result of the departure of the pastor? Why couldn’t the elders and group go on with their God and with each other? Is a departure of a minister necessarily wrong?
Peter
Hi Kush,
Mike, my brother and you were good friends. I too lived in those houses (The STable, The Oak Street House, Shekinah), washed dishes in the Garden Restaurant. I finally left because O’Neill’s theology was so anti-human (we are terrible shits who belong on the Cross) but he’s not unique in holding that perspeective. I was very close to some of the elders and after he obsconded I asked one of them ‘How can you believe in God after all this?” This one’s response was, “It only confirmed my faith. Because if God had not exposed him and brought him down, then what sort of God is it that we worship?”
Seems like a long time ago but interesting to know he’s still peddling his vision of Christ and money and glory. Good luck.
Nate
Now that Nathan Rabe has posted a third negative witness against Mr. O’Neill’s manner of departure from his commitments in Minnesota, I am beginning to think there may be some substance to the report. Of course, on the web, perhaps I do not know whether all three posts could come from one disguised source. Yet, I do see that the preaching of wealth-acquisition is part of the message of Mr. O’Neill. And that is usually a tip-off that the preacher has some problem with greed for money for himself.
I noticed that Nathan used the word “obsconded” which is a legal term meaning the accused took money belonging to a business not his.
I guess since it has been thirty years and you guys were not real sophisticated back then, you would not have any documents to prove your accusation. But I do not see anyone coming forward to defend the man.
Peter
Correcting a spelling error: “abscond”
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) – Cite This Source – Share This
ab·scond /æbˈskɒnd/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-skond] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used without object) to depart in a sudden and secret manner, esp. to avoid capture and legal prosecution: The cashier absconded with the money. “
It comes with great consideration that I make comments against Ernest O’Neill and Campus Church and I will not pass judgment on his current ministry. However, in the 70’s, it is true that while Ernest and his wife were living a more than modest lifestyle, workers within Fish Enterprises were making paupers wages. Wives and families were thought of as interfering if upset that husbands were spending every evening in classes or working for the organization in whatever capacity. I had four children and was left home alone to care for them on barely subsistent wages. Ernest and Irene would be traveling all over the world while leaving the businesses in the hands of very young and inexperienced business entrepreneurs.
Yes, it was difficult to be paid next-to-nothing wages while Ernest was buying a home on Lake Minnetonka, but it is Ernest that will appear before the throne on judgment day.
It took a long time to get over the bitterness of Campus Church, but I am stronger because of it. I no longer put my confidence, trust, or loyalty in a man, but am firmly committed to Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He does guide and lead, He doesn’t let His children go in directions that He doesn’t know about. Men have free wills and often choose the wrong directions. If we seek Him, He does answer.
I experienced some serious hills and valleys, but the Lord never left me. He was steady tapping me on the shoulder to return; I came back to Him (after trying to do it on my own) knowing that unless I do as He directs, life will never be smooth. It will always be rocky and there will be no peace.
As a final note, I would encourage all to seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you. If Ernest speaks to your heart, so be it. God will give you a check in your spirit if something isn’t right. Bitterness consumes like cancer and we can not blame a man or his organization for our discontent with life or the path we take. We alone are responsible for that!
Becky Behlen
Kush,
I have two questions for you.
1. Didn’t Ernest’s group pay your way to India?
2.What about the girl you got pregnant and never married? What happen to the baby?
James
James,
I also have two questions for you.
1. What is your point?
2. Who provided you this scurrilous and false information?
Hi Kush,
Don’t know if you remember me. I remeber you.
I don’t feel that I can really comment on what you say, since I left before it folded in Mpls.(from the London Operation). I do remember hearing about it.
After all this time reading the names of people I knew evoked fond memories of friendship. Becky Behlen (would love to hear from you)
Even the names of those in London brought back mixed memories – and there were good times!
God uses everything for his purpose and to strenghten us.
Pauline
Kush, this site is proving to be a reuniting tool. Pauline, please contact me. I believe Kush gave you the necessary information.
Best wishes,
Becky Behlen
Hi, it is quite noticeable with how much anger you expose someone who you really hate… just one question.
Do you think it is right to hate?, because Jesus said to love your enemies, and maybe you are too high minded to see the value om his messages. Have you attained to the higher spiritual level? If you did enter in to the fullness om Jesus? then I would most surely listen to your statement, but if you live just a normal christian life, what wisdom lies in your statement other that human reasoning?
Do you believe in Victory Over sin?
What I do notice is that so many people enter in to a spiritual life in a human minded way and never experience the riches, therefore they regard it as heresy. Sad to say is that the problem is not with the message but with the receiver.
Allen: Please see my reply to your comments above. You think that people like O’Neill are above reproach. That if truth is spoken about them it becomes “hate.” My mission here is to protect new young generations from being deceived by this man and his many enablers.
Dear Allen: Criticizing someone is “hate?” Exposing hypocrisy is hate mongering?
There is absolutely no hate here. The problem are believers like you who believe in appearances and personalties. So you think O’Neill has attained a “higher spiritual level?” No disrespect, but that reverence and awe for this man cracks me up — it is making me laugh.
Allen, there is no difference between your state of mind and the state of mind I (and many other co-believers from Campus Church) had three or so decades back.
The difference is I have grown. Unlike many who are still stuck like sticks in the mud of religion and false spirituality marketed by fake preachers like Oneil, I came out of it.
Before you “enter the fullness of Jesus” please check history and make sure that what you are believing in is indeed historically true. Myths, and fables, spur the “spiritually inclined.” Preachers like O’Neil know what to throw at you, Allen. Unfortunately no one can shake you out of your present mode. However, I am hopeful that one day you will see the truth of my words.
“Victory over Sin?” Is that what your obsession is, Allen. Christianity does take a lot away from us. Get in touch with your own humanity, Allen. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You are just fine as you are. There is not such thing as a “sin” free state. It is all exploitation by the wicked preachers.
How tragic, Allen, that you are ashamed of your humanity. You think that some one will take you to a “higher level.” Right? Yes, O’Neill is waiting for victims like you. He will be very happy to confirm and reconfirm that the (unnecessary) guilt you feel about being human is indeed “sin” and O’Neill has won a victory over it!! Good luck!
“human minded way” now you are talking. Do not give that up. We are but humans and all we have is our humanity. No one can make you jump out of your self, can they? But O’Neill will promise you just that.
Religion thrives when humans are willing to give up their minds and are ashamed of their humanity. Allen, in every culture and clime there are thousands of spiritual aspirants who, like you, want to be lifted from their human self to some thing “higher.”
O’Neill will exploit your sincere inclination. Whereas I will tell you as it is. Get in touch with your humanity. There is nothing outside of a human mind. There is no such thing as “revelation.” This is all religious hocus-pocus and O’Neill is its arch priest.
Lastly, beware of religious circularity. It will always blame you. It will say, as you say it in your last line, there is nothing wrong with the message. But everything is wrong with the “receiver.” See what that does to you Allen? You are locked in. The message will do you no good but you will continue to blame yourself. The priest wins because you will continue to think that there is something wrong with you.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, Allen. I can only hope that you will quickly come out of this quagmire and get in touch with your humanity, and start enjoying the “gift” of life — yes, human life.
Welcome to humanity!
I was part of Campus Church in those early years, as well. I worked in Fish, both in manufacturing and later as we moved upstairs into storefront businesses. I also lived in some of the communal housing. I left the area and never made it back, but always wondered what became of the church and the businesses. I just thought I’d Google the name tonight…. It is so interesting to hear the old names again–the elders, in particular.
I am sorry to hear that so many were hurt after I left. Becky is right about the wages and sacrifices, although I didn’t realize at the time what a toll it was taking on couples and families. I was single at the time and scraping by.
Kush? I never met you. Maybe you came after I was gone. Sounds to me like you have paid a steep price over the years for what we thought (at the time!) was the most amazing community possible. It took a while for me to sort out what was true from the teaching after leaving Campus Church. It required some distance to be able to do that, I guess. I did not leave Christianity and am probably all the better for having spent my early years as a Christian in the fellowship of other believers at Campus Church, even if Pastor O’Neill’s teaching had its problems.
Can someone explain what exactly happened? How did it all fold? Did the church itself last awhile after Pastor O’Neill left? What became of the elders? Had people been leaving the church steadily? It was still strong when I left. When did all this take place? Are there other websites that anyone knows of where “reconnecting” might be happening?
Dear S: There are a lot of unanswered questions similar to the ones you raised. O’Neill and his cohorts have never bothered to answer these questions because they simply never cared. After O’Neill abruptly left Minneapolis, taking away all the left over assets, he never bothered to contact other Campus Church elders who were left behind. These “elders” were supposedly brothers in Christ. But O’Neill told them to eff off. Such is O’Neill’s love for the brethren. There were many stupids who followed him to North Carolina or joined him later. I do not know how that happened? Those are the questions that these enablers need to answer. How did they contact O’Neill again?? Was it them or O’Neill who made the first contact?? Why did O’Neill contacted them and not the elders who he deserted?? All those are important questions that will reveal who this guy is. No I do not know of any other website doing the “reconnecting.”
S.
my husband and i were married by john larson..our first son was dedicated at campus…i was kind of a youngin” at the time, and we were from cambridge, so not on the “inside” so much…but did attend classes, etc. in response to your wondering about the whereabouts of others…we’ve been attending a spring missions conference in grand marais for the last ten years…and it had been happening for many years before we came along..there are quite a few old campus church people there..still committed to Jesus..still committed to each other…not in community..at least not geographically..but for the conference they come from far and wide once a year. i don’t want to use names without permission, but if you email me..we can “talk”.
i can say..as far as o’neil goes, that the most common attitude i’ve heard amongst these sisters and brothers who WERE on the inside..elders, etc…is that o’neil is a man who fell into sin and hurt alot of people..some badly..but Jesus calls us to forgive..not only for the sake of others..but for our own peace, and so that God can do His thing and surprise us with joy…and they pray for him..”forgetting what is behind..and pressing on ahead..fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Kush..thank you for the maybe unexpected blessings of your efforts..and thank you for caring about things deeply enough to act…
Dear Kush,
“He who is without sin may cast the first stone.” After reading your ranting about Campus Church and especially about Reverend O’Neill, this verse came to mind. We’re all imperfect and we’re all sinners, whether it be a liar, a thief, being lustful, a swindler, etc.
I loved Pastor O’Neill. He was a dear person to me. Back then, I was a new believer; I have such fond memories of Campus Church. In fact, I met my lovely wife of 33 years there. It was far from being a perfect church, my fellow believers were not perfect and Pastor O’Neill certainly wasn’t. I did hear that there were certain irregularities about the business finances but that wasn’t the reason why we left. My wife and I had 2 sons, and the church didn’t really cater to families, so we looked for a church that had a family-oriented ministry.
O’Neill didn’t hold a gun to the heads of any FISH w orker. They made a choice to work for peanuts; they could have quit anytime they wanted to. We all make choices in whatever we do…it’s as simple as that.
I do remember you, Kush. I didn’t know you personally but I saw you and knew about you. You did have a child with a woman from Campus Church. I know the woman. And I did hear that you had financial “irregularities” yourself. You seem to be very bitter about Campus Church and Reverend O’Neill, even after all these years. Why? Being a humanist now, I guess you need to rant against religion and Campus Church is your experience with it. Put it behind you and get on with your life.
You know Jim all the big banks and mortgage lenders who wrote “no doc” and other deceptive mortgages, ruining millions of households, are saying exactly what you said, “No one was holding a gun to their heads when they signed those mortgage papers.”
I call such an attitude: UTTER CALLOUSNESS. From greedy bankers such apathy is expected. Not so from people who label themselves as “pastors” and Christians who claim they have experienced God’s love.
Of course, in one sense no one was using physical force to hold people to Fish Enterprises. You were wise to leave Campus Church. That does not mean that thousands others who were dedicated and willing to serve for a higher purpose were wrong.
Jim, you have willingly accepted the rumors and canards that O’Neill and his enablers are now spreading. I challenge you and others to come forward with any credible evidence of the two lies that you have so uncritically accepted. “Financial irregularities??” Do you have the details?? If there is anyone who you should be accusing of financial irregularities it is O’Neill. He is the one who stole from Fish Enterprises and Campus Church.
“Child with a Woman??” Very funny!! Can you have one without a woman?? So who was this woman? Most likely she was from Campus Church. If this is true than your baseless allegations further prove my point. Did the people who told you these lies not say what happened to this woman and the child? If I abandoned them, then did these good Christians of Campus Church took responsibility? Did this “Pastor” whom they worship, show any consideration for them? Did they do anything loving or charitable?
Fortunately, such a woman or child does not exist. Otherwise, Jim you can see what these Campus Church Christians would have done to her!! They would rather embrace the “World Invisible” than do any good to anyone besides themselves.
All the above should open your eyes Jim: O’Neill is a hypocrite. He is a snake oil salesman. He has not an iota of love for anyone. You need further proof?
Dear Kush
I don’t know about you! I read about your personal life from two peoples comments (you did have a child with a woman from Campus Church) if it is true then I very sad about your status. I am personally blessed by Rev. Ernest O’Neill’s sermons which I heared only from internet. Such a wonderful sermons now in Christian world no one is giving it free of cost. That itself shows Christ nature about Rev. Ernest O’Neill. You can do anything but brother you will be in failure because the spiritual fire ignited by these message will only grow.
Martin: How come you are so quick to believe in baseless allegations? (See my reply below to Jim Zicopula).
This is a favorite technique that fanatics and zealots use when they have nothing meaningful to say: Attack the messenger technique is what it is called.
It is not going to work. I am going to keep exposing “Pastor” O’Neill because I know who he is. You might be impressed by his sermons. News for you. We all were “impressed” at one time by his “free” sermons. It is clear you are young and quite deluded. Right now what matters to you is your own “spirituality” not the truth. Which is why no matter what anyone says you will continue to be deluded. But remember this man has deceived countless others before you. I am sorry that you are his latest victim.
That is not true that O’Neill is giving out his sermons for free. He is a shrewd operator. Knows how to inveigle prospective victims. He will extricate his price from you brother Martin, one way or the other. Either directly or through free labor.
“Spiritual fire ignited by his messages will only grow.” That is hilarious. It looks like you have closed your mind to facts. What happened to the “spiritual fire” this man “ignited” in Minneapolis?? Is that still going?? Common Martin, be not deceived. O’Neill has not an iota of love in his heart for anyone. Do you not see his shameless conduct? Have you read of his track record? If you have and you still want to be deceived then the choice is yours.
You very eagerly believed the lies told about me but refuse to ingest the truth about O’Neill. You know what we call that? An uncritical, closed mind. Right now you are in that state of mind where you only want to affirm what you think is comforting to you. O’Neill will very willingly provide you that false comfort. Did I spill the beans for your dear Martin? Years from today when your mind finally opens up, you will know the falseness of this man and all those who support him.
Martin, I am glad you saw this. I still have hope that you will mature soon and not let this “Pastor” deceive you as he did countless others in Minneapolis. As is evidenced by the fact that he is now trying to attack the messenger and the fact that he has not cared to answer hundreds of key questions surrounding his flight from Minneapolis in 1985.
Dear Kush!
Are you doing this because of your enimity towards Rev. Ernest or because of Zeal for God. If because of enimity then it is sin and because of Zeal for God then follow the example of either old Testament how David treated Saul or like New testatment How Jesus treated his own disciple Judas or Peter Jesus never talk any thing bad about his disciple. If you are a disciple of Jesus then follow this. So either way you are in correct.
I am not a young man I am in ministry for long time. Even in bible those who left Paul if they live this time they would have blamed about Paul like you. I have never seen Rev. Ernest O’Neill in person but the sermon what he has given not only changed my life but also my friends too. In no way we have connected with Pas.Ernest these sermons helped us to connect with the Head i.e Christ and never Rev Ernest try to make us his followers or slave no connection with us in any form. His web site clearly states about their free service to the body of Christ. Even after sending the apprection email he never try to control us or try to make us to be his slave.
May God help you to understand this. If as per your understanding he is a fraud your exposure is no way going to help the edification of Body of Christ. Pleae read what David said about Saul at the time of Saul’s death even though Saul has gone away from God. Note verse 20.
2Sa 1:17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:
2Sa 1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
2Sa 1:19 The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
2Sa 1:20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
What a shame we Christians not yet attain the standard of Old Testament people.
REPLY TO MARTIN’S COMMENT DATED FEBRUARY 13
MY REPLY IS ENCLOSED IN [[DOUBLE BRACKETS]]
Dear Kush!
Are you doing this because of your enimity towards Rev. Ernest or because of Zeal for God.
[[Neither. I have no enmity for hypocrites. I have a zeal for humans and human justice.]]
If because of enimity then it is sin and because of Zeal for God then follow the example of either old Testament how David treated Saul or like New testatment How Jesus treated his own disciple Judas or Peter Jesus never talk any thing bad about his disciple. If you are a disciple of Jesus then follow this. So either way you are in correct.
[[What? Follow the example of David the murderer? No. I am not Jesus. I am simply human. I know that love is a human standard. I know that a person who has no love, ought not to call himself “Pastor.” That’s all.]]
I am not a young man I am in ministry for long time.
[[Glad to hear that! I hope your ministry involves love and caring for fellow humans and not just sermonizing, making money, and living a good life?]]
Even in bible those who left Paul if they live this time they would have blamed about Paul like you.
[[Is this not too speculative? Plus, you misunderstand. I am not blaming anyone. I am upholding the New Testament standards of who a “minister” ought to be. Who should and who should not be using the title “Pastor.”]]
I have never seen Rev. Ernest O’Neill in person
[[You do not see a problem with that? And you still question the judgment of someone who saw him from on close for many years? Just because I do not call myself “Reverend” and dare not call myself “Pastor.” I guess, a layperson is no good in this zone of self-obsessed holies?]]
but the sermon what he has given not only changed my life but also my friends too. In no way we have connected with Pas.Ernest these sermons helped us to connect with the Head i.e Christ and never Rev Ernest try to make us his followers or slave no connection with us in any form. His web site clearly states about their free service to the body of Christ. Even after sending the apprection email he never try to control us or try to make us to be his slave.
[[ I will concede O’Neill has a way to charm people. It was this charm that has misled thousands in the past and is doing the same today. I tell you what. Why don’t you talk to his former circle of elders. These people served with him for over a decade. If O’Neill is really honest he will provide you some names that you can then follow up. Ask these former elders if they still have the old tapes and are they still being inspired by O’Neill’s sermons?]]
May God help you to understand this.
[[Understand what? Exposing hypocrisy and fraud is bad? And the fact that you were impressed by this man?]]
If as per your understanding he is a fraud your exposure is no way going to help the edification of Body of Christ.
[[Come on Minister. In your not so humble opinion, Body of Christ is edified if we let wolves operate as sheep?]]
Pleae read what David said about Saul at the time of Saul’s death even though Saul has gone away from God. Note verse 20.
[[No thanks! Murderers scare me. Sorry, I am not at all interested in David and what he did or said to Saul.]]
I am quite surprised to see this website today. I have been quite moved for some time with Ernest O’Neill’s messages in audio and video formats. Having come from a cult-church, I can see absolutely nothing in Ernest O’Neill that is in anyway similar to the cult-church that I was in.
The cult-church that I was a part of never preached a message about freedom from sin by faith alone, but instead it was always about works, works, works, and loads of condemnation for the people who failed. It was about do this, and God will bless, do this and God will curse. If you obey you are blessed, if you disobey you are cursed. There was only a battle against sin to be fought until the day you die. That is a cult, because it keeps people perpetually in condemnation without any hope of becoming holy.
How anyone can control people preaching sermons about a faith that sets them free, I simply don’t understand. In Ernest’s sermons, he says that he is set free from anger, jealousy, lust, etc.. If this was not true, would it not have been evident within just a short time after you joined the church as to his character? Either someone walks the walk or they don’t. If his life did not match his claims then why would you not immediately leave? How can a man who claims to be inwardly holy, not give any evidence to the contrary, if he is as wicked as you claim?
I guess I don’t know the entire story though, though I wish that I did. This is really disappointing if what you are saying is true…
JohnWesleyMethodist
FROM KUSH K:
PLEASE SEE MY REPLY TO YOUR COMMENTS. IT SHOULD BE COMMENT 24 OR 25. THANKS!
Hello John: Thank you for your comment! Yes, life is full of surprises! O’Neill is too smart to build anything resembling a “cult church.” He learned a hard lesson in Minneapolis, MN. When Campus Church came down, because of his selfishness and his misguided psyche that he could never err because God was with him. What did he do of the Church, which consisted of at least a thousand living people? He ran. The “Pastor” who was supposed to take care of his sheep, simply scampered and disappeared over night. Leaving every one else in utter confusion and quandary.
Let this “Pastor” deny the above fact. Hey O’Neill (or any of his enablers) is this not a fact that this “Pastor” of yours simply abandoned his sheep and scampered?
When Campus Church came down, after more than a decade in existence, why did O’Neill run? Because he saw it as an opportunity to get rid of his “pastoring” duties and concentrate on business. O’Neill has never been interested in ministering to people who do not generate a dime for him.
You ask, “How can anyone control people preaching sermons about a faith that sets them free?” Come on John. Let us not be so naive. A preacher can always invoke guilt and then give you the false promise of setting you free.
No, his character was not that evident because he always maintained a distance between himself and the best of his congregation. For example, while he encouraged communal living in community houses, O’Neill never lived in a community home himself. He has and always lived apart in luxury homes. Today, he maintains a million plus home in a Raleigh suburb and owns a luxury condo in Florida. Is he sharing his luxury condo in Florida? Remember for the rest of the crew work does not stop. In winter he runs to Florida, and then takes at least four to five trips overseas. All part of his “ministry.” So, how would anyone know what he is up to when he is overseas or in his private luxury condo? That is unrealistic. All you can do and could do is trust the guy. And that is what thousands did in Minneapolis. O’Neill knew that none of us had the resources to find out what he was up to.
Therefore, your presumption that Character will show is only partly correct. It will not show if you are as slick as O’Neill and know how to evade the radar.
In conclusion your and my standards of judging “godliness” are very different. Yours is very subjective (and may I say unhealthy standard) based on “personal holiness.” You are obsessed by your holiness. I chuckle because decades back I too was obsessed with my holiness and this freedom from sin thing. O’Neill knows how to exploit such an obsession. Let me predict something: You will continue to go in circles and will never be “free” because how can anyone of us be free from our humanness? What makes you think in the first place that you are unholy?
My standard on the other hand is now an objective standard. I do not care how “holy” O’Neill is and what flamboyant claims he makes about himself. My standard is love, care, concern for fellow humans. For Christians, Jesus gave the ultimate human command, “take care of my sheep.” If you call yourself a “Pastor” and have no love for fellow humans, for fellow believers, and for fellow co-workers who sacrificed and worked for the Church, then you are a disgraceful hypocrite. This is what O’Neill is a disgusting hypocrite who still has no shame in using the title “Pastor.”
John, you maybe impressed by his “holiness.” I am not.
Kush –
Did you try to contact Mr.O’Neill and ask him directly what happened? I did contact him once regarding a question on his teaching. He did respond in a very loving manner.
Thanks
AJ
Hello AJ: Thanks for your advice! It is one thing to ask this guy about a question on his sermon and quite another to ask him about the past. The onus was on him to answer whether someone asked or not. He has put in so much resources in promoting his sermons on the internet. If he wanted to honestly answer what happened in Minneaplois, he could have easily set up a website to do that. I know there are hundreds who would have liked to ask him not one but many questions. On the other hand, many of his former “elders” are perhaps too embarrased to ask because they know they were duped and deceived by “Pastor” O’Neill for years.
Therefore, while you certainly have a point, I am confronting him through this website. I want everything to be open. If he or any of his representative want to answer, they can easily come on here and say whatever they have to. I have open comments on this website. I do not review the comments. All comments are posted instantly. It requires honesty and courage to come out and tell the former victims what happened. Knowing O’Neill, and the fact that he is used to the false respect that his enablers give to him, he is not going to address anything in the open.
I am not going behind the curtain and ask him something that he ought to have answered long time back.
Ernest O’Neills videos and teachings have helped me and many of my friends. I thank God for the access to them and that they are freely given without any subscription (and probably at a cost to him). Look at many of the modern christian websites and all you see are ads and solicitations to sell you something.
Your hurt almost sounds like anger because you were “sold a bill of goods” and your new found religion of humanism may make you despise much of what was done in the name of Christ. I know I regret my days of being an atheist and the meaningless works done. I hope and pray that Jesus will show you the true light.
Hello Dave: Thank you for writing. You do not specify how O’Neill’s sermons have helped you? I understand they are free, which is a nice change. However, what do you know about O’Neill’s past? How has he collected all this wealth? Yes, his spouse is a dentist and she has had a good income. However, O’Neill owns businesses. Have you asked him what this ownership entails? Is this like the old days in Minneapolis where he deceived thousands into working for him (God should I say!!) and accumulated earnings on the back of other’s “labor of love.” Are you Sir at all aware how many people made so many sacrifices, destroyed their youths for this man? No, you are not because all that you care is your “spiritual high” which this man provides to you.
I can also see that you no either nothing or very little about Humanism and rationalism. You are so desperate to find “meaning” that you will accept delusions. Let me tell you, my choice was not between religions. My choice was between truth and untruth, between reality and delusion, between facts and meaningless faith. If “faith” provides you “meaning” then what is there to be said further? I discovered that there is nothing more meaningless as faith itself. My search was not for “salvation” and that spiritual high. Well I admit it was a good high when I was on it. Eventually, I had to come to terms with it. It was a choice between truth and eternal delusion.
It takes a lot of courage to accept reality, my friend. I can only hope that one day you will have that courage and the good sense to accept that you cannot be delusional all the time. So please do not hope and pray for me. But look out for you and the truth that you are not willing to accept.
Kush please contact me at email listed. Becky and Pauline I am hoping to connect with you.
Lee
Kush –
You seem to contend for Truth a lot which I appreciate very much. But do you know all the truth you can ever find is very subjective unless that truth proceeds from a greater reality outside of yourself, which is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH?
Do you know the only man who ever claimed to be ‘THE TRUTH’ is Jesus of Nazareth? So by implication all truth must proceed from the ULTIMATE TRUTH , the Lord Jesus Christ.
You used Jesus as a reference and stated that Jesus hated Hipocracy. So I believe you agree with Jesus on his teachings atleast to some extent.
I can not prove the reality or Truth to you , However I know that Jesus is true because I have experienced the forgiveness of my Sins and Peace and the assurance of eternal life which Jesus gave me and I rejoice in the Hope of Glory now.
I can’t prove that Jesus is true from my experience since you may call it subjective . However History proves it. I would like to take the occasion of Easter to point the following: We know that the most ridiculous claim (if false) any one can make is the Resurrection from the Dead. In all of History this claim is made only by one Man, Jesus of Nazareth. I challenge you, with all honesty of heart if you can search the bible as well as history and prove to yourself that resurrection is a lie , then I have no further argument to turn you to Jesus . But if with all honesty of heart you search the scriptures and history and find that the resurrection is true, the only thing that probaly will stop you from accepting Jesus are your personal sins and guilt that will cause you want Jesus to be only a myth. In most cases rejection of Jesus is not an intellectual problem, but rather a moral one. People are afraid of their sins and dont want the bible and the Judgement to be true. However the Good news is : We don’t have to be afraid. Christ took the punishment for all our sins and there is complete foriveness of sins for all those that come to christ by simple faith. Thats what I did and Now I am free and my Joy is full .He received me freely and gave me a new life that does not want to sin. This is my own testimony.
Isa 53:5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Act 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
Act 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Psa 130:7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.
Finally this helped me a lot in coming to christ: http://boston.server101.com/gospel_mystery_of_sanctification7.htm
Dear Kush – You seem to be a very reasonable man and contending for the truth . I hope you will consider what I have said above.
Kush-
Pastor O’Neills sermons have helped me to understand some of the doctrines of the Bible and have been a great light to me and many of my friends. His insight into the scriptures are rare to find.
As for some of your assumptions about me and the faith that I share with millions of brothers and sisters, well they are just plain wrong. I don’t look for any type of spiritual high but a deeper relationship with my Creator. I made a point in my first post about you having an anger issue and your response says it all.
I think the Latin Proverb says it best “Revenge is a confession of pain”
In His Service – Dave
AJ
Excellent post and an excellent article on sanctification. I invite you to go to my blog at
http://www.psalm511.blogspot.com
In His Service – Dave