Leavenworth, Kansas Family Integrated Church

[sparkles]

Fearful, cold, manipulative, ego driven, megalomaniacal, yes? A grifter? No. He's not trying to con anyone out of anything. He firmly, 100%, unequivocally believes what he says and stands by his extreme views as the One True Way. How he came to those beliefs and how he managed to control his family to such a degree is anyone's guess because he keeps things very close to the vest and only gives out information when it will benefit his brand. I think he has the appearance of being open, at least to his followers, but if you look closely, you'll see just how closed off he his. He's also not trying to get something for nothing since the Maxwells work very hard, although often at make-work tasks. He takes to heart the phrase "idle hands are the devil's workshop," so Steve insists that his family's every waking moment must be filled by something that' "edifying" to the lord. It would be an enviable work ethic except it arises from a very selfish place. There's also nothing altruistic or selfless about anything the Maxwells do, although I'm sure they would disagree. There's always an agenda. Their (supposedly) great conversation skills? A sales pitch that follows a script. Their ministry to the "elderly?" Just trying to win more souls and the residents of the facilities they visit, although I think they really do like seeing the family and especially the young kids and choose to attend services freely, are also vulnerable and lonely. Whether they're delivering baked goods, giving out water or making balloon animals or creepily clowning at the fair, they're not doing that out of the goodness of their hearts but trying to suck people in. I actually think the Maxwells scarier than the typical con artist because they believe in what they're doing without question or hesitation. Perfect little foot soldiers. 

[DooDahDame]

In checking, Twin Oaks facilities include a nursing home, assisted living and independent living. I recognized two people from their "former" church (probably just in another part of the building). I looked at pictures from their blogs about their church. Same stuff, different name. I wonder why? What's in it for him? Are they the IT specialists for the facility?

[mango_fandango]

If you click on the website it’s now called Amazing Grace Baptist Church. Maybe “family integrated” sounded a bit strange, given that the only family who attends is the Maxwells. 

[VVV]

From the "What We Believe" section of the website:

Each member of the Body of Christ should have a Christian walk that is in accord with the teaching of Scripture. This walk is outlined in Ephesians as:

Walk in good works (2:10).

Walk worthy of our calling (4:1).

Boom. That right there is what gives Stevehovah the authority to determine just what "a Christian walk" entails and who is or is not in accordance with Scripture.

[CyborgKin]

I have some suggestions for walks of which Steve may not approve: