Summary: A series of investigative pieces by reporter Judy Thomas of the Kansas City Star in 2007 and one earlier this year raised some serious questions about the First Family Church of Overland Park and its high-profile Pastor Jerry Johnston. A thread discussing issues at the church has become the most popular in the history of the Internet forum kctalk. http://www.kctalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6082 Now the issue has gone worldwide with the creation of a video that is currently airing on YouTube. 02-01-2008
FROM THE CREATOR OF THE VIDEO:
This is a video about a specific person whom I believe has taken advantage of people who trusted him. I have provided details that are public record and some that I know second-hand. If you are not interested, you might want to click up a different video. If you are interested, or have been affected by this person, you might want to make a reasonable comment. Read on, if you like.
No, I am not a member of any organized religion and have no axe to grind with "Dr." Jerry Johnston. I believe that religion is free and private and that I can communicate with my God anytime, without the aid of a middleman. I have seen Jerry trample the religions of good people and I believe it's just not right.
Jerry Johnston's First Family Church is located in Overland Park, Kansas. This is the most affluent community in the state. Jerry got a foothold here and could have made a decent living from the wealthy people, and maybe made a difference in their spiritual lives, but greed got the best of him.
The entire Johnston family, from Jerry's mother to his children's spouses are on the church payroll. They all have fine Johnson County homes and drive church-owned SUV vehicles.
Jerry and Christie have taken several trips at the expense of the church but explained those away as trips to minister to the people. I don't believe the people of the Holy Land need another minister.
A drive by the big, fine chuch on Sunday reveals the crumbling of the empire. Most people are seeing this organization for what it is and leaving in droves. The State of Kansas and IRS are very interested in this situation and it does not look good for Jerry and some of his minions.
In a "pot vs. kettle" move, Jerry rails about cults calling themselves churches. Where is FFC's accreditation? Who makes one a minister when there is no affiliation with a recognized church? You build a building and call it a church, your friend gives you doctorate and you become a doctor, you call yourself "Pastor" and you become a minister, people come and give you money, you do a good job for them and quietly live well, right? Wrong. You become holier than thou, insult other religions and flaunt your good fortune in front of the very people who gave it to you.
It's sad when people become so arrogant they look a gift horse in the mouth. Who in his right mind would question other people's academic credentials when his own are a sham? How can a minister say 50 to 75% (obviously numbers picked from the air) of people in other churches "don't know what they're talking about." Who decided The Reverend Doctor Jerry Johnston knows what he's talking about? Good luck, Jerry.
