Huntsville Pastor Issued Criminal Trespass Warning
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Updated: 9:55 AM Jul 27, 2009
Huntsville Pastor Issued Criminal Trespass Warning
A Huntsville pastor who showed up to preach Sunday was issued a warning for criminal trespass.
Posted: 10:37 PM Jul 26, 2009
Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com
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A Huntsville pastor who showed up to preach Sunday was issued a warning for criminal trespass.

Tom Emanuel tells News Three he has pastored First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, for 10 years.

Emanuel said he was notified earlier this week that his services were no longer needed, by a man in his congregation.

Huntsville Police said the same man called the Walker County Constable's office and said the congregation had voted the pastor out, but the pastor wouldn't leave.

Emanuel showed officers the church by-laws and said the factious group didn't follow the rules, and that he is still the pastor.

The constable issued Emanuel the ticket anyway. Huntsville Police Sergeant Blake Galle, who was also there, said the issue is most likely civil and not criminal.

Latest Comments

Posted by: True Christian Location: Huntsville on Jul 29, 2009 at 03:39 PM

What we must remember is that a true Christian is humble, kind, slow to mischief, not proud, and MUST create an atmosphere of love and unity in the church. A Shepard leads his flock as Christ did, not divide it and constantly keep discord and conflict going. If committees were voted on by the majority and the Pastor did not agree with it, the thing to do would've been to unite the congregation, and add to or take away from the existing committee. That's Christian! You do not create a totally different committee, further seperating the church, and go in a totally different direction than the majority. Jesus reached out to the one sheep that was lost! He NEVER separated his flock. Those who have no vision will perish. Many come, but few are truly called. These are both anecdotes that apply to this situation. This is a time for prayer and healing for this great church, that it may return to what it is designed for, to bring in people who are trying to seek God, together.
Posted by: True Christian Location: Huntsville on Jul 29, 2009 at 02:14 PM

The conflict at First Baptist Church began as far back as 2006. Pastor Tommy Manuel was given many warnings in writing that he was not complying with the constitution and by-laws of the church and that his infractions needed to be corrected. The church is a 501c3 entity that has to abide by certain guidelines. One of those guidelines is to have monthly meetings. This is outlined in the by-laws and many letters were sent to him explaining those rules. Pastor Manuel still refused to comply with laws. (2) The by-laws explicitly states that a pastor has to be a member of his congregation, he is not. (3) Records were requested of his travels, but were never received. The individuals that claimed to be officers of the church were never voted on by the church, therefore their power is self-proclaimed. According to the by-laws, the church members have sovereign power to vote out an at-will employee. Everything that was done was done decent and in order. Only God can change the result.
Posted by: Barrack Location: Huntsville on Jul 28, 2009 at 11:03 PM

These police officers acted stupidly!
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