I don’t understand the point of looking down on a school because it happens to have “famous” last names on the student roster. I also don’t get the negative, extreme bias against Southern California, but I expect a great part of it is jealousy. Californians are used to that. I’m originally from the Midwest myself, and I remember back when I lived there believing that everyone in Southern California knew celebrities, had blonde hair, hung out at the beach all day and surfed. Right, sure. And everyone in West Virginia is married to their cousin.

Maybe if some of the posters here got out of their own little regionalcentric bubble once in awhile, they’d learn that people are pretty much the same all over the United States. And if you base your concept of Southern California on what you see on TV, well, you’re as wrong as someone who bases their concept of the South on the movie Deliverance.

Pastor Thorton will never be rejected by Californians because he’s from West Virginia. We are far more inclusive and far more diverse a people than that. From reading some of the comments made by West Virginians, I daresay a California native would not fare so kindly transplanted to your state. I do hope that isn’t the case, and the bitter voices raised herein are not a representation of your state.

Sorry to inform the writer of this article, but what some people “heard” about the kids going to school with stars and/or NFL athletes children…that is true!!

I hope nothing is going on out there, but something must be.

Maybe what was the kicker was the infatuation of many of the members of BCC with the glitz and glamour of the new church. I wonder how many times the idea of having a bus ministry to the West Side fell flat on the ears of the members?

I wish Pastor Thornton and his family the very best. I feel that the challenges they will be facing will try their mettle.

The members of BCC may have to look within themselves to find the Spirit and let go of their egos. They may have to learn that it’s far more difficult (and yet far more rewarding) to build a relationship with God on their own than to try to appropriate one from their Pastor.

Godspeed, Pastor Thornton.

I was out of place with my comments and criticism of Shawn Thornton. Any doubts or questions I have should have been addressed directly to Mr. Thornton.

Even though Bible Center put out a press release that resulted in the Daily Mail article, any comments I made there could have been said in a different manner.

I have asked for forgiveness for my actions from God and I ask the same from the readers.

As a pastor’s kid growing up, I saw first hand what a pastor and his family go through behind the scenes, and this type of discussion is no exception just a different medium.

On Sunday, when Pastor Thornton announced his resignation, I felt sadness in my heart as I realized I would no longer sit under his teaching. At the same time, I stopped and said a very simple prayer thanking God for the opportunity to serve Him and thanking Him for the role that Pastor Thornton has played in my feeble attempt at being a servant. I also thanked God that he still has Men that are willing to listen to his voice and heed his calling, even if it means moving across the continent. As I recall, God has required another man to leave his homeland to go to a land promised by God. (Read Genesis 12). As I also recall, God did tell him all the obstacles along the way. He too had to “step out of the boat”.

As Pastor Thornton, gave the details of his hearing and heeding God’s call to Calvary Community Church, I connected instantly having going through the same process during my father’s ministry. Others have noted that Pastor Thornton is moving UP to bigger and better things. I personally believe that Pastor Thornton has no idea what is in store for him when he reaches Westlake Village, but I applaud his willingness to allow God to lead him. God does not ask for our ability, but our availability.

Some have said that he will make more money…Have you compared the cost of living?

Some have said that he is going to a bigger church… Did you know that the Calvary CC congregation is almost ½ what it was a little over a year ago? Did you also know that the Bible Center has tripled its size under God’s leadership through Pastor Thornton? Where is the comfort in leaving or getting out of the boat?

Some have said that he wants to play golf, mingle with celebrities, and hang out at the beach. I will give you that Pastor Thornton likes to play golf, but often times he uses it as a way to reach, teach, and counsel people, or learn insight from his congregation. If you check his scorecard, how many times did he actually win a game? As far as celebrities, and the beach, take a look, examine closely. Does Pastor Thornton really look like the type of individual that wants to hang with celebrities, and work on his tan? (No offense Pastor…LOL)

Some have said that Pastor Thornton is leaving a church that is $15M in debt. I would disagree. God used Pastor Thornton to expand HIS (God’s) ministry in the Kanawha Valley. It was God who brought BC Church to this point, and it will God who sustains the ministry of BC Church.

I have never walked the golf greens with Pastor Thornton, so I can not attest to his golf game. I have never stepped foot inside his home in WV or CA, therefore I can not compare the two. Although I am a contributor to BCC, I am not what others would consider a HUGE DONOR; therefore he has no financial benefit from associating with me.

What I can say, is that God through Pastor Thornton’s ministry has strengthened, and blessed me and my family. He has given countless wisdom and instruction. He baptized some of my children. As I traveled to Alabama to be with my father as his deathbed, it was Pastor Thornton who gave me his cell number and asked me to call him if/and when I had any news, or if I just needed it talk. As AT&T connected us, it was Pastor Thornton who prayed on the phone with me, rejoiced with me that God called one of chosen Home, and he grieved with me at the physical loss of my life’s spiritual example. I have been the recipient of his prayers, and love as he has of mine.

I too believe that Pastor Thornton is moving UP to BIGGER and BETTER things, but it is not in California. The BIGGER and BETTER things, will come when he moves UP to his eternal home, and the BIGGER and BETTR things will be a product of his obedience.

Pastor, if you read this, I want to THANK YOU for living a life of servant hood to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. THANK YOU for the example and the leadership. I want to encourage in your willingness and courage to follow HIM. Eleven years ago, you followed that same voice, and heeded that same calling, and God has blessed you and your ministry tremendously. I KNOW that he will do the same as you continue to hear and heed his call now. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

Signed: C. Thomas

I suspect the venom spitters and “victims” believe he is a Republican.

What happens if an out-of-state business buys a business here? The employees immediately feel they will be “shutdown”. Why? Because no one from the outside would want to actually DO business in WV, right?

So when someone with skill, talent, or some level of fame in our state actually leaves (for whatever reason, be it spiritual or otherwise), the people around him feel betrayed, they feel defeat. And it’s a reminder to them about the overall condition of the state.

I am IN NO WAY defending any of these comments, because they are childish and infantile. But the sad fact is that those of us who still believe in this state and pray and hope and wish day after day that things can be turned around are in the minority.

I mean, when a person is ridiculed for having a PhD . . . we have some serious problems.

Vic, you are right. I wish the Pastor nothing but the best and respect his heeding the call of God in his life. God bless him and his family. I hope he does as much out in California as he has done here in WV.

Take care.

And Joan, I know you’re pain. I’ve been ostracized by many in my family because I got an education and “got above my raisin’.” It’s sad that what we ought to be doing is trying to make a situation where our children (or anyone else for that matter) can do better than us, but then shun them when they do.