Church Speak: Reading Between the Lines — The Unity Edition
I think it’s time for another Church Speak–Reading Between the Lines: “The Unity Edition.”
Brookwood’s Executive Pastor J.C. Thompson’s September 27 sermon on Unity relies on calculated manipulation to reframe demands for accountability as petty bickering. Here is my translation of what was preached from the stage versus what it actually meant for the congregation:
1. On Leaving the Church
What he said:
“If your choice is to be not in our church, be in a church… there are a lot of great churches around Greenville, South Carolina doing real gospel work.”
Church Speak Translation:
“If you refuse to drop your demands for transparency and safety policies, please take your business elsewhere. We are explicitly inviting you to leave so we don’t have to answer to you.”
2. On Church Governance as a Secondary Issue
What he said:
Classifying church governance as a “secondary issue” on a theological triage chart, right alongside a trivial joke about BBQ sauce preferences.
Church Speak Translation:
“We are going to gaslight you into believing that covering up predator risks and dodging accountability is just a minor stylistic preference, equivalent to arguing over barbecue sauce or drums versus guitars.”
3. On Using AI to Write Statements
What he said:
“I know I’m getting statements from people that are written by a computer. And I’m like, I’m not even sure you understand what you’re saying. Do you understand that? I mean, that’s really happening.”
Church Speak Translation:
“When someone uses a tool like AI to organize their thoughts, manage limited time, and articulate hard truths that leadership refuses to answer, we will publicly mock the delivery method to distract everyone from the fact that our leadership has zero defense against the points being made.”
4. On Emotional Responses and Vitriol
What he said:
Complaining that the strongest emotional energy and “vitriol” he receives from people is over lower-tier issues rather than central doctrines.
Church Speak Translation:
“Stop getting so upset about leadership failures and policy negligence. Just calm down, take a breath, and agree that ‘Jesus is the main thing’ so we can sweep our operational dirt back under the rug.”
5. On Approving the $9.58 Million Budget
What he said:
Asking the congregation to stand up right after the sermon to approve the $9.58 million ministry plan budget.
Church Speak Translation:
“Before you leave, and right after we’ve lectured you about submitting to unity, stand up right now so we can secure your rubber-stamp approval on our multi-million dollar budget without any awkward floor debate.”
6. On Holding Hands for the Closing Prayer
What he said:
Instructing the congregation to cross the rows, hold hands, and stretch out their arms across the room for a closing prayer.
Church Speak Translation:
“We are going to manufacture physical and social pressure so that breaking ranks, walking out, or withholding compliance feels socially impossible in front of your peers.”
Final Thoughts
When leadership preaches a sermon on “unity” while simultaneously ignoring written emails, allegedly refusing to meet with concerned members, and offering zero transparency regarding Jerry Sidell, it isn’t biblical leadership—it’s pure PR protection.
As one observer rightly noted after listening to the message: Brookwood has been loud and clear in their silence to those who disagree publicly. You are NOT valued. YOU…DO…NOT…MATTER
Originally published by Beneath the Collar on Facebook. Read the original post.
