A Preacher's Daughter and MTV's My Super Sweet 16....

[PaperClip]

Full episode here: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1577024&vid=199277

Her father is R.A. Vernon, said to have the largest church in the Cleveland area.

I've not seen this show so I don't have an opinion about the show.... My opinion hasn't formed yet about the involvement of church folk/pastors....

Your thoughts?

ETA: we know that there's bias in editing, so keep that in mind as well....

 

[motherx2esq]

All I can say is wow! Is this what we are really teaching our Christian children? The churches money hard at work!
​

 

[Crackers Phinn]

They REALLY should have never agreed to film this.

Before you even get to the party, this child's lifestyle/attitude does not reflect very well on her family.

"Jesus wants me to have this party."

Really?

 

[Dee-Licious]

I just watched it on MTV tonight.


Showed him preaching in the church and all. She DID say Jesus wanted her to have the party and she should not have a budget.


I'm trying to keep my thoughts to myself about the girl and the party. Though it was a NICE party, homegirl was a trip.

 

[anherica]

They REALLY should have never agreed to film this.

They sure shouldn't have.
What happened to modesty? Besides that, if I was a member of his congregation I think I'd be a tad peeved. I don't think offering money should be going to a party for a spoiled teenager. IMO

 

[janiebaby]

The churches money hard at work!​

What happened to modesty? Besides that, if I was a member of his congregation I think I'd be a tad peeved. I don't think offering money should be going to a party for a spoiled teenager. IMO

I don't believe that just because a person is a pastor that they should starve and do without but I do think that they have a responsibility to live modestly when it comes to church funds. BUT I don't know the person so maybe his money comes from someplace else, hopefully

I would also like to add that I tend to be cautious of pastors that dress like pimps but that's just me.... (Yep I wanted to say it so I did say it and I stand on it)

 

[Cxshortie]

I saw one yesterday where the guy had on a Christians in Action shirt and gave his daughter 4000 to go shopping at the mall. Is this the one? The first thingI thought when I saw that was please dont let him work for a church.

 

[cutiebe2]

His lack of modesty goes directly against the Christian church.

as the saying goes: "It is easier for a camel to get through a needle eye, than a rich man to get into heaven"

They can have a nice house, but not extravagant like they have now. Plus that girl should not have so many purses and THREE scooters as party gifts




ETA: It doesn't matter where the money comes from. A pastor should not spend like that (although its worse if it came from the church)

 

[Renaylor]

I do believe God can bless you with material things but it is what you do with it that is the question. I was quite blown away with the big house and all the extra "bling" this girl had. However to me it just seemed like too much materialism and all these shows do is show spoiled rich kids-behaving badly to make other kids-who know they can't afford these things want it and want it now. A sweet 16 party yes- but that whole affair seemed something straight out of hollywood. Also the friends that she invited: are they Christians? it seemed liked they were dancing to anything other than gospel music to me(thinK BET -VIDEO VIXXENS). As a daughter of a preacher I figured that her friends would be more from the church.

 

[Southernbella.]

I'm going to watch it later.

Frankly, I don't think we should be surprised when Christian children feel entitled. That's what a lot of our churches are teaching...God wants me to be rich, God said I'm supposed to be a millionaire, etc.

I'll comment more after I watch it.

 

[momi]

I watched the entire episode. I do not think it was a good idea for them to allow her to participate in the show at all, but compared to former guests she was not as over the top as some of them have been.

She did appear to be spoiled and have the same sense of entitlement that many teenagers have.

 

[Sly]

erplexed

no words

 

[gone_fishing]

I'm so glad this was posted in the Christian Forum. I can Bible Thump in here.

In my opinion that show nourishes and breeds materialism which is an insatiable animal. Materialism is defined as “the preoccupation with material things rather than intellectual or spiritual things.” Thus, I have no clue why a Pastor of all people would want to teach his children in that way.

I agree with this point of view.

I think any preoccupation or obsession with anything other than God is sinful and is displeasing to Him. We are to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), which is, according to Jesus, the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). Therefore, God is the only thing we can (and should) occupy ourselves with habitually. He alone is worthy of our complete attention, love and service. To offer these things to anything, or anyone, else is idolatry.

Second, when we concern ourselves with the material world, we are easily drawn in by the “deceit of riches” (Mark 4:19), thinking that we will be happy or fulfilled or content if only we had more of whatever it is we are chasing. This is a lie from the father of lies, Satan. He wants us to be chasing after something he knows will never satisfy us so we will be kept from pursuing that which is the only thing that can satisfy – God Himself. Luke 16:13 tells us we “cannot serve God and money.” We must seek to be content with what we have and materialism is the exact opposite of that contentment. It causes us to strive for more and more and more, all the while telling us that this will be the answer to all our needs and dreams. The Bible tells us that a person’s “life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) and that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

If materialism was ever to satisfy anyone, it would have been Solomon, the richest king the world has ever known. He had absolutely everything and had more of it than anyone, and yet he found it was all worthless and futile. It did not produce happiness or the satisfaction our souls long for. He declared, “He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). In the end, Solomon came to the conclusion that we are to “fear God, and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

 

[chellero]

if the pastor of that church gets his money from the congregation then he should be ashamed of himself.

 

[PaperClip]

if the pastor of that church gets his money from the congregation then he should be ashamed of himself.

Well now, a pastor (especially one who is doing right by God and the people) I believe is within both spiritual and natural reason to receive compensation for his labor. I'm careful with the use of the word "compensation". This is going to differ across congregations and across other things. Of course the pastor's salary, for example, should not be unreasonable based on the needs to operate the church, from both facilities to employees (if the church has them), various outreach efforts, benevolence, etc.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a pastor who cultivates MULTIPLE STREAMS of income. In other words, the pastor is not restricted in having other legal entrepreneural interests, esp. as long as their primary work is not suffering. In fact, the pastor's salary could be very small in comparison to what it looks like the pastor has. That pastor may have other business interests that are doing well and providing the means, etc.

 

[cutiebe2]

I'm going to watch it later.

Frankly, I don't think we should be surprised when Christian children feel entitled. That's what a lot of our churches are teaching...God wants me to be rich, God said I'm supposed to be a millionaire, etc.

I'll comment more after I watch it.

exactly, which is a shame. In our church we are taught that God does want you to be successful, rich, etc.....but only so you can share that wealth with others.

this whole thing about going to church only so YOU can get something out of it for YOU is off the path of christianity

 

[Crackers Phinn]

I'm still done at "Jesus wants me to have this party".

I'm not against pastors living well. If dude got entrepreneurial interests going on outside of the church and his paper is long, then live it up.

I guess my issue is that I'd be looking at the preacher and the first lady sideways when the topic of 'honor thy parents' came around after watching their daughter hamming it up.

I normally don't feel bad for pro-athletes, but I felt sorry for ole boy being dragged around to invite people to a kids party. You know his grandmama'nem go to that church and he got tole he betta do it or else.

 

[nakialovesshoes]

I know nothing about this pastor nor his church. I do agree w/the posts that he shouldn't have even been apart of this. The whole idea was supposed to be to show that Christians can have fun, too. But other than "Jesus wants me to have this party.", there was no mention of Christ & nothing remotely Christian about what was going on. Okay aside from the Christian rap act. As Christians I think we should stand out from the rest of the world. Yet there was clearly nothing different about this teen. Her whole idealogy was, "I get what I want!" To sum it all up, even though she didn't set a good example of a Christian teenager she did seem to play up some of the stereotypes about the PKs being the worst ones.

 

[divya]

I didn't even finish the episode...

 

[Cleve_gryl]

I'm glad this thread is here...I am a member of the Word Church and I've been debating with folks all day about this. I've even read some of the ugly comments posted about Chanae on the MTV website (I won't go back to look anymore because they were unnecessary IMO). I think a lot of us (members) knew there would be alot of backlash about this party.

I'd first like to say that MTV scripts a majority of what goes into reality shows. If you look at some of the other parties, they are primarily the same with a couple other aspects thrown in. Knowing the First Family, some of the things they were saying in dialogue didn't even sound like them. They sounded like they were acting. I'm not defending the "materialism" aspect of it all, but why can't they have nice things? Yeah, three scooters may have been a bit much but they didn't buy her a new BMW or Range Rover. I know my tithes and offerings didn't pay for this party because Pastor Vernon has a FEW for profit businesses that sustain his family and lifestyle. He's even told the congregation that he plans to give up his "salary" the church board provides for him.

Our church does more for the city of Cleveland than the city itself. The church provides GED programs, job placements, grief counseling, we have a shelter for battered women and their children...

Everyone is entitled to their own views and opinions on what they think about the show, but it wasn't a big deal for me. You have to remember that Chanae is a 16 year old girl. Did she say or do things that were unusual for a girl her age? Maybe so, for ones that do not have her financial priviledge. If anyone has any questions about my congregation, feel free to ask.

 

[alexstin]

Everyone is entitled to their own views and opinions on what they think about the show, but it wasn't a big deal for me. You have to remember that Chanae is a 16 year old girl. Did she say or do things that were unusual for a girl her age? Maybe so, for ones that do not have her financial priviledge. If anyone has any questions about my congregation, feel free to ask.

I have no problems whatsoever with a pastor being wealthy but I'm really trying to understand what financial privilege has to do with her attitude. This child kissed a purse. It's the hide of a cow for pete's sake. People that have been taught who they are don't act like that about a piece of leather.

Her attitude reeks of entitlement "I always get what I want." Hmmmmm

I'm amazed you think that her behavior is normal for those who are financially well off and are also believers.

If it was all an act I have to ask why would you allow yourself to be portrayed in that light?

 

[Cleve_gryl]

I have no problems whatsoever with a pastor being wealthy but I'm really trying to understand what financial privilege has to do with her attitude. This child kissed a purse. It's the hide of a cow for pete's sake. People that have been taught who they are don't act like that about a piece of leather.

Her attitude reeks of entitlement "I always get what I want." Hmmmmm

I'm amazed you think that her behavior is normal for those who are financially well off and are also believers.

If it was all an act I have to ask why would you allow yourself to be portrayed in that light?

I can't speak for the child or the family as to why she allowed herself to be portrayed in any way. And, in my post I said that I was not defending the materialistic aspect of the show. I can just remember being a teenager, and my parents didn't like me very much...Christian or not . I guess what I'm trying to do is defend my First Family's name since I am a member and know that they don't act or carry themselves in that way on a daily basis. But, in the end people will make their own assumptions based on what they see and hear, which is only natural. If I was an outsider and watched the show, I may feel the same way some of yall do.

 

[Shimmie]

Basically is all a 'show off'. It is.....

And it's sad that humilty has taken a back seat to boasting of one's 'so called riches'. This is far too lavish for a child. And indeed this child is spoiled and is not being raised in moral character...should I say, humble.

I don't care what this Pastor does for a living to make income outside of his Church salary, he is still making a mockery out of Christian principles. Even worldly people with 'means' of income show more restraint than this.

And to dismiss this by saying it was 'scripted' by MTV. My question, is why would anyone, let alone a Pastor put him/herself in this position or this negative image?

It reminds me of those in the ghetto who rise in income, and only come to the 'old neighborhood' to show off what they have and others do not.

It doesn't take rocket science neither spiritual depth to automatically see that this is not Christian, nor -non Christian mature behavior.

I feel sorry for this family. She's no different than Paris Hilton. This girl is on a dead path to destruction thinking that she's 'entitled' to have such. No she is NOT. Not as a Christian or non-Christian. For surely it does not take being a Christian to see this as a weakness in Character for the parents as well as the child. The parents are weak and 'feeding' their weakness unto their child. Sad future ahead, unless this is changed.

I see her breaking the rules of life one after another, and expecting to be 'excused' for every wrong she does. I will not be surprised at her having sexual promiscurity, expecting she's entitled to bypass the consequences. Traffic violations, expecting to bypass legal consequences, Cheating on school exams, expecting to be passed without paying the price of true knowledge.

I'm almost fearful of her getting married. For how can a loving man of God marry this woman and compete with her selfish, lavish expectations.

The Bible warns us of laciviousness. Lust of the eye; lust of the flesh...materialism. I can well understand being blessed of the Lord, but those who are blessed, in turn have humility and modesty.

Don't make excuses, don't be in denial. These people are living outside of the kingdom and in the 'world' and they love it. For if we do (deny the truth of this), things like this will only get worse. We have far too many Pastors who feel the need to compete and they are raising/rearing their children under this same spirit of mammon, which is destroying the testimony of our faith...Jesus Christ, who walked this earth, in spite of His riches and gave His all to all.

There's nothing wrong with being blessed, but don't allow your character in turn to be a mess.

Frankly I am ashamed of this Pastor and what he has allowed his daughter to become...which is weak. Where was Jesus in all of this? He was never invited to this party. His name was used in vain. How sad.

 

[tatje]

Basically is all a 'show off'. It is.....

And it's sad that humilty has taken a back seat to boasting of one's 'so called riches'. This is far too lavish for a child. And indeed this child is spoiled and is not being raised in moral character...should I say, humble.

I don't care what this Pastor does for a living to make income outside of his Church salary, he is still making a mockery out of Christian principles. Even worldly people with 'means' of income show more restraint than this.

And to dismiss this by saying it was 'scripted' by MTV. My question, is why would anyone, let alone a Pastor put him/herself in this position or this negative image?

It reminds me of those in the ghetto who rise in income, and only come to the 'old neighborhood' to show off what they have and others do not.

It doesn't take rocket science neither spiritual depth to automatically see that this is not Christian, nor -non Christian mature behavior.

I feel sorry for this family. She's no different than Paris Hilton. This girl is on a dead path to destruction thinking that she's 'entitled' to have such. No she is NOT. Not as a Christian or non-Christian. For surely it does not take being a Christian to see this as a weakness in Character for the parents as well as the child. The parents are weak and 'feeding' their weakness unto their child. Sad future ahead, unless this is changed.

I see her breaking the rules of life one after another, and expecting to be 'excused' for every wrong she does. I will not be surprised at her having sexual promiscurity, expecting she's entitled to bypass the consequences. Traffic violations, expecting to bypass legal consequences, Cheating on school exams, expecting to be passed without paying the price of true knowledge.

I'm almost fearful of her getting married. For how can a loving man of God marry this woman and compete with her selfish, lavish expectations.

The Bible warns us of laciviousness. Lust of the eye; lust of the flesh...materialism. I can well understand being blessed of the Lord, but those who are blessed, in turn have humility and modesty.

Don't make excuses, don't be in denial. These people are living outside of the kingdom and in the 'world' and they love it. For if we do (deny the truth of this), things like this will only get worse. We have far too many Pastors who feel the need to compete and they are raising/rearing their children under this same spirit of mammon, which is destroying the testimony of our faith...Jesus Christ, who walked this earth, in spite of His riches and gave His all to all.

There's nothing wrong with being blessed, but don't allow your character in turn to be a mess.

Frankly I am ashamed of this Pastor and what he has allowed his daughter to become...which is weak. Where was Jesus in all of this? He was never invited to this party. His name was used in vain. How sad.

What Shimmie?!! You couldn't have said it any better. ITA. You are always right ------------->here<----------------- with it.

I just want to know why be on the show? The show is about showing off.

Regardless of it all, the best thing to do when situations like this arise is to pray for the daughter as well as the family. I pray for a change in this daughter's behavior and hopefully grow up to be a virtous woman.

 

[motherx2esq]

I can't speak for the child or the family as to why she allowed herself to be portrayed in any way. And, in my post I said that I was not defending the materialistic aspect of the show. I can just remember being a teenager, and my parents didn't like me very much...Christian or not . I guess what I'm trying to do is defend my First Family's name since I am a member and know that they don't act or carry themselves in that way on a daily basis. But, in the end people will make their own assumptions based on what they see and hear, which is only natural. If I was an outsider and watched the show, I may feel the same way some of yall do.

I guess my question to you would be why would feel the need to defend your first family if their action were not wrong in your eyes? If they are wealthy then good for them but shouldn't a Christian hold their wealth in a higher regard? Not teacher their children to spend spend spend and that they can have whatever they want? I really see no humility nor humbleness in that child. I say this grow up next door to PKs who were not rich but did not want for anything. Also if this was scripted why wouldn't the First Family just say no that is not us and I cannot act that way? For the sake of being on MTV? No they did not buy her a Range Rover or BMW but I don't think just the price of the gift is excessive but just the show that if this is what you want you will get an excess amount.

My own Bishop and his child have lovely things but his children are very humble and very giving children (young adults). I think not only our congregation would have found that type of behavior in poor taste but Bishop would as well. But if you see nothing wrong with the light that the allowed themselves to be but in or how they acted, what is to defend?
​

 

[tatje]

I'm so glad this was posted in the Christian Forum. I can Bible Thump in here.

In my opinion that show nourishes and breeds materialism which is an insatiable animal. Materialism is defined as “the preoccupation with material things rather than intellectual or spiritual things.” Thus, I have no clue why a Pastor of all people would want to teach his children in that way.

I agree with this point of view.

I think any preoccupation or obsession with anything other than God is sinful and is displeasing to Him. We are to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), which is, according to Jesus, the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). Therefore, God is the only thing we can (and should) occupy ourselves with habitually. He alone is worthy of our complete attention, love and service. To offer these things to anything, or anyone, else is idolatry.

Second, when we concern ourselves with the material world, we are easily drawn in by the “deceit of riches” (Mark 4:19), thinking that we will be happy or fulfilled or content if only we had more of whatever it is we are chasing. This is a lie from the father of lies, Satan. He wants us to be chasing after something he knows will never satisfy us so we will be kept from pursuing that which is the only thing that can satisfy – God Himself. Luke 16:13 tells us we “cannot serve God and money.” We must seek to be content with what we have and materialism is the exact opposite of that contentment. It causes us to strive for more and more and more, all the while telling us that this will be the answer to all our needs and dreams. The Bible tells us that a person’s “life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15) and that we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

If materialism was ever to satisfy anyone, it would have been Solomon, the richest king the world has ever known. He had absolutely everything and had more of it than anyone, and yet he found it was all worthless and futile. It did not produce happiness or the satisfaction our souls long for. He declared, “He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). In the end, Solomon came to the conclusion that we are to “fear God, and keep His commandments. For this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

So true, as I myself am working on that now. Thanks adequate.

 

[Cleve_gryl]

I guess my question to you would be why would feel the need to defend your first family if their action were not wrong in your eyes? ​

I don't know Maybe its because we're just used to defending the church here in town. There are so many rumors about us. I like reading the different opinions on what everyone thinks about this though. It wasn't my party, money or attitude on television for the world to see, so I guess I shouldn't defend a thing they did. Pastor is still my spiritual father, and I'll continue to pray for him and his family. Many blessings ladies!

 

[Shimmie]

What Shimmie?!! You couldn't have said it any better. ITA. You are always right ------------->here<----------------- with it.

I just want to know why be on the show? The show is about showing off.

Regardless of it all, the best thing to do when situations like this arise is to pray for the daughter as well as the family. I pray for a change in this daughter's behavior and hopefully grow up to be a virtous woman.

Thanks. You are so correct about prayer. And this child's 'priviledge is so misleading to other children and families who have less. It's no different than the Michael Jordan, Nike, and other misleading mammom which have brought our youth to false gods and not Jesus Christ.

 

[Shimmie]

I don't know Maybe its because we're just used to defending the church here in town. There are so many rumors about us. I like reading the different opinions on what everyone thinks about this though. It wasn't my party, money or attitude on television for the world to see, so I guess I shouldn't defend a thing they did. Pastor is still my spiritual father, and I'll continue to pray for him and his family. Many blessings ladies!

Hi Lady Cleve_gryl ...

You have a 'loyal' heart...Yes you do No one can fault you for loving your Pastors, as you have a 'relationship' with them and their family, but Cleve_gryl, most of all, you have the love of Christ, for you see past errors and choose to love.

I mean this with all of my heart, for this is you. No matter where God places you, it will be in a position where love must abound above the weaknesses of men/women and you have the capacity to do this as God wills and leads you to.

I came against this issue and issue only with the party and MTV. And although I stand on my perception of this 'party' and the child involved, I stand even stronger on what I perceive of you. A woman of God who is loyal no matter what the odds are against her calling.

God bless you. I truly hope my comments about your Pastor and the young girl did not 'hurt' you. You are not the object, the actions are.

May I say this? I too defended my first Pastors (my first home Church) who did so much of what we've seen in this sweet 16 scenerio. We started out humble and small. I never 'saw' what others 'spoke' of; I defended all that they did. Their million dollar home; their Benz's, and so much extravagance; they were blessed, but it was 'mis -presented' and misused and they 'fell.' Yes, they fell. Their children fell as well as other family members. It was a gradual fall, but it occurred anyway, until it became a domino effect. Why? They didn't have Jesus correctly presented in their lives.

Yet it was the love of persons just like you, who nurtured them through the fall, and kept them through loving prayer and a loving example of real life in Christ Jesus.

Lady Cleve_gryl, I believe you are among the 'pillars' to help those caught up in riches more than Jesus. Stay strong and keep the boat afloat. Defend not your Churches actions, but instead their life from falling. We don't need another story for the media to have a hay day with.

God bless you and I mean this with all of my heart...

Shimmie....

 

[Bubblingbrownshuga]

Basically is all a 'show off'. It is.....

And it's sad that humilty has taken a back seat to boasting of one's 'so called riches'. This is far too lavish for a child. And indeed this child is spoiled and is not being raised in moral character...should I say, humble.

I don't care what this Pastor does for a living to make income outside of his Church salary, he is still making a mockery out of Christian principles. Even worldly people with 'means' of income show more restraint than this.

And to dismiss this by saying it was 'scripted' by MTV. My question, is why would anyone, let alone a Pastor put him/herself in this position or this negative image?

It reminds me of those in the ghetto who rise in income, and only come to the 'old neighborhood' to show off what they have and others do not.

It doesn't take rocket science neither spiritual depth to automatically see that this is not Christian, nor -non Christian mature behavior.

I feel sorry for this family. She's no different than Paris Hilton. This girl is on a dead path to destruction thinking that she's 'entitled' to have such. No she is NOT. Not as a Christian or non-Christian. For surely it does not take being a Christian to see this as a weakness in Character for the parents as well as the child. The parents are weak and 'feeding' their weakness unto their child. Sad future ahead, unless this is changed.

I see her breaking the rules of life one after another, and expecting to be 'excused' for every wrong she does. I will not be surprised at her having sexual promiscurity, expecting she's entitled to bypass the consequences. Traffic violations, expecting to bypass legal consequences, Cheating on school exams, expecting to be passed without paying the price of true knowledge.

I'm almost fearful of her getting married. For how can a loving man of God marry this woman and compete with her selfish, lavish expectations.

The Bible warns us of laciviousness. Lust of the eye; lust of the flesh...materialism. I can well understand being blessed of the Lord, but those who are blessed, in turn have humility and modesty.

Don't make excuses, don't be in denial. These people are living outside of the kingdom and in the 'world' and they love it. For if we do (deny the truth of this), things like this will only get worse. We have far too many Pastors who feel the need to compete and they are raising/rearing their children under this same spirit of mammon, which is destroying the testimony of our faith...Jesus Christ, who walked this earth, in spite of His riches and gave His all to all.

There's nothing wrong with being blessed, but don't allow your character in turn to be a mess.

Frankly I am ashamed of this Pastor and what he has allowed his daughter to become...which is weak. Where was Jesus in all of this? He was never invited to this party. His name was used in vain. How sad.

Wow! What a deep response! I have no words, but wow...