Sign Made By Local Church Causes A Stir In Folsom

FOLSOM (CBS13) — A sign made by a local church is sparking lots of controversy in Folsom, so much that the city actually took them down. But, the pastor behind the sign says you have to dig a little deeper to get the true message.

Two words caused a lot of controversy in Folsom – “Church Sucks” – and it was the pastor behind it all who says there’s a message about God in there.

Stu Streeter is the pastor ofDisciplesChurchin Folsom. He’s a man of God and he has a message.

“Church can really, really suck,” says Pastor Streeter.

It’s a controversial message Pastor Streeter spread a couple of weeks ago with thousands of fliers, an ad in the paper and 200 signs, many of which were ripped out of the ground by angry people.

Clearly, those two words put together offended a lot of people.

“It’s disgusting,” says Cassie Lorenzo, Folsom resident.

But Pastor Streeter says to take the time to understand the message.

“Most of the people who have gotten angry have been really good people who just didn’t take the time to look into the whole story,” he explains.

Because if you closely at the ads, you’ll see it actually directs you to a website where “church sucks” is used as the first two words of a sentence.

“Church sucks when power is abused,” says Pastor Streeter.

Pastor Streeter says he started the “Church Sucks” campaign because he wanted those who really believed in those words to log onto the church’s website; to bait non-believers into maybe believing again.

“And the idea behind it is to reengage people who for a long time may have disconnected with the church,” Pastor Streeter told CBS13.

And it seemed as though the pastor’s prayers or shocking ad campaigns worked. He has received hundreds of emails and calls.

“Church sucks but it doesn’t have to come to find out,” says Pastor Streeter.

The first “Church Sucks” sermon is this Sunday on Easter at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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athiest

church does suck! For once an honest pastor
Latter Day Brew

I bet the lds were trying every side street in town to shield therir
kids from that sign…..
Cathy

While living in Folsom and other places throughout my years I’ve heard many a person utter those exact words. I think what this pastor is doing is fabulous. If he can get those thousands of Christians who do not go to church because of their conception that church, well, sucks, go to church we could prove being Christian is possible within a church that is run by the philosophy of “God loves us all” and forget about the condemning of others. That’s my kind of church!
babytmz

probably, but it’s stupid. the more they sheild, the more they question…
PRISCILLA

CHURCH IS A HOSPITAL FOR SICK SOULS’
IF CHURCH SUCKS! ITS NOT THE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE ITS THE
PERSON GIVING THE MESSAGE… GODS MESSAGE IS A MESSAGE OF HOPE!
IN A HOPELESS WORLD.. HAPPY EASTER’ JESUS DIED FOR YOU AND ME
Delinquent1

Do churches really need websites now? Should they be using them to bait or “con” people into coming to their church? This shows how they are nothing more than businesses using marketing ploys to gain customers. Why can I not just live a good life and be ok. I have to go to your building to be “saved”. It is just so silly. Jesus did not die for any of us. It is all just fairy tales.
stephanie

absolutely.
Happy Atheist

Church sucks and so does religion. Look at the history of the world and the number of people murdered for religious “reasons”.
PJ

Amen!!
nbah

People getting angry and rejecting something without bothering to understand it first and a person who thinks it’s ok to trick people who don’t share his faith into hearing his views. Hmmmm… I’m afraid I don’t see anything that qualifies as ‘news’ here.

Also: atheists, please come up with some more original and better thought-out responses. It’s like a broken record every time there is a religious-based story
Joel

Jesus about relationship not religion . We need to not judge this brother before we know his message . A lot of churches do suck . They suck because of judgemental christians . The message of Jesus is love and grace . People need to know they are loved regardless of there faults . If this brothers overall message is promotng that we need to back him . Jesus did alot of things that “religion” hated . Hello….they attemped to kill him several times . His normal crowd were the tax collectors , prostitutes , and what society calls outcasts . But in His words ” Its the wounded who need healing ,not the well.” Its people like you who make a mockery of christianity by pushing people away rather than loving them in . People need to konw there loved and thers hope . ” woe to you Pharisees ! Remove the plank from your own eye before you attempt to remove the sliver from your brothers”. Jesus Christ . He loves you humanity run to him . HE IS RISEN , YOU CANT BURRY TRUTH!!!
Joel

Jesus Loves you brother……even though you dont know him he knows you. The bible says the very hairs on your head he knows the number of . Thats love . He has a plan for your life , a plan to prosper you and give you a future . All you have to do is ask . What do you have to loose . Whats the worst that could happen ? Nothing . Whats the best ? Im right and he gives you a successfull future. Ask him to come into your heart brother . YOU WONT REGRET IT I PROMISE . the bible says ALL who call on the name of the LORD will be saved ! His name is JESUS ! GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND . HE LOVES U!
for the lulz

Whats the worst, you end up causing the near death of the world through the crusades, the organized execution of thousands in witch hunts, or more recently the death of over 50 million people in WW2, take a pick, promise you cant lose.
Lori

Boy people are thin skin,and I bet the people that are offended never go to church , who cares what this Pastor says or puts on a sign.
Joel

Those are all mans responses to what they dont understand . God says my people parish for lack of knowlege. Our God is a God of love and peace . see my response to Happy Athiest. The same goes for you . Man interprets God in a false manner in an attemped to manipulate and control . Constantine was the first to go through the holy scriptures and pick and choose what was acceptable and what wasnt as a means to control people through “religion” . Jesus is about relationship . He removed Mary Magdnalines Gospel because she was a woman . When the truth is Jesus gave us all the same status IN HIM . He loves you !
sal

absolutely wrong
julio

He is stealing that from the rightous band PRIMUS!
jack

church sucks is true of all churches who do support Catholic child abuse, Mormon child abuse, and all denominations that do not speak out on male domination of women an children…you are either against these practices or for them. Speak out against these practices, or join the crowd with them. there is no middle ground in christ.
smegma

blah blah blah
smegma

no middle ground in christ? doesn’t the bible condone slavery and the beating of your wife? as far as i remember, there is a specific point to which you can beat either
fn2bhd

Your part about him tricking people is asinine. You watch commercials everyday. That is the sole intent! And for you to be so closed minded about his choice of delivering his message is very judgmental also. So you are no better then the very people you bashed in your first sentence! And I don’t believe in going to church! Cause I honestly feel “CHURCH SUCKS!!”
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dar

Maybe, but it’s probably a good bet that Pastor Robinson’s church of Obama 2009 Inauguration fame with his “god of many understandings” probably does.
Ed

A better sign would be LIBERALS SUCK
steve

I guess you dont like lds….Im sure they have wronged you right ? Or do you have an ignorant comment about all religions.
steve

Jack,
Please it was not the mormon church….it was the flds. NOT THE LDS….The ignorance of some people is amazing. We wonder why the world is in such hurt……please research your facts before you state them…..
Jak

Thank you lord for another day. Cause it wasn’t promised
SH

Agreed!
Kim Item

Luke 9: 46-50
46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
Jesus Forbids Sectarianism
49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, (having church)and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”
50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”
Rick Taylor

Good for you and totally agree — If only we could mahe religion illegal!
Ashley

.
Beezer

Stop shouting.
Ashley

The church is made up of people and whether you are a non believer or a believer, we all suck and mess up sometime. It’s clear that many people that have posted have been burned by people in particular churches or people who claim to have a relationship with God. the great thing is that one church “building” does not represent The Church; God is so much more. I speak from personal experience when I say that God is truly amazing. Not everyone who says they are a Christian or that they have they truth actually is or does but you cant let that discourage you. I encourage everyone to seek God, start with all of your doubts, an open mind, open heart and you will find the truth. It’s in your best intererst to, there is nothing like knowing the truth for yourself.
pics123

what irks me about this whole thing is not the sign itself, but the fact that if it was something to the effect of “mosques suck” or another church sucks….people would be in an uproar.
Bob

I agree with Ed. That sign should say Liberals Suck!
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lee a.

I must admit that by using a controversial opening statement to get Media Attention is an excellent way to recruit new members for your CHURCH. I hope your donations increase exponentially per new member. After all you are Tax Exempt.
jackie

Disgusting to say the least, this paster and Phelps must have studied together
Opinionater

Queue the ACLU et. al. visiting the offices of the city of Folsom with a writ for a lawsuit in response to their idiotic, ignorant, religiously-motivated and wholly unconstitutional act of denying free speech and violating the tenants of the separation of church and state via fiat of ordinance.
Pam

I think people were in an uproar if I read the story correctly. They were outraged.
david

this pastor is an example of why so many stay away from church. none of these pastors seem to live the life of jesus. not a bible scholar but having read it there is no connection between what this pastor is doing and the new testament. in fact, after having read both the bible and koran, have yet to meet anyone who follows their respective religous doctrines as specified in their books. but like everything else in life, if it floats your boat then have at it. most of us just ask, respectively too, to keep it to yourself.
Kim Item

Therefore, in the present case (Churchsucks.net/Pastor Stu Streeter) I advise you All: “Leave these men alone! Let them Go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail! But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men/(church); You will only find yourselves fighting against God!”

Our Father God, Only You Know the truth in Pastor Stu Streeter heart as to why this man has started up this church as Only You Oh God know the depths of any man or women’s heart and their motives & purpose & I thank You for Your awesome work I believe by Faith that You God are doing in All Our lives who know your Son Christ, Jesus personally. Father God, we ask You Now to let Your will be done in Pastor Streeter’s life @ ChurchSucks.Net/Disciples of Christ. Move on All our hearts by Your Holy Spirit to reach out to others in need of the infilling of the Holy Spirit to walk out the gifts and callings given to us freely by You God that You have put within each and every one of us back in our mother’s womb as You called each and every one of us before you ever formed us in the womb, You Oh God knew us and called us even now by Your Holy Spirit as You are calling each and every one of us to fulfill the High Calling in Christ Jesus in our lives as we pray that You Oh God will continue to work in All our hearts, renewing us in our minds as we continue to study Your Holy Word, The Bible in order to fulfill Your ultimate Will for All our lives as we know our only hope is in You, and the finished work of the Cross as none of us has arrived as All have sinned and come short of the glory of God as none are righteous, No, Not one, Until we meet your Son Christ, Jesus face to face. Help this Pastor Stu, & Us All Oh Lord, to continue to seek Your face, and not Your hands for what we need from You, as we seek Your Son Christ, Jesus for the best direction, and decisions to be made within All our lives. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil as we pray we are truly led by You to help those who are in need, in need of more of Your Son Christ, Jesus. We Thank You Now for more Faith in You, and a stronger belief in You, in Your Holy Spirit to deliver us All ~Even as we know your Word say’s; We overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and the Word of our testimony”. In Jesus name, Amen.

Love in Christ,
Kim Item
falcon eddie

Kim, Your post was quite mooving and spot on the subject matter. Thank you for your input as it can applied to all things in life. I look forward to meeting you in heaven some day.
TheEncourager

I’m thinking many people are still not understanding the meaning of this campaign. the website says church sucks when…

then there are several different things to follow. It’s not saying “Church Sucks” its simply discussing why many people are at odds about church. I truly think it’s disheartening to see people bashing this church and more specifically it’s pastor. God calls us to live a radical life, and to go out there and be inviting, and preach the gospel, when does he ever give a step by step program as to how to do it. We are all different and all hear and believe differently, as a member of the folsom community I found this refreshing. Someone who was burned by “church” before and is now going back because of this church.

I say Rock on and keep being radical and different.

As for those of you who are posting messages against it, you are completely entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine.
E

Pastor Streeter says he started the “Church Sucks” campaign because he wanted those who really believed in those words to log onto the church’s website; to bait non-believers into maybe believing again.

So, here we have yet another example of how religious folks cannot and will not except others if their beliefs are different then their own. That’s one of the many reasons I don’t believe any of it. If a group cannot or will not give others the respect to have differences, than you are no better than the people you so harshly judge. Isn’t that the name of the game with all you “believers”, you love to sit there and judge and point fingers, but I can bet you’re all not holier than thou yourselves.
E

Ya know, it actually makes me laugh how all you “believers” got your panties in a twist over this!
E

Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Kim Item

“PERSPECTIVE”
One day a father and his rich family took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from thier trip the father asked his son,
“How was the trip?”
“Very good, Dad!”
“Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked.
“Yeah!”
“And what did you learn?”
The son answered, “I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon.
When the boy finished, his father was speechless.
His son added, “Thanks. Dad, for showing me how poor we are!” Isn’t it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude towards life, (Jesus) You’ve got everything!
You can’t buy any of these things. You can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, ect.. but if you are poor of Spirit, you have nothing!
*** “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing’. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me (Jesus) Gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” & “If I speak in tounges of men and of angels but have not Love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbal.”

Love in Christ, Kim Item
Jesus

I think his sign would speak more truthfully if it said “religion sucks”. Or how about “religion fans the flames of hate and propaganda”. “Church sucks” is missing the impact.