The devilish pastors of “City on a Hill Church” in Melbourne, Australia, covertly excommunicated an innocent Christian from joining their community groups, as the church-pastors refused to welcome and refused to communicate openly.

(http://www.cityonahill.com.au)

I visited the superficial and cliquey “church” City on a Hill on five Sundays; on most Sundays submitting a new visitor card requesting to join their community groups. Additionally, I sent several emails to their church office with identical inquiries to join their church’s community groups. At first, the young pastors of City on a Hill church superficially welcomed without any useful information to time and place of their community groups. Later, the City on a Hill church abruptly demonstrated a different attitude towards me. Their church’s impractical invitation was then replaced by a pastoral demand to “catch up” with me. I therefore asked the church what the arisen problem concerned, but the church would not disclose anything particular other than their expressed need to “catch up” and a mystifying need to “explain how we approach these things”. Subsequent to the church’s obstruction and perplexing demand, I repeatedly requested from their church to explain themselves and to cooperate, but City on a Hill pastors absolutely refused any further communication with me.

I repeatedly asked City on a Hill church “Shall your church’s refusal to reply, and your church’s refusal to invite me to a Community Group be interpreted as your church’s covert excommunication of me from your church?”, but the church-pastors refused to reply.

Because “City on a Hill” initially seemed to welcome, although without providing to me any useful information, and the church then changed its mind and consequently demanded to “catch up”, and later refused to communicate with me, it is not improbable that the church may have been influenced to covertly excommunicate me based on an unknown source.

The devilish and young church-pastors of City on a Hill church in Melbourne are secretive. Satan too requires secrecy to maintain lies. Because many other excommunicating churches in Melbourne refused to communicate openly (http://www.kyrkor.be/Crossway-Baptist-Church-Melbourne.htm,   http://www.kyrkor.be/Beit-HaMashiach-Church-Melbourne.htm,   http://www.kyrkor.be/Network-of-devilish-churches-in-Melbourne.htm), it is not unreasonable to assume that also the obstructing City on a Hill church desired to excommunicate the innocent.

The patterns from several church-pastors in Melbourne in adopting an anti-Torsten position are: excommunications in absence of normal reason or Biblical basis, bizarre insinuations and accusation from church-pastors, refusal to explain or justify their excommunication/ostracism/obstruction, refusal to communicate, and refusal to welcome. All these patterns in Melbourne and beyond indicate an alliance of church-leaders who prioritise collegial loyalty at the expense of God, truth, justice and righteousness. Because lies by church-pastors are defeated by exposure, satan disseminates church-pastoral lies with secrecy. A crystal clear example of this satanic alliance of church-leaders in Melbourne are the words from this pastor of Beit HaMashiach church, who excommunicated Torsten based on advice from a church-pastor of another church, to excommunicate (http://www.kyrkor.be/BeitHaMashiach-Messianic-Church-Melbourne.pdf).

Satan governs many of the churches in Melbourne through alliances of pastors and ministry leaders who prioritise collegial loyalty at the expense of God, love, truth, and justice. The evils of many (perhaps even most) church-pastors in Melbourne are a testimony to how satan has hijacked many churches, also in Melbourne.

I am absolutely innocent in relation to all excommunications from churches. Therefore, satan thrives on church-pastors’ sustainment and dissemination of church-pastoral lies. Satan’s lies through unrepentant church-pastors are defeated by exposure.

The dialogue with “City on a Hill Church” in Melbourne is read chronologically from the bottom upwards, beneath:

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City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill "Church",

Your "church" has chosen to refuse to communicate with me by not replying to my email.

On what Biblical basis has your "church" excommunicated me from your Community Groups?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill Church,

In spite of several reminders to your church, you have chosen to refuse to reply to my emails to your church. I have repeatedly sought clarity from you, but your church refuses to answer. Why has your church City on a Hill decided to refuse to respond to my inquiry to join a Community Group?

Shall your church’s refusal to reply, and your church’s refusal to invite me to a Community Group be interpreted as your church’s covert excommunication of me from your church? If it is your decision to excommunicate me from your church, then I prefer that you might have the courage to be upfront with your intention.

In spite of your church-pastors' unchristian attitude against me, I have visited your Sunday meetings for several weeks. Upon my last visit on Sunday March 24, my observations also lead me to believe that you - "pastors" - also communicate about me behind my back to some of your church-members. Secrecy is a method often employed by satan.

Am I banned from attending your Community Groups? If so, then explain why.

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

City on a Hill Church,

In spite of several reminders to your church, you have chosen to refuse to reply to my emails to your church. I have repeatedly sought clarity from you, but your church refuses to answer. Why has your church City on a Hill decided to refuse to respond to my inquiry to join a Community Group?

Shall your church’s refusal to reply, and your church’s refusal to invite me to a Community Group be interpreted as your church’s covert excommunication of me from your church? If it is your decision to excommunicate me from your church, then I prefer that you might have the courage to be upfront with your intention.

In spite of your church-pastors' unchristian attitude against me, I have visited your Sunday meetings for several weeks. Upon my last visit on Sunday March 24, my observations also lead me to believe that you - "pastors" - also communicate about me behind my back to some of your church-members. Secrecy is a method often employed by satan.

Am I banned from attending your Community Groups? If so, then explain why.

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Reminder 3: In reference to my previous letters, March 19, 21, 22, 23 & 25, I expect that your City on a Hill Church will respond promptly.

Reminder 2: In reference to my previous letters, March 19, 21, 22 & 23, I expect that your City on a Hill Church will respond promptly.

In reference to my previous letter, March 22, I expect that your City on a Hill Church will respond promptly.

Luke Nelson of City on a Hill Church,

You had two days to reply to my email to you. You chose to ignore my email to you. Why did you choose to not reply?

Please provide the location and time for several groups where Single Christians normally gather, and I will choose one of those groups, and then [you] can contact that group leader and request that the group leader contacts me.

Torsten Nenzen

Luke Nelson.

Please provide the location and time for several groups where Single Christians normally gather, and I will choose one of those groups, and then [you] can contact that group leader and request that the group leader contacts me.

Torsten Nenzen

G'day Torsten

I can assure you that that is NOT why I was wanting to catch up! I'm very happily married to a beautiful wife :)

I was keen to chat because you had some questions about various ministries and I wanted to explain how we approach these things.

We prefer leaders contacting potential members, so I can't pass on a leader's details to you.

Luke

Hi Luke Nelson.

Yes, I inquired about attending Connect Groups and ministries for singles. The person responsible for connecting people into groups in your church had several suggestions presented to me, to which I replied. Then, you jumped into the process stating that you wanted to "catch up". If you want to "catch up" with me because I am single, then my answer is absolutely no. I am a male hetersosexual. I am not interested in you.

Please provide the location and time, and preferably a contact person, for the group of your recommendation.

Torsten Nenzen

Hey mate

I know you were interested in ministries for singles - how about we catch up?

My week is filling up, but I might be able to do sometime on Thursday after 10am

Luke

Hi Luke Nelson!

Yes, I have inquired several times to join a Community Group in your church.

What seems to be the problem?

If no problem, then which group do you recommend? Please provide location and time, and preferably a contact person, for the group of your recommendation.

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Hey Torsten

It's Luke Nelson here, from City on a Hill. We've chatted a couple of times; I'm the Pastor who oversees our Community Groups.

I know you've been looking to connect with our community - perhaps we could catch up sometime? What's your phone number, so we can work out a time?

Luke

Obligated to “catch-up”. Later shunned & covertly excommunicated.

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Superficially welcomed.

City on a Hill.

Three times I have filled out a form at the desk at the theatre to join a Community Group. And several times I have sent emails to your church asking to join a Community Group.

What seems to be the organizational or communication problem?

Regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Hi Emily!

Thanks for responding.

Location of a group is not a prioritised concern for me. I can travel almost any distance for opportunity to meet and communicate with other Christian singles; to build Christian friendships and relationships. Yes, I am keen.

I am regularly in the CBD near Flinders Station.

My first visit was on a Sunday morning 9am service, and my second visit was on a Sunday evening 5 or 6pm service.

Best regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Hi Torsten,

My name is Emily and I am the Connections Co-ordinator here at City on a Hill. Its great to hear how keen you are to get connected into the Community here at City on a Hill.

Re: Community Groups we unfortunately do not have any that are as far south east as Carrum. The closest that we have is one that meets in Brighton East. Alternatively if you work in the City, I could get you in touch with a group in there.

Also, what service do you attend on a Sunday? After each of the services we really try to gather people together to eat or go out for coffee with one another.

Hope you have a great day!

Em

Hi Nick Coombs!

After almost one month, there is still no provision from City on a Hill towards real opportunities to communicate with other Christian singles. I have twice filled in those welcome/connect cards at the welcoming table in the theatre.

You wrote earlier "...the best avenue for any connections and community is through our Community Groups. I'd encourage you to sign up for one of these, noting you'd like one with fellow singles".

Best regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Hi Torsten,

I'll let Emily know, she organises those interested in Community Groups into groups. She should be in touch with you.

Other than facebook, I can give you the email of Shawn, the guy who runs this network. It is christians25@hotmail.com.

Cheers,

Nick

Hi Nick Coombs!

Thanks for your email.

I would like to sign up to one of the Community Groups with fellow singles. Please confirm the sign-up.

Regarding Facebook; the Facebook link which you provided requires a login to Facebook. I am not on Facebook, I never have been, and I never shall be - as long as Facebook disregards the principle of freedom of speech. Twitter is apparently the only secular social media that has maintains a written clause about protecting the freedom of speech for its users. It has been reported that Facebook discriminate against opponents of homosexual conduct on Facebook.

Is there another (ethically defensible) avenue to connect with that Melbourne-wide network of Christians?

Best regards,

Torsten Nenzen

Hi Torsten,

Thanks for your email. I'm sorry to hear about your experience post-service last Sunday. Developing a culture where newcomers feel welcomed by all, not just by the church leaders, is something we're working hard at. It seems we need to work harder. I'll pass on your experience to those who oversee our welcoming teams to see this improved.

Re: opportunities to connect with other singles at City on a Hill -- the best avenue for any connections and community is through our Community Groups. I'd encourage you to sign up for one of these, noting you'd like one with fellow singles.

Though not affiliated with City on a Hill, there is also a Melbourne-wide network of Christians for anyone in their 20s or 30s. They are launching on March 22nd, you can find out more on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/158963737561111/

I hope this helps.

Thanks Torsten.

Nick

Nick, are there opportunities in your congregation where also single Christians can meet and communicate - and build relationships?

City on a Hill Church.

Hi Nick!

Thanks for contacting me twice. It normally is the reverse, that I contact churches several times, without receiving a reply. The mere fact that you personally invite, twice, has made me reconsider revisiting your church.

As with most churches, it is normally only persons in official church function that communicates with strangers inside churches. City on a Hill was no exception. After the first service last Sunday, I lingered about directly outside the theatre anticipating to converse with other attendants, but not one person desired to communicate. The usual church-people phenomena of evasion of eye contact (insecurity of identity) was my experience also at Church on a Hill. Later, I went down to the announced café (“Plantation”) and roamed about between the tables for a while, seeking eye contact to make it obvious for any group that I most likely was a visitor seeking to join a community, but none invited. In fact, to my assessment, it may actually have been that none of the attendants from the service were there.

But at least you have the right attitude, Nick, to pursue newcomers and invite them. Well done!

In regards to the specific event on Monday “Introducing Jesus”, I presume this is a course more intended for those persons seeking to explore the Christian faith or for those that have recently come to accept Jesus as their Lord. So that course may not be the best fit for where I am at. I already am a Holy Spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ, and have several years of part-time studies in several Bible schools and a theological university.

But I do need Christian fellowship!

I am a Christian single man visiting here in Melbourne for several months, to begin with. While I am here in Melbourne, I seek a Christian community where I also might find opportunities to fellowship, socialise, meet and talk with other Christian singles.

Nick, are there opportunities in your congregation where also single Christians can meet and communicate - and build relationships?

Best regards,

Torsten Nenzén

Email: torsten@nenzen.net

Text messages: +46 707 77 77 54

Hi Torsten,

Just checking to see whether you are coming along to Introducing Jesus this Monday night? It would be great to have you there!

The details are in the email I sent above. If you have any questions feel free to let me know.

Please let me know if you are coming so we know for catering purposes.

Cheers,

Nick

Hi Torsten,

Thanks for expressing an interest in Introducing Jesus! It would be great to have you join us. Please find the details of our upcoming course below.

Jesus Christ has been called ‘the most dominant figure in all history’, so we want to know who he is, what he stands for and why over two billion people claim to follow him. This short course will introduce you to him, his mission and his message.

I’m Nick, the Kingdom Pastor at City on a Hill, and I’m helping run Introducing Jesus, so feel free to contact me with any questions and to RSVP. The details of the course are as follows:

The format of the course will include dinner (provided), a short talk, discussion and an opportunity to ask plenty of questions. The course will run on the following nights:

Monday 4th March, 7PM.

Monday 11th March, 7PM.

Monday 18th March, 7PM.

Monday 25th March, 7PM.

We’ll run Introducing Jesus from our church office – Ground floor, 262 Queen St.

It’s free, so all you need to bring is yourself, and of course you can bring a friend, colleague or family member.

It’d be great if, for catering purposes, you could let me know you’ll be able to make it by replying to this email. Let me know if you’ll be bringing a mate as well.

Cheers,

Nick