**Names marked with an asterisk (*) have been changed for the privacy of individuals and their families**
Miranda Crawford* and I had been communicating through Facebook messenger, beginning with her reaching out to attempt to comfort and encourage us through the chaos. On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, the day after Douglas Stauffer’s “Bit of a Confession,” Miranda* sent me Stauffer’s own explanation of his apology. Douglas Stauffer did acknowledge that his recent statements had nothing to do with the Crawfords*, but he once again apologized for how his “ill-advised” actions could have affected them, and said that some form of an apology was necessary because the only thing public was a “mis-perception” of the truth that started with his “ill-advised” comments. Once again, we feel that Stauffer said exactly what he meant at a time when he believed his true actions and motives would not be revealed.
Jeremy Crawford*: I just wanted you to know that I don’t have any hard feelings toward you and though I am trying to overcome some bitterness… I have been praying for you and for Antioch.
Douglas Stauffer: Jeremy* I understand that things spiraled out of control rather quickly and much of it took place when I was traveling so I did not see enough of it firsthand. I do stand behind pastor Ray because I know what it is like to feel attacked and you want to fix things in a hurry. Honestly, he too wonders how differently he could have handled things, but don’t we all? Don’t I even today with all that has recently transpired?
Douglas Stauffer (continued): People have no idea what it is like to stand in a pulpit with every word scrutinized and everyone wondering the motives- good or bad- behind every single statement.
Having said all that, all the things of recent had absolutely NOTHING to do with you or your family. I don’t want to give details because it seems that those sometimes just add fuel to the simmering coals that reignite the fire that seems to be somewhat quenched for now. Regardless, I do apologize to you and your family if my comments based on my internal thoughts caused me to speak ill-advisedly and caused you any further hurt.
Douglas Stauffer (continued): Please pass along my sincerest apologies to your family and thank you for reaching out to me. I feared putting anything out there publicly because it sometimes just opens more old wounds; creates more questions and talk, yet somewhat of an explanation/apology was in store because the only thing out there was mis-perception that started with my ill-advised statements.
Douglas Stauffer (continued): We ALL wish things did not turn out the way they did and want nothing but good/great things for your family. Although the bridges may be burned here, God wants to use each of us in our own ways. Even two of the greatest Christians had sharp contentions at times but God was ultimately glorified. That is my hope for all concerned.
Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
Miranda Crawford*: He somewhat apologized. Jeremy* was responding (privately) to the post he put out on FB
In this series I share my thoughts and opinions concerning these ministers and the events which led to my departure. Click here to continue reading: “Blindsided: The Illusion of Pastor Andrew Ray” or click on the link below.
For a list of the complete series, click here.
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