In an attempt to raise money from the Bayside Church Members,
Pastor Ray sent an email to the Bayside members, and it stated:
"I don't send letters like this without a lot of thought"
But in reality, it wasn't Ray's thoughts at all. He read about a very successful money raising campaign that Rick Warren of Saddleback Church had just done. It was written about on Saddleback's website and on the national news. (see this link)
Rick Warren's Prayers Answered - ABC News
The email that Ray Johnston sent to his members was almost word for word what Rick Warren had sent to his members. There were a few minor changes to make it seem original and Ray's ideas, thoughts and words.
But in reality, Pastor Ray used Rick Warrens ideas, thoughts and words.
It's called "plagiarism".
You can read it for yourself; their emails are below.
Bayside member, Jack Nordby, got the email from Pastor Ray,
and read the story in the news and immediately realized what
Pastor Ray had done.
Jack attempted to ask Pastor Ray about this indiscretion,
but neither Ray nor his leadership team wanted to answer
for what Ray had done in the email to the membership.
For the next 16 years they went about their church business,
"Business as usual" and ignoring what Pastor Ray did.
Covering up his lies and sweeping it under the rug.
Jesus said: “Take heed that no man deceives you.”
He warns His own of wolves in sheep's clothing.