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About
Us
By Author ~ Fred Pattison |
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I
grew up on Long Island just outside of New York
City. I received Christ as my Savior and Lord at
age 15 and began preaching when I was just 16 years
old.
After
graduating from high school I attended Northwestern
College, Baptist Bible Seminary and Northeastern
Bible College. Most of my ministry has been that
of founding and shepherding churches. These include:
Bethel Bible Christian Church on Long Island, Faith
Baptist Church in Tucson and Casa de Cristo Evangelical
Church
The
last congregation that I pastored was located in
Phoenix. It was an independent, nondenominational
evangelical church that was open to the gifts of
the Holy Spirit. I retired in the fall of
1996.
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I
then relocated to moved
to the mountains of central Arizona to Strawberry,
where I founded Olive Tree Ministries. which
is at 6,000 feet elevation among the ponderosa pines.
As I sit at my computer and write I view Strawberry
Mountain, hence the name of this material “Strawberry
Views.”
Even
though I am retired I continue to be active in the
Lord’s work preaching, teaching and writing.
In addition to this ministry I also facilitate a
house church group here in Strawberry.
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What
Are Strawberry Views?
Having
been a pastor for most of my life I have gained considerable
life experience. Through the years I’ve remained
faithful to my basic fundamental beliefs, while in
some areas I have somewhat mellowed from my youthful
harshness and legalistic spirit. Hopefully, I have
matured through these many years. I am now in my seventies
but I continue to be actively involved in the Lord’s
work. |
One
the major aspects of my pre-sent ministry is writing
as well as periodically holding workshops and preaching
missions. I continue to have a deep and abiding
love for God and for the Scriptures. I believe and
hold to the unique and divine inspiration of the
Bible. I also firmly hold to the basic foundational
truths of the historic biblical Christian faith
often known as orthodoxy and/or evangelicalism.
As a Spirit-filled believer I am open to the moving
of the Holy Spirit in sovereignly bestowing gifts
upon the people of God. I believe that salvation
is entirely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
as Savior and Lord. |
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I am also an advocate
of Davidic praise and worship as the Tabernacle of David
is being restored during these days in which we live.
Some have referred to me as “a Baptecostal”
Christian.
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Why
Have Strawberry Views?
My
desire is that the ministry of literature, workshops
and preaching/teaching meets a need within the Body
of Christ.
As to the theology and positions of this para-church
ministry I am what many would probably consider
a moderate in most of my views and positions. I
unapologetically stand opposed to racism, ageism,
elitism, sexism, and anti-Semitism. In some ways
I am a social activist and seek to promote causes
of social justice while at the same time I refrain
from equating the faith of Christ with political
and religious extremism such as is often the case
with the “religious right” and the “secular
left”. I am a strong advocate of the Anabaptist
position on the total and complete separation of
“religion” and the government. I do
not believe that God is either a Republican or a
Democrat!!
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Why
“unique, challenging and controversial?”
As
various articles are added to this web site you
will quickly discover that what I write and present
is not always in line with the typical “evangelical
party line.” I am a strong advocate for social
justice for all people. I take a vocal stand for
the complete and total separation of Church and
State, hence I do not fully buy into either the
so-called “religious or Christian right”
nor the “religious left.” You will discover
that many of my positions are controversial. Some
of them are unique to me and I hope that each one,
whether you agree with it or not, will challenge
you.
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