Church Vipers

About the Book

This book is about the subtle abusive behavior of churches and false pastors. It describes the inside jobs that are being done to all levels of parishioners year after year. It is the sad but true story of my journey as a new Christian leading up to ministerial positions. It also describes how was able to overcome the deepest level of spiritual abuse. My hurt turned into a passion to see others healed and helped through their abuse. This book also reaches out to abusers via amnesty. It reaches out to all church goers. It's a book of love, encouragement, and a book of hope to believers all over the world.

About the Author

Rodney De'Nard Stewart, a native of Washington, D.C. was born on February 18, 1964. in the summer of 1972, while playing with his childhood friend Harvey Adams, Rodney was physically touched on his right shoulder by the hand of God.

He was first pastored by his grandfather, Rev. William E. Rudd, the wisest man of his lifetime. In 1976, he was pastored by Rev. Beauty D. Hines, Pastor and founder of the Soul Saving Center Church of God in D.C., until he graduated from Suitland High School in 1983. After the summer ended he enlisted in the United States Army (Infantry) where his manhood took shape.

In December 1986, after Christmas, at the age of 22, while home on military leave, he experienced a near-death/outer body experience, where his spirit was carried to the presence of the Almighty God, and was told among other things that he was called to preach the gospel. Six months later he received orders to go to Korea. While at Camp Casey, Korea, Sgt. Stewart received Jesus Christ into his heart in October 1987. During this fellowship as a new Christian at the Camp Hovey Fellowship Church, the Spirit of the Lord more than often showed up because of the unity of praise and worship amongst the mixed race congregation.

His gifts started to unfold as he became choir director, musician, and an effective street witnessing team leader. After Korea in September 1988, he returned to Ft. Lewis, Washington where he was pastored under the leadership of Pastor John Landrum. In 1990, after completing two enlistments in the army, Rodney became a member of his uncle's church, Pastor Jonathan E. Rudd, in Richmond, VA, which also gave start to prison ministry at the Baltimore City Jail.

November 1991 was a turning point in his life when he became a member of the Galilee Baptist church in Suitland, MD under the leadership of his mentor and pastor Rev. Dr. Eugene Weathers. To this day no other man has impacted hi life the way Pastor Weathers has. In September 1992, Rodney accepted his calling and from 1992-1996 was enrolled in the Elijah Academy facilitated by Pastor Weathers. After graduating, Pastor Weathers presented him with his ministry license shortly after he preached his first public message in March 1996. Pastor Weathers went home to be with the Lord in April, 2000. Rodney became active in Galilee's Prison Ministry where he conducted weekly church services for inmates over a period of three years.

On July 10, 2002, Rodney was ordained as Elder by Bishop Richard E. Petway, Sr., Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Scotland Neck, NC. he accepted his calling to the office of Pastor and awaits the opening of the Mitchellville Community Church once he and his wife move to the Atlanta area; where he can invest into people the way he has always desired. The Mitchellville Community Church will continue the legacy of the late Pastor Eugene Weathers.

Rodney founded the "Tactical Marriage Seminar" for couples and desires to start a nationwide Transitional Home for ex-offenders. He will in the future author more books.

Because of his commitment to see marriages last, Rodney provides "free" marriage counseling to couples. (email: mrparvanue@hotmail.com)

His pride and joy is the soon opening of his ministry because Rodney firmly believes in the total investment of people. Not only does he believe in freedom spiritually, but also mentally, socially and economically.

Rodney currently resides in Maryland with his wife, Charlene, and has five children and three grandchildren.