dclark, the church didn't falter immediately. It declined within the next five years because they could not find a pastor of his caliber who could lead the church. It's not unusual for a church to have problems when they are in between pastors. Even the strongest churches will have problems because too many members get into a power struggle and there is no one to discipline them. After a strong long-term pastor retires or leaves, too often a church gets someone who is not a great leader. Picking the wrong pastor can destroy a church and that is exactly what that church did. In fact, they continually went the wrong way and it led to their destruction. It was a matter of the strong wills of some in the congregation who wanted to run everything themselves and our "ranting, raving" pastor was not there to control the situation. It's like kids throwing spit balls when the teacher isn't in the room. Every adult doesn't always act like one.
By the way, he never actually ranted and raved. He just got loud sometimes, but I can guaranteed that he preached the word and was never afraid to call sin what it is. He was always excited to be preaching about Jesus.
Yes, there were many called to listen to him. I am one of them. My small son and I were both saved in that church under Bro. John Richard Montgomery and I believe he was one of the best preachers I've ever listened to.
By the way, he never actually ranted and raved. He just got loud sometimes, but I can guaranteed that he preached the word and was never afraid to call sin what it is. He was always excited to be preaching about Jesus.
Yes, there were many called to listen to him. I am one of them. My small son and I were both saved in that church under Bro. John Richard Montgomery and I believe he was one of the best preachers I've ever listened to.