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Pastor to photograph sex club clientel

Religious Meddlers, Do-gooders

Oh, those pesky soul-saving fundamentalist Christians. They just won't leave folks alone. Take Rev. Jim Norwood, pastor of the Oakcrest Family Church in the cultural wasteland called Texas. He's bought a passel of digital cameras so he take photographs of the license plates of guys visiting strip clubs and sex shops. Pastor Jim will get their addresses and send them a copy of the photo on a postcard.

On the back of the postcards will be a map that shows the proximity of the adult businesses to the church along with an invitation that begins: "Observed you in the neighborhood. Didn't know if you were aware there is a church in the area."

The minister claims he isn't trying to intimidate folks who are out to indulge their libido, no siree. He wants to save them from pornography addiction. To people of this stripe a guy who subscribes to Playboy is a porn addict. Probably he has fantasies of putting the sinful smalltime capitalists out of businesses and increasing the membership of his little church.

"It all goes hand in hand -- drug addiction and sex addiction," says on of Norwood's converts.

The real result? A few embarrassed guys will spend their money in a different neighborhood.

Comments

would like to thank the great people of the area. I had no idea that there was a porn shop there will be easier to shop closer to home. told all my friend about it. hope they will also tell there friends also .. sin in the week and ask for forgiveness on the weekends that's my plan. pastor why don't you smoke another crack pipe??
I read about Pastor Norwood intimidating sex-shop clientel on a yahoo news site. This is just down right creepy to me. Too bad that this man has nothing better to do with his life than to intimidate others. What a narrow vision this man has, if he thinks that this will draw people to his church! What bothers me most, though, is the following quoted from the newsource: "Norwood is also counting on unhappy reactions from wives or girlfriends who get to the mail first. "When she asks, 'What were you doing over there?' they're going to have some explaining to do. If they're embarrassed by it, maybe they shouldn't be doing it in the first place."' First off, what a lame assumption that Pastor Norwood makes. How wrong for him to assume it was the "boyfriends" that go to sex shops? What if...what if the couple went together? What if it were the GIRLFRIEND or WIFE that went to the sex shop on her own? WHAT IF the owner of the vehicle was there with his boyfriend? Hmm... AND...what if we lived in a world in which we hard-working, tax-paying, consenting adults were able to freely explore our sexuality? I would love to get a postcard from this creep. Because then I would go to the church in stripper garb (even though I am not a stripper) and make a statement about how narrow minded the congregation is. Unfortunately, I fear the message would be lost on them.
I think everyone should write to this jack*ss Norwood and be sure to include the most kinky XXX porn you can find. This is NOT a religious man. This is a hypocrite and subscribes to Satan's creed which is to force people to do "good." God gave us FREE AGENCY, He doesn't force us to do anything. This sort of stuff makes me want to drop leaflets containing XXX pornography on his town.
I think that Pastor Norwood is going too far. He is a lonely man that has nothing better to do with his life than take pictures of these people and blackmail them. I think someone needs to find his criminal records and mail them to all of his church attendants, maybe even place an ad in the local paper of his past. Just a thought!!
This Rev.Jim Norwwod is about the sorriest excuse for a rev. I have ever seen. Does anybody not realize that all he is trying to do is improve the number of clientel coming to the church so that they can empty there pockets into his collection plate so his crappy church can stay open.That is all this is about:ways for him to make money and intimidate the people around here. Rev.Jim needs to get his own life instead of bothering everyone elses.
Once again religious lunatics are involving themselves in situations that they have no need to be involved with. Eventhough they may not be the most reputable businesses, they have a right to be there. I find it disgusting that Jim Norwood feels the need to harass others based on his own hidden agenda. Some people may not feel the Church is a great thing to have in town. Get a life!
This is Great...All the pastor is doing is inviting people to stop by and visit the Church. He's also trying to educate the people about the dangers of Porn (instant self gratification). If the sex shops have the right advertise to the public on bill boards, then the pastor has the right to send a post card to people that really need help. Keep up the good work pastor !
Someone should send him pictures of the goatse dude and tubgirl.
He's just mad cause we found out about the church doing little boys.
Here's some personal info of Mr. Norwood's. It was easy to obtain legally, and since the good pastor likes sending out postcards, maybe he'd like receiving some. :) Jim Norwood 813 Shady Creek Dr Kennedale, TX 76060-5442 Home: (817) 483 - 7073
When I reflect on our country and the state of moral decline since my childhood years in the fifties, it brings to light the scriptures fortelling the second coming of our Lord where it depicts certain events unfolding before this will happen. Foremost would be the statement of "As in the days of Noah"...It is truly unfortunate that the individuals opposed to Rev Norwood do not understand that his campain against these establishments of porn and strip businesses are not to necessarily bring scores of folks to his church but to bring individuals to the light of Jesus Christ and into His Kingdom. As was John the Babtist, a voice in the wilderness who was not suddle in his attempts to warn the people of the soon coming savior...to our Lord himself who chased a group of businesses from the Temple who were opperating in direct conflict with His plan of salvation. One thing is for certain...all will have the certain opportunity to find out who is right or wrong concerning this issue when our Lord himself will preview the matter for all to see and witness the outcome. God bless you Rev Norwood and know that you have others as myself praying for you.
Just a few words for those of you discussing this issue. For Dawn who wants to dress like a stripper and attend my dad's church. Feel free, if you come then his mission has served its purpose. You think that congregation will cast you out? I encourage you to go. The former prostitutes, cons, drug abusers, molesters, current homeless, and cross-dressers who make up 90% of the congregation will open their arms to you and welcome you in. Oakrest's primary mission is to reach out to the people who have problems in their past, and offer a comfortable place to worship. To Matthew who thinks that he is doing this to keep the doors open. The church does not need money from anyone to keep the doors open. There are many affluent people and churches in the area who will continue to keep the doors open. Did you miss the part of the article in which they mention that my dad is self employed. He doesn't need money from anyone. To Steve: Check the backlogs of the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram from the mis 80's. When he was running for city council in Arlington, TX every bit of his past was brought up and drug through the dirt. He will tell you that he was heavy on amphetamines and marijuana. He will admit that he was kicked out of college. He will tell you that he is the son of an alcholic. He will admit to everything on his criminal record and every one at his church is well aware of his past. That is why they support his church and love him as their pastor. If you want his past just call the number posted here and he will tell you of all of it. The only reason that there is such a stir over this situation is guilt. If people ddn't feel guilt over what they were doing then they would just toss the postcard in the mail. He isn't trying to damn the people from going or tell them that they shouldn't, that is not is place or postition. He is simply offering help to those who want it, and offering them a church to go to. Please feel free to e-mail me at justin_norwood22@yahoo.com if you would like to know anything else about his past or what he has done that you feel might "incriminate" him, and PLEASE, fell free to attend his church to see what they are all about. Thanks. Justin Norwood, Jim Norwood's son.
I am 24 years old and attend Oakcrest where Jim Norwood is my Pastor. One year ago I my self was lost, used drugs, and was a stripper. I know first hand what REALLY goes on in ALL of the shops that border our church, and I KNOW that any parent in their right mind would not want their child exposed to the material that comes out of there, or the people that go in there, get excited, leave and molest a kid or rape someone. The same goes for us, the members of Oakcrest, we don't want our kids that attend chuch here to be exposed to that garbage. Justin- your comment was so true, there is such a veriety of members, all from different walks of life, ready to welcome anyone who walks in the door. So Dawn, come on down in your stripper garb you will be greatly welcomed!! I love Pastor Jim, and EVERY member of our chuch, and proudly stand behind him.
I have met the Pastor Jim Norwood, I do not attend his church, but I have done a lot of investigating about him and all the negatives that have surface was blown out of proportion or was just false. I have driven by his church one night and it was packed, it appeared that there was a food night that there was groceries was being given out to needy families. Check before you speak and make comments, I live in Kennedale Texas and it is the citizens and the city leaders that don't desire these busineses in our city. As for the pastor, he's just got some big backing that gives him the courage to stand up publicly and legally and morally say it like it is. Oh and his backing is our creator, the Lord. You shoudn't hurt him nor should you cast a stone. He is not casting stones nor is he hurting people, he is a genuine and caring man that helps veryone that approches him. These businesses have never given to the poor families, I have seen this neighborhood set still in time and has not grown with the rest of the city, so what does that say about negative. For all the negative comments, I say you are not to wise and need some self-estem.
I am a very dedicated Christian that is in love with God and is looking forward to Heaven. This "Pastor" needs mental help. Way out of line.
i need your site everydaY
Hmm...While I can appreciate Pastor Norwood's intentions, I simply do not get it! I grew up knowing the Bible to teach - live and let live, and to turn the other cheek. If people frequent any place, be it a dirty book store, or a church - THAT IS THEIR RIGHT! Last time I checked, this is America and we're all FREE!!! I highly doubt this business has been, or would, hang around outside his church and hand out advertisements, or samples of their products sold to the exiting congregation! He's definitely going about it all wrong. I have no knowledge of any specific laws but, there may even be legal ramifications: from the business - for damaging someone's livelihood by attacking it's patrons in such a manner; AND from individuals - for harassment. Although decadent, it IS legal! HINT: Norwood need not be in a political office to fight the zoning laws of his community! Notes to the Pastor: 1)Ever hear the term over zealous? It does turn people off! 2) Fight the "GOOD" fight and DON'T LOOK BACK...ya know...the whole "pillar of salt" thing, LOL. 3) If thine eye offend thee... 4) "Literacy is a wonderful tool". You really should think about battling illiteracy amongst your supporters. Related to that last note...Come on people USE "Spell Check", PLEASE!
i think that this guy is a loser and needs to mind his own business.the people that work and visit the shops probably dont care if they are seen there and hes most likely wasting his time because i know i wouldnt care if i was seen at a PORN shop big deal pastor jimbo i think you could find something better to do with your time besides sending out those stupid post cards leave the people that you dont even know alone your just gonna rock the boat and then your god will save you so who cares hey?? get a real job jimmy you are going no were real fast oh yea i do believe in some kind of god but if your the man who is supposed to represent him...your a joke have fun with your post cards.haha
Well for all of those who have been bashing my dad, Pastor Norwood, I hate to inform you that as of today, May the 15th, the city of Kennedale, TX has voted him to be the mayor of his town by the astounding margin of 67% to 33%. Apparently his town is behind his actions in wanting to see his stand against Sexually Explicit Industries as well as other demeaning industries to continue. Congratulations Mayor Norwood!!!!!
Shame on you, you home wrecker. whats wrong with just puting a nice thing on their windshield. Why dont you go join the Talaban. How dare you impose your values on others, God will judge you on the matter of you trying to be God, He is the one to judge who is right or wrong. must be something to porn. I notice they only charge about $4 for a pay pr view movie, but for a porn pay pr view it cost about $8 must be in demand to cost more.So look preach to your parisioners and leave the rest of us the hell alone.
I think the preacher Norwood has to be impeached, We all know the law. politics and religion dont mix. So he has to be removed just like the 10 commandmants were. I will be writing to the Justice department about this conflict of intrest.
Must be a perty small town, with not much to do except go to church or the porn shop.to vote this cracker as Mayor.
To the preachers kid, I am sure your dad is a nice guy, he just has to stop insisting his values onto others. Just do his church thing, take care of his parrisioners and leave others to their likes without his interference.
Does anyone know how the volunteers obtain the addresses from the license plates of the vehicles parked there? I didn’t think the DMV gave out that information to the public. Justin, can you answer this one?
I'm planning a trip across the US this summer. Thanks to your site I know not to stop in Kennedale for dinner or gas. I would have hard time explaining to my spouse if I got lost and had my pic taken. Is this the town that the movie "FootLoose was based on"?
If the patrons of these places truly don't believe they are doing anything wrong or embarrassing, they shouldn't care in the least. If they do believe they are doing something wrong, which, in fact, they are, then maybe one or two will repent and in that case it's all worth it. If it runs the establishment out of business or out of town, then it's worth it as well.
Before I say anything else, I would like to state that I believe in an adult's right to view adult materials, or purchase adult oriented items. We have the right to make choices, good or bad in our lives. Otherwise, what would the purpose of being able to sin (sin being a biblical concept after all) be for? However, I also believe that pornography makes the subjects and the viewers feel cheap and worthless at some point or another, therefore it is not wholesome, nor is it good. For whatever reason, the pastor in question actually decided to go out and take pictures of license plates on cars. I may have missed something, but I believe that he is not taking pictures of the patrons themselves, correct me if I am wrong. I had a pornography/sex addiction, and it can still be the proverbial thorn in my side. I would have been extremely angry with Pastor Norwood had one of his pictures graced my mailbox. That being said, I would have avoided the extramarital affairs, and heartaches that went along with my 15 year sex addiction if only somebody would have cared enough about me to shake up my world in the way that Pastor Norwood is doing for others. Do you think he would be doing such a thing if he didn't care about each and every person he was taking to task? Sometimes, out of pure love, we do or say things that offend others. That is a side effect of truth, honesty and love. Political correctnes has no place in truthful, caring, honest, love. I don't completely agree with Pastor Norwood's method from a legal position, yet from a spiritual/biblical position the end may certainly justify the means. If you have any questions on beating a pornography addiction you can email me. I don't have all the answers, nor will I ever, but I can certainly lead you to somebody who does. evangeliztheworld@hotmail.com

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My thanks,
Richard