David Alexander: An Amazing Testimony or Mormon Myth? (Part 3)

This is Part 3 of our David Alexander series:

Part 1
Part 2

We continue our examination of Alexander with his third video posted on March 8th, 2023:

Summary:

Alexander wastes no time here in bringing up a video that he watched from Apologia Studios, featuring Pastor Jeff Durbin who was speaking with a pair of Mormon missionaries. 

At 3:02 Alexander says the following:

"I'm not really inclined to question someone's integrity, he's obviously highly intelligent intellectually, spiritually he's dull as a post as far as I'm concerned. But he's highly intelligent, and I'm sure he [Durbin] knows Church History fairly well."

Clearly, we're off to a good start here. 

"...Even though the Church History that he knows was written by the victors..."

Alexander is being suggestive here, what he's really saying is that we don't know the real history because it's been covered up. "By what standard can he substantiate such a claim?" Would be my question to him.

"...The truth is, is that statement is an absolute lie and he knew it was a lie the minute he said it. But he didn't care!"

"This Jeff fella in Apologia Studios they-they made a name for themselves, they made a career out of, uh a YouTube career out of taking these sincere, patient, young Christian missionaries and trying to make them look as bad as they can. There's nothing righteous about it. But that statement, that supposedly Christians have taught Trinitarian doctrine for 2000 years is an absolute lie, and he knows it. No integrity whatsoever in the statement."

 Let us pause for a moment. At this point he has not yet made his case, so I shall leave room for him to make it. Any attempt he plans to make here should certainly be interesting!

What is his proof?

Apparently, Wikipedia... at the 5:00 mark:
"...But they can't change history..."

I wonder, is he applying that same standard when he suggested 2 minutes ago that history was changed 'by the victors' are we seeing doublespeak from Alexander now?  How bizarre!

"...The reality is, nobody walking around with Jesus Christ, none of the early apostles, none of the earliest believers, none of the early church, had any concept of the doctrine of the Trinity.  And Trinitarianism gradually developed after the 2nd century, so you're talking what - a 170 years after Christ died? It began to kind of be codified... the reason why they developed it into something they made a huge deal about is because they didn't have the life of God anymore!..."

Later at 19:05-19:24 he says: 

"...and basically, the reason why you're all Trinitarian, if you're Trinitarian is because the pagan-Emperor Constantine, sided with the Trinitarians.  If he'd sided with the Arians, you know what, you'd all be singing a different tune you know haha"

This is a remarkable display of ignorance on the part of Alexander, truly.  
Ironically, the exact opposite of what he said is the truth of the matter:
1. Constantine sided with neither side at the Council
2. Near the end of his life Constantine sided with Arians
3. The Arians rose in political power & tried to stomp out the Trinitarians
4. The ‘different tune’ argument is a myth

However, don't just take my word for it. This is an excellent video from the YouTube channel: Inspiring Philosophy that debunks this sophomoric attempt at historical revisionism:
(Sources are in the video description)

Additional resources:
Myths about the Council of Nicaea

Early Trinitarian Quotes

The Trinity before Nicaea

In light of the above, it seems that Durbin wasn’t lying after all.  However, Alexander made statements that were untrue about Church history & Durbin himself. Should he [Alexander] ever stumble upon this article, I would hope he would seriously consider issuing a retraction & an apology.

Near the end of his video, he describes the vehicle whereby he got saved was by 'praying a prayer' commonly known in Christian circles as 'the sinners prayer' whereby one prays & receives forgiveness of sins that very moment, and is then ‘saved’ and to his credit, in other videos he ridicules that practice as not being biblical, or found in the Bible – I agree.  A Christian like myself cannot help but wonder then, if that’s how he got ‘saved’ but later walked away, how does it not do anything other than suggest that he may have never been a Christian to begin with? 

A hard question indeed.

I went on to watch probably 10-15 more of his videos from start to finish. (Some I even listened to multiple times!) The purpose of this piece was not to refute every single false claim made in each of his videos, that would simply be a larger endeavor than I have the time to undertake. 

Let's shift gears, and look at his time in the ministry. It is an important piece of his life, that has the potential to reveal much about Alexander in the present.

Here is what we know so far about the three churches that Alexander 'Pastored':

1^st Church – The Door Christian Fellowship
Sending church: Unknown
Denomination: Unknown
Location: Wintersville, OH
Year(s) Active: 1986-87
Reason(s) for closure: Unknown
a. “…crashed and burned within 6 months” [1.]
b. “…totally burned myself out trying for a year and a half” [2.]
Proof of its existence: Unknown

2^nd Church – Abundant Life Church
Sending church: Unknown
Denomination: Seventh Day Baptist
Location: Portsmouth (Cradock), VA
Year(s) Active: 1990-99
Reason for closure: Unknown
a. “…and that crashed and burned” [1.]
Proof of its existence: Yes

3^rd Church – (Unknown Name)
Sending church: Unknown
Denomination: Unknown
Location: Northern (Possibly New England), ME
Year(s) Active: 1999-2000
Reason(s) for closure: Unknown
a. “…within 6 months that thing blew up to kingdom come” [1.]
b. “…for a period of about 6 months and then that crashed and burned” [2.]
Proof of its existence: Unknown

Sources:
[1.] https://youtu.be/G7iWuQs9FQ0?t=544
[2.] https://youtu.be/mpLYnpAo0DQ?t=2356

Alexander should receive credit where it is due here, I was able to independently verify that the 2^nd church did in fact, exist.  As well as the fact that he was a minister / pastor / elder of that church. (See images below) So, I am not at all inclined to believe that he was somehow being dishonest about his past in this area.  1 out the three 3 seems to check out, as for the other 2, I really wouldn’t expect that such a brief stint (6 months or so) would have left much of a footprint in the area.  It would be nice if there was more data available to peruse to be sure, but this is sufficient for the purposes of this article.

There’s about a 20-year gap between from the period when Alexander’s 3^rd church failed (2000), and his appearance on YouTube (2023).  It’s entirely possible that there is nothing pertinent, or even noteworthy about his faith journey that he wished to share.  It’s also possible that there is a little more to the story – but in the absence of any additional information on that front, we are not free to suggest or even think that he’s somehow hiding something from his audience.  I’ve heard nothing from his content that would lead me to be suspicious of him there, I’m certainly curious about it though!

However, it's what he has not said about being a minister that particularly concerns me…

1. To the best of my recollection, in all his videos so far that I’ve listened to.  I don’t believe he has said anything about being under the authority of local elders and/or a sending church. 
2. I don’t recall him saying anything about how he received his ordination to ministry.  
3. I don’t recall him giving any specifics about why these 3 churches of his failed, beyond his quoted remarks above.

In a video titled 'Ex Mormon Suspicious Minds' published on May 16th, 2023 Alexander says the following beginning at 39:25-40:12:

"...I did what anybody who knows Evangelical Christianity knows is quite common in Evangelical Christianity, is that people think they can start their own church. And, I started my own church 3 different times"

To me, this seems to be a plain admission that he went off on his own.  This may speak to what his understanding of Ecclesiology was, while he is correct that there are many rogues who think this – it doesn’t mean that there is permission in scripture for the practice, if he was among those who thought like this then I would submit that he was in error to start his own churches.

“One of the reasons was, is that if I started my own church, I got tired of getting the right foot of fellowship from people, or just joining a church and getting fed up after a year and a half and leaving because it wasn't real enough for me, not that I was real but I was looking for reality, I was looking for true authority, I was looking for the restoration is what I was looking for, it's obvious to me at this point"

I find this to be rather noteworthy, as it gives us a glimpse into Alexander’s mindset.  While he really doesn’t elaborate on the specifics, it does tell us that he was for a time a church hopper. Moreover, this feels consistent with prior remarks from Alexander about trying different denominations of Christianity over his 47 years as an Evangelical. 

"Three different times I was like well if I start something myself, it'll take me longer to get kicked out! ha-ha"

If he was kicked out of any Church body in his past, this is the closest thing to talking about it that he’s said thus far.  If he was, then questions might potentially arise about whether he was/wasn’t submissive to the local Elder(s).  As he doesn’t really elaborate further, we don’t have the liberty to try and fill in the blanks.

In terms of maintaining one’s credibility as a 'Christian minister' these are certainly important details that ought not be overlooked if possible.

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. - James 3:1"

His path to entering ministry, his time spent in ministry, and the reason(s) he left ministry are all equally important to any Christians who are listening to him. 

Given that his target demographic consists primarily of faithful Mormons, with his secondary demographic arguably being Evangelical Christians who are either interested in Mormonism OR are who he would probably consider to be ‘anti-Mormons’ (those who are critical of and/or opposed to Mormonism as a whole) therefore Alexander may likely feel he doesn’t owe them any explanations whatsoever. I will grant him that. He is free to share anything he wishes, likewise he is also free to refrain from doing so as well.

It’s important to take some time to look at these key passages:

Qualifications for Overseers

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”
– 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Qualifications for Deacons

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
– 1 Timothy 3:8-13

"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."  - Titus 1:5-9

The Bible has a very specific list of character requirements for those who aspire to be an officer in the Lord's church.  According to 1 Timothy 3, they are to first be tested - by other Church officers who have already been appointed & have been serving for a period in their local body and/or by a sending body potentially.

The primary issue is not that his church plants failed (although there are important questions surrounding those failures to be sure that Alexander hasn’t provided more information about presently) the primary issue for the Christian examining his record in ministry is:

A. What was his biblical justification to be appointed as an elder?
B. Who was he accountable to in those church planting endeavors?

IF it turns out to be the case, that he was not tested & appointed by Elders in the local church, then Biblically speaking, he has absolutely no credibility at all as a former ‘Pastor/Minister’ because he was not being obedient to the scriptures.  Even more so, if he was unaccountable to no one during those three church stints.

(NOTE: I have reached out to his former co-pastor at Abundant Life Church in Portsmouth, VA - Barron Baugh, for comment on his involvement with David Alexander there, in hopes of possibly shedding more light on these kinds of details but have received no response)

I’m of the opinion that when considered in light of the scriptures, based on what has been shared by Alexander himself, we are finally beginning to see some of the glaring inconsistencies in his story. In my opinion, it shoots his overall narrative of ‘seeking proper authority and for apostles & prophets all along’ right in the foot with a 12-gauge shotgun.

In terms of basic logic, let's consider the law of non-contradiction:

A. It was the case that Alexander was seemingly rebelling against the authority of scripture, and the authority of the local church in how he was going about his business in ministry based on his own admissions.

B. It is also the case that he was looking for true authority all along, and was presumably obedient to it.

I’m very much disinclined to believe this part of his story here, it seems to be a re-telling of his life story that is perhaps spun in such a way to make his testimony more powerful to his audience, but whether or not this is the result of self-delusion, or a deliberate crafting is unclear. What is clear is that Alexander seems to genuinely believe the things he is saying, so he gets full marks for his zeal & sincerity.

A quick pivot is needed, before we wrap things up.  We must ask ourselves about any potential motives that might influence his decision to become a Mormon.

I think the most compelling piece of information comes from a video Alexander posted on April 17^th, 2023 – titled ‘Convert's Testimony to Latter Day Saint Conference of Future Missionaries...’ beginning at 4:57-5:56

“The witness of the Evangelical Christianity there that I was involved with,I’m talking 47 years of trying to find a place where there was authority andunity and uh, and a togetherness that was on a solid foundation, and seeing itcrash and burn over and over and over and over again.”

(This seems to be a reference to the three churches)

"...And uh, you know raising a family in the midst of that and not having anything real enough for my children to see it was worth giving their lives to, and so seeing the world gobble my children up as they got older and I mean I could tell you story after story, but you’re talking 47 years of heartbreak, when I was 21 I really wanted to bear fruit that would remain, and in 47 years of trying I never succeeded in doing it ok...”

I can see why the Mormon belief in eternal families, getting a second chance in the next life, universalism, exaltation, etc. Would appeal to a man like Alexander who is seemingly carrying around a broken heart with heavy burdens such as those.  In other words, he’s vulnerable and a prime target for potential conversion.

Later at 13:22 he says:
“Everywhere I went, I tested all things and held fast to what seemed good” (in reference to 1 Thessalonians 5:21) which is not quite what the text says; instead it reads:  “but test everything; hold fast to what is good.”

If that were true, then he never would’ve joined Mormonism.  I understand how someone can look at Mormonism and say “well that seems like have good fruit” but couldn’t actually care less about the reasons why the fruit is actually bad & rotten to the core.

Scripture speaks of those who wander off and go astray, and it gives us some descriptions about the kind of person(s) these false brethren tend to be:

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them." - Acts 20:28-30

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared" - 1 Timothy 4:1-2

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Given his recent apostasy & conversion to a non-Christian cult, I think we can rule out that at present IF this is a prodigal son type of situation – it’s simply too soon to tell whether or not that’s the case.  However, God is faithful, and it may become clear at a later time.

Furthermore, considering his newfound position as a false teacher promoting the heretical doctrines of Mormonism (and twisting the Bible to do it) via his YouTube content, I would argue that Matthew 13:5-6 instead of is Luke 15, is the more likely explanation here.

For the readers who may have heard about him, or listened to some of his videos – I think that in light of all of the above, it’s safe to say at this point that those concerns or suspicions were not unwarranted.

In conclusion, it’s troubling to see a sincere man like Alexander who clearly reads his Bible fall away from the faith embracing doctrines of demons, and based on his own testimony, he is currently marching towards hell with a Bible in his hands.

Pray that the Lord would keep us from following in his footsteps, and pray that the Lord would rescue David Alexander