The Bible warns against pride. But that hasn't stopped Robert Ulrich, the chief apologist of beleaguered pastor Jerry Johnston, from allowing First Family Church to post a version of his résumé that's nearly 1,000 words long.
The Overland Park megachurch has been weakened by public defections and a potential foreclosure. Ulrich, the chairman of the church's board of directors, has stood by Johnston amid criticism of the evangelist's empire building and comfortable lifestyle. And in case anyone's wondering, Ulrich's an accomplished guy. Very accomplished.
Ulrich's 942-word bio on the First Family website is like a piece of origami, with professional life histories folding into themselves. One description of Ulrich's "many years of distinguished experience" -- he's a former U.S. attorney and Court of Appeals judge -- is repeated on the site, as if to hammer the point that Highly Distinguished People continue to support Johnston.
First Family was staggered by a 2007 story in the The Kansas City Star that depicted a minister who chased fame and resisted accountability. The story derived its power from the complaints of former members, a number of whom were professionals who spoke on the record.
At the time, Johnston pointed to the oversight provided by the church's board of trustees. "They're respected Christian leaders," he told the Star's Judy L. Thomas. "And they're everything from the former United States district attorney to very accomplished Christian businessmen."
But Ulrich, the Rev. Jerry's lawman, seemed to be living an alternate reality when Thomas caught up with him:
[Ulrich] said no one had ever voiced concerns about church finances. But four former members of the church's building committee said they raised such issues repeatedly with Ulrich several years ago before leaving the church in frustration.Ulrich continues to defend First Family, which is being hounded by the bank it reportedly owes $14.4 million.
The bank has asked a judge to appoint a receiver, citing the $915,000 in combined salaries that Johnston and members of his family apparently received in 2010. Church representatives say staff salaries have been cut drastically. But was Jerry making $400K last year? Ulrich made a classic non-denial denial when Thomas asked him about it.
I can't speak specifically to the figures right now. I don't have the figures in front of me.
Showing 1-5 of 5
Hello Invisible Girl. Good project and I admire your efforts. You must be defending the good judge Ulrich. Do you think that with all of the things said in recent years that libel suits would have popped up all over from Jerry and the "honorable" Judge? No, the truth is simple. Johnston and the cover up of millions of loss dollars from members of First Family Church into the pockets of the family of Jerry. There is much proof on that. However, I trust with your knowledge, education and compassion you would not last for two weeks being involved with the Johnstons. However, since you are a Liberty grad you have a connection with Robert and I forgive you for getting involved 5 years after the start of the swindle at FFC. I would not say Robert took money. I would say he enabled Jerry to do the things he did. All the time while Jerry used the good judges' name as a reference. As far as what I said about Ulrich 's wife....I know it to be true because I was there in the same room when it was said by Jerry.
Uh yep, thanks for answering my question. Just saw the article last night. So, what's your name, sir? Are you from Overland Park?
something here that looks like libel? Took you 4 months to step up? Or are you searching for something on good ole Jerry?
Interesting that you did not sign your name on your comment. You afraid of being sued for libel? Bring it, Dwyssmann. Who are you and where do you get your "facts"?
Jerry wined and dined Ulrich's wife. Took her on to trips and made her something really special. She is not. Control the woman and get a judge while you are at it. Ok. you can see that Judge U has been compromised. Now how many cases should be overturned that he sat in on?
like
dislike
