Police looking for former pastor accused of taking $40,000 from church
Police looking for former pastor accused of taking $40,000 from church Save Email Print
Posted: 10:49 AM Feb 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:49 AM Feb 21, 2008
 Reporter: The Associated Press
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A pastor forced to resign last fall from a northern Indiana church now faces forgery charges alleging that he misappropriated about $40,000 in church funds.

State Police say 65-year-old David Troyer faces five counts of forgery in LaGrange County.

Last fall, church officials at Maple Grove Church in the town of Topeka asked him to resign.

State police say Troyer would go to the church's bookkeeper and ask for money to help someone in need, claiming he had permission from the church's board of elders.

The bookkeeper would then make a check out using the name given by Troyer, who would then take the check, forge a signature on the back and cash it.
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Posted by: David Scott Location: Michigan on Nov 7, 2008 at 04:06 PM
What a good Pastor
Posted by: Saved by His Grace Location: Indiana on Feb 24, 2008 at 06:55 PM
"Posted by: Tony Location: Warsaw on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:58 AM "saved by his grace" You are not saved. "He that endures to the End" is saved. As for the word Christian it means Christ Like, who is? We are supposed to serve God (which is a title) do you even know His name? Those who call on his name will be saved. This so called Pastor Father Reverend (which we are not to have titles) is just another example of a Wolf in Sheeps clothing. I hope he repents for his sin and starts to serve the only true God. 0" Wow! That was extremely judgmental and quite uncalled for. I know that I am saved- I confessed that I am a sinner and that I needed the blood of Christ to rid of my sin. Yes, I do know that name of my God! Where in my post did I hint that I did not? Where in the bible does it state that shepherds of God's word are not to have titles? Man, you have really stumped me by your lack of knowledge and extreme judgment. I will continue to be Christlike and pray for you, though.
Posted by: Look Deeper Location: Topeka on Feb 23, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Not only did this guy steal from the church, bad enough. He also "borrowed" money from many people in the Amish community. I know of people giving him thousands. And everyone I know says he was "such a nice guy" Topeka is about an hour and a half south-east of South Bend, about 15 min. east of Shipshewana and is really a very small town and has alot of Amish there. It makes me feel for these folks, when told about it many were shocked. But not shocked because it happened, but rather because it hit home that someone inside thier community could trick them like this. I think I saw people grow prehaps a bit more distrustful of people, even in thier own back yard, it's unfortunate.
Posted by: Kahn on Feb 22, 2008 at 04:01 PM
So far in my life I have not encountered a reason to think there is a supreme being, so no let down here.
Posted by: Ray Location: Wakarusa on Feb 22, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Lucy, Even the devil believes in God. I can't speak for everyone, however church is a place to "Come, let us bow down to worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker..." Ps 95:6 It's too bad you don't hear more positive news about pastors, pastors kids, etc.. Down this way there are alot of very good things going on in many of our churchs. Consider this an invitation to mosey down to the Wakarusa/Nappanee area this or any Sunday. Times & locations are in the papers & on the internet, or contact me & I will do my best to get you plugged in. Be prepared to meet alot of sinners who fall short of being perfect. There was only one perfect person that walked this earth, and we are saved by His grace.
Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:57 AM
You don't have to go to church to believe in or be saved by God. Church is for the social aspect of it all and I do believe that MOST people that do attend church are hypocrites! It's funny, I hear a lot of stories (not good ones) about pastors, pastors' kids, etc. and it seems like their kids turn out worse than other kids.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: indiana on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:29 AM
shame on you preacher tsk tsk tsk thats too bad when you take money from the lords house
Posted by: Steve Location: Elkhart on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I have served in the ministry for several years, never had an assigned parking spot and certainly not the best or most expensive care in the parking lot. My wife and I have went without many things during the years we were in the ministry, but those years were many of the best, and the most trying times of both our lives. Please do not judge the calling or other Christ followers by those that abuse their position or use it to make money. Use your common sense and follow Christ. We must be careful and accountable where we worship and who we support with our attendance as well as our financial giving. I make many mistakes, and often have to ask for Christ's forgivness, but He still loves me. Following Christ is an awesome experience, please do not let an errant pastor blind you from seeing what Christ wants to give you. Thanks
Posted by: Tony Location: Warsaw on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:58 AM
"saved by his grace" You are not saved. "He that endures to the End" is saved. As for the word Christian it means Christ Like, who is? We are supposed to serve God (which is a title) do you even know His name? Those who call on his name will be saved. This so called Pastor Father Reverend (which we are not to have titles) is just another example of a Wolf in Sheeps clothing. I hope he repents for his sin and starts to serve the only true God. 0
Posted by: Indiana on Feb 21, 2008 at 07:29 PM
There are bad apples in every profession - the pastoral position is no different from any other. God's not asking us to follow a pastor, a church or any Christian. He wants us to follow Him. If you deny Him because you think the church is full of hypocrites, you're still denying Christ. And if you think the church is full of hypocrites - wait till you get to hell. Don't justify your denial of Christ by blaming all churches & all christians and labeling them all hypocrites.
Posted by: Saved by His Grace Location: Indiana on Feb 21, 2008 at 05:25 PM
For those who cry out hypocrits as a reason to not go to church, Jesus says to "Follow me". Not follow my religion, follow my pastors, priests or etc., or follow my followers- just "Follow me". We are all human- we all make mistakes. Some of those happen to be bigger, more visible, and some so secret that nobody else knows. Please don't play the hypocrit card on this one- no one on this comment board is without sin. Yes, I will agree that there are many who attend church for the wrong reasons, but please don't hold it against the rest of us who truly love the Lord. It is sad that this man has caused us to all ask ourselves "Who can you trust?" I understand that doubt and have no advise other than go with your instinct. In life there are many who will let us down- family, friends, and casual contacts. In the end, we can all count on the One who never changes, Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Mike Location: Elkhart on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:57 PM
You guys act like every Christian is like this. When you become a Christian it doesn't make you perfect, just forgiven. We still sin. That why you should take God's example, not men. God will forgive this pastor. The only thing is when they find this guy he will have to pay his debt to society like every other criminal.
Posted by: Deann Location: Mishawaka on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Very well said, Tina from Elkhart. Man will always fail man. God never fails. Pastors are human. Humans are sinners. God forgives all sin becuase Jesus paid the price for all sin.
Posted by: JustMe Location: Mishawaka on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:47 PM
My question is, why is this news. This has been going on for `100's of years. Is it just me, or do some Pastors, Reverins (misspelled on purpose) or whatever title they choose...have the best and most expensive vehicle in the lot. Drive around South Bend on a Sunday, and you will see it..some even have an assigned parking space....
Posted by: me Location: over here on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
This is a very sad story, like all of you have said. If you can't trust a clergyman, who can you trust? But which bank was he using to cas these checks? Was someone in "kahoots" with him? I know I can't cash a check at just any bank without someone asking for ID. They should look into that aspect of it, too.
Posted by: Tina Location: Elkhart on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:37 PM
I think everyone is forgetting that a pastor is only a man. That is why we put our trust in God, not man or church. It is not the nature of church or God, but the nature of man that fails us.
Posted by: holyCow on Feb 21, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Who should be hanging their head in shame? If we can't trust our local pastor, who can we trust. I thought it was the TV preachers we have been taught not to trust. For shame for shame
Posted by: CS Location: South Bend on Feb 21, 2008 at 01:53 PM
If you can't trust a pastor - who can you trust? This is a very sad story.
Posted by: Al Location: S.B. on Feb 21, 2008 at 01:26 PM
That's the nature of religion for you. It is sanctimonious, hypocritical, greedy and willing to do whatever to maintain its grip on hegemony. Who should one trust the least a politician or a member of clergy?
Posted by: anonymous Location: neither here nor there on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
this is why i do not go to church. people are hypocrits and do things like this. and when you actually need help from someone they are the first to turn their noses up at you.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Elkhart on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
This is such an embarassement for churches and pastors. How disgracefull. I am saddened and sick.

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