I'm from Tennessee and have visited Selmer several times (a friend lives there). This is a pretty modest, middle class home for that area. Real estate is cheap and land is plentiful there.
And just a note to those calling this church a cult: I've worshipped at this congregation and know several people who are members. These people are NOT a cult. I would say they are a typical rural southern Church of Christ. Which means fairly conservative and traditional (perhaps offensively "traditional" to some liberal types), but not controlling/cultish. They are good people who try to do what is right. And this has been a big shock to everyone. They thought highly of this preacher and his family.
"And just a note to those calling this church a cult: I've worshipped at this congregation and know several people who are members. These people are NOT a cult. I would say they are a typical rural southern Church of Christ. Which means fairly conservative and traditional (perhaps offensively "traditional" to some liberal types), but not controlling/cultish. They are good people who try to do what is right."
Oh yeah, reminds me of another one.
Father and step-mom attend the same CoC as one son/wife/kids. No speaking between the step-mom and the son/wife/kids (son's wife drove it mostly, IMO). Dad dies suddenly and the church has prayer FOR THE MAN'S CHILDREN, THEIR SPOUSES & THE GRANDCHILDREN! WIFE ISN'T EVEN MENTIONED AND SHE WAS A MEMBER!
The funeral was the same way. Widow ignored while children/spouses/grandkids are 'comforted' by 'the church'.
I was there and think I was the only one who noticed anything unusual about it. The congregation was apparently totally clueless.
Wierdest thing I ever saw.
My condolences to you. This is a shock. I didn't know the minister there and his family, but I did know his grandfather. Very good man. So is his father. My heart is broken for the family.