In light of recent developments at Golden Dawn Tabernacle, we have decided to release this article ahead of schedule as it feels appropriate. As a continuation of our article on Church Leadership and Organization, we will be providing a more in-depth organizational chart highlighting the leadership structure of the church. Additionally, we will be addressing recent findings regarding the unethical behavior of some current and former deacons, as well as the recent declaration by Pastor Isaac Noriega regarding the transition of pastoral leadership.
Note: According to reports from members of the church, the two deacons whose photos have been obscured are currently undergoing a probationary period. We assume this may be for violating rules or compromising information that has recently surfaced.
Synopsis
- Pastor Isaac Noriega claims that the leadership team at the church is divinely appointed. Although he personally handpicked each member and bypassed any electoral processes within the church for these positions.
- The church’s leadership structure is plagued by hypocrisy, dishonesty, and unethical behavior such as extramarital affairs, illegitimate children, alcohol abuse, bullying, mistreatment, and serious violations of church regulations.
- Every former deacon who has become an elder has had some of their children depart from the church, leading to their excommunication.
- As of February 8th, 2023, Isaac has announced that he has initiated the process of transferring leadership to Associate Pastor Matthew J. Noriega.
- The appointment of Matthew Noriega as a leader appears to be an act of nepotism.
- The appointment of other leaders in the church appears to be based on Isaac’s favoritism towards those who seem to publicly adhere to the rules (a Pharisaic approach).
- We attempted to secure a comment from Matthew Noriega, but he declined to respond to our inquiries, stating that the church’s leadership actions are grounded in scripture and he would only consider answering our questions if we could demonstrate a legitimate reason for needing the information.
Leadership History
In the past, Pastor Isaac Noriega oversaw two main leadership entities in the church: the Board of Trustees and the Deacon Board. These positions were traditionally lifetime appointments with no specified terms. Starting in late 2015, Isaac aimed to bring in younger members into the church’s leadership, so he created a new category called “Elders” and transferred older deacons and trustees to this new group. This allowed room for younger members to join the Trustee and Deacon Boards. It is important to note that there were no voting procedures for the newly established leadership roles, as Pastor Isaac defended this appointment of members by referencing the church’s “theocratic” system. It is believed that Isaac chose these young men (whom he held a favorable opinion of and had a strong influence over) as part of the new leadership, with the intention of retaining the youth within the church. Isaac declared that these young men were selected and ordained by God as part of the new generation of leaders in the church. It should be noted that both of Isaac’s son-in-laws were conveniently among those chosen to be deacons, another clear example of nepotism.
Key Leadership Roles
At the top of the organizational structure of the church is Pastor Isaac Noriega, with some of the most influential leaders within the church highlighted in yellow.
Associate Pastor Matthew J. Noriega, who is Pastor Isaac’s youngest son, holds a prominent position in the church. The manner in which he was appointed to this role is unclear, with some speculating that it was a result of nepotism on the part of Pastor Isaac Noriega. When asked about the appointment process, Matthew Noriega claimed that it was based on scripture, but declined to provide further details, stating that those outside of the church had no right to inquire.
Reymundo (Rey) Aguirre serves as the Assistant to the Pastor, and holds multiple other key positions within the church, including Church School Principal, Head Elder, and Chief Interrogator. He has previously served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. When asked about his role, Associate Pastor Matthew emphasized that Rey is an assistant to the pastor, not an assistant pastor. This statement raises questions about the potential for power struggles in the future as Matthew takes on a more prominent leadership role within the church.
Samuel Mike Samaniego holds the role of Church Treasurer and Secretary, which is considered to be one of the most important positions within the church and requires Mike to be involved in the handling of financial transactions, including those that may raise ethical concerns.
Michael Ramirez serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, overseeing all building projects and maintenance for the church.
It’s worth mentioning that church translators are not included in the organizational chart as they are not considered part of the core leadership team.
Deferral to Pastor Isaac Noriega
The deacons, particularly the recently appointed and younger ones, appear to be instructed to align with Pastor Isaac Noriega’s decisions and avoid any actions that may challenge his views. This has resulted in them acting as intermediaries between Isaac and others, merely communicating messages and information. It is common for the deacons to deflect questions and direct them to Isaac when faced with inquiries on any matter. There have been instances where members have received conflicting information from different deacons regarding the same topic. This has led to situations where Isaac’s decisions override those of the deacons.
Matthew Noriega is more approachable
As Associate Pastor Matthew Noriega is seen as more empathetic and accessible compared to his father, an increasing number of church members are turning to him for support and sharing their concerns with him. In a recent phone interview, Matthew mentioned that he often receives calls from congregants late into the night and offers help in addressing their issues. As he takes on a more prominent leadership position in the church, we plan on publishing articles that provide more information about him.
Recent Leadership Concerns
To become a deacon in the church, an individual must meet both the expectations set by Pastor Isaac Noriega and are expected to pass biblical requirements. These expectations by Isaac are quite strict and include having a public church wedding, avoiding any form of sexual misconduct or infidelity, not owning a smartphone, and not having internet access at home.
Pastors and deacons should set a good example to the congregation. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 says:
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Unfortunately, there are leaders that Pastor Isaac Noriega has appointed that have not only violated his expectations, but also have not met the scriptural requirements for being a deacon.
There have been recent reports from current church members about a young deacon having a child out of wedlock with a non-member. While this has not been officially confirmed, it is believed that the deacon kept it hidden for years until the child’s mother came forward and made it public. Currently this deacon is in probation and he’s not currently performing his duties. This could result in the deacon being removed from the Deacon Board. Our attempts to reach out to the deacon, as well as to Matthew Noriega and Rey Aguirre, for comment were unsuccessful. It is worth mentioning that some current and former members claim to have witnessed this deacon having a secret private wedding ceremony with his wife, who is the daughter of a high-ranking church official, about a year after their public wedding. This raises the possibility that the church leadership did try to cover up the scandal by justifying it with a second wedding.
In 2020, a deacon reportedly became involved with a female congregant whom he was counseling regarding her marriage problems. The relationship was said to have developed into an affair, leading to his public removal from the Deacon Board.
There have also been many instances of division within the church due to the inconsistent enforcement of rules by the deacons. While they try to impose Pastor Isaac Noriega’s rules on certain congregants, some members of the deacon’s own families are not even following these rules, creating a double standard. This has caused frustration among congregants who are punished for violating rules while others who are connected to leadership go unpunished. Moreover, it has been observed that every former deacon who is now an elder has at least one of their children leave the church, leading to their children’s ex-communication.
In spite of church regulations, some deacons seem to engage in communication with individuals who have been excommunicated. While Church Rules dictate that speaking with such individuals is not allowed, and typically requires a public apology from a congregant who violates this rule, deacons seem to escape any consequences for their actions. For instance, a former church member who has been excommunicated reported that a younger deacon hired him to perform work at his home, despite the fact that the ex-member’s business is off-limits to church members. When this business owner confronted him about this inconsistency the deacon claimed that it was just a business transaction and proceeded to take communion later that month. Additionally, the ex-member noticed that the deacon had an Amazon package delivered to his doorstep, indicating that he may have access to technology such as the internet or a smartphone, which is also prohibited by church rules.
Rey Aguirre, a former deacon and now assistant pastor, has a reputation for using lies to obtain information or deflect accusations. He has been known to use deceptive tactics with young church members, falsely claiming that someone else has informed him of their rule violations in order to get them to confess. In one recent instance, Rey used a church teacher as a scapegoat when confronted by a parent. The teacher had followed Rey’s rule, which prohibited same-sex children from holding hands due to the supposed “lesbian spirit,” and was demoted to teaching assistant as a result of a parent’s confrontation. He was able to shift the blame and falsely claim ignorance of the situation. There are numerous other instances of Rey’s dishonest, petty and power-hungry behavior that we will delve into further in upcoming posts as well as other incidents involving leadership.
Beginning of Leadership Transition?
Due to recent attention brought upon the church, it is believed that Pastor Isaac may be under distress and may feel pressure to address issues brought up. On Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, during the evening church service, Isaac Noriega stated that it is time for a change in leadership. He mentioned that many “old timers” have passed away, including Pastor Stephen Francis, and expressed his concern for the future of the church in the absence of a clear leadership. He then went on to blame the congregation for their sins and expressed that he “couldn’t take it anymore”. To address these concerns, he announced the start of a leadership transition and revealed that his associate pastor, Matthew Noriega, would be taking on a larger role during this process.
Isaac mentioned that God is almost done using him and asked Matthew to deliver the sermon for that service. Because he has said this is the past, we remain skeptical about this transition, as similar announcements in the past have not materialized. It is believed that these announcements were made to deflect attention and maintain control over the church by proxy via his associate pastor, Matthew. When asked for a comment on this matter, Matthew Noriega stated that the leadership appointment was in line with scripture, but declined to provide further information.
Summary
The actions of church leaders appointed by Pastor Isaac Noriega have set a negative example, both within and outside the church with their actions. They have violated current church rules, as well as scriptural requirements, demonstrating that they are not fit to be a church leader. Some of leadership team’s duties are church rule enforcement, counseling, and acting as intermediaries between the congregation and Isaac Noriega. Given the magnitude of the impacts that this leadership team can have on the well-being of the church members, serious consideration must be made for every single leader to ensure they are able to meet the requirements and high standard of a church elder, deacon or trustee.
1 Timothy 3:10 says “And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.”
The immoral actions demonstrated by some of the deacons indicate that these deacons were not fully vetted in accordance to scripture, prior to their appointment. Furthermore, the abuse and control exercised by these deacons has caused serious psychological harm to some members of the congregation, which we will address in the future.
These findings also raises questions about Pastor Isaac Noriega’s selection and appointment process, qualifications and eligibility of the current leadership team. Was Isaac lacking in his discernment and simply favored individuals who followed his rules and appeared to be true believers, rather than carefully considering their character and behavior? The fact that the current leadership team was appointed by Isaac, rather than through an electoral process, demonstrates a lack of oversight and accountability to the church congregation.
Church consensus in the selection of its leaders is scriptural, and is followed by many churches. Acts 6:3-6 says:
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
We urge Pastor Isaac Noriega and Associate Pastor Matthew Noriega and the church leadership team to truly follow the biblical approach in obtaining consensus from the church congregation (whole multitude) when selecting new pastors, trustees, elders and deacons, in order to ensure accountability and transparency to the church members. We also urge them to truly apply 1 Timothy 3:1-13 when vetting its elders and deacons to ensure that they set a good example, both to those inside and outside the church, as this is currently not the case.
Do you have any church leadership information you’d like to report about Golden Dawn Tabernacle / Tabernaculo Emanuel? Please feel free to comment below, or you can contact us below, anonymously, or if you would like us to respond to you, please provide an email address or phone number at this link: Contact Us.
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The sad thing is, if Isaac Noriega is actually able to put his narcissistic, controlling traits aside, and actually decides to let the congregation vote for a pastor, deacon, or trustee and if he doesn’t agree. He will essentially tell them they don’t have the Holy Ghost and psychologically abuse them to think they are going to hell for picking the wrong people.
Rey is a liar and is known to lie. Almost everyone that has had an issue in which Rey has dealt with, has said he lied in one way or another.
The thing is, a lie is a lie whether it’s big or small. And a sin is a sin whether it’s big or small.
James 2:10 says
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Revelations 21:8 says
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
In other words, Rey is just as guilty of sin and hell fire for telling his “little white lies” just as much as those that are going out drinking, stealing or commuting sexual sins.
Bro. Branham spoke multiple times agains those little white lies and even says this in a sermon
59-0609 – “What Hearest Thou, Elijah?”
Rev. William Marrion Branham
…When I come back in, my wife looked at me, and she’s a darling. She said, “Billy, was that just exactly right?”
I said, “Sure it was. I wasn’t in here, right then.” You see, sometimes you act like it’s the truth when it’s still a lie. God don’t want us to lie, or tell little white lies, or dodge around the corner. Everything’s got to be right out and aboveboard. That condemned me. I thought about it all afternoon. I started to pray for somebody. I couldn’t pray for them.
But yet Rey continuously lies or dodges around the corner by saying ” I don’t remember”, or “I don’t recall if I said/did that.” And still goes to pray for the people at the alter and still tells the children in the school that he is filled with the Holy Ghost and has no sin in his life. Which is strange because the Bible clearly tells us we sin daily.
Rey is a liar and has lied in different situations for years. Many different family’s currently in the church have testified to this. And we read above that a deacon is to be BLAMELESS. Current Elders have testified saying Rey doesn’t handle situations correctly and has been warned about it multiple times.
Read what Bro. Branham said about lying
59-0609 – “What Hearest Thou, Elijah?”
Rev. William Marrion Branham
… I said, “Sure it was. I wasn’t in here, right then.” You see, sometimes you act like it’s the truth when it’s still a lie. God don’t want us to lie, or tell little white lies, or dodge around the corner. Everything’s got to be right out and aboveboard. That condemned me. I thought about it all afternoon. I started to pray for somebody. I couldn’t pray for them….
Rey must think he is something special because he is down there praying for people at the alter every time. When not even the Prophet said he can do that himself knowing he lied.
52-0725 – “Experiences”
Rev. William Marrion Branham
…The biggest lie in the world has got a lot of truth in it. When Satan come to Eve, he said, he told her everything the truth. He said, “Now, your eyes will be opened. You’ll know right from wrong. You’ll know just like God. You don’t know it now, but you will…it’s the truth.” And everything, right on down, and then he said, “Surely, you’ll not die.” But that was a lie, ’cause God said you would die.
Revelations 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all LIARS, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
James 2:10
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Leviticus 19:11
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither LIE one to another.” (One of the 10 commandments)
•The congregation should ask Rey to Step down from all positions he holds.
•He should practice the church rule and write a letter of apology for lying to the Bride of Christ for years.
• He should refrain himself from taking communion and feet washing just like everyone else who is caught sinning.
Rey has stated he is filled with the Holy Ghost and has no sin in his life. Which is a LIE and contrary to what the Bible says: (Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” Ecclesiastes 7:20)
I believe if Matthew is put in power he will do everything he needs to do. People are waiting for him.
We as believers in the Holy Scriptures and in receiving the Word spoken to us by a Word Prophet have choices!
If you have made a choice to believe and live God’s Word in life’s journey on earth, why are you in a place that does not believe in full obedience to God’s Word????
As for Mr. Rey Aguirre resorting to lying, that was his choice to lie!
How you have described the handling of the office of deacons and trustees, it might as well have been appointments of those offices in a Social Club!!!
I myself have made my choice to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!! To live for Him! To be happy and content knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me!!! I belong to my Lord Jesus Christ!! Not to a Social Club that requires it’s members to abide by membership rules and mandates of men!!!
People that have made a confession of belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ and living for Him WOULD NOT be in a place like that!!!
Andrea, thank you for
your comment. If you would ever like share your experience at GDT, please email us at goldendawntabernacle@gmail.com
Isaac ain’t giving up his power.
They say power is more addictive than any drug. Look at Fidel Castro and The Kim Jong Ill dynasty.
It is interesting to note amount of nepotism in the org chart. In addition to Matthew Noriega, both Ezequiel Torres’ sons and nephew have leadership positions, and so does Rey Aguirre’s brother (Rene) and his nephew (Rene Jr.). Also, Isaac Jacques’ father used to be the head deacon. This looks like a corrupt organization to me.
You forgot to mention Rey’s son in law was also made a deacon without a vote.JLoza a Pharisee of Pharisees of the new deacons. Who Isaac moved up the ranks when he and his family inherited several million (it was Isaacs way of controlling the funds)
JLoza was hand picked by Isaac and Rey. Isaac divine appointed deacon by the way is in bad standing for a wedlock / sex scandal that’s still on the hush hush.
I feel bad because he was manipulated by Isaac and Rey
Isaac is being proven to be a liar by saying he speaks for God.
Spiritual Manipulation!
Vivo en Buenos Aires, Argentina, y hace mucho tiempo atrás asistía a la iglesia de Hugo Castillo, y es increíble el paralelismo, mismas palabras, mismos problemas, mismos valores, mismos anhelos y necesidad de poder y de control absoluto, yo me salí de todo eso hace muchos años, no fué facil sacarme de la cabeza todos los miedos y adoctrinamiento que te meten, me llevó muchos años, pero ahora
vivo cada dia mas seguro de mi mismo y feliz. Felicito a los que se animaron a cuestionar estos liderazgos absolutos, abusivos, sectarios y destructores de almas.
Yo digo en vede de controlar las iglesias .lo cual el hno branham dijo que cada pastor es independiente y que cada uno dara cuenta de lo que predica.ya que ustedes eatan controlando.porque no habren una iglesia y haga como ustedes afirman, acuerdesen que el profeta dijo QUE LA BOCAS DE LOS CRITICOS SE CERRAN.
William Branham and Isaac Noriega are men, not Jesus Christ. I pray that your eyes will be open and the blood of Jesus Christ will set you free from your bondage. Please read your Bible without the commentary from man. There is no truth found in those men but there is truth found in Jesus Christ.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 KJV
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6 KJV
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