We were made to feel that we were overreacting that we werent good Christians because of the things we were questioning.. My wife knew that, her husband knew that, and yet there were a couple of things that she said that were disorienting to me.. 46. According to CCC Lead Pastor Cal Jernigan, Baker had been involved in a six-month-long extramarital relationship with a church employee, and the church had fired both Baker and the employee. appreciated. If this would happen the market for big church as business would dry up.. the glory seeking leaders of these business outfits/sham churches would have to go start some other kind of business gig minus the religious cloak. A little over 1,800 congregations disaffiliated from the UMC in 2022, according to a report by UM News, with more than 400 of those congregations in Texas. "The elders have decided, and I think they're rightthat my inability to see this for what it was revealed something not right, something unhealthy, in me," Chandler said. As CBN's Faithwire reported, in a blog post published July 23, the Hillsong leadership stated Brian Houston didn't know about his father's criminal action against victim Brett Sengstock until he was 45 and the alleged victim was 37. 2023 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization. Since 2010, Brentwood Baptist has established seven regional campuses of the church. But while ECC elders said in their statement they initiated a third-party audit then, they didnt inform Lee that they were investigating, nor of the results, Lee said on Instagram. In the statement, the elders added that Chandler would take a leave of absence and return at a time that would be determined by leadership. However, the board did not provide details about what may have happened behind closed doors, with Hillsong's interim Senior Global Pastor Phil Dooley telling hundreds of attendees, "The truth is we don't know what happened next," according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. FIRST RAPE INVESTIGATION OPENED IN UKRAINE FOR ALLEGED SEX CRIME COMMITTED BY RUSSIAN SOLDIER, "The woman has not said there was any sexual activity," Dooley reportedly added. In a video conference shared with the Australian media, Houstons interim replacement Phil Dooley said the church didnt know whether the incident had involved any sexual activity. CNN has not been able to independently verify the video. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. ), The combination of these most recent allegations by ECC former staff and the news of Caleb Bakers admitted affair with a staff member of Central Church in Phoenix, Arizona, have reinforced to the Elders that it is best to continue forward with the independent third-party audit, the statement said. Mike Glenn, senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church a prominent multi-site Southern Baptist congregation with about 12,000 members made the announcement on Sunday during a service and a video released the same day. The actual vote tally was 859 to 12 out of 871 total votes. The full story isn't told. A couple days later, in a crazy turn of events, Caleb was offered a job in Arizona, Mike Baker said. Its time for me to do that throughout Middle Tennessee., Regarding plans for Engage Church Network, trustee chairman Moss said it enables their congregation to reach out and multiply in ways that we have previously not been able to do., Mike is the perfect person to cast vision for that, to lead that., It is out of a position of health and strength that we know this is the time, Moss concluded. Based on the rest of the article, they are totally culpable in allowing an offender to continue his behavior. The Lords in it (and) weve walked through this together.. We were neglected. Evangelical radio host and blogger, Erick-Woods Erickson, said Chandler and his church modeled what should be done. I assume they mean the whole situation Mikes son promiscuously screwing through the congregation, Mikes helping to cover it up, Mikes finally getting caught in the cover-up is regrettable, and thats a weak but not inaccurate word. Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns from Churchome After TRR Investigation; Church Official Makes False Claims, Arkansas Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Sexual Assault, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. The Village Church did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. It's been there for years. ", The Hillsong board said it took appropriate actions at the time, including an investigation by the "integrity unit" after the 2019 incident that determined that Houston had "breached the Hillsong Pastor's Code of Conduct.". A representative of Collier told The Post he was the megachurchs first African American pastor and that he may be the first of many to resign due to the current Hillsong environment.. Seems like a very calculated, damage control type of statement. Well, I would say it would have to start with the audience at these places (in past times, parishners) If they/we want this kind of thing to end, they/we all need to leave these kinds of churches (anything that looks like a corporate headquarters or mall, with a stage and lights etc) and go find the nearest small, local church, connected to a bona fide / long term denomination, and that Lacks a stage / lights / band etc..and intends to keep it that way. More than anything these last few years, I have loved working with our campus pastors, said Glenn in the video announcement. According to his online church profile, Chandler married his wife in 1999 and they have three children. "Time has a way of bringing forth the whole truth.". And Dr. Russell Moore revealed last month that he was leaving the SBC where he had been the president of its Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission since 2013. Secrets and abuse are furthering harm for generations. Conservative and evangelical leaders are speaking out after Pastor Matt Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online. They revealed that (he) did not use language appropriate for a pastor, and he did not model a behavior that we expect from him., The statement said his leave of absence is "both disciplinary and developmental, which allows him to focus on growing greater awareness in this area.". The shift ended her professional partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources, the publishing, and distribution division of the SBC. At the end of 2023, I will step down as senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, said Glenn Then and now the Elders believe that for the health of our church, a third-party involvement is necessary to adequately address allegations. Today, it operates churches in thirty countries including the US and markets itself as a contemporary Christian place of worship. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. To donate. Ill step back, and some other young whippersnapper will come in and take us into the future that God has for us, said Glenn. Were available 24/7. Updated on 3/1/23: This story has been updated to include a statement from Cal Jernigan that he posted on CCCs website on February 28. By Rebecca Hopkins. People have often asked me over the years, What would it take for you to ever leave Hillsong? I politely always replied, I will never leave the Hillsong World until the mission/vision that God has given me becomes hindered by the challenges that come along with the entity.. If not, I would question whether having a six month long extramarital relationship with the Lead Student Pastor and Associate Preaching Pastor was legally a sackable offence Indeed, it could be argued that the church employee was fired for being a particularly vulnerable victim of clergy sexual abuse, whether or not a credible profession of faith was a requirement for employment. 2023 Cable News Network. He has not addressed the veracity of the claims against him. Freelance journalist Josh Shepherdwriteson faith, culture, and public policy for several mediaoutlets. Click on any of the topics below: Need prayer? Mike Glenn, senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church a prominent multi-site Southern Baptist congregation with about 12,000 members made the announcement on Sunday during a service and a video released the same day. Glenn and his wife, Jeannie, have two sons and became grandparents in recent years. Two elders at the pastors megachurch have also Hillsong founder Brian Houston announced Sunday he is stepping down from his ministry roles. ", Multiple statements were released to the Australian press last week regarding alleged sexual misconduct by Houston. A Warner Bros. The church's board of elders announced during Sunday services that longtime, influential Pastor Mark Balmer, 77, was no longer lead pastor and would be given an extended sabbatical. I feel like I'm embarrassing my wife and kids, Chandler told the congregation Sunday. Then in July 2022, a former employee notified the elders of an abusive culture in 2016. At that point, the elders brought in a third party for an audit of the church as a workplace. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Brian Houston, the global senior pastor at Hillsong Church in Australia, has resigned from his post, according to a statement released by the church's board. In thestatement recorded and shared to the churchs website, the pastor explained that a few months back, a woman approached him in the churchs foyer with concerns about how I was (direct messaging)on Instagram with a friend of hers., I didnt think I had done anything wrong in that, Chandler, 48,toldthe congregation. We acknowledge that change is needed. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Moss stated that the church bylaws available on the churchs website proscribe their senior pastor search process moving forward. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. As I noticed the photo of a worship service [Worship service at Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. But so many followers fantasize there is greater good in churches. Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns from Churchome After TRR Investigation; Church Official Makes False Claims, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. The elders, the statement continues,then commissioned an independent law firm to conduct a review of Chandler'smessaging history across social media platforms, his cellphone and his email. "They revealed that Matt did not use language appropriate for a pastor, and he did not model a behavior that we expect from him. Houston, 67, was charged in early August as part of an investigation that has been ongoing since 2019, according to The Guardian. Then, when more allegations came out shortly afterwards, Mike Baker asked Caleb to resign. Please check your information and try again or call us at 1-800-759-0700. Video announcement 12 out of 871 total votes out after Pastor Matt Chandler a... Offender to continue his behavior the topics below: Need prayer in allowing an offender to continue behavior! Often asked me over the years, what would it take for you to ever Hillsong. Alleged sexual misconduct by Houston 1999 and they have three children wife and kids Chandler... 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