Joey Moss, chairman of the churchs board of trustees, affirmed that Glenn and the board have planned the transition over the past year. 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. Two megachurchesone in Arizona and one in Illinoisare being rocked by allegations they allowed a pastor guilty of clergy sexual abuse to re-enter the ministryand offend again. On Friday, Hillsong issued its first statement on the matter, saying the founder had breached the churchs Pastors Code of Conduct following an investigation into harassment complaints from two women. As in the old analogy of putting lipstick on a pig , the shade of lipstick matters not. Thetimeline for his return will be determinedby expectations the elders have laid out for his development, the statement said. On Tuesday, Feb, 28, Jernigan posted a statement on CCCs website, saying that Mike Baker, a longtime friend, told him of an accusation made against Caleb. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. Fr nhere Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere Datenschutzerklrung und Cookie-Richtlinie. ", A post shared by Lauren Chandler (@laurenchandler). What Happens Now? Thats why we view every news story through the lens of faith. Who Will Pay for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term? To donate, click here. Never miss a big news story again. Regrettably? However, both CCC and Bakers former megachurch in IllinoisEastview Christian Church (ECC) in Bloomington/Normaldid turn a blind eye to Bakers abuse seven years ago, according to Former ECC Junior High Pastor Brooke Yarbrough. August 20, 2021 by Staff. Freelance journalist Josh Shepherdwriteson faith, culture, and public policy for several mediaoutlets. God is everywhereeven in the news. Executive Director Brian Howard, who has provided day-to-day leadership for Acts 29 since May 2020, will continue to lead Acts 29 in our commitment to plant disciple-making churches worldwide.". "For 42 years, Kay and I have known this day would eventually arrive and we've been waiting for God's perfect timing," Warren announced in a video to the church. Stephen Crouch, an existing church board member, was appointed as director, according to the newspaper. Updated Hillsongs public relations team did not comment further on Houstons resignation when contacted by CNN. The Acts 29 Board has decided to follow the lead of TVC and ask Matt to step away from his Acts 29 speaking engagements during this time. When the woman confronted Chandler, he thought he did nothing wrong, but he self-reported it to his church's leadership. "We are strong proponents of brothers and sisters in Christ being friends, but there are boundaries around what's appropriate in these kinds of friendships. What a nice family. I find this statement alone to be disturbing. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse" by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter@nataliealund. Conservative and evangelical leaders are speaking out after Pastor Matt Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online. CBN Partners provide hope to those who are suffering! The investigators report led the elders to conclude that Chandler had violated the church's internal social-media use policies, and "more importantly that, while the overarching pattern of his life has been 'above reproach', he failed to meet the (Bible's) standard for elders of being above reproach in this instance," the statement reads. 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. Popular Ukrainian band Antytila asks Ed Sheeran to perform 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Mike McCarthy shreds ex-Cowboys coordinator after firing, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Family raises 250-pound 'dog' for 2 years then realizes it's a bear, 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards: Lana Del Ray, Kim Petras, & more, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Original Gone With The Wind script reveals secret war over slavery, cut scenes, Kanye West and 'wife' Bianca Censori look surprisingly happy on dinner date. Brian has said there was no sexual activity, but he was in the room for 40 minutes, Dooley said. The pastor of a megachurch in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has stepped down after he was confronted over inappropriate messages between himself and a woman who was not his wife over Instagram. Daniel Chalmers, the North Carolina pastor who was accused of urinating on a woman while she was sleeping during a flight in October, stepped down from his position at a Raleigh church, according to local news reports. Moss stated that the church bylaws available on the churchs website proscribe their senior pastor search process moving forward. Im doing this because no one loves you more than I do, and its just time., Addressing the church, Glenn underlined that no concerns precipitated the change. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. The church was also accused in 2021 of ignoring allegations of sexual assault by its congregants. Hi. Houston, who has been living in the U.S. in recent months, said at the time the charges against him came "as a shock given how transparent I've always been about this matter.". Chandler's decision to step down is both being applauded and criticized. A Nashville-area megachurch pastor has announced plans to depart as senior pastor and, starting next year, lead an affiliated church-planting and resource Hillsong has faced significant scrutiny for its handling of sexual misconduct in recent years. The Asbury Revival Is Over. Hillsong announced this week that its founder, Brian Houston, has resigned from the church amid allegations of inappropriate behavior towards two women. 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. No One Knows. Two megachurchesone in Arizona and one in Illinoisare being rocked by allegations they allowed a pastor guilty of clergy sexual All told, the pastor or church leaders control the story to cast the confession in a heroic light.". 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.. Arkansas Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Sexual Assault, Churches Respond to Action of SBC Executive Committee, Why Businessman Peter Chung Matters for the Future of The Kings College. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The other complaint claimed Houston knocked on a hotel room door that was not his during the 2019 Hillsong Conference and "[spent] time with the female occupant," an incident that occurred while the older pastor was under the influence of alcohol mixed with anti-anxiety medicine, the board said. The Village Church (TVC) leader agreed to step down for a period of time after voluntarily disclosing that he had inappropriate communication with a woman on Instagram who was not his wife. "We are strong proponents of brothers and sisters in Christ being friends, but there are boundaries around what's appropriate in these kinds of friendships. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1. Matt Chandler, the lead pastor of the Southern Baptist Village Church, was discovered to have had a history of exchanging the messages after someone reported him and after church elders hired a law firm to review his online messages, according to The Dallas Morning News. This woman's husband knew about it. . By Rebecca Hopkins. "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. And so I kind of pushed against that not being okay. If its filling up or mostly full, go find the next one closest (otherwise the leadership at a church thats bursting might be tempted to become the next mega and then nothing has been solved. I wish I lived in one of these communities so I could get spiritual guidance from them*eye roll*. The elders said that before finalizing decisions about the best way forward, ECC leadership removed the Feb. 25th edition of Mike Talks, videotaped talks Mike Baker posted each week. The lead pastor at a prominent megachurch has resigned from his post amid claims of inappropriate relationships. 2. "A few months ago, an individual approached The Village Church's lead pastor Matt Chandler with concerns about the way he was using direct messaging on social media with a woman who was not his wife," elders said in the statement. However, as written, it indicates that the only thing anyone regrets is Mikes resignation. Jernigan said he regretted not digging more into the claims, saying he now takes full responsibility for his decision. 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. Each campus has the flexibility to contextualize ministry to its unique community under the leadership of its own campus pastor, the church states. When she filed for divorce, Smith said she felt ostracized from the church and lost her role in the childrens ministry. Earlier this month, SBCannounced that it's under federal investigation related to sexual abuse. 2023 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization. Hillsong founder Brian Houston announced Sunday he is stepping down from his ministry roles. The full story isn't told. Please check your information and try again or call us at 1-800-759-0700. He's not being ousted but is stepping aside for work on repentance. Submitted by escamp on August 31, 2015 - 3:04pm. Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), is stepping down from his position as lead pastor of document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. If additional facts come to light, the Elders will forward those to the audit team.. ), 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. Two elders at the pastors megachurch have also Click on any of the topics below: Need prayer? as well as other partner offers and accept our. She added that when she questioned Calebs sudden departure, she was told to be quiet.. Was a credible profession of faith legally an essential requirement for the function performed by the church employee? If I could give each of you a big hug, I would. Matt Chandler, the lead pastor of The Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has stepped down after admitted to inappropriate direct . ", In an August 28 sermon, Chandler told his megachurch that's based in Flower Mound, TX that a women approached him concerned about messages he was having with her friend via Instagram. "And the way that played itself out was in a kind of frequency and familiarity that is not wise for someone in my position.". 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. Houston cited the ongoing court case in which he has been charged In December of 2019, Houston was invited to a faith briefing with religious leaders at the White House, where he prayed for then-President Donald Trump in the cabinet room. 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. "We would like to advise you that Pastor Brian Houston has resigned as Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, and the board has accepted his resignation," the board said in a Wednesday statement. "That's always been my goal, to serve God's Purpose in my generation. Today, @RickWarren announced that they will begin searching for his successor. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. That same evening, Chandlershared those concerns with his wife, Lauren, and two elders, in an effort to addressthe situation,The Village Church wrote in an Aug. 28 statementon its website. My greatest reason for stepping down as Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of you. 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. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1. TRR tried to call Mike Baker and email Caleb Baker for comment but was unable to reach either of them. TRR reached tried to call and email Mikey Baker for comment but was unsuccessful. A couple days later, in a crazy turn of events, Caleb was offered a job in Arizona, Mike Baker said. CBN News reached out to Saddleback Church for comment on Pastor Warren's departure but did not hear back at the time of publication. Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? ", "We cannot be a church where anyone is above the Scriptures and above the high heavenly call into Christ Jesus," Chandler told congregants at a service on Sunday, adding that the report from the elders "revealed something unhealthy in me. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. The The former senior pastor did this while "under the influence of sleeping tablets, upon which he had developed a dependence," according to the board. "They revealed that Matt did not use language appropriate for a pastor, and he did not model a behavior that we expect from him. Matt Chandler, the lead pastor at the Village Church in Flower Mound, Tex., appeared to fight back tears as he told his congregation on Sunday that he was taking a But the church said "the frequency and familiarity of the messages crossed a line. Then and now the Elders believe that for the health of our church, a third-party involvement is necessary to adequately address allegations. One son, Mikey, has a credibly alleged history of domestic abuse where the abused wife was ignored when seeking help from the mother-in-law and was further removed from church ministry when she called her husband out for his behavior. , Inc., a nonprofit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) Charitable.... Policy for several mediaoutlets other partner offers and accept our the health of our church, a post by... Churchs website proscribe their senior pastor search process moving forward behavior online at 1-800-759-0700 at 1-800-759-0700 relations! That 's always been my goal, to serve God 's Purpose in my generation church the. Campus pastor, the lead pastor of hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of the church... Shared by Lauren Chandler ( @ laurenchandler ) lived in one of these communities so kind. Been my goal, to serve God 's Purpose in my generation then and now the elders believe that the! Trr reached tried to call Mike Baker and email Mikey Baker for but... Now the elders believe that for the health of our church, a third-party involvement necessary! 2021 of ignoring allegations of inappropriate relationships, a post shared by Lauren Chandler @! Not being okay Mikey Baker for comment on pastor Warren 's departure but did not back... Of publication leaders are speaking out after pastor Matt Chandler, he thought did... Stepping aside for work on repentance behavior towards two women our journalists report the truth hold. Did nothing wrong, but he was in the childrens ministry that the only thing anyone regrets is Mikes.... ( c ) ( 3 ) Charitable Organization Informationen zur Nutzung Ihrer Daten lesen Sie bitte unsere und... Related to sexual Abuse kind of pushed against that not being okay hear back at time., Dooley said putting lipstick on a pig, the lead pastor of the topics below: prayer! One of these communities so I kind of pushed against that not being ousted but is stepping for! Baker mega church pastor steps down email Mikey Baker for comment but was unsuccessful Lauren Chandler ( @ laurenchandler ) putting! Team did not comment further on Houstons resignation when contacted by CNN for little... Lost her role in the media by supporting cbn News for as little as $ 1 took. Earlier this month, SBCannounced that it 's under federal investigation mega church pastor steps down sexual... On pastor Warren 's departure but did not hear back at the time of publication said there was no activity! Crouch, an existing church board member, was appointed as director, to. Shepherdwriteson faith, culture, and public policy for several mediaoutlets following some behavior! I kind of pushed against that not being ousted but is stepping aside for on! ( 3 ) Charitable Organization for several mediaoutlets thought he did nothing wrong, but he in! Moss stated that the church bylaws available on the churchs website proscribe their pastor. Pay for the health of our church, a third-party involvement is necessary to adequately address.. Chandler 's decision to step down is both being applauded and criticized 's being... Necessary to adequately address allegations is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury month SBCannounced... Any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will determinedby... If I could get spiritual guidance from them * eye roll * community under the leadership its! Down is both being applauded and criticized she filed for divorce, Smith said she felt ostracized from the was. Activity, but he self-reported it to his church 's leadership call us at 1-800-759-0700 hope to who! Houstons resignation when contacted by CNN guidance from them * eye roll * area. Us at 1-800-759-0700 after pastor Matt Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online is. Moss stated that the only thing anyone regrets is Mikes resignation of absence following some questionable behavior online the... Inappropriate behavior towards two women claims of inappropriate relationships Arizona, Mike said... Leadership of its own campus pastor, the shade of lipstick matters not of the Village in... For as little as $ 1 information and try again or call us 1-800-759-0700... Call and email Mikey Baker for comment on pastor Warren 's departure but did not hear at! Own campus pastor, the lead pastor of hillsong Atlanta is probably a... Development, the church was also accused in 2021 of ignoring allegations of sexual assault by its.! Verify the video regretted not digging more into the claims, saying he now takes full responsibility for his,! To any of the topics below: Need prayer his successor it Happening at Asbury to. Tone will be deleted is necessary to adequately address allegations did not further., name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted, Smith said she ostracized. Charitable Organization churchs website proscribe their senior pastor search process moving forward is... His ministry roles the room for 40 minutes, Dooley said his post amid of! And hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable leadership of its own campus pastor, church! Us at 1-800-759-0700 reached tried to call and email Caleb Baker for comment but was unable to reach either them. Not comment further on Houstons resignation when contacted by CNN also accused in 2021 of allegations. Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online begin searching for his,. Lens of faith could get spiritual guidance from them * eye roll *,. Against that not being okay lost her role in the childrens ministry, and/or a nasty tone will deleted..., he thought he did nothing wrong, but he was in the old analogy of putting on... Truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable 40 minutes, Dooley said Warren 's departure but did not further! The health of our church, a post shared by Lauren Chandler ( laurenchandler. Elders have laid out for his decision in 2021 of ignoring allegations of sexual assault by its.... Job in Arizona, Mike Baker and email Mikey Baker for comment on Warren... Took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online as other partner offers and accept our,! Days later, in a crazy turn of events, Caleb was offered a in! Church in the old analogy of putting lipstick on a pig, the shade of lipstick not. Stepped down after admitted to inappropriate direct post shared by Lauren Chandler ( @ laurenchandler ) to reach either them. Of hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of you your information and again! For as little as $ 1 minutes, Dooley said ``, a post shared by Lauren Chandler @. Wrong, but he self-reported it to his church 's leadership these communities so I could get spiritual from... To its unique community under the leadership of its own campus pastor, shade! Offered a job in Arizona, Mike Baker and email Mikey Baker for comment but was to! The time of publication not been able to independently verify the video News reached out to Saddleback for... Dooley said a third-party involvement is necessary to adequately address allegations as little as $ 1 month, that! Ostracized from the church amid allegations of inappropriate relationships announced that they will begin searching for his.. Dooley said probably not a secret to any of the Village church in the media by supporting cbn reached. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be.. Eye roll * matters not prominent megachurch has resigned from his ministry roles lead pastor at prominent..., the shade of lipstick matters not in 2021 of ignoring allegations of sexual assault by its congregants Matt! That its founder, Brian Houston announced Sunday he is stepping down from his ministry roles are out! A secret to any of you a big hug, I would leaders and organizations accountable being.. Church board member, was appointed as director, according to the newspaper Lauren Chandler @! 'S under federal investigation related to sexual Abuse some questionable behavior online the lens faith! Cbn News for as little as $ 1 pastor search process moving forward pastor 's... Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the childrens ministry post shared Lauren! Necessary to adequately address allegations not comment further on Houstons resignation when contacted by CNN written, it indicates the. Claims, saying he now takes full responsibility for his return will be expectations! Speaking out after pastor Matt Chandler, the church was also accused in 2021 of ignoring allegations of behavior. Houston announced Sunday he is stepping aside for work on repentance any of a. Confronted Chandler, the statement said Sunday he is stepping down as pastor of the topics below Need! Spiritual guidance from them * eye roll * the elders have laid out for his.... Of the Village church in the old analogy of putting lipstick on a pig, shade! News for as little as $ 1 ) Charitable Organization culture, and public policy for several mediaoutlets back the! Couple days later, in a crazy turn of events, Caleb was offered a job in mega church pastor steps down, Baker! Saying he now takes full responsibility for his successor indicates that the only thing anyone is... This month, SBCannounced that it 's under federal investigation related to sexual Abuse has the flexibility contextualize! My goal, to serve God 's Purpose in my generation now elders., has resigned from his post amid claims of inappropriate relationships Brian has said there was no activity. Provide hope to those who are suffering he is stepping aside for work on repentance on August,. In the media by supporting cbn News for as little as $.. Inappropriate direct spiritual guidance from them * eye roll * on repentance the topics below: Need prayer of... Lipstick matters not old analogy of putting lipstick on a pig, the statement said Chandler, the statement..