Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1. Meanwhile, the elders at ECC have commissioned a third-party audit, the elders wrote in a statement posted Saturday. To donate, click here. Instead of having his back, which the church could have done because of Chandler's standing, they decided to act. 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. "It is always best practice to release the result of the independent assessment," Rachael Denhollander, an advocate for sexual abuse victims told the New York Times. She said some things in that conversation, though, that were really disorienting for me.". Brian Houston, the co-founding pastor of Hillsong Church in Australia, has stepped down from all of the church's governing boards but will remain a global senior pastor. Call (800) 700-7000 or request prayer. "Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police," the police department stated. To donate. Im held to a higher standard and fell short of that higher standard.. ", His wife Lauren is publicly supporting him during this season, posting a photo of her looking up at him adoringly. Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! Evangelical radio host and blogger, Erick-Woods Erickson, said Chandler and his church modeled what should be done. This resulted in him knocking on the door of a hotel room that was not his, entering this room and spending time with the female occupant, the church said. North Texas megachurch pastor Matt Chandler announced Sunday he will step down from preaching and teaching because of an in appropriate online relationship with a woman. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. The latest breaking Christian news you need to know about as soon as it happens. Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston speaks on stage during the Hillsong Atlanta grand opening at Hillsong Atlanta on June 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. Collier, 33, goes on to reassure readers that he believes Hillsong will get through this storm and come out better than they were before, adding in an Instagram Story that we still consider [Hillsong] family and they are not our enemies. The post concludes with an open invitation to Colliers final Hillsong service and an announcement that he is launching a new congregation called Story Church this Easter Sunday. mishandled sexual abuse cases for two decades. 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. "Individually and collectively, each SBC entity is resolved to fully and completely cooperate with the investigation," read an SBC statement released Aug. 12. 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 Prophetic messages from respected leaders & news of how God is moving throughout the world. No One Knows. Still there today. Then, when more allegations came out shortly afterwards, Mike Baker asked Caleb to resign. He's not being ousted but is stepping aside for work on repentance. new! I would have rather heard from the woman's friend who confronted Chandler. 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. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. The pandemic popped San Francisco's progressive bubble, The cost of the Federal Reserve's 'full employment': Migrant child labor, Lori Lightfoot's next dancing TikTok video should be to "Bye Bye Bye", TikTok restricts teenager screen time as it faces threat of national ban, Lightfoot is out: Chicago mayor out four years after breaking onto scene as rising star, Republicans could force Bidens first veto with fights over ESG and DC crime law, Protesters thrown out of House China committee's first prime-time hearing. The church was also accused in 2021 of ignoring allegations of sexual assault by its congregants. What Happens Now? No matter what statement is given by the Dad or pastor Jernigan, the only one that matters is if Calebs statement is one of repentance followed by the action of publicly asking forgiveness from those he has harmedanything less is just more lipstick. Abby Smith, the ex-wife of another one of Mikes sonsMikey Bakerwrote on Facebook that Mikey abused her mentally, emotionally and physically for four years. The pastor's leave is the latest blow for the church and the Southern Baptist Convention denomination the countrys second-largest faith group, of which the Village Church is a member. The moment it is realized that sh*t could hit the fan and the operation could be in jeopardy, ego kicks in, and damage control goes into action. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. ", A post shared by Lauren Chandler (@laurenchandler). Pray for him, @KayWarren1, @Saddleback Church, and all their related ministries as they step into this next phase of ministry.". Stay informed with the latest from CBN News delivered to your inbox. The Village Church did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Chandler is also president and chairman ofActs 29, an organization dedicated to starting new churches. Hi. He and his wife live in the Washington, D.C. area with their two children. Help us continue to be a voice for truth in the media by supporting CBN News for as little as $1. Lindsey Eenigenburg, the church's executive director of administration told USA TODAY on Tuesday that"a strong team of pastors" will preach in his absence. Great! TALIBAN CLOSE GIRLS SCHOOLS HOURS AFTER REOPENING, "We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings," the board noted. If I could give each of you a big hug, I would. We've received your submission. Charisma News - Informing believers with news from a Spirit-filled perspective, Pastor Brian Houston Apologizes 'Unreservedly' for Hillsong NYC's 'Failings,' Promises Way Forward, Brian Houston: How Hillsong Grew From a Small Local Church to an International Movement, Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter. But it takes a lot of hard work, time, and money to do what we do. I, and the other leaders of this church, cannot turn a blind eye to this and act as if this didnt happen or that somehow we didnt know, we didnt find out.. 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. The church thanked her.". Shortly ahead of the Instagram announcement, Collier alerted congregants to the news in a slightly more candid internal email, which has been viewed by The Post. Later, on February 25th, the Elders met with Mike. By Sarah Pulliam Bailey. Would you like resources to help you navigate the important issues in this article? Houston, 67, was charged in early August as part of an investigation that has been ongoing since 2019, according to The Guardian. "Time has a way of bringing forth the whole truth.". ", "The Word of God holds me to a certain standard," Chandler added. We were made to feel that we were overreacting that we werent good Christians because of the things we were questioning.. Houston is one of the most influential religious figures in Australia and a friend of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who regularly attends the Hillsong national conference, and gave the opening address at the event in 2019. God is everywhereeven in the news. To contact us or to submit an article, click here. Since 2010, Brentwood Baptist has established seven regional campuses of the church. According to the churchs website, Brentwood Baptist has an annual budget of $30 million. 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. We also worked closely with Pastor Brian to ensure he received professional help to eliminate his dependency on this medication, and this was achieved successfully, Hillsongs statement said. The pastor of a prominent Dallas-Fort Worth megachurch said he had an inappropriate online relationship with a woman and will step down from preaching and "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. Hillsong Atlanta Lead Pastor Sam Collier announced Wednesday that he is stepping down in the wake of the allegations of misconduct directed at the global Hillsong Atlanta Pastor Sam Collier and wife Toni Collier onstage during the Hillsong Atlanta grand opening on June 6, 2021. "And the way that played itself out was in a kind of frequency and familiarity that is not wise for someone in my position.". 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 fact remains Caleb and the other employee got caught red handed, in the act. An evangelical pastor has resigned from his position at the helm of a California megachurch, more than eight months after its board first learned he failed to Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. He founded the Saddleback Valley Community Church in 1980, and it has grown into a global ministry with an estimated 40,000 participants. 2023 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) Charitable Organization. We acknowledge that change is needed. Illinois megachurch pastor Bill Hybels resigns following misconduct allegations | wqad.com. Smith said that in 2014, she sat with Sara and broke down about the constant abuse I endured at the hands of her son. Smith told TRR that she asked the Bakers for their support in getting their son counseling, but said she needed to live apart from him to be safe. Updated I feel like I'm embarrassing my wife and kids, Chandler told the congregation Sunday. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. ", "He is the man you hope he is," she continues. Why is he up there announcing itand intentionally being allowed to put forth his own narrative? "That's always been my goal, to serve God's Purpose in my generation. In 2009, he was diagnosed with brain cancer,underwent brain surgery and was declared cancer-freein 2010. A couple days later, in a crazy turn of events, Caleb was offered a job in Arizona, Mike Baker said. The truth is we dont know what happened next. Houston temporarily stepped down from his role as global pastor in January, which he said was part of preparation for a trial. Thats why we view every news story through the lens of faith. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. "What is notable about Matt Chandler's situation is how he and his church handled the situation," he wrote. He claimed that in 2016, trustworthy staff members looked into sexual allegations against Caleb but resolved it wasnt possible to know if the allegations were true. Who is conducting the investigation(s) of these churches, and are they truly independent? Pastor Brian remains on a period of leave," the board added. From what I understand, they were not prepared to engage with the type of investigation I asked for until people started coming forward on social media, Lee said. We have committed to an independent review of our governance structure and processes, it continued. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Houston, a Pentecostal pastor, is required to appear in Sydney at a court on Oct. 5. to answer allegations that he did not inform police about his father Frank Houston, who's accused of abusing nine underage boys while he was serving as a pastor, according to the Morning Herald. My greatest reason for stepping down as Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of you. He has guided countless young leaders and inspired many of today's prominent pastors to pursue their own callings to ministry. He immediately apologised to the person. Hillsong founder Brian Houston announced Sunday he is stepping down from his ministry roles. This woman's husband knew about it. ", 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. I have yet to see a victim allowed to do that in a church. Houston has led the Hillsong Church for more than two decades. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. An Australian court charged Houston with covering up the sexual abuse of a young male by his father in August 2021. Moss stated that the church bylaws available on the churchs website proscribe their senior pastor search process moving forward. (The church also addressed the issue in achurch meeting led by Elder Chair Barton Shaw yesterday. Conservative and evangelical leaders are speaking out after Pastor Matt Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online. But the church said "the frequency and familiarity of the messages crossed a line. At the end of 2023, I will step down as senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, said Glenn following his Sunday sermon. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Meanwhile, the global church planting network, Acts 29, where Chandler served as president and chairman, also asked him to step down from speaking engagements. And so I kind of pushed against that not being okay. Glenn and his wife, Jeannie, have two sons and became grandparents in recent years. We are committed to delivering quality independent Christian journalism you can trust. The Asbury Revival Is Over. "These 'confessions' are often staged to put the fallen pastor in the best possible light. Conservative and evangelical leaders are speaking out after Pastor Matt Chandler took a leave of absence following some questionable behavior online. Stephen Crouch, an existing church board member, was appointed as director, according to the newspaper. Were available 24/7. ***Please sign up forCBN Newslettersand download theCBN News appto ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***. 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. No one has said anything, or hinted anything, or pressured me about anything. CBN News reached out to Saddleback Church for comment on Pastor Warren's departure but did not hear back at the time of publication. 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. ECC also announced on its website that pastor Mike Baker had resigned from the church on Saturday. 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. Yet another set of Hillsong megachurch pastors stepped down this weekend, following the resignation of church founder and former leader Brian Houston last week, She writes on Instagram, "This sits on Matt's green room desk. In a statement, elders of the Village Church revealed little as to the content of the messages. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter@nataliealund. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. And if he's being transparent, then let's see the texts," she wrote on Twitter. 2023 Cable News Network. Meanwhile, Dave Miller, Senior Pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sioux City, Iowa wrote in Christianity Today pastors confessing their sin should not be applauded. This feels like leadership trying to distance themselves from any accountability. Discovery Company. 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.. 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. Joey Moss, chairman of the churchs board of trustees, affirmed that Glenn and the board have planned the transition over the past year. My wife knew that, her husband knew that, and yet there were a couple of things that she said that were disorienting to me.. 9:34 PM EDT, Wed March 23, 2022, Popular preacher ushers in a new generation. ***Please sign up forCBN Newslettersand download theCBN News appto ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***. Earlier this month, SBCannounced that it's under federal investigation related to sexual abuse. Houston temporarily stepped down from his role as global pastor in January, which he said was part of preparation for a trial. "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. Of you, Brentwood Baptist has established seven regional campuses of the Village church did not hear back at time... The end of 2023, I will step down as pastor of Hillsong is! Baker asked Caleb to resign website, Brentwood Baptist has established seven regional campuses the. In 1980, and it has grown into a global ministry with an estimated 40,000 participants was cancer-freein. Messages crossed a line `` time has a way of bringing forth the whole truth..... Elders met with Mike making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to the. He has guided countless young leaders and inspired many of today 's prominent to! 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