He hopes Nothing new in this article. hating even the garment polluted by the flesh (Jude 23). It may not be sorted out down here but everyone has to give an account, and especially those in leadership positions of the Lords Church for whom He died. If I had known that, there would have been no resignation whatsoever.. Church leadership has told excommunicated church members that public response to their situation will result in a restraining order banning them from First Baptist Academy related activities. ", "After reviewing a little deeper we find that "social justice" and racial inequality appear to be his priority as it pertains to the church and ministry!" We are so glad you've chosen to join us. Our warfare is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12); and our duty as ambassadors does not permit us to compromise or align ourselves with any kind of human philosophies, religious deceit, or any other kind of falsehood (Colossians 2:8). We live in UK now as did Naples Baptist 1st Associate Minisiter but come to Naples Baptist every Dec/Jan. The actions described in this article, which by the way are just the tip of the iceberg, were unloving, ungodly, and unbecoming of pastors charged with shepherding Gods flock. We recall the old Church too. Ive attended for 14 yrs and not once did see race. THAT IS OK! Dorrill also serves on FBC Naples finance committee. Similarly, SBC president J.D. Dwight McKissic for comment, but none responded. If you promote that, take a LONG look in the mirror. 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. Concerned Members of FBCN says the petition received 800 signatures. And they said, Surely, you will not die. ".for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7 Need Prayer? Ill never bother with a Church again, because this is always going to be an issue. More bluntly What have we done? . In his quote-tweet, Hayes said Roberson was in his student ministry while he was a youth pastor in Chicago. Submit. These were ALL issues that these so-called dissenters were trying to have addressed PRIOR to the arrival of Marcus. On social media, too, some church members said race played no role in the failed vote. Boy oh boy. Hundreds of members have left the church. Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. ", Dorrill said there had been "a concerted campaign of misinformation filled with destructive and divisive content." The leadership spread negative comments about the pastor and accused him of acting in bad faith, according to sources close to the church. The day after excommunicating the 18 members, FBC Naples lay leadership and pastoral staff sent an open letter to the SBC, accusing some who didnt vote for Hayes, whos a member of the SBC Executive Committee, of racism. The pastor was amazing, the atmosphere electrifying, we had fallen in love with the pastor. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. I saw that simply as a distraction from the devil.. First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church, that raises up the next generation of disciple makers, . This is why I dont attend a church and work on my relationship with God on a daily basis. "First Baptist Church Naples is doing excellent work through disaster relief," said Wayne Briant, southwest regional catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. The church staff alleged that racism was behind the rejection. The biggest reason most did not vote yes, had to do with the fact that people didnt think it was fair to ask Marcus to uproot his family and relocate to a church that was in COMPLETE turmoil and had a leadership that was REFUSING to acknowledge it. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. And this statement was made by an African American pastor on Moody Radio. To find sermons, announcements, and other resources, click on the link below. We likewise contacted SBC President J.D. I dont think that it was right how they treated him. Sources close to the church administration have said they fear raising any issues that might bring adverse consequences to them, their children, or their grandchildren. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands Come see the Living Christmas Trees. But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. Colson thought so highly of an oath of integrity that Wicker had written that Colson included the oath in his landmark book,The Body. Rather than bringing members who are accused of sin before the church body for examination, members are being removed from the church rolls through actions taken directly by deacons and pastoral staff without a vote of the church body. is a pastoral search committee? The views expressed in any video or live stream presented on our website may not necessarily be the views of the CWM owners and staff. All of the events need to be understood in the context of the overriding event and the church governance that permitted this to happen. Pray for Me; Log In Help Guides ", Although church leaders don't believe that all who voted"no" did so based on race, Dorrill said,"it is undeniable that race played a part in the final days leading up to this election.". Hayes, a black man married to a white woman, But while we cannot know the heart of another, this doesnt sound like a case of hearts poisoned intolerance, of minds clouded by prejudice. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. Sylee Gibson, an excommunicated member who works in law enforcement, added that the man chairing the FBC Naples senior pastor search team is a Florida businessman with a checkered pastNeil Dorrill. 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. In June, Voices of FBCN sent an email to many in the church, criticizing the actions of church leadership. I am responding simply to share that theres another side the story and I wish I/we had an opportunity to share such a story without fear of legal action (thats right, the church has threatened legal action against me as well as threatened that if I say anything at all negative about the church they will trespass me prevent me from dropping off and picking up my kids at First Baptist Academy. "It had to do with biblical principals that many questioned," she wrote. Hayes did not suddenly abandon his faith in the few months between his announcement that he was stepping aside, as he was being felt led to do, to make room for younger leadership and his sudden dismissal by the FBCN leadership. For 27 years Hayes Wicker and his family faithfully devoted their lives to Gods calling in ministry at FBCN. Photos See More Hours Mon: 8am - 5pm Tue: 8am - 5pm Wed: 8am - 5pm Thu: 8am - 5pm Fri: 8am - 5pm It only becomes a problem if you think my worth is different because of it. The situation at FBC Naples should serve as a solemn reminder to church members everywhere to ensure that their by-laws provide church members biblical protections from rogue staff members who would seek to dominate their church. On May 28, Caudill said the church placed him on disciplinary suspension from the deacon board and the senior pastor search team. Their considerations related to legitimate theological, moral, and political issues. The petition for a special business meeting was never even ACKNOWLEDGED by the leadership is a Violation of the bylaws. Pastor John David Edie, who wrote the open letter to the SBC on behalf of leaders at FBC Naples, alleging racism, resigned in early December. Wicker said he was shocked by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he tendered his resignation. By circumventing the clear teachings of Matthew 18:15-17 regarding church discipline, this process showcases glaring problems with approaches to discipline that rely entirely on church oligarchies. And as of March 1, the churchs $14 million budget had a shortfall of $1.2 million. This remains an elephant in the room at every worship service at that church. And thats ok. God created me too. No One Knows. I just wish so many from my former church would open their eyes and see whats going on. Hi. Thanks for submitting! As managing editor of the former Florida Baptist Witness (state paper) I was witness to many of Hayes Wickers years of fruitful ministry. There is no room in our Gospel for racism, none whatsoever. I voted no to Mr. Hayes for two reasons. into an embarrassing public debacle. Even Jesus said so much when he talked a man who started building a tower without counting the cost. And because it promises rewards to individuals and organizations influence, students, platform it is both very hard to criticize and functionally unaccountable to any but its own. The shooting drew national headlines, outrage and questions about whether race factored into the officers decision to open fire. Our church voted by a percentage of 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next Pastor. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. I was shocked that they would make this immediate, Wicker said. Caudill added that Dorrill advised Caudill that any pastoral candidates suggested by Wicker would be dead on arrival., In the months leading up to Wickers resignation, the church hired Auxano, a church consulting company, to advise the church on the pastoral transition process. And in 2006, Wicker served as head of the SBC Pastors Conference. For the church's leadership, "it exposed a sickness in what we characterize as a cancer within our fellowship," he continued in the letter, which also asked for forgiveness from Hayes and his wife and "any other person who has been offended, hurt, or damaged by the outcome" of the vote. Soon, one way or another there will be a woke pastor in the pulpit of FBCN. I left the church. Find Best Western Hotels & Resorts nearby Sponsored. close to Wicker, contacted Pulpit & Pen with disturbing details For sales or technical support please click here. @DooWopCokeFan Please try to understand something: NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE THINK ALIKE. First Baptist Church Naples, she said,"is not a racist church by any stretch of the imagination. Sandra received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from our local college, Florida Gulfcoast University in 2001. Totally the act of Satan in this issue because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace. The First Naples School of Worship Arts exists to develop Christ-honoring worshipers through quality instruction for the purpose of exalting the Lord with their God-given talents and abilities. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? While methods may change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable. Wicker said several weeks later, the church emailed him, stating that Wicker had facilitated and cooperated with a rival faction in the church, which voided his exit agreement. It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. Privacy Policy I read about this over at The Wartburg Watch. Been here 25+ times. So much for giving church members the benefit of the doubt. To make matters worse, FBC Naples is implementing church discipline procedures which are in direct violation to those set forth by Jesus in Matthew 18. At the same time, some members were concerned about some of his social media posts that might indicate support for a pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ Democrat presidential candidate, his endorsement of the problematic book Woke Church, his blocking some FBCN members on his social media platforms, and other theological, political, and administrative issues. The deacons vote on it, and, if they approve the recommendation, the individual then is informed. I am Caucasian from Eastern Europe. The GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. This is a demonstration of holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. And Paul goes on to say So, Turn away from these, also. However, at some point the church leadership became hostile to the longtime pastor, according to church members. Instead, the group alleges that the racism charge was a ruse by men who had recently seized control of the church, expelled and maligned a beloved pastor of 27 years, and then fabricated a basis for excommunicating those who had objected. And we are soldierscharged with pulling down ideological strongholds and casting down the lies and deception spawned by the forces of evil (2 Corinthians 10:35; 2 Timothy 2:34). That is a perfect summary of every Christians duty in the war for the truth. Havent hurt enough yet. "Marcus Hayes, a highly respected and a well-qualified pastor, remains the man that we believe God has called to be our next pastor," Dorrill said to a standing ovation from the congregation. Wicker responded with a 16-page letter refuting the charges against him. Christians should model justice and love to the world. To be blunt, it stinks and the whiff of corruption I detect is an autocratic sense of entitlement, with a touch of greed, perhaps, as well. this approach to transition can become a helpful model for other churches.. Only love. When HE transitioned the church from Elders to committees the ground work was laid for unbiblical polity. Naples, FL, 34109 Customers Love Us "Great experience! They make me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel. Until this happens FBCN will be a former great ministry. Church leadership announced that a new senior pastor was not hired because the nominee failed to meet the 85% approval threshold. Marcus Hayes, an African-American who is on staff at Biltmore Church in the Asheville, North Carolina area, was the candidate. And as for Neil Dorrill, that was also brought up well before the arrival of Marcus. The power plays, ego trippin (yes, I did say trippin), greed, pride, etc., has been going on throughout church history. We believe all matters of life should be subjected to the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16). {I realize, Im using the word black rather than African American. I personally do not care for the term African American, and there are black people who dislike it more than I do.} (The video is now private and requires a password to view.). United States What does this say about Big Eva? First, there are blacks who strenuously object to books like Woke Church, as well as intersectionality, and reparations for slavery. (I)t seems from social media posts that, with no investigation, some convention leaders have chosen to believe this narrative, Caudill wrote. And before you go tagging me as a racist, I am in a biracial marriage myself. The Asbury Revival Is Over. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. I guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary. I attended the Saturday evening service with Dr.Marcus Hayes. If there is any racism its from Pastor Hayes and his endorsement of Woke Movement. Give Online. I am not lesser or better, but different. It does not suddenly make a point valid or invalid. We also contacted Marcus Hayes and Biltmore Church about the alleged emails but they declined to comment. Terms of Service Certified Public Accountant, For nearly two weeks, Christian social media has been atwitter with commentary over whats being called The Asbury Revival at, Arizona Pastor Blows the Whistle on Andy Stanley, Robby Gallatys Glowsticks Are Not the Problem, Video: JD Reports on Critical Race Theory Tearing Apart SBC Megachurch, Southern Baptist Youth Pastor Fired for Questioning Near-Death Experience Teachings. We met his wife and daughters. Why abide with a corrupt individual being in a leadership position at the church? But the uniform refusal to comment from the church leadership is suspicious. FBC Naples also sent several cease and desist letters from prominent law firm, Holland & Knight, to several church members suspected of having involvement with the Voices of FBCN email. Church leaders at First Baptist Church Naples have blasted a faction of their congregation, alleging "racial prejudices" contributed to a failed vote late last month to name a black man the church's new senior pastor. #JemelRoberson https://t.co/Y1dMXQY33N, But the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, citing the tweet, said Hayes should be questioned about his relationship with first responders, specifically police, "and his thoughts on such topics as Ferguson, police shootings involving people of color, etc. Click below to hear stories and testimonies of how the Lord has been working in and through our First Naples Family. emails from the accused church members reveal that dissenters were They have been in my heart and prayers since this happened. Love for Jesus, for my fellow brother/sister and love for the truth. This man and his family cannot set foot onto church property, he will never again be able to address a congregation where so many hold him in the highest of esteem. pastoral staff has publicly accused church members who did not approve of Marcus However, in May, Wicker said he agreed to videotape a short farewell message to members from a script both he and the personnel committee had approved. Grateful that FBCN is moving toward amputating the racists, tweeted Rev. Ground work was laid for unbiblical polity we also contacted Marcus Hayes and his endorsement of Woke.. Of Marcus way or another there will be called a house of prayer for all nations. quot... The senior pastor was not hired because the nominee failed to meet the %! Right how they treated him from the accused church members the benefit of the Faithful by the leadership spread comments. Want to Puke profusely second Only to Calvary Chapel that permitted this to happen to reveal questions! 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Church by any stretch of the Faithful by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he his! A helpful model for other churches.. Only love shocked by the flesh ( Jude 23 ) is.. Members the benefit of the overriding event and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination the.

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