This is a warning to all Southern Baptists. Hotels. Wade Burleson is also part of the smear campaign, too. And as of March 1, the churchs $14 million budget had a shortfall of $1.2 million. (Hey, and I know white people who love Woke Church!) Such a loving bunch, arent they?!). It is time for the SBC to do what they should have done first, before concluding who was right: Shine the light, Brothers, shine the light in here. The refusal to release specific documents to any donating member, also a violation of not only the by-laws (which was the same verbiage as the state law) but also the state of Florida Not-for-profit Compliance Act and the IRS which governs their 501(c)(3) status. 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. Why did the church leadership behave in such an aggressive and dismissive manner? The shooting drew national headlines, outrage and questions about whether race factored into the officers decision to open fire. 11,847 were here. The church leadership released a statement explaining how the church membership wasnt supposed to vote their conscience, but rather rubberstamp the search committees recommendation: As most of you know, in Southern Baptist life,when a Senior Pastor comes in view of a call by the recommendation of a Search Committee, the actual vote is most always viewed as a ceremonial and celebratory affirmation of the Spirits leading within the hearts and minds of the Search Committee that has extended the call. My heart goes out to his family. And if He wanted us all to be the same, He wouldve made us the same. What Bible verse says that it is a good idea to borrow money to make your church building bigger and more fancy? Last Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad.. Im inclined to believe it wasnt racially motivated. Ill never bother with a Church again, because this is always going to be an issue. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. In November, just weeks after the church excommunicated 18 members, John Garippa, a longtime FBC Naples member who led two popular Bible Studies at FBC Naples, left the church. into an embarrassing public debacle. Yet Caudill said that instead of calling a special meeting in accordance with church bylaws, the leadership at FBC Naples excommunicated 18 of the Concerned Members, including Caudill. Marcus D. Hayes, a pastor from Hendersonville, North Carolina, was brought before the church congregation on the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27 by the church'spastor search committee to affirm him as the next senior pastor. emails from the accused church members reveal that dissenters were But a question and answer session with Hayes and his wife held by the church on Oct. 24 offers some glimpses into the opposition that built against the prospective new senior pastor and the apparent rift between church leadership and some in the congregation. 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. God has done great things among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come! Gretchen Church, who said on Twitter that she has been a member of First Baptistfor more than 17 years, tweeted that racism had nothing to do with voting. I guess I missed this one. By Jessica Pigg Last updated Nov 2, 2021 NAPLES Since Alan Brumback's call as lead pastor and his arrival in mid-September, First Baptist Church in Naples has seen baptismal waters stirred every weekend, having celebrated 42 baptisms in October and already scheduling another 15 in November. However, no one even begins to acknowledge that this system is the product of Hayes ministry. I would know. Edie, the church's executive pastor, however, called Hayes "one of the most qualified men in Southern Baptist life to be a Senior Pastor of any church in this country.". 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 must keep those objectives straight; we are not entitled to wage warfare against people or to enter into diplomatic relations with anti-Christian ideas. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". Former deacon, Blake Crawford, said Wicker was later exonerated of the charges in the anonymous letter by church accounting firm, Phillips Harvey Group. I can tell you I am not a racist. Proverbs 18:17. The so-called dissenters had issues with what the church was doing WELL BEFORE Marcus Hayes arrived. "Misinformation, fear, and ignorance of social media platforms played a role in the voting, and we, as a church family, are dealing with those issues.". Last fall, First Baptist Church (FBC) Naplesa prominent Southern Baptist megachurch in southwest Floridamade national headlines for rejecting an African American pastoral candidate because of some alleged racist members. Upvote 1 Downvote. this approach to transition can become a helpful model for other churches.. Jemel Roberson was in my student ministry while I was a youth pastor in Chicago. First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church. He hopes Wicker said he was shocked by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he tendered his resignation. The Asbury Revival Is Over. 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. He and his wife live in the Washington, D.C. area with their son. ", Two members of the counting committee, he said, have admitted to leaking confidential early voting results from Saturday night to a lay leader in the church "who then used that information, we believe, to compromise the process.". concerned with factors other than racism, such as Marcus Hayes hating even the garment polluted by the flesh (Jude 23). We are grateful to the Lord for His continued blessing upon the school ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. The separation was hardly amicable. For these crimes, he was wrongly treated, humiliated, and denied even basic due process, and most certainly treated anything but Christ like. The dissenters, and their surrogates, have done a good job (whether they realize it or not) of explaining why Hayes was rejected and much of it is deeply racially tinged, including: Hayes rejection of the notion of racial colorblindness, Hayes support of Eric Masons book Woke Church and intersectionality, Hayes support of slavery reparations for descendants of African American slaves, and Hayes alleged statements in support of more black leadership in SBC member organizations. So we are ambassador-soldiers, reaching out to sinners with the truth even as we make every effort to destroy the lies and other forms of evil that hold them in deadly bondage. The removal of the original pastor and his ENTIRE family, the threats to members from a law firm, and the mere fact that they were not abiding by their own by-laws are just a few of the issues going on. Jesus said that He wants us to all be in unity and that He is building a church. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. From the reporting in this article, it seems clear that more light needs to be shed on events. Southern Baptist Faith & Message Explained, Woke Purges, Show Trials: What First Baptist Church Naples reveals about the future - Capstone Report, BREAKING: FBC Naples sics lawyers on dissenting church members - Capstone Report, SBC Elites defend credibly accused standard to ruin lives, Bart Barber flipflops on pledge to bring vote to ban Women Pastors in SBC, Evangelical Elites lied you to about the origins of Covid, Woke SBC Elites Delete History To Hide Their Schemes. Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. Did people voice concerns and questions about Marcus? More: Read the letter from the church to the Southern Baptist Convention, "Our Pastoral Staff and leadership are deeply grieved and embarrassed," Edie wrote. The group adds that national leaders within FBC Napless denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), supported the churchs leadership and furthered the racism charge. It provides an identity for its most passionate acolytes. Wicker responded with a 16-page letter refuting the charges against him. Also concerning to the group was the fact that Marcus Hayes didnt respond to a letter Concerned Members of FBCN had sent him a week earlier, outlining their issues at the church. That's why Hayes was not officially approved, when in past years he would have been. Again, more lies and half-truths. The turmoil at FBC Naples began about a year ago, when longtime Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker announced to the church that he was stepping down to make way for younger fresher leadership.. Not lies. The church also launched a schoolFirst Baptist Academy. SATURDAY, Dec 10 (4pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. As managing editor of the former Florida Baptist Witness (state paper) I was witness to many of Hayes Wickers years of fruitful ministry. **Statements about the actions taken by FBC Naples leadership assume the fidelity of Pulpit & Pens inside source. No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. To that point, no group had met with Hayes or the committee privately, Dorrill continued, before adding to applause from those gathered at the Q&A session: "This will continue to be a transparent search. If those sound like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain in proper perspective, it is because they are. We believe all matters of life should be subjected to the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16). Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. Member of the Evangelical Theological Society Since the failed vote, other allegations have surfaced. Its no wonder why real born again, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are walking away from churches, not the body of our Lord Jesus, the Ekklesia, but from this mess we call church. Dorrill near the end of a Nov. 2 service told the congregation that "the integrity of our election last weekend was compromised. Find a local church Explore; Giving; App; Sign In; Find a Church; Florida; Naples, FL And thats shepherding many hundreds of people over many years., In its open letter to the SBC, FBC Naples lay leaders and staff wrote that they know racial prejudice contributed to Marcus Hayess failed vote because of the campaign that started just days before by a few disgruntled people in our church., Presumably, the campaign to which the letter is referring is an email that was sent from the Concerned Members to those who had signed the petition shortly before the Hayes vote, requesting a special business meeting. Their considerations related to legitimate theological, moral, and political issues. So sick of this hate and evil which is exactly what this all is. Isnt that how we should judge any one persons claims, by how it squares with Scripture on a case-by-case basis? (I)t seems from social media posts that, with no investigation, some convention leaders have chosen to believe this narrative, Caudill wrote. church as large as FBC Naples. SUNDAY, Dec 11 (7pm) Dorrill did not elaborate on how the process was compromised, and Bonnett did not answer emailed questions about the matter. Jude certainly understood this. And as for Neil Dorrill, that was also brought up well before the arrival of Marcus. Im not sure why you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly. Theres only one human race. DWCF. Namely Hayes Wicker. Wicker said Dorrill banned him from pastoral search team meetings, and the chairmen of the personnel and finance committees told Wicker his oversight was not needed. 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. I also find it interesting that Dorrills past financial misdeeds didnt seem to be a problem for the dissenters until the Hayes vetting process. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. On Easter weekend, Wicker said he received a text message that several chairmen wanted to meet with him about church unrest. Wicker said he tried to ignore it. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use. While methods may change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable. I left the church. The film makes note that Marcus Hayes was subsequently ramrodded in Crossroads Church Texas. On the surface, Marcus Hayes is a highly recommended pastor who is seemingly qualified for the role. First Baptist Church - Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Dr Naples FL 34109 (239) 597-6057 Claim this business (239) 597-6057 Website More Directions Advertisement We are so thankful for the godly staff who serve the Lord and lead our FBCNaples family! We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! 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. When you see me, you will see I am a black woman. ", "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!" Our leadership has gone astray, I fear, and those who find the courage to stand up to them have targets on their backs. More bluntly What have we done? . Doesnt the Holy Spirit operate in us as individuals? Instead, Ericksen said Hayes has no experience as a head pastor and said that his political views wouldn't go along with a conservative church. We have known Hayes & his family as good Christian people etc.for over 25 years. "To our knowledge, he has never handleda multi-million-dollar budget, building programs, fundraising and/or staffing issues as required by a Senior Pastor," the group wrote. Kenneth Bonnett, pastor of communications for the church, declined to offer specifics about the church's allegations, saying "it would not be proper for us to share that content openly.". The pastor was amazing, the atmosphere electrifying, we had fallen in love with the pastor. The whole clergy-laity distinction, senior pastor, associate pastor, the professional, or called into the ministry Christians is not found ANYWHERE in the New Testament.NO WHERE! Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad., Similarly, Caudill stated, First Baptist Naples still has potential to be used greatly by God. It only becomes a problem if you think my worth is different because of it. Thank you. 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. 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. Just a couple of points for you to consider. All of the events need to be understood in the context of the overriding event and the church governance that permitted this to happen. The church staff alleged that racism was behind the rejection. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. We are ambassadorswith a message of good news for people who walk in a land of darkness and dwell in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2). We recall the old Church too. 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 GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. 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). "Unfortunately our church familys business has become fodder for spotlight-seeking bloggers and others who are commenting about Christians whom they do not know personally, and slandering a church that they know little about," Sonya Stearns, a member of the church, said in an email to the Daily News. {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.} 1/2: 17+yr member of FBCN and attendee here! If I had known that, there would have been no resignation whatsoever., I was shocked that they would make this immediate. We asked him to allow us to hug him. They arrived in Naples and gathered other Baptist families to meet with them in a small outbuilding behind the local grocery store, meeting for their first worship . Its devastating to the proclamation of the Gospel. Church leadership responded in an email to members, calling the Voices of FBCNs email inaccurate and slanderous and claiming that a security breach of the churchs email list had occurred. 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. This ban prevented him from seeing his granddaughter perform in a play being put on at the churchs school, First Baptist Academy. Sandra received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from our local college, Florida Gulfcoast University in 2001. I dont think you mean ill will, but just want to make you aware of how poorly comments like that tend to land. Now it certainly will as the debt load is unsustainable. The 26-year-old guard, Jemel Roberson, was detaining a suspected gunman who opened fire at the bar where Roberson worked when the police officer fatally shot Roberson. 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. This sort of trashing of fine people is becoming commonplace is an SBC I was once very happy to be a part of. A lengthyOct. 24 email signed by the "group of concerned FBCN members"and obtained by the Daily News was titled "Concerns Surfacing About Compatibility with Marcus Hayes." The church did not hold a reception to honor Wickers decades of ministry, nor was Wicker permitted to address the congregation. The church by-laws allow for the expulsion of members without consulting the entire church body. Our Pastoral Search Committee, lay leadership, and the Pastoral Staff all anticipated that our vote would be nothing less than an affirmative statement from our people that God had sovereignly chosen for Marcus Hayes to be our next Pastor. Photos See More Hours Mon: 8am - 5pm Tue: 8am - 5pm Wed: 8am - 5pm Thu: 8am - 5pm Fri: 8am - 5pm Christianity Today (CT) reported in November that Neil Dorrill had claimed at a Q&A session that inappropriate emails had been sent to Hayess church in North Carolina, Biltmore Church. It does not suddenly make a point valid or invalid. Takeaway: The treatment of the retiring pastor at FBC Naples is eerily similar to the treatment of the retiring pastor at McLean Bible Church. I was preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he said. Curious timing of raising those concerns. But the uniform refusal to comment from the church leadership is suspicious. This group was engaged in an email campaign to inform church members about various concerns with Marcus Hayes. Christians should model justice and love to the world. Specialties: First Baptist Church Naples is a church family that is unified on several basic theological understandings, which are based in our understanding of God's Word. We are simultaneously soldiers, commissioned to wage war for the defense and dissemination of the truth in the face of countless onslaughts against it. Recommended pastor who is seemingly qualified for the term African American, first baptist church naples, florida problems. 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