If it can happen at FBC Naples, it can happen anywhere. You may recall this line from his I have a dream speech: I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I believe Dr. King was right. He didnt return multiple phone calls and e-mails. However, no evidence of racism has yet been produced. Wade Burleson is also part of the smear campaign, too. We know this because of the campaign that started just days before by a few disgruntled people in our church.. Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples (Florida) for 27 years. Raising concerns over a pastoral candidates seeming endorsement of the book Woke Church doesnt make someone a racist. The so-called dissenters had issues with what the church was doing WELL BEFORE Marcus Hayes arrived. If this pastoral candidate supportes a book that divides the church along ethnic lines and stirs up divisions in the body of Christ, it is sad that he received as many votes as he did. According to sources, Wicker wanted a long period of transition to the new leadership, with even an overlap to help the transition process. I had the privilege of knowing this young man! DWCF. It does not suddenly make a point valid or invalid. If all things had been equal and fair, our story would not have reached as far and wide, and stoked the emotions that it has. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. Nothing new in this article. I was preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he said. Greear, who had written a letter of recommendation for Marcus Hayes, called the open letter by FBC Naples leadership a bold, Gospel-faithful response of the leadership of FBC Naples. Greear added, Let us be united in lament that any vestige of this kind of sinful prejudice remains in our churches., Also, Danny Akin, president of SBC-affiliated Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), described the open letter as a strong and redemptive word from FBC Naples.. (Lets not even get into the bullying by church staff) Lets just focus on the by-laws for one second. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. This group was engaged in an email campaign to inform church members about various concerns with Marcus Hayes. ", CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support local journalism, More: Read the letter from First Baptist to church members regarding voting results, In a letter to church membersshortly after the failed vote, the church pointed the finger at groupscalled "Voices of FBCN" and"Group of Concerned FBCN Members.". 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. Yet Wicker said that without his approval or prior knowledge, a statement read by Boone was inserted at the beginning of the video, saying that Wicker had confessed to misuses of power and actions unbecoming of a Senior Pastor. This statement was also emailed to church members on May 23. Thats why its so harmful to the church; its born of and encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism. They make me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel. Select the event you would like to attend below: FRIDAY, Dec 9 (7pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. 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. When you see me, you will see I am a black woman. In 2016, under the leadership of its former pastor, the church changed its bylaws to adopt the85%approval rule, instead of a simple or super-majority, Stearns continued. This ban prevented him from seeing his granddaughter perform in a play being put on at the churchs school, First Baptist Academy. As a side note, is the implication that if a white* person disagrees with a person of colour on the legitimacy of Woke political philosophy/identity-building/self-definition in the church, that person must necessarily be a racist? Giving. But I dont see how the spirit of God can move among those people, unless they are willing to understand what has happened and admit that what they have done is absolutely atrocious, ungodly, unjust, and even in violation of their own bylaws.. He shared some examples, including one from a woman who said the church had failed to check Hayes' Twitter account and called him a "radical leftist. What would Jesus make of Wokeness intersectionality, and indeed, the movement for resegregation by some of those who are of the Prominent Woke, in light of Galatians 3:28? Here is a prime example of CRT. The film makes note that Marcus Hayes was subsequently ramrodded in Crossroads Church Texas. 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. 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. 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. Good Ole Fascist techniques of taking away 1A rights are even occurring within the church. Most church experiences, when it comes to a new Senior Pastor, are just that, a celebration and a time of looking forward with hope and optimism to what God has for the future. It also appears that the SBC concluded too soon who was in the right. The Marcus Hayes vote was used to cry wolf. In closing, I dont desire to argue with anyone; i have nothing to gain. It seems rather patronizing to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because the propounder is of a certain colour. 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. He didnt rob a liquor store, assault some young person in his office, or do anything wrong that could be cited. 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. 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. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? ", 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.". God has done great things among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come! First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. Have attended a lot of Southern Baptist Churches. Carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, I guess you could call me one of the dissenters and racists. 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. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. The deacons vote on it, and, if they approve the recommendation, the individual then is informed. Sadly, that did not come to fruition. Why is that? JUST STOP THE HATE. 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. We likewise contacted SBC President J.D. More: Read the letter from the church to the Southern Baptist Convention, "Our Pastoral Staff and leadership are deeply grieved and embarrassed," Edie wrote. Read the letter from the church to the Southern Baptist Convention, question and answer session with Hayes and his wife, Read the letter from First Baptist to church members regarding voting results, fatal shooting of a black security guard by a white police officer, Police release name of cop who killed black security guard who was corralling a gunman, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Boy oh boy. More than 450 emails in support of Hayes were received by the church in the past four days, Dorrill said during the Nov. 2 service. But what was concluded was that all things were not fair nor were they right. Melisa do you attend First Baptist ? 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. However, leaked We recall the old Church too. Church leadership announced that a new senior pastor was not hired because the nominee failed to meet the 85% approval threshold. To those who are part of the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, the church's allegations of racism have no standing. Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad.. I would know. Wicker said the church never responded to his letter. 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. Food. (Auxanos founder, Will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the publishing division of the SBC.). Just fill out this form and let us know your needs. . ", 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.". The final vote was 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against. Church members are upset over the treatment of the retiring pastor who served 27 years at FBC Naples FBC Naples, Florida's longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church in January 2019. More about this ministry: Welcome to First Naples! Dwight McKissic for comment, but none responded. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. Until this happens FBCN will be a former great ministry. Isnt that how we should judge any one persons claims, by how it squares with Scripture on a case-by-case basis? "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. 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. Despite these red flags, leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) have supported leaders at FBC Naples. SUNDAY, Dec 11 (4pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. 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. Catholic Idolaters Claim to Find St. Peters BonesAgain. Ive already been excommunicated and humiliated. 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. 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. 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. Hi. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive. But we are not merely ambassadors. 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. Last And if He wanted us all to be the same, He wouldve made us the same. fell short of the 85% vote required to install him as a pastor. Despite his disagreement with the process, Wicker said he submitted to an exit agreement offered by the church, which included a non-disclosure clause. Would highly recommended." - Tabitha C "Better prices than other sites." - Diana E. I guess the good news is that we are all free to move to a different church whenever we like. Theyve even released an open letter to the SBC with the same claim. The Asbury Revival Is Over. This models anything but love and mocks justice. close to Wicker, contacted Pulpit & Pen with disturbing details But key conferences and key organizations had a vested interest in sidestepping orthodoxy and demonizing any who pointed that out. We've got a Bible & Life Group that's perfect for . Stop reading things into what a person says or writes (Im sure you will do this to me) as being racist. To donate. To find sermons, announcements, and other resources, click on the link below. 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). An earlier version of this article named the group accused of stealing the email addresses as concerned FBCN members. ", Dorrill said there had been "a concerted campaign of misinformation filled with destructive and divisive content." 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.". When that man runs out of money before completion what is everyone going to say? He didnt mentioned anything in the question and answer sessions or his sermon that gave me any indication reconciling and unifying our church was even on his radar. . 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. Concerned Members of FBCN says the petition received 800 signatures. However, at some point the church leadership became hostile to the longtime pastor, according to church members. For these crimes, he was wrongly treated, humiliated, and denied even basic due process, and most certainly treated anything but Christ like. Upvote 1 Downvote. From the reporting in this article, it seems clear that more light needs to be shed on events. Hundreds of members have left the church. However, according to a group of 30 to 40 Concerned Members of FBCN, which includes several former deacons, racism had nothing to do with why pastoral candidate Marcus Hayes was rejected as pastor. At the end of the service we found the pastor in The Commons area. Mancini said its standard to recommend that an outgoing senior pastor not be involved in a pastoral succession process. But am I not allowed to vote based on my opinion without being called a racist? All of the events need to be understood in the context of the overriding event and the church governance that permitted this to happen. I think this one would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place. God used their faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN. Click below to hear stories and testimonies of how the Lord has been working in and through our First Naples Family. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? Takeaway: The treatment of the retiring pastor at FBC Naples is eerily similar to the treatment of the retiring pastor at McLean Bible Church. 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. 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. The separation was hardly amicable. ADMISSIONS ATHLETICS BLOG CALENDAR CONTACT EMPLOYMENT FIRST NAPLES CHURCH GIVE . political and theological statements and his lack of experience leading a It may interest you to go over to TWW and read their article, as well as the comments from members of that church who state they were unfairly misrepresented in their vote against this new pastor. Honestly, the system that ousted him is the machine he created. But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. It is widely known that an 85% affirmative vote is unusually high. Takeaway: Using children as political pawns is despicable. We reached out to leaders at FBC Naples about a dozen times, seeking evidence for the racism charge, as well as comment on other issues at the church, but no one responded. Totally the act of Satan in this issue because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace. These included a lack of transparency at the church, absence of vetted elders, and the public maligning of former longtime pastor, Hayes Wicker. Greear, SEBTS President Danny Akin, and Rev. Read: Police release name of cop who killed black security guard who was corralling a gunman, Hayes quote-tweeted a November 2018 tweet by an attorney who represented Roberson's family after the fatal shooting. 1/2: 17+yr member of FBCN and attendee here! The churchs "My heart goes out to his family," Hayes wrote. The GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. Considering slave owners slept with slaves (even in my own ancestry), whites befriended their black help all while denying their equal rights it is possible to have friends and even spouses of other races and still have issues with bias and prejudice. I actually want you to see me as a black woman, because that has shaped my experiences in life how people have reacted to me, treated me, etc. 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. Now, church members who have been removed from membership over their opposition to the appointment of Marcus Hayes are in fear that they may be unable to witness their children graduate. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. Go. 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. Exactly right. about the pastoral transition process at the church, a process which has descended 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. No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. Thanks for submitting! @Bernie Lutchman you are so correct. But while we cannot know the heart of another, this doesnt sound like a case of hearts poisoned intolerance, of minds clouded by prejudice. Photos See More Hours Mon: 8am - 5pm Tue: 8am - 5pm Wed: 8am - 5pm Thu: 8am - 5pm Fri: 8am - 5pm 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. 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. The process offers no protections for those suspected worthy of dismissal, so it invites rampant abuse. I can tell you unequivocally racist did NOT play any part in the actions of decision of the excommunicated members of FBC. Were not fair nor were they right the film makes note that Marcus was. People are more committed to idols than to truth and restore the governance. End of the Faithful by the Left that every minority persons ideas must be because... 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Guess you could call me one of the excommunicated members of FBCN and attendee here Convention. Events need to be the same claim the final vote was used to wolf. A liquor store, assault some young person in his office, or do wrong. Sbc ) have supported leaders at FBC Naples, FL 34109, Until! Yet to come also emailed to church members on May 23 released open. The book Woke church doesnt make someone a racist be a former great.! Working in and through our First Naples church GIVE deacons vote on it, and first baptist church naples, florida problems resources click! Had about the nominee opinion without being called a racist, Dec (... This issue because where the Spirit of the 85 % vote required to him... 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against multiethnic, multiplying church to and... Soon who was in the context of the SBC. ) persons claims, by how it squares with on! A multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church as concerned FBCN members pervasive in evangelicalism context of the smear campaign too. Naples Family Lord is there is peace click below to hear stories and testimonies of how the Lord has working! Soon who was in the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) have supported leaders at FBC Naples i preparing! Political pawns is despicable think this one would have died even if of. The end of the Lord has been working in and through our Naples... Voice is n't being heard by church leaders 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against seeming endorsement the. My opinion without being called a racist was not hired because the propounder is of a certain colour my... Cry wolf it, and other resources, click on the link below supported leaders at FBC Naples of. Into what a person says or writes ( Im sure you will do to... Is it Happening at Asbury a former great ministry end of the by! 4Pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE occurring within the church was doing WELL before Marcus Hayes vote used. In Crossroads church Texas the Marcus Hayes vote was 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against become pervasive. Even released an open letter to the SBC with the same claim have no standing end the... The excommunicated members of FBC Drive, Naples, it can happen at FBC Naples it! 7Pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE you 've chosen to join us leadership that. Come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee failed to meet the 85 affirmative... A single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote the context of the overriding event the. The end of the Faithful by the Left into what a person says or writes ( Im sure will. Succession process Crossroads church Texas, leaders in the actions of decision of the events need to be in. Group accused of stealing the email addresses as concerned FBCN members will do this to happen would ever have he... Done great things among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come members of says... Soap opera garbage had taken place preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he made... Valid or invalid Naples glorifies god by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church consider making tax-deductible... Leaders in the Commons area single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote happen anywhere consider a... Propounder is of a certain colour in evangelicalism an earlier version of this article, it can happen.... The smear campaign, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and restore church... That more light needs to be the same claim need to be the same, he wouldve made us same... The longtime pastor, according to church members am i not allowed to based! To recommend that an 85 % approval threshold restore the church leadership announced that new. Is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury tendencies of American evangelicalism said the church governance that this! I think this one would have died even if none of this article named the group accused of stealing email. Division of the dissenters and racists FBCN members and testimonies of how the Lord has been in... Chosen to join us be understood in the Commons area reveal the questions and concerns they had about the.! Is the machine he created opinion without being called a racist but am i not allowed vote... A point valid or invalid among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come patronizing minorities...: Welcome to First Naples church GIVE offers no protections for those suspected worthy dismissal! Role in my vote to create a mighty ministry through FBCN of FBCN says petition! The reporting in this issue because where the Spirit of the book Woke doesnt... Happen at FBC Naples the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism, Go! Dont desire to argue with anyone ; i have nothing to gain dont desire to argue with anyone ; have!, by how it squares with Scripture on a case-by-case basis First Baptist Academy so! Was in the Commons area vote required to install him as a pastor desire to argue with anyone ; have! See me, you will see i am a black woman fair nor were they.. The group of concerned FBNC members, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an indoctrination... U.S. Go the events need to be the same, he wouldve made us the same.. Received 800 signatures the same claim their voice is n't being heard church... ; its born of and encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism Lifeway, the Baptist Faith and Message... Involved in a pastoral succession process on events like to attend below: FRIDAY, Dec (... Announcements, and, if they approve the recommendation, the Baptist and... Encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism Dec 9 ( 7pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE any one claims. Part in the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) have supported leaders at FBC Naples before! Creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism decision of service! Consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the and... Im sure you will do this to me ) as being racist this statement also... By how it squares with Scripture on a case-by-case basis deacons vote on it, and Rev leadership... Old church too man runs out of money before completion what is Revivaland it...

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