Following months of scandal surrounding Hillsong, a pastor at the megachurch alleged on Monday that Carl Lentz repeatedly sexually abused her and threatened her during conversations . My family and I have surrendered this case to the hands of the All-loving, All-sovereign, Holy God who knows everything and who will make things clear someday. 484 Pastor Sam Collier preaches at Hillsong Atlanta for the last time on Sunday before leaving the denomination to form his own congregation. The 2019 documentary about Michael Jacksons alleged sexual abuse of minors, Leaving Neverland, stirred fans to reconsider the artist and his musical legacy. Musicologists are very good at drawing up borders around the circumstances in which a piece of music was composed and the way the music itself goes, said Peter Mercer-Taylor, a professor at the University of Minnesota. But he had no idea that a band of robbers had slipped in through the gate behind him. Paulk is pictured in his home Friday Nov. 9, in Marietta, Ga. DNA tests revealed that Bishop Earl Paulk, D.E.'s uncle and the church's founder, who. Even before the Hillsong news over the past two years, worship leaders in the US had been vetting worship hits on a theological basis. If you are suffering, visit RAINN for more sexual assault resources: https://www.rainn.org/SUBSCRIBE for more! He delivered the rice every month so it was nothing out of the ordinary. Jesus Himself grieves over sins. It enters the world as a commodity; it enters the world under a brand name, he said. Irene, Lana and I decided together that we would share the experience with the Faith Academy community and with the different congregations of Christs Commission Fellowship (CCF). That is, until he was caught in a gay sex scandal in 2006. Even if I was victimised, I didnt want to live like a victim. But Jesus gave His life, to restore and heal what sin took away, to give us hope. Perhaps it is all right that his music continues to be heard, so long as it comes with a caveat: that it reminds us great art can be made by terrible people, that talent can be weaponised in the most appalling way, that believing an artist automatically embodies goodness because we like their work is a dreadful mistake that can have awful consequences. As we began sharing details with one another, exchanging our versions of the story, comforting and encouraging one another, it became clear that God had allowed us to be together in this. When some of you mockingly dressed as catholic bishops in one of your pro-RHA Bill rallies (public). They actually let him and his family go (which we later realised was another miracle). PASTOR AUMAR AGUILAR It dishonors the name of Christ. I want to make sure that I am not guilty of the same thing., Follow Samuel Smith on Twitter: @IamSamSmith. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. espaol, In 1997, CCF's worship services transferred to St. Francis Square in Ortigas Center. God loves us so much; He gave us His own son, Jesus Christ, to die for us (John 3:16). Regardless of who you are or where life has taken you thus far, you are more than welcome here. The City Harvest megachurch scandal is the biggest corruption case squeaky-clean Singapore has seen in years. The couple has three other children, who are all married with children. Over the years, many things have been said about me that simply are not true. Ravis sin does not invalidate what we learned from him nor from other RZIM leaders and speakers that is consistent with Scripture. Regardless of how each individual or congregation decides to reckon with Hillsong, the profound spiritual experiences facilitated by its music need not be a source of shame or embarrassment, even if the memories of those experiences are now altered. Hillsong Church NYC Hillsong megachurch has responded to its most recent sex scandal. He wrote, In no way do I endorse or turn a blind eye to the scandals that have rocked Hillsong in recent days and acknowledged some points of disagreement on ministry approaches. For a while I blamed myself for what happened to them. She holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and researches music in Christian communities. What a tender description of Gods love for us! Why? [4] CCF has satellite churches and small groups in other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia. Indeed, there is no such thing as a secret sin that we can consciously commit and hope to keep hidden in the shadows. Six months after a sex scandal involving New Birth's senior pastor, Bishop Eddie Long, became public, the megachurch no longer packs them in. About an hour after, my parents came home from their Bible study in Makati. I wasnt sure why they dropped by and I didnt have much time to talk to them. Michael Ramsden did not build RZIM. We likewise enjoin all of you in the world-wide CCF movement to pray for comfort and wisdom for Ravis family, the RZIM board and staff, and most of all for Gods immeasurable loving embrace to be upon those who were victims of Ravis misconduct. In a letter to its staff on Dec. 23, the trusts board members said they were urging the U.S. leadership to issue a profound apology to any victims and commit to reform radically the governance, leadership and accountability of the RZIM organization.. The truth is there are still many God-fearing leaders who are faithfully serving the Lord. But we became each others strong supporters, especially when we felt like others could not understand what we were going through. The legacy of composer Richard Wagner, another giant in the Western canon, is frequently relitigated because of his antisemitism and Hitlers embrace of his music as a symbol of German greatness. CCF Executive Pastor Ricky Sarthou poses as an Arabic suicide bomber with another CCF Pastor Ickhoy de Leon (December 20, 2014 Update Below) For their Christmas party this year, Christ's Commission Fellowship Executive Pastor Ricky Sarthou dressed up in traditional Arabic garments. Based in suburban Atlanta, RZIM has operations in about 20 countries and a roster of scores of traveling speakers. They told me to make everything seem like it was okay. Updated. 5 Lessons You Need to Know. So it especially pains me seeing the numerous sex scandals pouring out of the evangelical church recently. Mercer-Taylor, an expert in American hymnology and popular music, still includes Michael Jacksons Billie Jean video in his courses. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). I actually believe that is where I can be most effective, as long as they give me the freedom to address anything I believe the Lord wants me to address.. When I saw them from the living room, I rushed out to meet them. It is true that big-name Hillsong artists like Brooke Ligertwood and Joel Houston have their own brands and images, but they are still employees of the church, and they have acknowledged the difficulties facing Hillsong, though in relatively veiled or general terms. But I remembered that God has an everlasting love for me a love that was demonstrated at the Cross through His Son, Jesus, when He died for my sins and suffered for my sake. )na ayon sa kanya ay na. Finally, let us pray as David did that the Lord acquit [us] of hidden faults and to also keep us back from presumptuous sin that they may not rule over [us] (Psalm 19:12-13). But youll be hard-pressed to find a college course on the era that doesnt include his works, even if they must come with an asterisk. From AIM, services moved to Greenbelt in Makati, then to the Conference Room of the Philippine International Convention Center, and then to the PICC Plenary Hall. LUZON CENTRAL 2 HUB OVERSEER, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS SOUTH LUZON, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS SOUTH MINDANAO HUB, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS NORTH MINDANAO HUB, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS METRO EAST, PASTOR ERIC MANUEL I would like encourage everyone not to react or rebutt esp on social media bec that is what FF wants. She and her husband, Edric, home-school their six children: Elijah, Edan, Titus, Tiana, Catalina and Caylee. My family and I clung to Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.. March 28, 2022 5:25pm. 13. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.. I dont know what stopped them from acting on their threat, but suddenly, the men decided to take hostages instead and leave immediately. We pray that their eyes may be fixed on the perfect person of Jesus Christ and not on those who have failed them and caused them unfathomable pain and disillusionment. Pastor Phil is a loving and truly a man of God. Chan asserts that the prosperity gospel is a dangerous teaching. In Chans opinion, the prosperity gospel contradicts the teachings and example of Christ and the apostles., Jesus taught His disciples If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matt 16:24), Chan wrote. Numbers 32:23 tells us, and be sure that your sin will find you out., 10. LUZON CENTRAL 1 HUB OVERSEER, FULVIO MILLAN I often found myself in tears because my innocence and purity had been stolen. The parents and new husband of 30-year-old Eunice . I want to borrow once more the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20, where he said: You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF) is a non-denominational church founded by Dr. Peter Tan-Chi, based in the Philippines. You may also send an email to the Office of the Senior Pastor at [emailprotected], the Office of the Executive Pastor at [emailprotected], or the Office of the Beyond Director at [emailprotected] If you do, please include your name and how we can contact you. Unlike singing an old hymn that may be doctrinally sound but have been written by someone with questionable theology, singing Hillsong or Bethel songs, he argued, lends credence to the active ministry of two influential churches. Its main worship church is located at the CCF Center in Ortigas East (formerly Frontera Verde), Pasig. And perhaps you shouldnt. Some may dismiss the expulsion of Hillsongs music as an example of cancel culture, a rush to get rid of historically significant influence on worship culture and songs that have been meaningful and formative for so many. If I wouldnt quote their pastor or allow him to preach in our pulpit, then I wont use the songs their bands write, wrote musician Dan Cogan in a blog post in 2016. [3], In 2019, CCF has over 100,000 members and 70 satellites in the Philippines alone. Why? Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, watch over your heart with all diligence, Forfrom itflowthe springs of life. This is important because Jeremiah 17:9 tells us The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? To guard our heart means we need to be cautious that we dont get deceived by our own emotions. I couldnt go back to being the person I was. However, I claimed promises like Jeremiah 29:11. The scandals aren't always as sinister as abuse though. The only way I can see the public credibility of this organisation being restored is for there to be a brand-new Global Board of Directors and Global CEO, none of whom are Zacharias family members, and to file Form 990s for the years they havent been filed.. This excerpt from Joy Tan-Chi Mendozas book,When A Good God Allows Rape, published by OMF Literature, is republished with permission. I didnt know how God would use what happened. God is a loving, caring Father who is mindful of us. When they arrived at our house, they feared the worst at the sight of police cars parked outside the gate of our house. LUZON NORTHEAST HUB OVERSEER, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS CENTRAL LUZON, ABET FARIAS Gods people are in an unrelenting spiritual battle. (The revised response from CCF leadership as of March 14, 2021). Harry T. Chandler (Assistant Director of Environmental Services), sentenced to 2 years probation and a $33,000 fine Ronald Wilson (Chief Engineer for Environmental Services), sentenced to 13 months imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. METRO EAST 1 , CLUSTER HEAD, PASTOR MARC VILLA-REAL It is a certainty, not a false promise. Beware of justifying our own sin. A dividing line had been set between my childhood and the balance of my life. Joy (standing, second from right) is the daughter of Dr Peter Tan-Chi (seated, sixth from right), founder and senior pastor of Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF) in the Philippines, and his wife Deonna. ]. Perhaps other leaders will also question whether using their songs sends a message of endorsement. To do this, we need to teach that the Christian life is not designed to be lived alone. They felt more comfortable about having my friends over, rather than me being out of the house. You have entered an incorrect email address! About an hour and a half passed and then someone rang the doorbell. When I ran out to the gate I saw Lanas parents on their motorbike. Some people have questioned my willingness to take pictures with anyone who asks for a picture with me. The verse says so that you may know. In 1982, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi began an evangelistic home Bible study in Brookside Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal. They were heavily armed with guns and knives and forced their way in through the front door. So I thought it might be helpful to explain some of my theological beliefs which have come under scrutiny as of late, as well as some of my practices/decisions.. http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoFST \r\r| SOCIAL |\rFacebook: http://facebook.com/faithstrongtoday\rInstagram: http://instagram.com/faithstrongtoday\rTwitter: http://twitter.com/stayFaithStrong\rWebsite: http://faithstrongtoday.com\r\r| HASHTAGS |\r#RaviZacharias #RZIM #FaithStrongToday Clarence Barber, former County Maintenance Chief, sentenced to 5 months imprisonment. The AP is solely responsible for this content. The New Testament is full of passages explaining the suffering that comes with a decision to follow Christ., Chan said prosperity gospel teachings also provide a false hope that can result in confusion and discouragement., Prosperity preachers often promise greater wealth if their listeners will give more to their ministries, he added. W hen a megachurch scandal makes headlines, it doesn't usually affect your Sunday morning set list . Let us do our best to have open accountability and discipleship with the people we are close to. From racy music videos to a convoluted money trail, the case has . It might be costly but falling into sin is costlier. PASTORS & LEADERS, PASTOR JOEY GERONIMO Model what it means to be open and transparent by sharing your vulnerability. I looked to Gods love, goodness and sovereignty right after the rape. you freethinking hypicrites. By Tessa Wong. Together we are enjoying the adventures of parenting and home-schooling our children. Let us not allow the failures of a few famous leaders to discourage us, make us cynical, or lose heart. Recently, the situation at Hillsong was featured in Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, a Discovery+ docuseries hooked to the 2020 termination of Hillsong New York pastor Carl Lentz, who admitted to infidelity in his marriage. Currently, four of the ten most popular worship songs sung in churches have come out of Hillsong (The Goodness of God, What a Beautiful Name, Who You Say I Am, and King Of Kings).