CCF has also helped form over 600 small groups in East Asia and over 12,000 house churches and small groups in South Asia. He wrote that he normally does his own research on others invited to speak. In the past year, televangelists - including Kenneth Copeland, who recently went viral for an inflammatory . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some churches had already opted not to include songs by Hillsong (or Bethel or Elevation) because of conflicting beliefs or different approaches of ministry. When a cheating scandal blew up the pastor's life, some Hillsong congregants were left to question their relationship with a church that cultivated its own kind of fameand the double standards. If you have ever felt like most worship music sounds the same, it may be because the worship music is written by just a handful of songwriters.. Guard your heart. In Britain, a network of student-led mission teams operating on university campuses has asked RZIM-affiliated speakers to withdraw from upcoming events. When the megachurchs former pastors are in the news with allegations of scandal and abuse, what a contentious name it is. Steven Furtick, the founder and senior pastor of Southern Baptist Church (SBC) Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, has drawn theological criticism for statements he made in a recent Facebook post. My parents pulled me towards them and for the first time that evening, I really cried about the rape. homestead high school staff. 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.. Joy is now a stay-at-home mom, which she considers the most rewarding job in the world. While the intentions for dressing up in the costume may have been innocent, what message does it send fora high-ranking official in a Christian church to portray a violent stereotype of another religion? He creates this great pile of symphonies that lay the blueprint for the future of the genre, just invaluable work, Mercer-Taylor said. Atlanta-area megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar is one in a long line of prominent pastors to face accusations of wrongdoing. I dont know what stopped them from acting on their threat, but suddenly, the men decided to take hostages instead and leave immediately. Yet there are loyalists, like C.D. He endured all this so that His death could bring us eternal life. We need to be aware of our own mistakes and failures, and confess it to God so that our hearts will not be hardened. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. CCF has more than 60 satellite churches in the Philippines and over 40 satellites abroad, with over 70,000 weekly worshippers (prior to the Covid crisis). Since then, CCF's continuous growth has caused its worship services to move from place to place. Ask God to reveal these things to you by intentionally setting aside time for personal reflection, bible reading, and prayer. Francis Chan and evangelist Todd White pray at The Send 2019 in Orlando, Florida on Feb. 23, 2019. 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). LUZON NORTH EAST HUB PASTOR, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS NORTH LUZON, EMMANUEL SALVADOR You may also have many more unanswered questions. PASTOR AUMAR AGUILAR Margie says RZIM gave her 90 days notice to vacate her home. His love also gave me the capacity to forgive. While one can say INC and CAMACOP had a few decades headstart, their strategies are clear ever since. It was not a call to come and prosper but rather the opposite a call to come and suffer. 5. But how many bad apples must we pluck before we recognize that the orchard is diseased? His love also gave me the capacity to forgive and the boldness to declare what He has done. Beware of using the failures of others to justify your behavior. ,and Calvary Chapel Fellowship is a continuation of the pastoral ministry the Lord assigned him to in 1984. Joy is happily married to Edric Mendoza. While this is difficult to comprehend in the midst of suffering, it doesnt change the reality that God desires our greatest good. How are Christians to make sense of this news? This threw the men into a panic. A posthumous sex scandal involving Zacharias who founded, in his own name, the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has placed the global organization in a wrenching predicament. When some of you mockingly dressed as catholic bishops in one of your pro-RHA Bill rallies (public). In 2019, Exalt Worship released their first major album, Majestic, consisting of seven songs. Complete Guide to Christian Denominations: Understanding the History, Beliefs, and Differences by Ron Rhodes. With the new year coming up, it's a great . [MEETUP] Come Closer: An intimate conversation on bridging the Gender Pleasure Gap, [MEETUP] Caf Humaniste: A Humanist Future Sunday 8 August 2021, The Case for Unconditional Assisted Suicide, In Defense Of Nadine Lustre And Cohabitation: A Response To Anna Cosio. The reality, though, is that What a Beautiful Name and other Hillsong hits will likely remain in the regular music rotation for many churches. 12. The Lord is a Redeemer. They actually let him and his family go (which we later realised was another miracle). Top Podcasts In Religion & Spirituality However, several employees have made clear in social media posts and in letters that have been shared publicly that they are dismayed with the leaderships handling of the scandal. Based in suburban Atlanta, RZIM has operations in about 20 countries and a roster of scores of traveling speakers. Always look in the mirror first. In a statement posted online on Dec. 23, Thompson and her husband thanked RZIM employees who questioned the organizations handling of the case. And it takes grace to have this faith! Some are momentary afflictions, while others are long-term, even terminal humanly speaking. Other times in my life Ive had to tell them about foolish things Id done and asked them for forgiveness, but telling them about the rape carved a deep wound in my heart. If you are suffering, visit RAINN for more sexual assault resources: https://www.rainn.org/SUBSCRIBE for more! This grace came to me from the Lord. Some pastors who claim to be clean as a whistle, on the straight and narrow, and happily devoted to their godfearing wives have turned out to be lying, cheating, or caught with gay prostitutes. [1], In 2020, the Pasig Church had 55,000 people.[5]. The parents and new husband of 30-year-old Eunice . No matter what happens to our physical bodies, we can look forward to heaven where the book of Revelation tells us every tear shall be wiped away (Revelation 21:4). Sin will always be found out. I will preach in just about any kind of setting if Im given freedom to preach from any passage of scripture.. Zacharias founded his international ministry, known as RZIM, in 1984, with a mission to engage in Christian apologetics defending Christianity with powerful intellectual arguments. Want New Visitors at Church This Month? The American worship music industry has always uncomfortably existed under the pressures of both the marketplace and the church. As I began to move past the initial shock and trauma of having been raped, I was left with an overwhelming sense of loss. In John 16:33 (New Living Translation), Jesus said: I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. After a four-month investigation and years of allegations, a report now details the sexual misconduct and abuse of world-renowned Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. Evangelical pastor Ted Haggard ranted against the evils of premarital sex, adultery, and gay marriage. 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. Numbers 32:23 tells us, and be sure that your sin will find you out., 10. 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.. The Lord is a Giver. God can and does use fragile, flawed instruments because His truth never changes. But as successive headlines chronicle revelations of moral failings among Hillsong leadership, accusations of abuse, toxic internal structures, pastors stepping down, and congregations leaving the denomination, some worship leaders are questioning whether the musical fruit of such a ministry belongs in their own churches. Rescue came at just the right time. Rarely in my life have I had difficulty opening up to my parents, but this was one of those times when I did not know what to say. RZIM's Open Letter: https://www.rzim.org/read/rzim-updates/board-statementThere is help and hope available. Leni was also one of the presidential candidates interviewed by Christian Values Movement and CCF was part of . Anyone looking to have a nuanced conversation about the future of Hillsongs music in the church may benefit from considering how musicologists and critics talk about important music with a troubling backstory. 3. My parents had safeguarded my innocence. It takes faith to see this. His love brought me through the valley. (Jeff Morehead/The Chronicle-Tribune via AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. His love brought me through the valley. Joy, now 42, has been married to her husband, Edric, for 18 years. DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY, CCF BEYOND AND INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PLANTING (ICP) Fraud, private jets and a Lamborghini: 10 televangelists who have faced controversy. Jesus was abused for our sake. Twice. I was raped and sexually abused on my very own bed, in my bathroom, in my brothers room by a total of seven men. Jesus Brought Relief. 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.. All rights reserved. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13). To do this, we need to teach that the Christian life is not designed to be lived alone. I agree with this comment. Satan does this by corrupting Godly Men and using their influence. 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.. From racy music videos to a convoluted money trail, the case has . Belonging to a church community is vital and important. 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. That was the most painful thing I have ever had to tell my parents. (The revised response from CCF leadership as of March 14, 2021). Being authentic is not about perfection it is the willingness to be confronted, to admit, to confess, and to repent. I often interpreted the affections of men as malicious and perverse. Sa pangalawang pagkakataon ay hinamon nanaman muli ni Bro. That being said, I speak in many places where I am not in alignment theologically. Bringing lost sheep back to the flock, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en las Islas Filipinas, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines, Christian Reformed Church in the Philippines, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name above Every Name, Bastion of Truth Reformed Churches in the Philippines, Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines, Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God, Evangelical Methodist Church in the Philippine Islands, Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association. At times my mind was darkened by sorrow. 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. Ravi's widow deserves to stay in that home. I wanted new memories. Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The question is: Will we let Him hold the pen? Let us keep Scriptures warning always before us, that if ever we think we are standing firm in our walk with God, we should be careful so that we do not fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Our sin may be different but just like what Jesus said in John 8:7, he who is without sin can cast the first stone, 9. 6. SOUTHEAST ASIA MOVT COORDINATOR, KYLE BARRINGTON In 2009, while already well known in the modeling and showbiz industry, he achieved household infamy in his involvement in a sex scandal. But the Lord has. The realization that Ravi Zacharias was not the greatest apologist of his generation but rather one of its greatest frauds has felt like a catastrophic betrayal, Weitnauer wrote. We were also of the same mind that bringing things into the light would weaken the capacity of the Devil to use this tragedy against us. RZIM spokesperson Ruth Malhotra told The Associated Press that the organizations senior leaders, including CEO Sarah Davis who is Zacharias eldest daughter and President Michael Ramsden, were declining to grant interviews until after the law firms investigation concludes. PHONE: 213-413-4130. My real life is hidden in You. I asked my parents if I could hang out at school in the evening with my friends, but they suggested that Irene and Lana come over and spend the night in our house instead. Unless the elders of my church direct me differently, I will continue to be found preaching in venues with those I disagree. Jesus Himself grieves over sins. Many worship leaders agree. But the Lord has other. It is a certainty, not a false promise. Peter Tan-Chi is the founder and senior pastor of Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF). NEW YORK (AP) A posthumous sexual misconduct scandal involving the man who founded, in his own name, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has placed the global Christian organization in a wrenching predicament. "We believe the Lord is calling us to move into the. By continuing to use this site, you agree with our Privacy Policy, including data use and cookie use. LUZON NORTHEAST HUB OVERSEER, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS CENTRAL LUZON, ABET FARIAS The US megachurch pastor at the centre of an adultery scandal has said he is taking a sabbatical to "spend time with God", after he and a married parishioner were reportedly caught half naked . The CCF Board as well as the pastoral leadership team has had a long and fruitful relationship with Ravi and RZIM, hence we cannot begin to describe the shock and the depth of our sadness and grief over what has taken place. And the consequences of sin heartache, hardships, problems, pain and multiplied sorrows these are the enemies of hope. Published on December 4, 2020 12:47 PM. Clarence Barber, former County Maintenance Chief, sentenced to 5 months imprisonment. I had no prior experience with pre-marital sex or immorality in a dating relationship. She holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and researches music in Christian communities. Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), hence we should be careful not to trample on a fallen fellow soldier, even if in this case many will claim his wounds were self-inflicted. But even the musicians dont claim to be their own entity. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 says, 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. They said vile things to me, made me do unimaginable, perverted acts, and eventually tied me up and laid me down by the entrance of the front door. A safe environment is characterized by love, grace, encouragement, and hope. Pastor Phil is a loving and truly a man of God. In the case of Hillsong, said Mercer-Taylor, the music will be handled as a commodity, subject to being unseated in the marketplace even if it has artistic or spiritual value. As 1 Timothy 1:5 puts it, the goal of our instruction is lovefrom a pure heart and agood conscience and a sincerefaith. We need to ask God to reveal to us the things that dishonor him. I know the feeling of losing hope hope for the future, hope for acceptance, hope for security and protection, hope that you can ever be whole and undamaged again. 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. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Hillsong United performs in concert in March 2022, weeks after Brian Houston's resignation. Read More Alex Patricio About an hour after, my parents came home from their Bible study in Makati. My friends and I were very fortunate to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about our well-being. 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. See more. Lana had been taken down to the apartment below by one of the men and was raped there. so the freethinkers are not thinking freely or just not thinking when they do that. She contends that Zacharias groomed her to participate in secretive communications that eventually included sending nude photos of herself. Or it came as a longing to return to the innocence of my childhood. The Christ Commission Fellowship or the CCF is a thriving church of approximately 30+ outreaches in the Philippines and abroad. 5 Lessons You Need to Know. I wanted to move on and move past what happened to me. My mom asked herself: If I dont cling to God where would I go? As she wrestled with the reality of the rape, she recognised that the only way to survive was to turn to the Lord, not away from Him. He doesnt forget any of us, no matter what we have been through. With corporate consolidation in worship music, more entities are invested in the songs sung on Sunday mornings. According to CCC Pastor Cal Jernigan, the elder Baker told him that someone had made an accusation against Caleb Baker, but that it was unfounded. Since the explosion of the song Shout to the Lord in 1994, Sydney-based Hillsong has shaped worship in the US, particularly among Pentecostals and evangelicals. CCF pastor Urquico, a former drug addict, recalled how attending prayer meetings called Dawn Watch helped him turn his life around. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Infamy and scandal Kho's promising career was interrupted when it was reported that Kho had tried to commit suicide in December 2008. For worship leaders worried about guilt by association, the financial connection between Hillsong and its music may be irreconcilable. This is never promised in Scriptures.. After taking heat for speaking at a stadium event with pastors described as prosperity gospel preachers and false teachers, Francis Chan has publicly responded to those concerns and vowed to continue speaking at events that feature people with whom he theologically disagrees. More Hillsong pastors step down following leader's resignation, doc release. Darnell Barrett, a 32-year-old father of two, resigned from Hillsong on April 27, 2021. Over the years, many things have been said about me that simply are not true. 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. She and her husband, Edric, home-school their six children: Elijah, Edan, Titus, Tiana, Catalina and Caylee. CCF. I was raped and sexually abused on my very own bed by a total of seven men.
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