Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. I will preach in just about any kind of setting if Im given freedom to preach from any passage of scripture.. They see the content of songs themselves as a priority, not to mention the familiarity and sing-ability, over whats happening at the church that bears the same name. Based in the Philippines, she is a mother to six children and is delighted to be in the trenches of home-schooling three boys and three girls. Updated. God had allowed the hedge of safety to be opened, but we didnt want the evil one to claim victory over us. By. Completion of the report, and its promised public release, is still weeks away. According to Chan, he speaks at events almost every week of the year and said that it is part of his calling in this season of his life. 1,706,805 people like this. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Running back into the house, I was pulled back in through the font door. Currently, she is the author behind Teach with Joy (https://teachwithjoy.com), a popular site which celebrates the joys of marriage, parenting and home-schooling. They told me to make everything seem like it was okay. We were targeted, groomed, exploited, malevolently litigated against, falsely accused as elaborate extortionists, the statement said. This is what sin does. She worked hard since the inception of that organization. Hillsong United performs in concert in March 2022, weeks after Brian Houston's resignation. As we take a look at Ravis failure, we are reminded of people from the Bible like King David and Solomon who blatantly disobeyed God and yet were still used by God. 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 Beware of cynicism and discouragement. He doesnt forget any of us, no matter what we have been through. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Chan stressed that he now recognizes that sometimes his participation in an event can give an impression that I align with every other speaker at the event., Im not sure what to do about that other than to tell you that I dont, Chan assured. CCF BEYOND AND INTERNATIONAL CHURCH PLANTING (ICP) PASTORS & LEADERS PASTOR JIM WHELCHEL MISSIONS DIRECTOR PASTOR DANNY PEREZ ICP DIRECTOR PASTOR JOEY GERONIMO ICP-NCP LIAISON MINISTRY COORDINATOR MEL SANTOS ICP LEADERSHIP DEV'T COORDINATOR WILSON GONZALES EAST ASIA MOV'T COORDINATOR PAOLO ZAGALA SOUTHEAST ASIA MOV'T COORDINATOR MUELLER PENG More Hillsong pastors step down following leader's resignation, doc release. Let us weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15), especially with Ravis family members, ministry colleagues, and of course, the many victims of his sexual misconduct. 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. With over 60,000 gathered at Camping World Stadium, the 10-hour Feb. 23 event was hosted by Youth With A Mission, Christ for All Nations, and Engle. The bargain musicians make when they release worship music is that the same impulses that drive ideological boycotts will apply to their music. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Welcome to CF Downingtown! I thought that the robbers had come back, but it turned out to be people my family knew from Faith Academy. The question over whether to keep playing Hillsongs music in worship falls in an interesting place. None of us wanted to keep this story a big, dark secret. Over the years, many things have been said about me that simply are not true. That sentiment is strangely relevant to this very different situation. Teach them what it means to be accountable. Won't be surprised if the church leadership gets involved in some sort of scandal in the future. Yet there are loyalists, like C.D. It was not a call to come and prosper but rather the opposite a call to come and suffer. 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. Let us not allow the failures of a few famous leaders to discourage us, make us cynical, or lose heart. He wants to give us hope for the future and hope for our past a new beginning. But he had no idea that a band of robbers had slipped in through the gate behind him. Joy, now 42, has been married to her husband, Edric, for 18 years. My humble advice is we dont have to understand everything or try to figure out everything. Ohh that's good. This excerpt from Joy Tan-Chi Mendozas book,When A Good God Allows Rape, published by OMF Literature, is republished with permission. PASTORS & LEADERS, PASTOR JOEY GERONIMO 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. In 1995, Joy experienced something terrible. We in the CCF leadership see this incident a strong reminder of the need to strengthen our own practice of accountability and transparency. Zacharias, a widely popular author and speaker, died of cancer in May at age 74. I was raped and sexually abused on my very own bed, in my bathroom, in my brothers room by a total of seven men. Hillsong leaders have criticized the Discovery+ documentary, saying its slanted portrayal is an attempt to harm the church, not an effort to present a true and fair account its ministry work. What is Christs Commission Fellowship? From racy music videos to a convoluted money trail, the case has . 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. All rights reserved. ! someone yelled at me. But the Lord has. Some people have questioned my willingness to take pictures with anyone who asks for a picture with me. Heed the command of Jesus when He said, Do not judge so that you will not be judged Why do you look at the speck that is in your brothers eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Matthew 7:1,3). Hannah Frishberg. While some are quick to ask, What about the psalms of David? or If we cant sing songs written by sinners, whats left? others emphasize the need to hold worship musicfor all its formative powerto a higher standard. Here is what God says about Himself: Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Always look in the mirror first. I am convinced that it is His Authorship that makes a life beautiful. Sometimes, those borders are easy to draw. Had our friends arrived any earlier, with the robbers in a frenzy, our situation would have been precarious, and the robbers might have shot us in a panic. 5 Lessons You Need to Know. You told them, didnt you? The 2019 documentary about Michael Jacksons alleged sexual abuse of minors, Leaving Neverland, stirred fans to reconsider the artist and his musical legacy. The question is: Will we let Him hold the pen? Pastor JC is probably most recognized for his role with the CCF Village Capital Campaign and discipleship and mentoring of men through Sons of Covenant. The conversation around Hillsong music also runs parallel to considerations around promoting the work of fallen pastors that have emerged in recent years. . ,and Beware of blaming others for your failure to walk in purity. This threw the men into a panic. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. CCF Center Christian Church Worship Generation Clothing Store JESUS CHRIST TO GOD BE THE GLORY CHURCH INT'L Religious Organization EIG Ever Increasing Grace - Candelaria Nonprofit Organization CCF Eastwood Religious Organization Light TV - God's Channel of Blessings TV network Pages Liked by This Page Elevate Main Unique Special Needs Ministry 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. He delivered the rice every month so it was nothing out of the ordinary. In disclosing the interim findings, the RZIM executive committee members described themselves as heartbroken and expressed remorse on behalf of those victimized by Zacharias. A male escort named Mike Jones publicly claimed that Haggard had been a client for years. We wanted our story and Gods safekeeping of our lives to be a testimony to others. We use cookies on this site to improve your user experience. But this moment follows a gradual crescendo of calls to at least proceed with caution when it comes to engagement with Hillsong, claims that the charismatic church promotes a kind of prosperity gospel or a celebrity culture in Christianity. But Jesus gave His life, to restore and heal what sin took away, to give us hope. 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 . Evangelicals. "We believe the Lord is calling us to move into the. His love also gave me the capacity to forgive and the boldness to declare what He has done. The three of us had one another and we were upheld by prayers and the well wishes of Christians all over the world. The verse says so that you may know. 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. She holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and researches music in Christian communities. 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. Infamy and scandal Kho's promising career was interrupted when it was reported that Kho had tried to commit suicide in December 2008. When they arrived at our house, they feared the worst at the sight of police cars parked outside the gate of our house. Welcome! Complete Guide to Christian Denominations: Understanding the History, Beliefs, and Differences by Ron Rhodes. 8. The reality is we live in a world that is broken, fallen. The entire world groans under the weight of sin. My parents were going to be out teaching a Bible study in Makati City that night. 13. Irene and Lana had arrived at 7pm as planned, with no clue that they were walking into a nightmare. 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. 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). We use cookies on this site to improve your user experience. We need to be aware of our own mistakes and failures, and confess it to God so that our hearts will not be hardened. 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. Founder Brian Houston left the church in March after a pair of investigations into his inappropriate behavior and awaits trial on charges he covered up abuse by his father. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. Not only that, Haggard had allegedly used crystal meth in front of his male lover. Senior pastor of Cathedral at Chapel Hill D.E. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. We must practice accountability and consistently avoid situations where we become vulnerable. We need to heed Gods clear warnings. 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. FILE - In this March 30, 2016 file photo, Ravi Zacharias, center, speaks during the Society of World Changers induction ceremony at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind. We dont evaluate historical compositions and Billboard hits in the same way we consider music meant to facilitate worship, but the question of the separation between art and artist, or even art and the system that generated it, is a relevant one. But Hillsong isnt just a megachurch. 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. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 says, 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Mustering up the courage, I blurted out softly: Mom, Dad, I was raped.. Let us do our best to have open accountability and discipleship with the people we are close to. Thrush finds it understandable that many worship leaders would continue using Hillsong music. On other occasions, it left me feeling alone in a room full of people, like I didnt quite fit in with my peers. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. As I began to move past the initial shock and trauma of having been raped, I was left with an overwhelming sense of loss. (RNS) Evangelicals are pointing fingers at "celebrity Christian culture," blaming it for the tragic Ravi Zacharias sexual abuse and rape . Oh, Joy! my mom said, the tears instantly welling up around her blue eyes. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Shes worried that continuing to use that music could associate her or her church with Hillsong or serve as a reminder of the harm its leaders have caused. PASTOR AUMAR AGUILAR I would like encourage everyone not to react or rebutt esp on social media bec that is what FF wants. 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. wala namang masama magsuot ng ganyan costume lang naman wag molang yan dadalhin sa airport hahaha tao lang naman yan nagkakamali ika nga sa mata ng iba,ang masakit lang pag nangangaral nayang mga yan akala mo kung sinong banal na di makabasag pinggan ,yung pinapangaral nila sila mismo ang lumalabag . 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. , 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. Twice. 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.. Unlike worship leaders in the context of a church service, music historians have the benefit of teaching and engaging with musical works while providing extensive context and facilitating discussion about a particular composers biography. METRO EAST 2, CLUSTER HEAD, PASTOR ALEX MARCOS Its a major global force in worship music. Beware of acting like a Pharisee. No one is beyond sin. For this reason, we covet your prayer support. Davis, in an email obtained by the AP, wrote to RZIM staff on Dec. 23 acknowledging that the developments were likely to have caused grief, confusion, disillusionment and anger and asking that they refrain from speaking to the media while the investigation is underway. W hen a megachurch scandal makes headlines, it doesn't usually affect your Sunday morning set list . Mercer-Taylor, an expert in American hymnology and popular music, still includes Michael Jacksons Billie Jean video in his courses. The couple has three other children, who are all married with children. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); one who forms opinions on the basis of reason, independently of tradition, authority, or established belief; one who doubts or denies religious dogma. 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. Ask God to examine your heart. The Lord is a Redeemer. 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. 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. Why? Zacharias wife, Margaret, is listed as vice chairman of ministry; their eldest daughter, Sarah Davis, as executive director; and their younger daughter, Naomi Zacharias, as vice president for a grant-making division called Wellspring International. My parents had safeguarded my innocence. She says that while working in . The reality is others are watching us. At such events, a number of pastors and Christian leaders are invited to come and give a message. [4] CCF has satellite churches and small groups in other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia. 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. Some booksellers have pulled Zacharias books from their offerings. As a worship leader, Thrush hopes that the attention around Hillsong will push leaders and worshipers to have difficult and honest conversations that acknowledge the associations with its music. Model what it means to be open and transparent by sharing your vulnerability. We must put the corruption and scandal behind us in order to grow and spread our love. It is a place where people can freely share without fear of rejection and condemnation. Hillsong has produced a body of singable and infectious songs that are meaningful, encouraging, and comforting for many believers. It faces calls from within its own ranks to change its name, pay reparations to any victims and oust some top leaders, including Zacharias family members. "I was 9 years old when I first smoked; 10, when I started . 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. Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! Apologies should be as far reaching as the damage.. CCF Center, for one, has a seating capacity of 10,000, making it the largest worship center in the Philippines, even larger than INC's Central Temple (7,000) and BOL's Crossroad Center (Crossroad77, 2,500). Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Two years later, a core group of 40 people (businessmen, professionals, and their families) emerged from these Bible studies. I regretted inviting my friends over to spend the night. My mom asked herself: If I dont cling to God where would I go?. Lana had been taken down to the apartment below by one of the men and was raped there. FAX: 213-383-2046. 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. The twist, however, is that strapped to his chest was a mock explosive device. About an hour and a half passed and then someone rang the doorbell. 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.. Lanas parents rushed over to be by her side. Based in suburban Atlanta, RZIM has operations in about 20 countries and a roster of scores of traveling speakers. . Joy is now a stay-at-home mom, which she considers the most rewarding job in the world. We must assume personal responsibility for our walk. But we became each others strong supporters, especially when we felt like others could not understand what we were going through. 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. The truth is there are still many God-fearing leaders who are faithfully serving the Lord. The Ravi Zacharias Case: 14 Foundational Lessons Pastor JC has an AA and a BA in Business, is the founder of Sons Of Covenant . Joy Tan-Chi Mendoza is the daughter of Pastor Tan-Chi, a senior pastor of Christ Commission Fellowship in the Philippines. It is a certainty, not a false promise. 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. 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 take heart, because I have overcome the world.. Musicologists and critics have considered how we engage with songs produced by problematic composers for centuries, and revelations around contemporary artists like Michael Jackson and R. Kelly have also challenged how listeners engage with groundbreaking and chart-topping songs. 14. Hebrews 12:1-2 instructs us let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith Galatians 6:9 encourages us, lets not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.. Today, I am happily married and blessed with five* children. LUZON NORTHEAST HUB OVERSEER, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS CENTRAL LUZON, ABET FARIAS Always be willing to listen to correction. In 2009, while already well known in the modeling and showbiz industry, he achieved household infamy in his involvement in a sex scandal. Let us accept the fact that if one member (of Christs body) suffers, all the members suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). Admittedly, my selfish thought was, I hope they shoot me first. written by GOD TV February 15, 2019. 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. Avoid going on domestic or foreign travel alone and if possible, bring your wife with you she is your partner. Being authentic is not about perfection it is the willingness to be confronted, to admit, to confess, and to repent. The question becomes, What do you do when you have teams of young people who have worked really hard at what they do and are really good at it? Mercer-Taylor said. This happened and we must accept it. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. I wasnt sure why they dropped by and I didnt have much time to talk to them. I often found myself in tears because my innocence and purity had been stolen. Joy is happily married to Edric Mendoza. Please pray that we all be faithful to our Lord to the very end of our lives. God purposes to write each persons life story. This was the first video by a nonwhite artist to broadcast on the MTV network. While one can say INC and CAMACOP had a few decades headstart, their strategies are clear ever since. The Guardians chief pop critic Alexis Petridis wrote: You cant easily eradicate Jackson from history: too many people have too much of their lives bound up with his music. About an hour after, my parents came home from their Bible study in Makati. Twice. While this is difficult to comprehend in the midst of suffering, it doesnt change the reality that God desires our greatest good. For worship leaders worried about guilt by association, the financial connection between Hillsong and its music may be irreconcilable. In 1982, Pastor Peter Tan-Chi began an evangelistic home Bible study in Brookside Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal. Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to pursue leads.. Following the stories out of Hillsong, she said, felt like going through the stages of grief. Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15). Dollar was arrested Friday, June 8, 2012, after his . Ted Haggard, 2006 Ted Haggard was the pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado . They took my dads cousin, his wife and their young child. As quickly and as quietly as I could, I whispered to them through the gate: There are robbers in the house. Then I said loudly (so the robbers would hear me), Okay thanks, goodbye!. Perhaps the Irish priest will meet 44-year-old Antonello Tropea, who in December was also discovered on Grindrbut in his case, luring underage boys to have sex in the rectory of his church . 12. If Jesus is present in our lives, we do not have to be afraid, to worry, nor should we doubt that He will take care of us when trials and difficulties come. espaol, // March 23, 2019, 12:35 pm, "God's love brought me through the valley His love also gave me the capacity to forgive and the boldness to declare what He has done. This sparked some critics to question why Chan would choose to speak at an event with charlatans known to promote the prosperity gospel.. 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.. My parents pulled me towards them and for the first time that evening, I really cried about the rape. No one is perfect. METRO EAST 4, CLUSTER HEAD, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS METRO SOUTH, CCF SATELLITE PASTORS & LEADERS METRO WEST. It speaks volumes to me and a lot of other people, Thrush said. Margie says RZIM gave her 90 days notice to vacate her home. For a while I blamed myself for what happened to them.