The power plays, ego trippin (yes, I did say trippin), greed, pride, etc., has been going on throughout church history. (Lets not even get into the bullying by church staff) Lets just focus on the by-laws for one second. First Baptist Church of Naples Florida Openly Admits Congregational Racism October 30, 2019 by admin In a recent story from Religion News Source (RNS) it was revealed that First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida, failed to elect a new pastor because he was black. 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. Wade Burleson is also part of the smear campaign, too. Sadly, that did not come to fruition. Not lies. Connect with the reporter at [email protected] or on Twitter @PatJRiley. 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. THAT IS OK! You would call Martin Luther King an Uncle Tom Im sure. The message at FBCN is clear: get along or get out. I lived it. Garippa said The Naples Gathering has 350 to 400 people attending, 85-percent of whom are former FBC Naples members. The day after excommunicating the 18 members, FBC Naples lay leadership and pastoral staff sent an open letter to the SBC, accusing some who didnt vote for Hayes, whos a member of the SBC Executive Committee, of racism. Instead he was charged with this amorphous set of wrongdoings that were later largely or totally shown to be untrue. 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 the church's new senior pastor. However, at some point the church leadership became hostile to the longtime pastor, according to church members. Naples, FL 34109 (239) 597-2233. Our church voted by a percentage of 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next Pastor. So for now we will go to Tampa & enjoy Church there, as no wish to be seen to support incompetence. 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. Pray for Me; Log In However, in May, Wicker said he agreed to videotape a short farewell message to members from a script both he and the personnel committee had approved. announced his intention to transition gradually out of the churchs pastorate 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. Now it certainly will as the debt load is unsustainable. More bluntly What have we done? . We were on cloud nine. We reached out to Phillips Harvey Group and FBC Naples to confirm, but they did not respond. @DooWopCokeFan Please try to understand something: NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE THINK ALIKE. 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. Quite the contrary the creedal history of the church was arguably constructed to exclude precisely the kind of views that were being espoused. 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. This is why I dont attend a church and work on my relationship with God on a daily basis. Numerous now-former church members have been purged from the church membership roll. At the time, Wicker seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination. 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. It stinks to me of Greed. Of course they did. When HE transitioned the church from Elders to committees the ground work was laid for unbiblical polity. 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. To those who are part of the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, the church's allegations of racism have no standing. In his quote-tweet, Hayes said Roberson was in his student ministry while he was a youth pastor in Chicago. The process offers no protections for those suspected worthy of dismissal, so it invites rampant abuse. 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. God used their faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN. Give Online. Wicker called the allegations appalling., We reached out to Boone, specifically asking about the allegations mentioned in the video, but he did not respond. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. I would know. Of course, it is obvious you have a vested interest in attacking those putting out the facts. More Emails: FBC Naples Concerned Party Defends Itself Against Accusations of Racism, VIDEO: A look at the problems at FBC Naples, FBC Naples Insider Speaks Out About Alleged Racism and Unbiblical Excommunications at FBC Naples, Leaked Emails Show That FBC Naples Members Had Serious Concerns About Marcus Hayes Biblical Qualifications. Dorrill did not elaborate on how the process was compromised, and Bonnett did not answer emailed questions about the matter. Well Hello!!! The decision to excommunicate us 48 hours after a failed vote, without ANY confrontation, was nothing more than a knee jerk reaction to make people pay and to establish a scapegoat. Would highly recommended." - Tabitha C "Better prices than other sites." - Diana E. Power plays, power trips and finances will have repercussions on Judgment Day.or did certain people forget about that?!. Enough racists voted against the pastor. ", 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.". Even Jesus said so much when he talked a man who started building a tower without counting the cost. So very sorry, but not everything is about race and not everyone is a racist. Why is that? With two young children at home, she dedicated her time to being a stay at home mom until 2007 when the Lord opened the door for her to be a preschool teacher at First Baptist Academy in Naples. I believe Hayes was rejected because of racism. Selected and edited comments from an article by Carl Trueman, Revoice, Evangelical Culture, and the Return of an Old Friend (July 31, 2018). When I look at Jesus and his disciples I do not see anything that looks as atrocious as this mess. Love for Jesus, for my fellow brother/sister and love for the truth. That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. Im not sure why you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly. Theres only one human race. The church also launched a schoolFirst Baptist Academy. Wicker said the future for him and his wife is uncertain. These were ALL issues that these so-called dissenters were trying to have addressed PRIOR to the arrival of Marcus. But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. A movement, to direct and shape the policies and testimony of the church is quite a thing. Similarly, an article in The Grio asked, Did a Florida church not hire a pastor because he was Black? And Christianity Today stated, Black Pastor Candidate Withdraws After Controversial Vote at SBC Megachurch.. 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." Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. Here is a prime example of CRT. Generally, at Southern Baptist churches incoming pastors are approved by a majority of the church body upon recommendation from an elected search committee and/or pastoral staff, Stearns wrote. Check the upcoming First Baptist Church - Naples schedule for concerts, shows, and events in 2023-2024 to find the best tickets for all events at First Baptist Church - Naples. Help Guides (Auxanos founder, Will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the publishing division of the SBC.). 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. 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. to be clear. Marcus Hayes, an African-American who is on staff at Biltmore Church in the Asheville, North Carolina area, was the candidate. Exactly right. It is widely known that an 85% affirmative vote is unusually high. It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. The church decided to use the racism card instead ACTUALLY deal with the real issues going on. This is nothing new. Such a loving bunch, arent they?!). There are many more than five things you should know about this situation that obviously you either do not know, or have chosen to ignore because they dont support your rhetoric. I can tell you unequivocally racist did NOT play any part in the actions of decision of the excommunicated members of FBC. . 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. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. In closing, I dont desire to argue with anyone; i have nothing to gain. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. But while we cannot know the heart of another, this doesnt sound like a case of hearts poisoned intolerance, of minds clouded by prejudice. Clarified a few things I had heard through the SBC grape vine. As managing editor of the former Florida Baptist Witness (state paper) I was witness to many of Hayes Wickers years of fruitful ministry. Thank you. When that man runs out of money before completion what is everyone going to say? 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. My heart goes out to his family. weekend the congregation failed emails from the accused church members reveal that dissenters were Takeaway: The problems here illustrate how important biblical models of church governance and judicial process are. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. But am I not allowed to vote based on my opinion without being called a racist? While methods may change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable. This is a clear case of men doing what they can to build their own kingdoms, not Jesus and to manipulate things into their own will being done, again not Jesus. A racist, leftist marxist movement and which claims blacks were muzzled for 150 years now its whites turn to be face the same treatment. Wicker, a former President of the Florida Baptist Convention and the SBC Pastors' Conference, was such a high-profile leader and fundraiser for Baptist causes that his retirement was covered by Baptist Press, which reported the following on February 4th: To be blunt, it stinks and the whiff of corruption I detect is an autocratic sense of entitlement, with a touch of greed, perhaps, as well. Multiple sources claiming to be from FBC Naples have reached out to Pulpit & Pen and Reformation Charlotte and we are currently assessing the accounts of these individual. The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. What have we done, indeed? Soon, one way or another there will be a woke pastor in the pulpit of FBCN. "It seems all cops ever see is black," the attorney continued. Only love. However, he stated, In the 22 years I was there (FBC Naples), I never heard a racist commentever. "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. 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. @Michelle I believe you make valid points. The judge in the case withheld a conviction but gave Dorrill a $10,000 fine and three years probation. Colson thought so highly of an oath of integrity that Wicker had written that Colson included the oath in his landmark book,The Body. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands For 27 years Hayes Wicker and his family faithfully devoted their lives to Gods calling in ministry at FBCN. 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). FBC Naples, recently listed as the 64th largest SBC church in the country, appears to be withering in the wake of the scandal. It seems rather patronizing to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because the propounder is of a certain colour. We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! their sin. Wicker and his wife then returned a Chrysler minivan they had been given years before by a church member, and his church-leased vehicle was repossessed. How about Luke 16:11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Men who run a church into so much debt that it is soon bankrupt with one plague of pestilence, why do we believe Jesus gave such man any true riches or wisdom at all? Food. But with all due respect, be careful commenting on things you dont understand or have first hand knowledge of. And thats ok. God created me too. They released a statement to the church family blaming racism for the rejection of Marcus Hayes. 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. 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. No, Again. For sales or technical support please click here. I think there were people in the church who were afraid of having a black pastor, especially one who does not subscribe to the ridiculous and ungodly notion of colorblindness and one who holds the racial views that Hayes does. Our mission as soldiers is to overthrow false ideas. No, Again. A portion of the 19% that voted against Marcus Hayes did so based on racial prejudices. and make way for younger leadership to carry the ministry forward. 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. Regardless of what specific concerns were held, its important to know that 1) no evidence of genuine racism on the part of those holding them has surfaced, and 2) the efforts these members made to ask questions and express reservations were not taken seriously. Roku Live Streaming, Copyright 2023 ITP Productions, Inc. dba ChristianWorldMedia.com, All Rights Reserved, Welcome to First Naples! It is not necessarily the opinion of any entity by which I am employed, any church at which I am a member, any church which I attend, or the educational institution at which I am enrolled. In addition, those who have been excommunicated, as well as former Pastor Hayes Wicker, say they feel like their reputations have been sullied. Honestly, the system that ousted him is the machine he created. 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