Because Jeff is still lying to peoples faces with a smug grin as recently as Saturday night. Go figure..Disappointed, Searching for a new study close by. It is loving to tell the truth. Leaving spiritual abuse is okay, you cant be expected to change it while youre in the midst of it. I wasnt happy with that but it had to be done! The bloggers began posting again, however, in 2017, around the same time that Harvest Bible Fellowship was dissolved in 2017, due in part to concerns by some some member churches about how Harvest was managing the fellowships finances. Nellie, you know what Lina went through in prep for this how? God is purifying His Church. * 36But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. Todays Christians are weak and show Satan how powerful he is when their own Church is faced with trouble. Some women were still in the middle of the trauma and were still currently attending Harvest. 15:58 Therefore, my dear (sister) be steadfast,immovable,always excelling in the Lords work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.. I think that was beautifully stated. Because she is helping expose evil and proving that is is deep and wide and on going. Now that all MacDonald men are gone and the elder board has been cut down to 9 men until a brand spanking new group of men are approved of, I am curious to see where this train goes. We too would pray and fast and seek the Lord as to what it was we could have done wrong as not one person from the church we had attended for years cared to find out where we were at. Something happened to us some years ago and a number of people turned against us because of lies, etc. I am thankful for JESUS that used Pastor James in my life. Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! If you know anything about abusive relationshipsHBC is in the honeymoon phase right now.look it up!! The Right's New Lie: The Left Gave Us Toxic Masculinity, The Harvest Bible Chapel Scandal in a Nutshell (And Why You Should Care). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); LIVING WITH POWER MINISTRIES: 119 S EMERSON ST. #213 | MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056 | 224-634-6777 | [emailprotected]. But when it happens for reasons like this we should be shouting it but unfortunately we dont always perceive the abuse for what it was/is until we are out of the situation. Why would we be any different? Too many of these large churches have lost track of what their true purpose is. REALLY !! In keeping with our past private statements to Harvests leadership and to our pastorsThe primary issue is not reconciliation or peacemaking, it is repentance, GCC elders said in a January 17 statement. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. Can Bubble Tea Bring Gen Z into the Chinese Church. My first two books were scheduled to be released smack in the middle of that summer, and I didnt want to impact their potential not to mention that James had agreed to write the forward on my first book. For me, it is because it is time for truth. It all is about money to pay taxes and building and salaries. We dont know each other, but I found this via Julie Roys Twitter. I havent seen the video but abuse of power at any level is sickening!! out of fear you complied I, too, have friends who have never once asked how I am or why I left. When one part of the body hurts, we all hurt! Though MacDonald has been granted the rights to his Walk in the Word ministry, he and Harvest remain at odds. I enjoy both of you Christian ladies for the different gifts you both bring. I have or attend 3 or more small groups a week now and feel alive. Wow Nancy K, after all that has been said and done, seemingly over many years, it is startling to me that you would make such a commemtWow, Why? Lina did try to have a conversation with the Elders before she left Harvest. Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. Thank you for your vulnerability. Besides, pastors charismatic enough to gain large followings frequently have the ability to effectively deflect criticism and keep their elder board firmly on their side. Like the unsaved around us we fight for positions of prestige to lord it over one another. It was both true in a sense and funny. James MacDonald, founder of Harvest Bible Chapel in greater Chicago, who was recently fired under a cloud of financial abuse, was allegedly being paid nearly a million dollars per year in regular salary, had access to approximately a million more in discretionary spending, and is currently owed $2.6 million in deferred compensation by the I am sorry I am so late to discover this article but I had to respond to this comment. Superior to whom? At Camp Harvest in 2009, for example, the pastor shot at a target that contained photos of some elders wives. But as every Christian knows, we walk and we live by grace. He also makes vulgar comments about Wheaton College executive director of the Billy Graham Center Ed Stetzer and repeatedly degrades Julie Roys, the reporter who wrote the World Magazine story. Pray for James and Christs church that the LORD would accomplish what HE and HE alone is allowing. Hello: Thanks for sharing Lina. Do you think God approves of pastors who deliberately scam their congregation for years, use his name for money and abuse people for the Almighty Dollar? I grew up in the Church of Christ. Typical gossips and power struggles are only the surface. I cant imagine a person alive who couldnt look at their life and say the same thing in some area of their dealings with people. God is good and He will use those who make themselves available to Him. Thank you. That IS A LIE!! He is very likely not a brother in Christ. Pastor James MacDonald preaches at Harvest Bible Chapel. This is why Jesus did not come to this present church environment. James MacDonald and the leaders of HBC did that with their own hands, hearts, & minds. You followed what God would have instructed you to handle this situation.you started by going to the leaders of the church for answers and none were given. In Jesus precious name. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Thank you for opening up your home so that hurting people could come together and share. This included an abusive and fear-based culture where those who question leadership are punished, she writes. Those that have gone through it ask themselves, should I speak up?. And in 1 Corinthians 5, we are told to judge those within the Church). In the clips, the person who sounds like MacDonald talks about a plot to plant child pornography on Christianity Today CEO Harold Smiths computer. May God have mercy on his soul. The problem definitely doesnt end with James. I left the church 4 years ago, the week after 3 elders were publiclyex-communicated on a cheap home made movie not worthy of one wasted second of the worship service. May God be glorified through this. It was not supposed to be that way. When we try to protect those in power instead of those who are hurting, we are not doing the work of God. Oh Kristy, Thank you so much for expressing exactly what I am feelingsuch sorrow, such heartbreaking sorrow. She has admitted that she didnt speak up enough at the time. It, honestly, has been the biggest source of my own sin and self inflicted suffering. With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. My faith has been shaken by the situation at another Christian organization. It was an extremely long and difficult decision to finally leave (we did our best to leave peacefully with the good of Christs church in mind) knowing very well that our reputations and many of our friendships we had there would be severely if not permanently damaged. A former youth pastor for Harvest Bible Chapel in Aurora has been charged with the sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old boy on allegations he sought nude pictures of the boy and repeatedly. Transparency in finances Though MacDonald initially opted to step away from all preaching and leadership roles at the churchs Chicago-area locations, in his January 16 sabbatical announcement he suggested he might still preach at a Harvest congregation in Naples, Florida, which led to another saga. Saying he had hit a "wall of exhaustion" in June, Lead Ministry Pastor Greg Bradshaw said he is not only leaving Harvest, but also the ministry. Voices heard together make a difference. We cant judge the HEART of others, we can judge their actions and behaviors. Do you read the elder updates? Still, things seemed off. In announcing MacDonalds termination, Harvest elders stated they are committed to fulfilling our fiduciary duty as the leadership of this congregation, knowing that at times the outcome may be misunderstood or emotionally painful. We left Harvest for, among other reasons, the bad theology and overall silliness of the womens ministry. Praying for a healing and refocus of all Gods churches, Mary, Your willingness to sit down over a cup of coffee in your home with women of God and get real about our hurts, our fears, our dreams, or whatever is going on in our lives. I pray your steps continue to be guided by our Lord! Nellie, be very, very careful! I pray others in leadership read your post, check their hearts, and follow suit. I regret staying at Harvest after that meeting with the elders. The edited . Pray for the church and the people! I have nothing bad to say about Harvest. Someday, Fred, when you grow a spine, you need to come to me and beg my forgiveness for the unbiblical excommunication you were a part of in my situation. Have you not read these passages? Open your eyes and feel the heat of the refiners fire. first Bill Hybels. Let this awaken and take down other church leaders that have similar goals. We just determined to treat the circumstances as a loving God giving us a different direction. My father went through prostate cancer. Rita, be encouraged. The 60-year-old pastor called on his former church to confess its wrongs and correct the record. Ross, Ross Blomberg, DIRECTIONS & INFO | . Jesus calls us to be GOOD. Lina, The sin that has taken place does not negate the awesome work that God has done, and it pains my heart to hear people act as if it does. Its like I seek mans favor as well, rather than the Lords. I have been attending Harvest and listening and learning from Pastor James sermons for almost 10 years; I have witnessed the sweet joy of my husband coming to Christ because of God using Pastor James mightily; and I have been blessed beyond measure by the positive impact Harvest, its ministries, and especially its PEOPLE have had upon my relationship with God, my Harvest friends and family, my life, and my marriage. Churches should switch to a different model that is biblically aligned. But I hope the healing can begin, and I hope the abuse will stop.. There are people there I thought were my friend and as soon as my life takes a left turn and happens out of order (first came baby then came marriage and then another baby) I get ousted out and judged and hurt. Christians! When you are in a position where fear dictates the position you cannot speak out while under that. I dont take joy in this situation, but I rejoice in the truth. An eight-month investigation into pastor James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel, his Chicago-area megachurch, culminated last week with the publication of a World Magazine article by Julie Roys. The church, which has a weekly attendance of more than 12,000 at its seven campuses, is also associated with Vertical Worship, Harvest Christian Academy (HCA), and MacDonalds Walk in the Word TV and radio ministry. And come together in prayer, fasting and humility before Jesus that He enables us to be the people He died for. Vicki Stevenson, I have not read your blogs for some time but the Holy Spirit caused me to stop and read this post. All of it. Like you, Lina, Ive listened to people wounded by sin, power grabs and wrongdoing by Church leaders. I think God has not lifted the veil on a lot of eyes for some reason. Nothing will change at Harvest if the cancer of fear is not exposed . Im replying after reading just your first few paragraphs. In a recorded video message, Bill Sperling, an elder, told the congregation that the elders concluded that there is a sinful pattern of inappropriate language, anger and domineering behavior. Look, Im sorry, but thats a bit late. , The elders of Harvest stand behind [Pastor MacDonalds] character and integrity without reservation. 1 Song. The abuse I suffered first hand and working through the realizations and implications of that abuse have been traumatic. It seems to me that theyve had years to repent and make things right. for less than $4.25/month. Pastor James made it political when he compared the era of President Trump to the era of Stalin the era of Hitler. No, I dont as well as many others. The reason why people are coming out now or again is because finally due to being outed on a National Radio program something is finally being done. superstar pastors are always ,inevitably, trouble. While regret cant look back, we now live in a different era than we did four years ago. Its messy. Truth is healthy. New to Harvest and my faith in Christ, I didnt know what was going on and still kinda of unclear of all the details. Thank you for this post. Also, for 2 years I felt my prayers didnt get past the ceiling. He just got into the worlds standards for a preacher. Secrest, who founded the church in 2016 and affiliated with Harvest last September, said he didnt know at the time about the ongoing concerns raised about MacDonalds leadership and the churchs financial status, which led to Harvests lawsuit last year. I had a bad experience at the Chapel myself. The church has responded by hiring Lawrence Swicegood, the executive director of communications at Gateway Church, who was also hired by Harvest Bible Chapel when facing its scandal involving James MacDonald. Because ultimately what God wants is not a huge army of women who are nice. Why do you say you have a lack of music?. Ezekiel 22:27: Her princes [leaders] within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. Leaving without speaking up was still an act of cowardice and self-preservation. Thank goodness God is still God! Be blessed dear Sister. Many were intimidated, called names, called subversives. Opt out of televised preaching? May Our Lord guide all of us and May His will be done above all else. The resources are pulpit curriculum and bible words to talk about. The elders and pastoral board have created a team called Harvest 2020 to conduct a complete review of what happened, and of the church. Just because its a church building with leaders doesnt mean that Christ is leading it. Harvest Bible Chapel's Elgin campus H arvest Bible Chapel has reached a multimillion-dollar agreement to transfer some of its assets to former pastor James MacDonald, who plans to continue in. You are Loved I think I am gonna throw up. Seeing this in your personality it is understandable to me that at first you revered James correction and fell into compliance. Sign up for our newsletter: What should we be planning for, praying for, and what did Jesus teach about? I feel foolish for allowing myself to be misled for so long. Rather, God is shaking the junkall of our junkout of His Church. She approached this with sensitivity, wisdom and grace. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. You are brave and you did the right thing! We are wounded and grieving. Others had old wounds that had resurfaced and were hurting, having never felt closure to their stories. I hope that the cleansing and purification will come to Davenport as well. These are the same elders who signed the letter of unconditional support for James, and then they fire him? You are open to correction, feeling hurt when it comes. So now, I tell the truth about what happened, and it isnt only a Pastor James problem. Thank you for your courage. Matthew 7:15: Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. These three men had then joined six other former eldersthese men had all left Harvest entirelyin writing and sending a letter to the current elder board raising concerns about MacDonalds leadership. Others wised up and slowly left. Being part of Harvest, and hearing how the utmost leaders were tattooed with the Vertical Church logo, as I prepare the lesson, I cant help but wonder about the tattoo on the bodies of those who accepted the mark of James as their alliance with the Vertical Church of James. I am so proud of Lina and she is speaking out the words that I would never say because I live in fear of that kind of authority. I assumed that you had simply moved on to bigger and better things. It is so sad when the devil works to cause problems in a church. Sitting in the pews, I could not see how deep the cancer was at HBC. There were several close family deaths, lost our home, business and more. My last complaint. I left for the Truth of Orthodoxy! Do you remember how Jesus acted towards the money changers and false shepherds? Yet their silence hurt me and sometimes made me question the validity of my reasons for leaving. We need to trust Him. A Florida Lawyer Argues That a Pregnant Inmates Unborn Child Is Being Illegally Detained, Experts Predict the Ozone Layer Will Fully Heal Within 40 Years, The Biblical Reasons for Going Low Waste, The Spiritual Toll of Americas Food Waste Epidemic, The Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Has Been Sentenced to Life in Prison. Not everyone is so blessed, and for those of you who have left HBC and have had to find a new local church, there are healthy ones out there. Im very certain you do not understand narcissists and how manipulative they are I recommend Dr. Ramani on YouTube as she is a great resource to gain understanding but the only chance to fight their evil is to bring it out into the light, expose them for what they truly are. Thank you for sharing! Anointing: Every believer is a priest in the new covenant. Thats the point and issue with what was and is going on at Harvest. I hate to be James because God judges leadership harsher than the regular sinner. It describes participative worship thats all the music you need. Sheila, we are not called to be good, we are called to be HOLY! Excited for the new study, hoping One of your teachings would be chosen. It would be endearing to me and honoring to them. A former Harvest staffer was also reported to police last fall after being accused of embezzling $270,000 from the church. Over the summer, they agreed to try to make a joint statement and start the process of relational reconciliation, the Harvest elders said, but the efforts didnt pan out. All I have to say Lina is thank you! Well said. The unrest at Harvest began in the fall of 2013, when two elders were excommunicated and another was indirectly censured, Roys writes. Amen to that. 7. He clearly told me that they send out reminders to give. The former Harvest Bible Fellowship leaders now at GCCwhich contains about 130 churches, more than half of which still have Harvest in their namesshare concerns about the churchs leadership and are looking for transparency and repentance from MacDonald. For years, they had been made to feel like the outcasts, but finally vindication in its godly form was working its way out. How about some GRACE !!! I didnt want James as an enemy, as being on the inside knowing and seeing how he could and would destroy others in ministry if they challenged him. I believe this is God working to expose sin just as Jesus warned Luke 12:2-3 33Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. Perhaps the Holy Spirit prompted Lina to share from the HEART. In the early 2000s, Harvest embarked on an ambitious expansion plan, aiming to form "10 churches in 10 years." Since then the church has opened locations in Elgin, Highland Park, Niles, Crystal. Your studies are strong biblical studies. This is not an endorsement of the culture at Harvest because its total trash, but you cant blame them for you bad theology choices. Hidden things have come to light. I was there when Ted launched. In 2019, Harvest initially did not release these assets, assuring the congregation, none of Harvest Bible Chapels or Walk in the Words donations or assets have gone to James, and we will not be giving him anything in the future since his termination was with cause. The year prior, Walk in the Word brought in close to $8.5 million, with 2,000 stations airing the show. God the Holy Spirit wanted Lina to speak more specifically at this time; and she did. Pray for those outside the faith who will never come to salvation because of how this appears to them, Muller wrote in his op-ed. 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