We are so glad you've chosen to join us. I dont think you mean ill will, but just want to make you aware of how poorly comments like that tend to land. Naples, FL 34109 (239) 597-2233. The leadership structure for the past 500 years in pretty much all of our churches is just refurbished Roman Catholicism. In addition, those who have been excommunicated, as well as former Pastor Hayes Wicker, say they feel like their reputations have been sullied. Instead, Wicker was quickly forced out. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. Grateful that FBCN is moving toward amputating the racists, tweeted Rev. Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad.. Despite these red flags, leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) have supported leaders at FBC Naples. I would know. Items. Member of the Evangelical Theological Society Honestly, the system that ousted him is the machine he created. Raising concerns over a pastoral candidates seeming endorsement of the book Woke Church doesnt make someone a racist. Gretchen Church, who said on Twitter that she has been a member of First Baptistfor more than 17 years, tweeted that racism had nothing to do with voting. The petition for a special business meeting was never even ACKNOWLEDGED by the leadership is a Violation of the bylaws. 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. This is a warning to all Southern Baptists. Many church members are staying silent because they fear their children will be kicked out of the Christian school run by the church. What Bible verse says that it is a good idea to borrow money to make your church building bigger and more fancy? At Berean Baptist Church, we have one message-the message of the Lord Jesus Christ, and one ministry-the ministry He has given us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. I dont think that it was right how they treated him. But we are not merely ambassadors. this approach to transition can become a helpful model for other churches.. First Baptist Naples has a byzantine process that allows the pastoral staff to recommend to the deacons the expulsion of a member. I am responding simply to share that theres another side the story and I wish I/we had an opportunity to share such a story without fear of legal action (thats right, the church has threatened legal action against me as well as threatened that if I say anything at all negative about the church they will trespass me prevent me from dropping off and picking up my kids at First Baptist Academy. The views expressed in any video or live stream presented on our website may not necessarily be the views of the CWM owners and staff. An earlier version of this article named the group accused of stealing the email addresses as concerned FBCN members. Shopping. It noted that Hayes had unfriended or blocked several people who had signed the petition on his social media accounts. 1-877-582-9246. . The churchs Interesting. That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. On Easter weekend, Wicker said he received a text message that several chairmen wanted to meet with him about church unrest. Wicker said he tried to ignore it. One screenshot of a tweet included in the email centers around the fatal shooting of a black security guard by a white police officer in suburban Chicago last year. 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. The Holy Spirit inspired him to write his short epistle to people who were struggling with some of these very same issues. Bunch of old white guys with too much time on their hands and too many books in their personal theology libraries. Thank you. So sick of this hate and evil which is exactly what this all is. 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. This is nothing new. Power plays, power trips and finances will have repercussions on Judgment Day.or did certain people forget about that?!. God has done great things among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come! The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. More bluntly What have we done? . First Baptist Naples is, ethnically, a predominantly white church but we are not a racist church.. We are grateful to the Lord for His continued blessing upon the school ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. Numerous now-former church members have been purged from the church membership roll. Who Will Pay for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term? Namely Hayes Wicker. However, Mancini added that the situation at FBC Naples was not typical but did not want to comment on the unique circumstances at the church. "First Baptist Church Naples is doing excellent work through disaster relief," said Wayne Briant, southwest regional catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention. Stop making everything about race. Why did the church leadership behave in such an aggressive and dismissive manner? Following worship services on December 7 and 8, receptions were held to honor Edies six years at the church. Edie, the church's executive pastor, however, called Hayes "one of the most qualified men in Southern Baptist life to be a Senior Pastor of any church in this country.". The Marcus Hayes vote was used to cry wolf. And second, Mr. Hayes did nothing to convince me that he would embrace me as a disgraced member of the church. Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. What does this say about Big Eva? 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. Akins son, Jonathan Akin, is currently serving as interim pastor at FBC Naples. 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. 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. Im not sure why you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly. Theres only one human race. Yet Easter services would be the last time Wicker would preach at FBC Naples. Ill never bother with a Church again, because this is always going to be an issue. Despite this track record, Wicker said he was shut out of the new pastor selection process. 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. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. We need to see people as fellow human beings made in the image of God. FBC Napless accusations and treatment of Pastor Wicker upset dozens of church members. To find sermons, announcements, and other resources, click on the link below. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Exactly right. Sadly, that did not come to fruition. (I)t seems from social media posts that, with no investigation, some convention leaders have chosen to believe this narrative, Caudill wrote. On social media, too, some church members said race played no role in the failed vote. Also concerning to the group was the fact that Marcus Hayes didnt respond to a letter Concerned Members of FBCN had sent him a week earlier, outlining their issues at the church. 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. And because it promises rewards to individuals and organizations influence, students, platform it is both very hard to criticize and functionally unaccountable to any but its own. Am I not allowed as a deacon and 15+ year member of the church to ask questions about leaders who in my opinion have lied and deceived the church for political gain? Notice carefully: Our task as ambassadors is to bring good news to people. He didnt mentioned anything in the question and answer sessions or his sermon that gave me any indication reconciling and unifying our church was even on his radar. is a pastoral search committee? 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. As a side note, is the implication that if a white* person disagrees with a person of colour on the legitimacy of Woke political philosophy/identity-building/self-definition in the church, that person must necessarily be a racist? For sales or technical support please click here. This happened just three days after the church vote concerning Marcus Hayes. Hayes, a black man married to a white woman, ", CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support local journalism, More: Read the letter from First Baptist to church members regarding voting results, In a letter to church membersshortly after the failed vote, the church pointed the finger at groupscalled "Voices of FBCN" and"Group of Concerned FBCN Members.". United States They released a statement to the church family blaming racism for the rejection of Marcus Hayes. Naples Christmas Celebration. I guess the good news is that we are all free to move to a different church whenever we like. 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Caudill added that Dorrill advised Caudill that any pastoral candidates suggested by Wicker would be dead on arrival., In the months leading up to Wickers resignation, the church hired Auxano, a church consulting company, to advise the church on the pastoral transition process. It was appalling and heartbreaking to witness. Takeaway: One could reject the concerns of the church members and not label them racist. To make matters worse, FBC Naples is implementing church discipline procedures which are in direct violation to those set forth by Jesus in Matthew 18. Wicker said the church never responded to his letter. I attended the Saturday evening service with Dr.Marcus Hayes. In 2016, under the leadership of its former pastor, the church changed its bylaws to adopt the85%approval rule, instead of a simple or super-majority, Stearns continued. In 2001, Dorrill pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges in connection with the Stadium Naples corruption scandal. A representative from the Collier County Sheriffs Office also confirmed that FBC Naples contacted them on July 3 regarding a suspicious incident., Wickers daughter, Allyson Stephens, said that on September 13, two detectives visited her home and questioned her about the Voices of FBCN email. The separation was hardly amicable. Looking for past sermons? The church decided to use the racism card instead ACTUALLY deal with the real issues going on. So for now we will go to Tampa & enjoy Church there, as no wish to be seen to support incompetence. "And, as a result of that, there have been groups who honestly feel a little disenfranchised. Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. ", "While racial issues were brought into play, and horrifically there indeed were some who did not approve Rev. This man and his family cannot set foot onto church property, he will never again be able to address a congregation where so many hold him in the highest of esteem. The message at FBCN is clear: get along or get out. But am I not allowed to vote based on my opinion without being called a racist? Get directions, reviews and information for First Baptist Church - Naples in Naples, FL. So very sorry, but not everything is about race and not everyone is a racist. However, no evidence of racism has yet been produced. Dwight McKissic for comment, but none responded. *Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. JUST STOP THE HATE. I just wish so many from my former church would open their eyes and see whats going on. Why abide with a corrupt individual being in a leadership position at the church? Click on the link below to see how you can use your gifts and talents for the Kingdom, from Naples to the nations! 11,847 were here. In the tweet, the attorney, Lee Merritt, wrote in part that investigators claim "all the shooter saw was black" and said that was "exactly the problem.". And as of March 1, the churchs $14 million budget had a shortfall of $1.2 million. No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. "Marcus Hayes, a highly respected and a well-qualified pastor, remains the man that we believe God has called to be our next pastor," Dorrill said to a standing ovation from the congregation. At the end of the service we found the pastor in The Commons area. Southern Baptist Faith & Message Explained, Woke Purges, Show Trials: What First Baptist Church Naples reveals about the future - Capstone Report, BREAKING: FBC Naples sics lawyers on dissenting church members - Capstone Report, SBC Elites defend credibly accused standard to ruin lives, Bart Barber flipflops on pledge to bring vote to ban Women Pastors in SBC, Evangelical Elites lied you to about the origins of Covid, Woke SBC Elites Delete History To Hide Their Schemes. He friended, then de-friended and blocked my wife on social media. When that man runs out of money before completion what is everyone going to say? The Asbury Revival Is Over. 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. We asked him to allow us to hug him. 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. Would highly recommended." - Tabitha C "Better prices than other sites." - Diana E. When I look at Jesus and his disciples I do not see anything that looks as atrocious as this mess. The article above has been corrected to identify the group as Voices of FBCN. Does my agreement with Dr. King and my deep concerns about intersectionality, et al, make me a racist? 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. 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. 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. The process offers no protections for those suspected worthy of dismissal, so it invites rampant abuse. (Auxanos founder, Will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the publishing division of the SBC.). Similarly, SBC president J.D. The leadership spread negative comments about the pastor and accused him of acting in bad faith, according to sources close to the church. ( I wonder what the Aramaic is for fad.). Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. What Happens Now? He didnt return multiple phone calls and e-mails. Ive already been excommunicated and humiliated. I do not intend to allow blackmail to prevail at this point and would hope that you would support me. *I use scare quotes because the Woke phenom is only relevant in a certain context: it is very Americentric (talking like all white people are the same, for example), and not culturally or ethnically sensitive at all when on looks at the ethnic makeup of the church IN OTHER COUNTRIES. I believe Hayes was rejected because of racism. I just want to point out that when you say things like I am in a biracial marriage, it sounds a LOT like I have a black friend. Trust me, that gets you little more than eye-rolling. No, Again. The Story Of First Baptist Church Naples is disturbing and alarming, but it is meant to be an inspiration. Concerned Members of FBCN says the petition received 800 signatures. Proverbs 18:17. And on December 31, Wicker said the health insurance provided by the church was cut off for him and his wife, who has a serious heart condition. Wicker said several weeks later, the church emailed him, stating that Wicker had facilitated and cooperated with a rival faction in the church, which voided his exit agreement. No One Knows. If it can happen at FBC Naples, it can happen anywhere. I also find it interesting that Dorrills past financial misdeeds didnt seem to be a problem for the dissenters until the Hayes vetting process. Pastor Hayes is the Pastor. , from Naples to the nations the article above has been corrected to identify the as! Church vote concerning Marcus Hayes, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be kicked of. March 1, the publishing division of the Evangelical Theological Society Honestly, the division! Vote concerning Marcus Hayes vote was used to cry wolf did the church division of the new pastor process... - Naples in Naples, first baptist church naples, florida problems can happen anywhere church building bigger and more fancy, power trips and will... 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Someone a racist Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, publishing. Church membership roll preach at FBC Naples, it can happen anywhere to say wonder what the Aramaic is fad... Kingdom, from Naples to the nations announcements, and horrifically there indeed were who! And horrifically there indeed were some who did not approve Rev image of god (. As a result of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the link to. At this point and would hope that you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly never with... Be the last time Wicker would preach at FBC Naples, Florida this size are facing a quick!
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