Why abide with a corrupt individual being in a leadership position at the church? First Baptist Naples has a byzantine process that allows the pastoral staff to recommend to the deacons the expulsion of a member. 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. 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. On May 28, Caudill said the church placed him on disciplinary suspension from the deacon board and the senior pastor search team. The actions described in this article, which by the way are just the tip of the iceberg, were unloving, ungodly, and unbecoming of pastors charged with shepherding Gods flock. Shopping. Yet Caudill said that when he spoke up in meetings, the 79-year-old deacon was deemed divisive.. 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. I dont think that it was right how they treated him. He and his wife and his children love God and Gods people. I just wish so many from my former church would open their eyes and see whats going on. and make way for younger leadership to carry the ministry forward. He said the church was hopeful that Hayes would allow his name to be reconsidered as the church's next senior pastor or interim pastor. If there is any racism its from Pastor Hayes and his endorsement of Woke Movement. That's why Hayes was not officially approved, when in past years he would have been. FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church in January 2019. Ill never bother with a Church again, because this is always going to be an issue. After years of delay, Southern Baptists passed a series of reforms in 2022 aimed at addressing abuse in the nations largest Protestant, A former youth pastor at First Baptist Church (FBC) of Bentonville, Arkansas, has accepted a plea deal for his victimization of children, Several churches deemed not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) have responded to action taken by the SBC Executive. I can tell you I am not a racist. I believe Hayes was rejected because of racism. Catholic Idolaters Claim to Find St. Peters BonesAgain. Takeaway: One could reject the concerns of the church members and not label them racist. Namely Hayes Wicker. Specialties: First Baptist Church Naples is a church family that is unified on several basic theological understandings, which are based in our understanding of God's Word. "First Baptist Naples is, ethnically, a predominantly white church but we are not a racist church." Caudill said no one replied to his letter. Sandra received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from our local college, Florida Gulfcoast University in 2001. Connect with the reporter at patrick.riley@naplesnews.com or on Twitter @PatJRiley. I am Caucasian from Eastern Europe. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". Now, everything I just said is my opinion. Takeaway: The problems here illustrate how important biblical models of church governance and judicial process are. FBC Napless accusations and treatment of Pastor Wicker upset dozens of church members. 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. Wickers hopes for a smooth transition have been dashed. Wicker said he was shocked by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he tendered his resignation. We recall the old Church too. 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. Location Berean Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church located in the beautiful community of Naples, Florida, just south of Ft. Myers. Arkansas Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Sexual Assault, Churches Respond to Action of SBC Executive Committee, Why Businessman Peter Chung Matters for the Future of The Kings College. "And, as a result of that, there have been groups who honestly feel a little disenfranchised. Visit: firstnaples.org/media. An economy of power, people, and indeed money which is non-ecclesiastical but highly influential within evangelical churches. The GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. I saw that simply as a distraction from the devil.. Takeaway: The treatment of the retiring pastor at FBC Naples is eerily similar to the treatment of the retiring pastor at McLean Bible Church. I am not lesser or better, but different. That is a perfect summary of every Christians duty in the war for the truth. Such a loving bunch, arent they?!). If not please hold your comments. "We know this because of the campaign that started just days before by a few disgruntled people in our church.". Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. Boy oh boy. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! They arrived in Naples and gathered other Baptist families to meet with them in a small outbuilding behind the local grocery store, meeting for their first worship . If you promote that, take a LONG look in the mirror. Garippa, who was never part of Concerned Members of FBCN, declined to comment on why he left FBC Naples. 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." Sources close to the church administration have said they fear raising any issues that might bring adverse consequences to them, their children, or their grandchildren. about the pastoral transition process at the church, a process which has descended As managing editor of the former Florida Baptist Witness (state paper) I was witness to many of Hayes Wickers years of fruitful ministry. I guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary. Instead, the group alleges that the racism charge was a ruse by men who had recently seized control of the church, expelled and maligned a beloved pastor of 27 years, and then fabricated a basis for excommunicating those who had objected. He friended, then de-friended and blocked my wife on social media. Mancini said its standard to recommend that an outgoing senior pastor not be involved in a pastoral succession process. Ricardo Barbosa December 25, 2014. 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? Dwight McKissic, a prominent African American SBC pastor in Arlington, Texas. ", Although church leaders don't believe that all who voted"no" did so based on race, Dorrill said,"it is undeniable that race played a part in the final days leading up to this election.". The churchs church as large as FBC Naples. It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. They have been in my heart and prayers since this happened. We need to see people as fellow human beings made in the image of God. 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. I certainly agree with you wholeheartedly, Grant. What would Jesus make of Wokeness intersectionality, and indeed, the movement for resegregation by some of those who are of the Prominent Woke, in light of Galatians 3:28? Wicker said in late October, when FBC Naples excommunicated the 18 members, it also stopped paying him his severance. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. Nothing new in this article. Click on the link below to see how you can use your gifts and talents for the Kingdom, from Naples to the nations! 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. the group wrote. You obviously didnt pay attention to everything in that article, only the points you chose to focus on on. (The video is now private and requires a password to view.). I can tell you unequivocally racist did NOT play any part in the actions of decision of the excommunicated members of FBC. Thats what REALLY happened. 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. 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. 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. "Misinformation, fear, and ignorance of social media platforms played a role in the voting, and we, as a church family, are dealing with those issues.". Christians should model justice and love to the world. Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples (Florida) for 27 years. Pastor John David Edie, who wrote the open letter to the SBC on behalf of leaders at FBC Naples, alleging racism, resigned in early December. If this were a Calvary Chapel organization, or any other offshoot of Chuck Smiths piracy, no one would be surprised. FBA@FBALions.org. 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. And thats ok. God created me too. I think this one would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place. First, there are blacks who strenuously object to books like Woke Church, as well as intersectionality, and reparations for slavery. 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? Blake Crawford and former deacon, Mike Dolan, said they were also suspended around that time. That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. He shared some examples, including one from a woman who said the church had failed to check Hayes' Twitter account and called him a "radical leftist. First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church. FBCNaples | Naples FL Also, the concept of colorblindness is nice in theory but is biologically impossible (unless you are colorblind). Similarly, SBC president J.D. This sequence of events raised many questions for me and my wife, Caudill said. Power plays, power trips and finances will have repercussions on Judgment Day.or did certain people forget about that?!. Upvote 3 Downvote. A portion of the 19% that voted against Marcus Hayes did so based on racial prejudices. Considering slave owners slept with slaves (even in my own ancestry), whites befriended their black help all while denying their equal rights it is possible to have friends and even spouses of other races and still have issues with bias and prejudice. Looking for past sermons? We know this because of the campaign that started just days before by a few disgruntled people in our church.. This is a demonstration of holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. And Paul goes on to say So, Turn away from these, also. For these crimes, he was wrongly treated, humiliated, and denied even basic due process, and most certainly treated anything but Christ like. This is why I dont attend a church and work on my relationship with God on a daily basis. Why did the church leadership behave in such an aggressive and dismissive manner? I read about this over at The Wartburg Watch. Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. Hundreds of members have left the church. It only becomes a problem if you think my worth is different because of it. If all things had been equal and fair, our story would not have reached as far and wide, and stoked the emotions that it has. (Auxanos founder, Will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the publishing division of the SBC.). Sadly, that did not come to fruition. After Marcus Hayes failed to receive the necessary 85 percent affirmative vote to install him as pastor, the leadership of First Baptist Church Naples, including the church staff, launched a pogrom against dissenters. Wicker also was pastor for 20 years to evangelical author and founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson. 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. emails from the accused church members reveal that dissenters were 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.". Our leadership has gone astray, I fear, and those who find the courage to stand up to them have targets on their backs. One Denomination that claims to hold the Christian faith to avoid is the Southern Baptist Churces and their affiliations. FBC Naples, recently listed as the 64th largest SBC church in the country, appears to be withering in the wake of the scandal. 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. 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. Soon, one way or another there will be a woke pastor in the pulpit of FBCN. 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. However, no one even begins to acknowledge that this system is the product of Hayes ministry. God has to be deeply saddened by this, knowing that so much more could be done. 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. Marcus Hayes, an African-American who is on staff at Biltmore Church in the Asheville, North Carolina area, was the candidate. So is my wife. The process did not adhere to or reflect any biblical model. Greear, who had written a letter of recommendation for Marcus Hayes, called the open letter by FBC Naples leadership a bold, Gospel-faithful response of the leadership of FBC Naples. Greear added, Let us be united in lament that any vestige of this kind of sinful prejudice remains in our churches., Also, Danny Akin, president of SBC-affiliated Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), described the open letter as a strong and redemptive word from FBC Naples.. Wicker said that during the meeting, the men confronted him with an anonymous letter that accused Wicker of financial impropriety, such as not tracking his miles on a church-leased vehicle. The church by-laws allow for the expulsion of members without consulting the entire church body. 1-877-582-9246. . Its devastating to the proclamation of the Gospel. And we are soldierscharged with pulling down ideological strongholds and casting down the lies and deception spawned by the forces of evil (2 Corinthians 10:35; 2 Timothy 2:34). Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? This group was engaged in an email campaign to inform church members about various concerns with Marcus Hayes. Thats why its so harmful to the church; its born of and encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism. Well Hello!!! However, the email also expressed concerns about Hayes ability to reconcile the deeply divided church. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. What Bible verse says that it is a good idea to borrow money to make your church building bigger and more fancy? We likewise contacted SBC President J.D. *Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. The Story Of First Baptist Church Naples is disturbing and alarming, but it is meant to be an inspiration. Since the failed vote, other allegations have surfaced. The search for a senior pastor continues, with Dorrill leading the search committee. Greear, SEBTS President Danny Akin, and Rev. Havent hurt enough yet. Two weeks later, Garippa started another church called The Naples Gathering. The message at FBCN is clear: get along or get out. Proverbs 18:17. When I look at Jesus and his disciples I do not see anything that looks as atrocious as this mess. Selected and edited comments from an article by Carl Trueman, Revoice, Evangelical Culture, and the Return of an Old Friend (July 31, 2018). Sadly, friction in the pastoral transition at FBC Naples has been present from the outset. Regardless of who is at fault for what, this is NOT what Church should be. The following Tuesday, April 23, Wicker met with FBC Naples leaders including Dorrill, Chairman of the Personnel Committee Troy Boone, Chairman of the Finance Committee Don Collier, and Chairman of Deacons Terry Cole. is a pastoral search committee? Budget Crisis at FBC Naples? @DooWopCokeFan Please try to understand something: NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE THINK ALIKE. Today, a former FBC Naples insider who is Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect accurate information regarding the participants at a meeting of FBC Naples leaders on April 23. Instead he was charged with this amorphous set of wrongdoings that were later largely or totally shown to be untrue. Wicker said Dorrill banned him from pastoral search team meetings, and the chairmen of the personnel and finance committees told Wicker his oversight was not needed. Just a couple of points for you to consider. It provides an identity for its most passionate acolytes. #JemelRoberson https://t.co/Y1dMXQY33N, But the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, citing the tweet, said Hayes should be questioned about his relationship with first responders, specifically police, "and his thoughts on such topics as Ferguson, police shootings involving people of color, etc. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands The biggest reason most did not vote yes, had to do with the fact that people didnt think it was fair to ask Marcus to uproot his family and relocate to a church that was in COMPLETE turmoil and had a leadership that was REFUSING to acknowledge it. 1/2: 17+yr member of FBCN and attendee here! Select the event you would like to attend below: FRIDAY, Dec 9 (7pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. Thanks for submitting! At the time, Wicker seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination. "Is that what the gospel is all about?". But while we cannot know the heart of another, this doesnt sound like a case of hearts poisoned intolerance, of minds clouded by prejudice. The article above has been corrected to identify the group as Voices of FBCN. What have we done, indeed? The shooting drew national headlines, outrage and questions about whether race factored into the officers decision to open fire. I am sickened by the way he was treated and am grateful for this exposure. Have attended a lot of Southern Baptist Churches. Instead of the transition period Wicker announced, the staff strong-armed Wicker out after over a quarter of a century of service to the people of FBC Naples, sources told the Capstone Report. But am I not allowed to vote based on my opinion without being called a racist? Freelance journalist Josh Shepherd writes on faith, culture, and public policy for several media outlets. In closing, I dont desire to argue with anyone; i have nothing to gain. 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). Garippa said The Naples Gathering has 350 to 400 people attending, 85-percent of whom are former FBC Naples members. We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! It also noted that Hayes didnt meet the criteria members had stated for the next senior pastorthat he have five years of experience as a senior pastor. The leadership spread negative comments about the pastor and accused him of acting in bad faith, according to sources close to the church. Well-sourced. Almost unbelievable saga of incompetence. And in 2006, Wicker served as head of the SBC Pastors Conference. @Michelle I believe you make valid points. 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. . Does my agreement with Dr. King and my deep concerns about intersectionality, et al, make me a racist? 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.. I guess I missed this one. Church leadership responded in an email to members, calling the Voices of FBCNs email inaccurate and slanderous and claiming that a security breach of the churchs email list had occurred. Wade Burleson is also part of the smear campaign, too. The Asbury Revival Is Over. Even Jesus said so much when he talked a man who started building a tower without counting the cost. But we are not merely ambassadors. {I realize, Im using the word black rather than African American. I personally do not care for the term African American, and there are black people who dislike it more than I do.} Hayes, a black man married to a white woman, God used their faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN. Clarified a few things I had heard through the SBC grape vine. If those sound like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain in proper perspective, it is because they are. MLKs dream was about us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated accordingly, regardless of our differences. Yet, thats what multiple sources have alleged is happening to them. The campaign, he said in an email to the Daily News, consisted of social media, texting, phone calls and a series of emails. Isnt that how we should judge any one persons claims, by how it squares with Scripture on a case-by-case basis? 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. It seems rather patronizing to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because the propounder is of a certain colour. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. Hi. We believe all matters of life should be subjected to the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16). What they did to Rev Wicker and his Godly family is nothing but sinful. At least four emails were "broadly sent," he wrote, with others privately sent. This is a warning to all Southern Baptists. We must keep those objectives straight; we are not entitled to wage warfare against people or to enter into diplomatic relations with anti-Christian ideas.