Welcome to the Video Broadcast ministry of Cornerstone Bible Church. Laurie Newman, a Harvest member, told Christianity Today that she believes the church's current leaders, like Bradshaw, are "good people who want to lead the church the way God wants it to. Good for you and speaking up. Is the founding pastor subject to accountability structures? In October, the church reported its chief information officer to police for suspected embezzlement. Im thankful you followed the Lords leading in these stressful and difficult circumstances. Really? He invitedme to go when we first started dating. you managed (a wording that says, you knew it was not right, but did so out of self protection) and humility because as Mancow is now saying, James had alligator tears of his hurt to make you feel guilty. Thank You for writing your blog. The Bible even says Truth shall set you free. Youre sharing your story and I think those who have been hurt by HBC (including me) needs to hear these stories. I agree with Nellie. But the truth needs to be out there. Just pray in a prayer closet to be still in the presence of Jesus. The decision comes after an explosive scandalous period at Harvest, including a botched excommunication,an ill-fated attempt at a defamation lawsuit, a scathing investigative report from World Magazine and then this most recent, shocking revelation. Now its a big business with Harvest all over the states. A friend sent a link showing a video of a former Willow pastors return to that church to speak after leaving a decade ago for similar reasons as you left Harvest. 1 Song. Were you bullied by those elders named? They never acknowledged that they had done anything wrong. The Asbury Revival Is Over. Many people went to leaders and spoke up. Or they, too, are so rotten at the core that they dont care. The news came less than a week after another update from Julie Roys, a defendant in the lawsuit and the writer responsible for the World investigation, who has continued to release evidence against MacDonald and call for his resignation. Romans 16: 17-20. They made excuses for him. May the love of Jesus Christ and his peace flood over you this day! These changes were never made, but the critics were silencedfor a time. Also note how the apostle Paul called out Peter publicly when Peter was indulging in hypocrisy! God has this situation in his hands he wasnt surprised by it. He is angry that they keep on sending texts and emails asking for money. Thank you for displaying what an honest and vocal Godly woman can look like. Congratulations on your freedom, Lina! I dont understand how anyone could watch that video and not immediately know that something was very, very wrong. Updated 11/13/2020 7:31 PM. That, apparently, was what it took to get him fired. Such lack of accountability is often a problem at megachurches, which tend to be founded by charismatic individuals who quickly amass a large following. The collaboration of many witnesses should help the leadership at Harvest (or any church) know the depth of a problem. This did not happen to James, he did this, by sinning repeatedly. Through it all, our relationship with Christ was strengthened all the more. first Bill Hybels. But, the truth is, I am ashamed to say, I should have left much sooner. At the start of the year, elders stated that his primary focus has transitioned from building our ministries to securing a healthy succession that sets all our ministries up to flourish in the next generation.. Nellie, Sarah, I am so sorry for whatever happened to you. That IS A LIE!! Amen Sister! As a nation, something painful will bring us back. When we try to protect those in power instead of those who are hurting, we are not doing the work of God. We have now been without a fellowship for nearly a year (we are missionaries in Europe) because I do not want to join a happy clappy crowd who would not know the Word of God were it to bite them nor do I want to join a fellowship where the Word is extremely well known but there is no life, no joy. Ive been blessed by your teaching and Im wondering if I wouldnt have heard your teaching as much had you stayed longer at Harvest. For this, according to the Daily Herald, Secrest was fired. The Rolling Meadows Campus is our founding campus and for more than three decades has testified to God's faithfulness. I never attended HBC except for the one time when we visited several years ago and had to sit out in the foyer as the music was blasted out too loud. I pray that moving forward, His love will control me no matter the consequences. (images of wife beating and mental control come to mind) Pastor James MacDonald, of Harvest Bible Chapel, was given the boot last week by church elders after "highly inappropriate . Some women were still in the middle of the trauma and were still currently attending Harvest. I thank you for your willingness to risk being misunderstood while offering your experience to help reduce the shame of others, who need a hand to hold, as they work through their own healing. The resources are pulpit curriculum and bible words to talk about. Thank you for taking the time to nurture the HBC flock that Pastor James never cared about! Your mission and your ministry is beautiful and changing lives. Let us examine ourselves for unconfessed sin and seek to live in fear of the Lord lest bitterness overtake us.. When I asked questions at the Harvest I attended I was told to be careful what I read on the internet. Conversions credited to women evangelists sharing the good news one-on-one in conversations. Precept Inductive Bible Study for Women. Lina, a number of years ago I was reading one of your books while waiting for Gordon Z. to join me for lunch. []. I have my own hurt of how certain situations were handled with me through the 20s ministry Then soon after that, the 30s ministry, production ministry and even the womens ministry on multiple occasions. Come together at part of the body of Christ called Harvest Bible Chapel and pray that Gods will not ours be done. Im praying for you. I wonder if this is an area where youd feel free to minister; where people leave the church and are forgotten. I hope that you are recovering well, for you have added a vital piece of information. I pray that no stench of fear be found in any space occupied by Christs love. I think that this message has relevance to many situations today, including the present political situation. To judge a fellow brother and think you know if he is a believer is dangerous. Show how we come together as one in the body of Christ! Goodthat you let a toxic place. He was the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel megachurch in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States [1] [2] and was the host for the church's former broadcast ministry, Walk in the Word . Like in Ezekiel, many people are trying to sound the trumpet of warning!! Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. The timing of this article makes you less credible. Thank you Yahweh. Just because its a church building with leaders doesnt mean that Christ is leading it. The public scrutiny continued with pushback against MacDonalds decision to preach at a Harvest affiliate in Florida during his sabbatical. You are being bold and telling the truth and just wanted to encourage you.I always loved your passion for Gods Word and pray Gods blessing as you stand strong Him! Harvest responded by suing both bloggers, their wives, and Julie Roys. Thank you for your courage. I do not believe your timing should be questioned. Thats what happens to us as individuals and us as a collection of people. I wondered if you had become a full time missionary and if that was why you quit writing. 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. Even when you get away that fear doesnt leave just because you physically left. Both can be messy, but in the latter case, responsibility for that mess must be laid squarely at the feet of the abusive Elders who are sinning, not at the feet of Christs little ones, the oppressed members of Christs flock, who are being caused to stumble, nor at the feet of those attempting to triage the wounded and sound a warning to others who are in danger of being Sheri coordinates data collection and assists with day-to-day office administration for the church staff. Criticism of MacDonald begun to surface on The Elephants Debt, a blog founded in 2012, run by Ryan Mahoney and Scott Bryant, former members era of Harvest Bible Church. The web page has a Contact button on the bottom and we can email. And for those that have not witnessed spiritual abuse, or worse yet experienced it personally, but are now hearing about it, this is your opportunity to ramp up your prayers for the Bride of Christ. Yes Nellie, we are called to bring light on the darkness. Its hard. Thank you for all you do. I feel angry that the people who were supposed to be watching over the congregation allowed this to go on. He went recently, saying the time had come. And even then, it often doesnt work because so many remain enthralled with the narcissist, or have tied their fortunes to them, that they simply cant or wont see the truth. I can only hope and pray that those that criticize you for speaking up now are MORE upset about the behavior of the leaders of the church! He is very likely not a brother in Christ. The small adult group was fun visited Moody church. I love who you are and what you do. However, he ultimately agreed with the wave of backlash his pastor-friend now faced, condemning how MacDonalds drama had overshadowed Harvest and threatening a class-action lawsuit yesterday if MacDonald remained its pastor for another week. Mahoney and Bryant shared concerns about Harvests financial dealings, and provided a platform for other former Harvest members, who accused MacDonald of a controlling and abusive leadership style and pointed to an overall lack of accountability for MacDonald at Harvest. Did they not find that video shocking? No one wins here-except our enemy. And, at the same time, I know you to be a humble woman, easily impacted by negative, feedback. Politics and religion have a great affect on society, and both must be monitored to protect the people. I too have had similar experiences in another church (The Chapel). blessings. He stomped his questioners. We are the Church! The Harvest and James MacDonald Controversy Explained, Did Pharaoh Have Free Will? It isnt about timing. 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. 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. I have been looking for a church like this for years. Although I do not want to be a part of this church any more, I strongly feel that God is directing me to continue to obey his direction in this scripture and take their disobedience to another level. A final incident in Roys article involves MacDonald publicly berating HCA students, an incident witnessed by Harvest videographer Luke Helmer. This journey has taken me several years. Its hard no impossible- to do everything with the right motivation. I am a 60 year old grandfather who wants to get a tatoo around my ankle of all six of my grandchildrens names. Rotate positions? At Camp Harvest in 2009, for example, the pastor shot at a target that contained photos of some elders wives. 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 this. With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. I will only say that if it is right and important to address a culture of fear within the church, it is equally important to address the same for our country. His sermon provides good reasons for why we need to shine light on these abuses. It was your Study that helped me be obedient to God. Will those men now be known for their mark as sinful followers of James? The church was growing at the time. Theyre gone. Hang in there. 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Rita, be encouraged. You are loved. Nicole, I am sorry if you are offended. Your sister in Christ in Auburn, Indiana. Thats when eight former elders sent a letter to the sitting elder board, warning them that MacDonald was disqualified for office, she said in a response posted Wednesday. Truth is truth. Love you! Nor do I want to be part of a fellowship where the whole counsel of God is not taught nor eschatology ever mentioned. needless to say she did not go back and found a great church she was able to become a part of during her college years. This Is a Revival Season Sean Feucht Announces 7 Days of Prayer on Capitol Hill, The Chosen, Candace Cameron Bure, Dolly Parton Win at This Years Movieguide Awards, Christian High School Girls Basketball Team Forfeits Tourney Spot Due to Trans Opponent, Tickets for SatanCon 2023, The Largest Satanic Gathering in History, Sell Out. Hidden things have come to light. Hearing these stories has helped me to realize I left just when I was supposed to. Fear is dead life a remnant of Satan. Until then, you are still a wolf in sheeps clothing. Fear. see My Dream Church https://sites.google.com/site/mydreamchurch/, I would love to chat and learn more of what you are doing. Harvest launched a radio show; founded a Christian school with over 700 students; built its own retreat center; produced feature-length films; wrote its own worship songs; and created its own. Im one of the people who asked you to share why you left. Church Online is a place for you to experience God and connect with others. And these things are only the tip of the iceberg. If you read the history and understand the public record of offenses at Harvest (with many more than the requisite two or three witnesses), you will understand why this is not only completely justified, but actually necessary to the restoration of healing and good order to Christs Body. Im not on FB, so I didnt see your post where you extended an invitation to us to meet with you again. I didnt want to be rebellious against authority. Quit pointing fingers, justifying why and stirring the pot. Dont talk to them, or theyll drag you down too. Unreal as I went to Harvest for over 7 yrs and this whole situation has hurt so many people. I dont appreciate you getting political this has nothing to do with it.. Are you referring to the Democratic Party? Thank you for having the courage to write what you did and for your ministry Lina. Streaming Video Broadcast. Amen to that. Authority? Thank you for your story Dr. Lina, and thank you for shedding light on your fears, and your full confidence in the Lord at the end of the day. I also trust that you did seek wisdom from the Lord on what and how to speak into this. http://www.issendai.com/psychology/sick-systems.html. When the Church becomes the organization instead of the people, then it ceases to be the Church. We never gave up on God because He never gives up on us. God IS in control and knows what he is doing. (Matthew 12:33-37). This is the right time as the judgment of God has come to his people. Different situations require different things. My blog had indirectly undermined James. On his radio show, Muller later aired what sounded like clips of MacDonald making harsh comments toward media who had covered the story. However, 2 of the groups meet in Panera Bread. Two top Harvest Bible Chapel pastors today announced they're resigning, following a "season" of difficulty sparked by the termination and scandal involving disgraced celebrity pastor, James MacDonald. My daughter was also at that service when they showed the video. Structure: the structure of My Dream Church is based on the New Testament Body Of Christ James is (was) a powerful force which could and did destroy people with his power and influence. Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.. Be blessed dear Sister. Its by an unbeliever, but wow, is it eye-opening. I regret staying at Harvest after that meeting with the elders. James MacDonald was forced out Tuesday night as senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, a church he founded in Rolling Meadows some 30 years ago. I believe Yahweh has me where He wants me. Thank God the early Christians stood firm and did not run away from troubles. I left Harvest CL 3 yrs ago after being forced out of a ministry and other thingspart of the membership indoctrinationyou are not allowed to say anything disparaging against church leadership or the church. I praise your decision to own your ministry outside of James. We are conditioned to believe that leaving silently is whats best for the church and in some cases thats true. I should have left that week, but I was too afraid to cause damage to Jesus and His kingdom and the women I was leading at that time. Jesus desires mercy and not sacrifice. Not saying thete arent strong christians in leadership at this church but it does always seem that when pride gets in the way of leadership it hurts that person and everyone around them. The assistant pastor just tried to deflect and justify the pastors actions. We are taught in Gods Word that it is Christs love that ought to control us. This team is to be made up of congregants, staff, professionals, and elders, and will be headed by a church member. Harvest numbers 13,000 attendees across seven locations, and the church began affiliating with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2015. A peacemaking process, while helpful for personal and relational reconciliation, is not the approach to address failed governance, biblical disqualification, and a toxic leadership environment.. My response, Why? In good conscience we walked away too knowing it was the right thing before God.So now I get your story, you were a favorite of Kathy and James so I am sure to take a stand against the injustice at Harvest was not at all an easy decision.So many other godly people got pushed out for speaking up about the entitlement and harshness of James and other Pastors and Elders.So very sad somewhere along the way they just forgot they are supposed to be shepherds and servant and not the guards defending the many sin issues at Harvest. Is this an informed opinion? Others have gone before you in challenging HBC to help pave the way and have paid the consequences for their courage. Others have asked, but immediately defend the senior pastor and church. Your staying as long as you did part of the clarity and power youve experienced in communicating what youve seen. How you hit the nail on the head! You too felt you had to leave Harvest and what was your point of conviction on having to leave the Church ,that we all sacrificed so much for! In our case we have been pulled away from our church as well because of how we have been treated for our daughters actions. Women are not silenced: This model is not original and is old but it is appropriate for the megachurch and also for the persecuted church. If so Id be in agreement but again- this is not a political post. Your realness. Perhaps we can do something like that here in Davenport, too. it seems to me that people give more grace to the offender than the victim. For a great many, it's time for the cult of personality of James MacDonald at Harvest chapter to close and the actual Bible to be opened again., Today on his edgy radio show, Muller said while he felt MacDonalds firing had to happen, he also had wanted nothing to do with any of it and now my part is done., I feel like God was using me in this, he said. Then came Roys story, MacDonalds decision to sue Roys and the bloggers behind The Elephants Debt (presumably rubber stamped by the current elder board), and the realization that discovery would mean everything coming out. I am sorry for the pain. Ive been in the medical field for over 40 years and know a thing or two about human anatomy. 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 have multiple thoughts. We attended Harvest for 16 years before we left little over 4 years ago. She approached this with sensitivity, wisdom and grace. Why do you say you have a lack of music?. It, honestly, has been the biggest source of my own sin and self inflicted suffering. For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to. Have you not read these passages? Before the article was even printed, Harvest sued Roys, plus two bloggers who've been critical about problems at Harvest. In early 2018, reporter Julie Roys, who writes for the conservative evangelical WORLD Magazine, began conducting background research for an article, which was published eight months later under the headline Hard Times at Harvest. What Can Christians Do About Climate Change? 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. Humility, repentance, confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, mercy, love, compassion, healing, serious prayer and so much more for and by everyone should be given top priorities on our agendas soon if not now. For you to step back and taken ownership of your piece in the large (very large) puzzle, is a humility and grace only Jesus can provide. You are courageous and your words bring healing. I think God has not lifted the veil on a lot of eyes for some reason. Instead, they have chosen to remain on the elder board and continue with the deep-seeded corruption and fraud that has plagued Harvest Bible Chapel for many years. This woman sounds sincere. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. I speak as one who has gone thru it, like you. Lean should read it and reply in kind. A woman who is full of fun loving life. The eight former elders who signed the letter alleged that that Harvest ran a puppet elder board; that a culture of fear and intimidation plagued the church; and that the elder board, which was supposed to be responsible for overseeing the churchs finances, was not granted access to financial information. It may not be warm and fuzzy but speaking truth, especially when compelled by the Spirit, is never wrong. What blessings are flowing at Harvest for those who stand firm! Ive always appreciated your candor and honesty, and I think the Lord has gifted you with a strong sense of discernment. Im glad I have stood firm. For years, I kept believing the deception fed to the congregation by the elders. God bless. Seriously? DONT defend these people in any way!! All Rights Reserved. Yet a week ago I posted on FB an invitation to open my house to anyone who needed to talk about their pain as it related to what was happening at Harvest. :) I met my husband about 5 yrs ago and he had been attending faith community church for a bit. Thank you for your vulnerability. The two entities released separate statements detailing the results of the process, which went through the Institute for Christian Conciliation. The unrest at Harvest began in the fall of 2013, when two elders were excommunicated and another was indirectly censured, Roys writes. The controversial founder and former pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel is barred from serving as pastor or elder of the popular evangelical Christian church ever again after an investigation. Did you know that Satan and his minions come to Harvest? Be kind not hurtful. 1 Timothy 5:20: But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. We are thankful and humbled by His care and protection of our family. maybe its time for all of us to wake up. Letting you know about this is one of the most loving things that Lina can do at this time so that others dont experience the pain that she went through. A former Harvest staffer was also reported to police last fall after being accused of embezzling $270,000 from the church. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. As a former elder for three years at the Elgin campus ( it wasnt a true elder board then and it still isnt now ), I couldnt agree with you more, that all the infected parts have to excised! 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. I feel foolish for allowing myself to be misled for so long. The question is with independent churches who did they answer to? It never dawned on me that it would open you up to attack. He (the pastor) basically told us we would never work in ministry (volunteer or vocationally) because we didnt understand biblical authority. The problem definitely doesnt end with James. In addition to leading Harvest, MacDonald acquired a massive evangelical following through his books, Bible studies, and Walk in the Word radio program, with more than a million fans on Facebook. Specifically, I do mean the Machiavellian rule by fear and division that we are seeing. We dont know if He will allow Harvest not to crumble. I do believe you. My daughter had been bullied by both Luke and James, in the presence of other adults, several times over her years in the youth group and yet I did not leave. Thanks for speaking up! 12:18) as while working through this year-and-half-long process of transition. I kept seeing little hints of questionable goings-on at Harvest Bible Church, a large megachurch in suburban Chicago, but didnt really pay attention until last week, when the issue blew up in the most bizarre way. Those of us that have experienced spiritual abuse and church hurt personally can truly resonate with your story. If you like harvest and the culture of hidden abuse and The narcissistic system in order there- by all means, stay! Sounds like your faith in self is overwhelming only yourself! It wasnt that we saw corruption in our church. After telling us that the elder board always made every decision by full consent, we learned that the former head of the elder board found out about major church initiatives from his seat in the congregation. Wake up this tragedy has been in the works a long time. Typical gossips and power struggles are only the surface. I have lived with fear in my life almost my entire life. There are always two sides to every story not really believing your story and if someone is a Christian you would talk about this with some Church leaders not blow it all out in public its sad that it was done that way that isnt what a Christian would do it is what a secular person would do. I chose to believe the Bible and Gods promises. superstar pastors are always ,inevitably, trouble. I dont take joy in this situation, but I rejoice in the truth. She is free to speak of her experience, nothing mean about that. Often it was the leadership that lost track and influenced the group. On January 7, 2019, Harvest elders announced they decided to drop the lawsuit against Julie Roys and four other individuals. On February 12th, someone who sounded an awful lot like James MacDonald called into Mancow Mullers Chicago-area radio show to cuss out all of his perceived enemies. But i rejoice in the medical field for over 7 yrs and this whole situation has hurt so people... And learn more of what you are still a wolf in sheeps clothing the! They decided to drop the lawsuit against Julie Roys and four other individuals the deception to. Like in Ezekiel, many people are trying to sound the trumpet of warning! as... 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