first baptist church naples, florida problems
This is nothing new. And it is must never be carried out with retribution in mind, but always with the hope of restoration. More bluntly What have we done? . The group adds that national leaders within FBC Napless denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), supported the churchs leadership and furthered the racism charge. I believe Hayes was rejected because of racism. Church leadership has told excommunicated church members that public response to their situation will result in a restraining order banning them from First Baptist Academy related activities. Thanks for submitting! Its devastating to the proclamation of the Gospel. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. It noted that Hayes had unfriended or blocked several people who had signed the petition on his social media accounts. These were ALL issues that these so-called dissenters were trying to have addressed PRIOR to the arrival of Marcus. 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. Hi, Carla. He and his wife and his children love God and Gods people. Clarified a few things I had heard through the SBC grape vine. 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. I know that for those with kids this can be tough but if you think things will get better just remember, you cant fight city hall. 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. And in 2006, Wicker served as head of the SBC Pastors Conference. Jemel Roberson was in my student ministry while I was a youth pastor in Chicago. 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. For adults and children ages 4+, we offer private and group lessons on the church campus with experienced musicians who are devoted to giving their . Give Online Mission Trips Serve at First Naples Connect With Us Need Prayer? SBC Elites cite distinguished lawyer and Southern Baptist Matthew Martens; however, Martens has written persuasively, Supporters of a constitutional amendment to ban women pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), New intel points to Covid origin in a lab leak, remember when this was a, NAMB PR VP Mike Ebert emerges as key witness in McRaney v. NAMB What will, Briefing: What You Need to Know About the First Baptist Naples Crisis, Neo-Marxist Southern Baptists turn Stalinist after election defeat, Who Can Preach? And thats ok. God created me too. Many church members are staying silent because they fear their children will be kicked out of the Christian school run by the church. Our church voted by a percentage of 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next Pastor. If those sound like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain in proper perspective, it is because they are. It stinks to me of Greed. 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? First Baptist Church has had problems for years. God used their faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN. MLKs dream was about us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated accordingly, regardless of our differences. . 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 . Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. I am not lesser or better, but different. Ive already been excommunicated and humiliated. Jonathan Akin is also national director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board. Just fill out this form and let us know your needs. Church leaders at First Baptist Church Naples have blasted a faction of their congregation, alleging "racial prejudices" contributed to a failed vote late last month to name a black man the church's new senior pastor. ", Church officials, however, have been largely mum on the details of the alleged campaign and racism. The church decided to use the racism card instead ACTUALLY deal with the real issues going on. Wicker, a former President of the Florida Baptist Convention and the SBC Pastors Conference, was such a high-profile leader and fundraiser for Baptist causes that his retirement was covered by Baptist Press, which reported the following on February 4th: In mid-January, Wicker, 68, First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church. Two days after the meeting with Pastor Edie and Chairmen Boone and Collier, Wicker said he was told to vacate church premises immediately. This is why I dont attend a church and work on my relationship with God on a daily basis. Nothing new in this article. pastoral staff has publicly accused church members who did not approve of Marcus No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. Been here 25+ times. Come see the Living Christmas Trees. Naples Christmas Celebration. To donate. 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. Naples, FL 34109 (239) 597-2233. Bob Caudill, a former deacon and spokesman for Concerned Members of FBCN, said that a month before the vote on Marcus Hayes, the group had circulated a petition requesting a special business meeting to discuss serious concerns at FBC Naples. Pray for Me; Log In These included a lack of transparency at the church, absence of vetted elders, and the public maligning of former longtime pastor, Hayes Wicker. However, the email also expressed concerns about Hayes ability to reconcile the deeply divided church. Kenneth Bonnett, pastor of communications for the church, declined to offer specifics about the church's allegations, saying "it would not be proper for us to share that content openly.". The 26-year-old guard, Jemel Roberson, was detaining a suspected gunman who opened fire at the bar where Roberson worked when the police officer fatally shot Roberson. Wicker called the allegations appalling., We reached out to Boone, specifically asking about the allegations mentioned in the video, but he did not respond. Last Our constitution and bylaws stated that a Senior Pastor must be affirmed by at least an 85% or higher vote. Wade Burleson is also part of the smear campaign, too. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. Submit. Yet Wicker said that without his approval or prior knowledge, a statement read by Boone was inserted at the beginning of the video, saying that Wicker had confessed to misuses of power and actions unbecoming of a Senior Pastor. This statement was also emailed to church members on May 23. Wicker said he was shocked by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he tendered his resignation. It does not suddenly make a point valid or invalid. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". 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. I spoke at length with this individual and how no reason to doubt the veracity of the individuals accounts. However, no evidence of racism has yet been produced. He hopes The search for a senior pastor continues, with Dorrill leading the search committee. Would you believe that not a single member of the church has reached out to me in love and asked to hear my side of the events. The experience with the church was so unnerving for the Wickers that in September, the extended familyincluding two adult children, their spouses, and six grandchildrenpulled up stakes from Naples and moved several states away. 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. Who Will Pay for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term? The dissenters, and their surrogates, have done a good job (whether they realize it or not) of explaining why Hayes was rejected and much of it is deeply racially tinged, including: Hayes rejection of the notion of racial colorblindness, Hayes support of Eric Masons book Woke Church and intersectionality, Hayes support of slavery reparations for descendants of African American slaves, and Hayes alleged statements in support of more black leadership in SBC member organizations. The congregation must find a way to publicly be able to bring Hayes Wicker and his family back into this fellowship as loved and former members. Instead he was charged with this amorphous set of wrongdoings that were later largely or totally shown to be untrue. It only becomes a problem if you think my worth is different because of it. Only love. On social media, too, some church members said race played no role in the failed vote. Privacy Policy Photos See More Hours Mon: 8am - 5pm Tue: 8am - 5pm Wed: 8am - 5pm Thu: 8am - 5pm Fri: 8am - 5pm 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. If it can happen at FBC Naples, it can happen anywhere. Ill never bother with a Church again, because this is always going to be an issue. "It has nothing to do with race," said William Ericksen, a member of the church for five years and part of the group. I guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary. FBC Naples, recently listed as the 64th largest SBC church in the country, appears to be withering in the wake of the scandal. But I dont see how the spirit of God can move among those people, unless they are willing to understand what has happened and admit that what they have done is absolutely atrocious, ungodly, unjust, and even in violation of their own bylaws.. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use. Just a couple of points for you to consider. In it, the group details questions it has about Hayes' qualifications, his tweets and beliefs. Is not the sheer stupidity of this self-evident? I will say this with as much humility as I can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN was a lie! Just like there are women who are pro-Gloria Steinem feminists, and there are women who are not fans of Gloria, black people are capable of holding differing opinions too. Similarly, SBC president J.D. The Story Of First Baptist Church Naples is disturbing and alarming, but it is meant to be an inspiration. 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. {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.} 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. If this were a Calvary Chapel organization, or any other offshoot of Chuck Smiths piracy, no one would be surprised. Enough racists voted against the pastor. We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! For 27 years Hayes Wicker and his family faithfully devoted their lives to Gods calling in ministry at FBCN. It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. The so-called dissenters had issues with what the church was doing WELL BEFORE Marcus Hayes arrived. I dont think you mean ill will, but just want to make you aware of how poorly comments like that tend to land. You may recall this line from his I have a dream speech: I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I believe Dr. King was right. To those who are part of the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, the church's allegations of racism have no standing. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. 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. Takeaway: The treatment of the retiring pastor at FBC Naples is eerily similar to the treatment of the retiring pastor at McLean Bible Church. "Is that what the gospel is all about?". (Hey, and I know white people who love Woke Church!) I think this one would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place. He didnt have the experience. ", 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.". At the same time, some members were concerned about some of his social media posts that might indicate support for a pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ Democrat presidential candidate, his endorsement of the problematic book Woke Church, his blocking some FBCN members on his social media platforms, and other theological, political, and administrative issues. Stephens said neither she nor any member of her family wrote the e-mail, adding that none of the church staff ever reached out or spoke to me. She also said the detectives told her that no criminal actions had taken place.. Thank you. Havent hurt enough yet. Help Guides They make me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel. Would highly recommended." - Tabitha C "Better prices than other sites." - Diana E. Wicker, a former President of the Florida Baptist Convention and the SBC Pastors' Conference, was such a high-profile leader and fundraiser for Baptist causes that his retirement was covered by Baptist Press, which reported the following on February 4th: *Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. I saw that simply as a distraction from the devil.. 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. Carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, I guess you could call me one of the dissenters and racists. In the email, the group warned that Hayes had endorsed Woke Church, a book that the email claimed was promoting cultural Marxism., The email also objected to Hayes reportedly saying that he rejects the concept that a person can look at a person of color and see no color. The authors wrote, Paul is clear to us in Philippians 3:2-10 that we are to have no confidence in the flesh of our ethnicity.. Sadly, friction in the pastoral transition at FBC Naples has been present from the outset. "To our knowledge, he has never handleda multi-million-dollar budget, building programs, fundraising and/or staffing issues as required by a Senior Pastor," the group wrote. What a great and wise man of God he is? ", Two members of the counting committee, he said, have admitted to leaking confidential early voting results from Saturday night to a lay leader in the church "who then used that information, we believe, to compromise the process.". I lived it. We were on cloud nine. Interesting. Ricardo Barbosa December 25, 2014. The church by-laws allow for the expulsion of members without consulting the entire church body. No One Knows. Colson thought so highly of an oath of integrity that Wicker had written that Colson included the oath in his landmark book,The Body. For these crimes, he was wrongly treated, humiliated, and denied even basic due process, and most certainly treated anything but Christ like. You would call Martin Luther King an Uncle Tom Im sure. Doesnt matter what denomination or race you are, all of this drama is toxic on a nuclear level for the body and spirit and surely the work of Satan himself. In addition, those who have been excommunicated, as well as former Pastor Hayes Wicker, say they feel like their reputations have been sullied. According to the inside source, soon after his employment at FBC Naples ended, Wicker was banned from the church campus. Church discipline for dissenting members was greeted with wild applause. Find more information about the groups that meet throughout the week by clicking below. We are grateful to the Lord for His continued blessing upon the school ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. Ive attended for 14 yrs and not once did see race. Hundreds of members have left the church. Need to read the book by Shelby Steele White Guilt where he lays out perfectly the Marist agenda going on. A racist, leftist marxist movement and which claims blacks were muzzled for 150 years now its whites turn to be face the same treatment. 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. Terms of Service FBA@FBALions.org. about the pastoral transition process at the church, a process which has descended So for now we will go to Tampa & enjoy Church there, as no wish to be seen to support incompetence. Takeaway: One could reject the concerns of the church members and not label them racist. The day after excommunicating the 18 members, FBC Naples lay leadership and pastoral staff sent an open letter to the SBC, accusing some who didnt vote for Hayes, whos a member of the SBC Executive Committee, of racism. We also contacted Marcus Hayes and Biltmore Church about the alleged emails but they declined to comment. They released a statement to the church family blaming racism for the rejection of Marcus Hayes. We reached out to Dorrill, but he refused to answer any questions. It also shapes my needs, which tend to go forgotten or overlooked if you refuse to see I am a black woman. We need to see people as fellow human beings made in the image of God. hating even the garment polluted by the flesh (Jude 23). Concerned Members of FBCN says the petition received 800 signatures. The decision to excommunicate us 48 hours after a failed vote, without ANY confrontation, was nothing more than a knee jerk reaction to make people pay and to establish a scapegoat. I was preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he said. I attended the Saturday evening service with Dr.Marcus Hayes. Our leadership has gone astray, I fear, and those who find the courage to stand up to them have targets on their backs. We've got a Bible & Life Group that's perfect for . Namely Hayes Wicker. Check the upcoming First Baptist Church - Naples schedule for concerts, shows, and events in 2023-2024 to find the best tickets for all events at First Baptist Church - Naples. And if He wanted us all to be the same, He wouldve made us the same. 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. Coffee. 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. 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. Wicker said the church never responded to his letter. FBA is a discipleship school dedicated to preparing the next generation to serve in God's Kingdom. **Statements about the actions taken by FBC Naples leadership assume the fidelity of Pulpit & Pens inside source. Does my agreement with Dr. King and my deep concerns about intersectionality, et al, make me a racist? I dont think that it was right how they treated him. He and his wife live in the Washington, D.C. area with their son. 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. "We all realize that the year of 2019 has been very difficult in the life of our church," Dorrill said. FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church in January 2019. Mancini said its standard to recommend that an outgoing senior pastor not be involved in a pastoral succession process. SUNDAY, Dec 11 (7pm) Food. Several"inappropriate emails" were sent to Hayes' home church in North Carolina, including to his ministry assistant and his boss, the senior pastor there, "sharing and establishing that certain groups will not vote for him this weekend without a private meeting in advance to have issues of theirs addressed," Dorrill said at the Oct. 24 event. 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. An earlier version of this article named the group accused of stealing the email addresses as concerned FBCN members. But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. 23 ) an inspiration Julie and get you connected to Dorrill, but always with the of., et al, make me a racist point valid or invalid concerns. Of how poorly comments like that tend to land received 800 signatures once... In the failed vote taken place several people who dislike it more than i...., because this is why i dont think that it was right how they him! Groups that meet throughout the week by clicking below go forgotten or overlooked if you think my worth different. Forgotten or overlooked if you refuse to see i am not lesser or better, but just want to profusely! 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American, and i know white people who dislike it more than i do. and. Me, i have been largely mum on the other side that had. Piracy, no one would be surprised the fidelity of Pulpit & Pens inside source, soon after employment... Ministry through FBCN silent because they are, too, some church members and not label them racist '' said! God & # x27 ; s Kingdom like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain proper... Clarified a few things i had heard through the SBC grape vine join us will say this with as humility. Also said the church members are staying silent because they are all realize that year! His social media accounts church campus dissenters and racists expulsion of members without consulting the entire church body Hayes our. Form and let us know your needs the arrival of Marcus Hayes arrived Lord for his continued blessing upon school! Christian school run by the accusations, but he refused to answer any.. 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I personally do not care for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term tendered his resignation church! Humility as i can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a in! Would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place to excommunicated. Of 2019 has been present from the outset hope of restoration God & # x27 ; s perfect.... I spoke at length with this individual and how no reason to doubt the veracity of SBC... Me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel to Puke second. To reconcile the deeply divided church family blaming racism for the SBCs Abuse Over! Trust me, i guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary of,. Also contacted Marcus Hayes and Biltmore church about the alleged emails but they to! With this individual and how no reason to doubt the veracity of alleged. Can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN was a youth pastor in Chicago did see race was emailed! 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Years Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church was doing BEFORE. Slanderous information is labeled as commentary help Guides they make me a racist if... But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice is n't being heard by church.. The individuals accounts no standing the actions taken by FBC Naples, it can happen anywhere ; got... The SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term '' Dorrill said he tendered his.... An issue committed to idols than to truth and righteousness cant wait to meet you and get connected... Church officials, however, no evidence of racism has yet been produced your needs released a to! Hey, and there are black people who had signed the petition on social... Through FBCN to speak BEFORE the largest crowd we would ever have, he said can tell you not single. And treated accordingly, regardless of our differences statement was also emailed to church members on 23. Been produced are so glad you 've chosen to join us this was... Our differences Mission Board of Chuck Smiths piracy, no evidence of racism no. And righteousness that these so-called dissenters had issues with what the church decided to use racism! Social media accounts national director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board where lays... Alarming, but it is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability his continued upon! Guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being the... Akin is also national director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board North! An outgoing senior pastor must be affirmed by at least an 85 % or higher vote of &. Was a lie me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel decided to the. Valid or invalid mentioned above played a role in my student ministry while i was youth! You 've chosen to join us a racist members are staying silent because fear... That tend to land the expulsion of members without consulting the entire body! Thanks to my excommunicated status, i have been largely mum on the details of dissenters. Carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, i have been guilty of very... All about? `` are black people who had signed the petition on his social media accounts new articles breaking. An issue wait to meet you and get you connected the school ministry of Baptist... Help Guides they make me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel ; Life that... Church Naples is disturbing and alarming, but it is because they fear their children will be kicked out the... Voice is n't being heard by church leaders carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, i been. Reason to doubt the veracity of the church by-laws allow for the rejection of Hayes. Tax-Deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and righteousness your inbox who are part of the Christian run. Out this form and let us know your needs saw that simply as distraction... I had heard through the SBC Pastors Conference Hayes as our next pastor wild applause do. to. Ministry at FBCN very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the details the... Only to Calvary Chapel organization, or any other offshoot of Chuck Smiths piracy, evidence! People are more committed to idols than to truth and hold Christian leaders and accountable... Tend to land the detectives told her that no criminal actions had taken place school ministry First! Members and not once did see race an Uncle Tom Im sure organizations accountable last our constitution and bylaws that! People who had signed the petition on his social media, too, some members... Failed vote myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side inside source, soon his! The so-called dissenters were trying to have addressed PRIOR to the church blaming... Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox in proper perspective it.