Theyve even released an open letter to the SBC with the same claim. Racial prejudice a factor in rejection of black pastor, read the headline of a piece published in the Baptist Standard. The leadership spread negative comments about the pastor and accused him of acting in bad faith, according to sources close to the church. By circumventing the clear teachings of Matthew 18:15-17 regarding church discipline, this process showcases glaring problems with approaches to discipline that rely entirely on church oligarchies. Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad., Similarly, Caudill stated, First Baptist Naples still has potential to be used greatly by God. Pastor Hayes is the Pastor. No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. Here is a prime example of CRT. Stop making everything about race. For these crimes, he was wrongly treated, humiliated, and denied even basic due process, and most certainly treated anything but Christ like. Some of these blacks are church leaders. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. 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. We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! . It provides an identity for its most passionate acolytes. And thats ok. God created me too. 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. It was all being done vindictively and not in a righteous, godly manner., Concerned families gravitated to the Caudills, who had served in SBC churches for over 50 years. However, no one even begins to acknowledge that this system is the product of Hayes ministry. 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. To those who are part of the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, the church's allegations of racism have no standing. Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples (Florida) for 27 years. Sylee Gibson, an excommunicated member who works in law enforcement, added that the man chairing the FBC Naples senior pastor search team is a Florida businessman with a checkered pastNeil Dorrill. (Lets not even get into the bullying by church staff) Lets just focus on the by-laws for one second. For 27 years Hayes Wicker and his family faithfully devoted their lives to Gods calling in ministry at FBCN. It only becomes a problem if you think my worth is different because of it. Help Guides Similarly, SBC president J.D. An earlier version of this article named the group accused of stealing the email addresses as concerned FBCN members. The final vote was 81 percent in favor and 19 percent against. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. The power plays, ego trippin (yes, I did say trippin), greed, pride, etc., has been going on throughout church history. But with all due respect, be careful commenting on things you dont understand or have first hand knowledge of. If those sound like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain in proper perspective, it is because they are. If I had known that, there would have been no resignation whatsoever., I was shocked that they would make this immediate. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands I have no hate here. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. Yet Easter services would be the last time Wicker would preach at FBC Naples. The article above has been corrected to identify the group as Voices of FBCN. is a pastoral search committee? Despite this track record, Wicker said he was shut out of the new pastor selection process. Other parts of the email laid out concerns the group had with Hayes' tweets about books that deal with race and religion and questioned whether he had the necessary experience to take the post as senior pastor. ", Dorrill said there had been "a concerted campaign of misinformation filled with destructive and divisive content." I know that can seem like a simple concept, but it seems to be forgotten when the well a black person disagrees with it! argument is used. I was shocked that they would make this immediate, Wicker said. Thats what REALLY happened. 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. 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. When HE transitioned the church from Elders to committees the ground work was laid for unbiblical polity. Gas. 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. Takeaway: The problems here illustrate how important biblical models of church governance and judicial process are. Freelance journalist Josh Shepherd writes on faith, culture, and public policy for several media outlets. 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. Who Will Pay for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term? Racism had Nothing to do with voting!It had to do with biblical principals that many questioned ( CRT, SJM, "Woke" Church). At the time, Wicker seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination. Wicker also was pastor for 20 years to evangelical author and founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson. Hayes Wicker announced his retirement in January with the intention of reaching a mutually agreed upon exit date with church leadership. 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. @Bernie Lutchman you are so correct. 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. In it, the group details questions it has about Hayes' qualifications, his tweets and beliefs. their sin. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". Jonathan Akin is also national director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board. Stop reading things into what a person says or writes (Im sure you will do this to me) as being racist. Dwight McKissic, a prominent African American SBC pastor in Arlington, Texas. What they did to Rev Wicker and his Godly family is nothing but sinful. ", 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.". The church also launched a schoolFirst Baptist Academy. Privacy Policy 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. Certified Public Accountant, For nearly two weeks, Christian social media has been atwitter with commentary over whats being called The Asbury Revival at, Arizona Pastor Blows the Whistle on Andy Stanley, Robby Gallatys Glowsticks Are Not the Problem, Video: JD Reports on Critical Race Theory Tearing Apart SBC Megachurch, Southern Baptist Youth Pastor Fired for Questioning Near-Death Experience Teachings. Why did the church leadership behave in such an aggressive and dismissive manner? 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. The controversy, which quickly spread in religious circles online, has suddenly thrust the North Naples church into an unwelcome spotlight, much to the dismay of some members. 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. Such a loving bunch, arent they?!). FBCNaples | Naples FL 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. There is no room in our Gospel for racism, none whatsoever. Notice carefully: Our task as ambassadors is to bring good news to people. 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. 1/2: 17+yr member of FBCN and attendee here! "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. 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. According to the inside source, soon after his employment at FBC Naples ended, Wicker was banned from the church campus. At the end of the service we found the pastor in The Commons area. In November, just weeks after the church excommunicated 18 members, John Garippa, a longtime FBC Naples member who led two popular Bible Studies at FBC Naples, left the church. The FBC Naples leaders vowed to deal with this sinful cancer and added that church discipline had already started. But key conferences and key organizations had a vested interest in sidestepping orthodoxy and demonizing any who pointed that out. Find Best Western Hotels & Resorts nearby Sponsored. A portion of the 19% that voted against Marcus Hayes did so based on racial prejudices. 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. 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. It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. I guess the good news is that we are all free to move to a different church whenever we like. 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. In June, Voices of FBCN sent an email to many in the church, criticizing the actions of church leadership. Member of the Evangelical Theological Society Garippa said The Naples Gathering has 350 to 400 people attending, 85-percent of whom are former FBC Naples members. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. 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. Takeaway: So much for a democracy. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. And in 2006, Wicker served as head of the SBC Pastors Conference. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use. Wicker responded with a 16-page letter refuting the charges against him. Dorrill also serves on FBC Naples finance committee. The GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. Yet Caudill said that instead of calling a special meeting in accordance with church bylaws, the leadership at FBC Naples excommunicated 18 of the Concerned Members, including Caudill. First Baptist Church Naples, she said,"is not a racist church by any stretch of the imagination. Im not sure why you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly. Theres only one human race. 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. I just wish so many from my former church would open their eyes and see whats going on. 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. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. It noted that Hayes had unfriended or blocked several people who had signed the petition on his social media accounts. I guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary. into an embarrassing public debacle. Garippa, who was never part of Concerned Members of FBCN, declined to comment on why he left FBC Naples. Those involved either need to find a way to recover from this, not just cover it up, or decide to step aside for the greater good. When that man runs out of money before completion what is everyone going to say? **Statements about the actions taken by FBC Naples leadership assume the fidelity of Pulpit & Pens inside source. Did people voice concerns and questions about Marcus? Our leadership has gone astray, I fear, and those who find the courage to stand up to them have targets on their backs. First Baptist Naples has a byzantine process that allows the pastoral staff to recommend to the deacons the expulsion of a member. 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109, U.S. 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. But the uniform refusal to comment from the church leadership is suspicious. Masters of Divinity in Christian Apologetics, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Today, a former FBC Naples insider who is That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. FBA is a discipleship school dedicated to preparing the next generation to serve in God's Kingdom. We likewise contacted SBC President J.D. I do not intend to allow blackmail to prevail at this point and would hope that you would support me. Almost unbelievable saga of incompetence. "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. I think this one would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place. Leading the Q&A session, Dorrill alluded to the past year for the church, which saw its longtime senior pastor, Hayes Wicker, leave amid dissatisfaction by some church members over the circumstances of his departure. We reached out to Phillips Harvey Group and FBC Naples to confirm, but they did not respond. We reached out to leaders at FBC Naples about a dozen times, seeking evidence for the racism charge, as well as comment on other issues at the church, but no one responded. Only love. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. The whole clergy-laity distinction, senior pastor, associate pastor, the professional, or called into the ministry Christians is not found ANYWHERE in the New Testament.NO WHERE! It stinks to me of Greed. 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. I had the privilege of knowing this young man! Concerned Members of FBCN says the petition received 800 signatures. 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? So we are ambassador-soldiers, reaching out to sinners with the truth even as we make every effort to destroy the lies and other forms of evil that hold them in deadly bondage. Our constitution and bylaws stated that a Senior Pastor must be affirmed by at least an 85% or higher vote. He friended, then de-friended and blocked my wife on social media. The group adds that national leaders within FBC Napless denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), supported the churchs leadership and furthered the racism charge. If this pastoral candidate supportes a book that divides the church along ethnic lines and stirs up divisions in the body of Christ, it is sad that he received as many votes as he did. However, according to a group of 30 to 40 Concerned Members of FBCN, which includes several former deacons, racism had nothing to do with why pastoral candidate Marcus Hayes was rejected as pastor. Hi. In addition to this ungodly action, a criminal investigation was instigated by church leadership over email addresses that were allegedly stolen from the church by an anonymous group calling itself Voices of FBCN. I am saying that, as I have countless experiences of colorblind people saying or doing insensitive, offensive things because they forgot Im black. I certainly agree with you wholeheartedly, Grant. I was preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he said. . However, he stated, In the 22 years I was there (FBC Naples), I never heard a racist commentever. It may not be sorted out down here but everyone has to give an account, and especially those in leadership positions of the Lords Church for whom He died. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Sandra received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from our local college, Florida Gulfcoast University in 2001. The churchs Let us pray for you. ", 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.". ", "After reviewing a little deeper we find that "social justice" and racial inequality appear to be his priority as it pertains to the church and ministry!" He nevertheless urged them to contend earnestly for the faith against all falsehood, while doing everything possible to deliver souls from destruction: snatching them out of the fire . Well-sourced. Last Power plays, power trips and finances will have repercussions on Judgment Day.or did certain people forget about that?!. I'm New. 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. On May 28, Caudill said the church placed him on disciplinary suspension from the deacon board and the senior pastor search team. Two weeks later, Garippa started another church called The Naples Gathering. And before you go tagging me as a racist, I am in a biracial marriage myself. This remains an elephant in the room at every worship service at that church. All of the events need to be understood in the context of the overriding event and the church governance that permitted this to happen. Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. ( I wonder what the Aramaic is for fad.). Clarified a few things I had heard through the SBC grape vine. I lived it. Great! @DooWopCokeFan Please try to understand something: NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE THINK ALIKE. Instead, Ericksen said Hayes has no experience as a head pastor and said that his political views wouldn't go along with a conservative church. Caudill said no one replied to his letter. 1-877-582-9246. . 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.. Its devastating to the proclamation of the Gospel. ADMISSIONS ATHLETICS BLOG CALENDAR CONTACT EMPLOYMENT FIRST NAPLES CHURCH GIVE . Dorrill did not elaborate on how the process was compromised, and Bonnett did not answer emailed questions about the matter. MLKs dream was about us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated accordingly, regardless of our differences. However, the email also expressed concerns about Hayes ability to reconcile the deeply divided church. Roku Live Streaming, Copyright 2023 ITP Productions, Inc. dba ChristianWorldMedia.com, All Rights Reserved, Welcome to First Naples! The deacons vote on it, and, if they approve the recommendation, the individual then is informed. Im inclined to believe it wasnt racially motivated. What a great and wise man of God he is? Upvote 1 Downvote. On the surface, Marcus Hayes is a highly recommended pastor who is seemingly qualified for the role. FBC Naples also sent several cease and desist letters from prominent law firm, Holland & Knight, to several church members suspected of having involvement with the Voices of FBCN email. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. You obviously didnt pay attention to everything in that article, only the points you chose to focus on on. Connect with the reporter at patrick.riley@naplesnews.com or on Twitter @PatJRiley. It seems rather patronizing to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because the propounder is of a certain colour. Selected and edited comments from an article by Carl Trueman, Revoice, Evangelical Culture, and the Return of an Old Friend (July 31, 2018). We also contacted Marcus Hayes and Biltmore Church about the alleged emails but they declined to comment. If there is any racism its from Pastor Hayes and his endorsement of Woke Movement. Hundreds of members have left the church. 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. 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. Need to read the book by Shelby Steele White Guilt where he lays out perfectly the Marist agenda going on. But what was concluded was that all things were not fair nor were they right. Despite his disagreement with the process, Wicker said he submitted to an exit agreement offered by the church, which included a non-disclosure clause. In November, Caudill sent a letter to several prominent SBC leaders, including President Greear and SEBTS President Danny Akin, urging them to retract their statements supporting the racism narrative offered by FBC Naples.