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. Click on the link below to see how you can use your gifts and talents for the Kingdom, from Naples to the nations! Church members are upset over the treatment of the retiring pastor who served 27 years at FBC Naples FBC Naples, Florida's longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church in January 2019. Only love. Carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, I guess you could call me one of the dissenters and racists. I will say this with as much humility as I can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN was a lie! (Hey, and I know white people who love Woke Church!) Member of the Evangelical Theological Society But the uniform refusal to comment from the church leadership is suspicious. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. Publisher Log-in That's not what happened at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. 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. Jonathan Head November 26, 2011. I just want to point out that when you say things like I am in a biracial marriage, it sounds a LOT like I have a black friend. Trust me, that gets you little more than eye-rolling. The church also launched a schoolFirst Baptist Academy. More about this ministry: Welcome to First Naples! Our mission as soldiers is to overthrow false ideas. 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. Despite these red flags, leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) have supported leaders at FBC Naples. And this statement was made by an African American pastor on Moody Radio. In June, Voices of FBCN sent an email to many in the church, criticizing the actions of church leadership. We were on cloud nine. 11,847 were here. 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). 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? Enough racists voted against the pastor. Hi, Carla. This man and his family cannot set foot onto church property, he will never again be able to address a congregation where so many hold him in the highest of esteem. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? SUNDAY, Dec 11 (7pm) For sales or technical support please click here. Wicker said he was shocked by the accusations, but instead of fighting, he tendered his resignation. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. For the church's leadership, "it exposed a sickness in what we characterize as a cancer within our fellowship," he continued in the letter, which also asked for forgiveness from Hayes and his wife and "any other person who has been offended, hurt, or damaged by the outcome" of the vote. More than 450 emails in support of Hayes were received by the church in the past four days, Dorrill said during the Nov. 2 service. Come see the Living Christmas Trees. Boy oh boy. 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. When that man runs out of money before completion what is everyone going to say? ( I wonder what the Aramaic is for fad.). It stinks to me of Greed. At least four emails were "broadly sent," he wrote, with others privately sent. @DooWopCokeFan Please try to understand something: NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE THINK ALIKE. Yet Caudill said that when he spoke up in meetings, the 79-year-old deacon was deemed divisive.. "First Baptist Naples is, ethnically, a predominantly white church but we are not a racist church." Caudill said no one replied to his letter. . The First Naples School of Worship Arts exists to develop Christ-honoring worshipers through quality instruction for the purpose of exalting the Lord with their God-given talents and abilities. 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. 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. They make me want to Puke profusely second only to Calvary Chapel. And as of March 1, the churchs $14 million budget had a shortfall of $1.2 million. God has to be deeply saddened by this, knowing that so much more could be done. Click below to hear stories and testimonies of how the Lord has been working in and through our First Naples Family. ", 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.". Rather than bringing members who are accused of sin before the church body for examination, members are being removed from the church rolls through actions taken directly by deacons and pastoral staff without a vote of the church body. 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. Almost unbelievable saga of incompetence. A movement, to direct and shape the policies and testimony of the church is quite a thing. Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect accurate information regarding the participants at a meeting of FBC Naples leaders on April 23. In addition, those who have been excommunicated, as well as former Pastor Hayes Wicker, say they feel like their reputations have been sullied. 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. On Easter weekend, Wicker said he received a text message that several chairmen wanted to meet with him about church unrest. Wicker said he tried to ignore it. Also, the concept of colorblindness is nice in theory but is biologically impossible (unless you are colorblind). Why not make an issue of Dorrills past before Hayes confirmation vote? This sort of trashing of fine people is becoming commonplace is an SBC I was once very happy to be a part of. 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. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. If I had known that, there would have been no resignation whatsoever.. 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. 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. Melisa do you attend First Baptist ? Is not the sheer stupidity of this self-evident? ".for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7 Need Prayer? Despite his disagreement with the process, Wicker said he submitted to an exit agreement offered by the church, which included a non-disclosure clause. As managing editor of the former Florida Baptist Witness (state paper) I was witness to many of Hayes Wickers years of fruitful ministry. Sadly, that did not come to fruition. Racism had Nothing to do with voting!It had to do with biblical principals that many questioned ( CRT, SJM, "Woke" Church). The shooting drew national headlines, outrage and questions about whether race factored into the officers decision to open fire. Our constitution and bylaws stated that a Senior Pastor must be affirmed by at least an 85% or higher vote. I think this one would have died even if none of this soap opera garbage had taken place. I was shocked that they would make this immediate, Wicker said. Church leaders often seem to operate like smoke filled back room big city politicians. 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. SUNDAY, Dec 11 (4pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. He friended, then de-friended and blocked my wife on social media. the group wrote. The leadership structure for the past 500 years in pretty much all of our churches is just refurbished Roman Catholicism. Mancini said its standard to recommend that an outgoing senior pastor not be involved in a pastoral succession process. Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. (Hayes this month took his first senior pastor position at a church in Texas.). Edie, the church's executive pastor, however, called Hayes "one of the most qualified men in Southern Baptist life to be a Senior Pastor of any church in this country.". FBA@FBALions.org. Visit: firstnaples.org/media. The so-called dissenters had issues with what the church was doing WELL BEFORE Marcus Hayes arrived. ", 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.". Christianity Today (CT) reported in November that Neil Dorrill had claimed at a Q&A session that inappropriate emails had been sent to Hayess church in North Carolina, Biltmore Church. Takeaway: The treatment of the retiring pastor at FBC Naples is eerily similar to the treatment of the retiring pastor at McLean Bible Church. Im inclined to believe it wasnt racially motivated. into an embarrassing public debacle. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. In it, the group details questions it has about Hayes' qualifications, his tweets and beliefs. Wicker and his wife then returned a Chrysler minivan they had been given years before by a church member, and his church-leased vehicle was repossessed. (The church publishes an annual directory with member email addresses.). Wicker said in late October, when FBC Naples excommunicated the 18 members, it also stopped paying him his severance. Yet despite all thats happened, Wicker said, I pray people would not use this to come against megachurches or seeing all committees as bad.. I am responding simply to share that theres another side the story and I wish I/we had an opportunity to share such a story without fear of legal action (thats right, the church has threatened legal action against me as well as threatened that if I say anything at all negative about the church they will trespass me prevent me from dropping off and picking up my kids at First Baptist Academy. On the surface, Marcus Hayes is a highly recommended pastor who is seemingly qualified for the role. 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. Here is a prime example of CRT. THAT IS OK! Takeaway: So much for a democracy. Similarly, SBC president J.D. 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. 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. Marcus Hayes, an African-American who is on staff at Biltmore Church in the Asheville, North Carolina area, was the candidate. We are grateful to the Lord for His continued blessing upon the school ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. Connect with the reporter at patrick.riley@naplesnews.com or on Twitter @PatJRiley. I guess the good news is that we are all free to move to a different church whenever we like. The churchs I dont think that it was right how they treated him. Following worship services on December 7 and 8, receptions were held to honor Edies six years at the church. Former deacon, Blake Crawford, said Wicker was later exonerated of the charges in the anonymous letter by church accounting firm, Phillips Harvey Group. This is a warning to all Southern Baptists. This group was engaged in an email campaign to inform church members about various concerns with Marcus Hayes. In the spring of 1945, Reverend Joseph Engel, his wife and young son were sent by the Brookdale Baptist Church of Bloomfield, New Jersey to plant new churches in South Florida. However, leaked The church decided to use the racism card instead ACTUALLY deal with the real issues going on. Voicemails left for Hayes this week were not returned, and Neil Dorrill, chairman of the pastoral search team, referred questions to Bonnett. We live in UK now as did Naples Baptist 1st Associate Minisiter but come to Naples Baptist every Dec/Jan. I also find it interesting that Dorrills past financial misdeeds didnt seem to be a problem for the dissenters until the Hayes vetting process. Since the failed vote, other allegations have surfaced. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Church leaders have alleged that race played a role in the failed vote to affirm Hayes, causing a firestorm of heated discussion on social media and spawning posts by religious websites and blogs. If there is any racism its from Pastor Hayes and his endorsement of Woke Movement. More bluntly What have we done? . "There are no terms to describe what has happened here other than sin. The separation was hardly amicable. Pray for Me; Log In First, there are blacks who strenuously object to books like Woke Church, as well as intersectionality, and reparations for slavery. 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. I do not intend to allow blackmail to prevail at this point and would hope that you would support me. 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. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. DWCF. **Statements about the actions taken by FBC Naples leadership assume the fidelity of Pulpit & Pens inside source. Dwight McKissic, a prominent African American SBC pastor in Arlington, Texas. "It had to do with biblical principals that many questioned," she wrote. Been here 25+ times. Dorrill also serves on FBC Naples finance committee. Ricardo Barbosa December 25, 2014. One Denomination that claims to hold the Christian faith to avoid is the Southern Baptist Churces and their affiliations. What does this say about Big Eva? No One Knows. The Holy Spirit inspired him to write his short epistle to people who were struggling with some of these very same issues. 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 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. 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. (I)t seems from social media posts that, with no investigation, some convention leaders have chosen to believe this narrative, Caudill wrote. Racial prejudice a factor in rejection of black pastor, read the headline of a piece published in the Baptist Standard. Stop making everything about race. Freelance journalist Josh Shepherd writes on faith, culture, and public policy for several media outlets. 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. Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns from Churchome After TRR Investigation; Church Official Makes False Claims, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. Power thereof as did Naples Baptist every Dec/Jan email campaign to inform church members come. Month youve found worth reading is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury member! 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