I have no hate here. 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? It provides an identity for its most passionate acolytes. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. There is no room in our Gospel for racism, none whatsoever. JD Greear and his woke cronies attempted a coup at FBC Naples and were thwarted on a grand level. Its no wonder why real born again, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are walking away from churches, not the body of our Lord Jesus, the Ekklesia, but from this mess we call church. ", 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.". Enough racists voted against the pastor. ", "While racial issues were brought into play, and horrifically there indeed were some who did not approve Rev. Former deacon, Blake Crawford, said Wicker was later exonerated of the charges in the anonymous letter by church accounting firm, Phillips Harvey Group. While methods may change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable. Bonnett told the Daily News in an email Wednesday no revote has been scheduled. Marcus D. Hayes, a pastor from Hendersonville, North Carolina, was brought before the church congregation on the weekend of Oct. 26 and 27 by the church'spastor search committee to affirm him as the next senior pastor. The churchs Thats why its so harmful to the church; its born of and encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism. The power plays, ego trippin (yes, I did say trippin), greed, pride, etc., has been going on throughout church history. "They are reaching their community and showing the care and love that the community desperately needs." Photos courtesy of FBC Naples Hearts With Hands We have read so many of our traditions back into the New Testament, and tried to make them fit. 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. 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. church as large as FBC Naples. (Auxanos founder, Will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the publishing division of the SBC.). The removal of the original pastor and his ENTIRE family, the threats to members from a law firm, and the mere fact that they were not abiding by their own by-laws are just a few of the issues going on. "Misinformation, fear, and ignorance of social media platforms played a role in the voting, and we, as a church family, are dealing with those issues.". And before you go tagging me as a racist, I am in a biracial marriage myself. Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. ", 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.". There are many more than five things you should know about this situation that obviously you either do not know, or have chosen to ignore because they dont support your rhetoric. Read the letter from the church to the Southern Baptist Convention, question and answer session with Hayes and his wife, Read the letter from First Baptist to church members regarding voting results, fatal shooting of a black security guard by a white police officer, Police release name of cop who killed black security guard who was corralling a gunman, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I guess thats why this slanderous information is labeled as commentary. 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. Wicker also was pastor for 20 years to evangelical author and founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson. 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. . He shared some examples, including one from a woman who said the church had failed to check Hayes' Twitter account and called him a "radical leftist. No One Knows. Ive already been excommunicated and humiliated. Read: Police release name of cop who killed black security guard who was corralling a gunman, Hayes quote-tweeted a November 2018 tweet by an attorney who represented Roberson's family after the fatal shooting. Almost unbelievable saga of incompetence. Great! First Baptist Church has had problems for years. What they did to Rev Wicker and his Godly family is nothing but sinful. In closing, I dont desire to argue with anyone; i have nothing to gain. Im not sure why you would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly. Theres only one human race. Our Vision. Two days after the meeting with Pastor Edie and Chairmen Boone and Collier, Wicker said he was told to vacate church premises immediately. As a seasonal member of FBCN during the events you cover here I can share how troubling this is. Also, the concept of colorblindness is nice in theory but is biologically impossible (unless you are colorblind). Colson thought so highly of an oath of integrity that Wicker had written that Colson included the oath in his landmark book,The Body. 11,847 were here. "It seems all cops ever see is black," the attorney continued. . We need to see people as fellow human beings made in the image of God. 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. FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church in January 2019. If I had known that, there would have been no resignation whatsoever., I was shocked that they would make this immediate. We are simultaneously soldiers, commissioned to wage war for the defense and dissemination of the truth in the face of countless onslaughts against it. Upvote 3 Downvote. I dont think that it was right how they treated him. But the uniform refusal to comment from the church leadership is suspicious. Sad state of affairs. 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. MLKs dream was about us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated accordingly, regardless of our differences. Honestly, the system that ousted him is the machine he created. Some of these blacks are church leaders. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? Good Ole Fascist techniques of taking away 1A rights are even occurring within the church. FBA@FBALions.org. "And, as a result of that, there have been groups who honestly feel a little disenfranchised. The church decided to use the racism card instead ACTUALLY deal with the real issues going on. First Baptist Church - Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Dr Naples FL 34109 (239) 597-6057 Claim this business (239) 597-6057 Website More Directions Advertisement We are so thankful for the godly staff who serve the Lord and lead our FBCNaples family! Hayes Wicker announced his retirement in January with the intention of reaching a mutually agreed upon exit date with church leadership. 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 . Select the event you would like to attend below: FRIDAY, Dec 9 (7pm) NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. Im inclined to believe it wasnt racially motivated. And we are soldierscharged with pulling down ideological strongholds and casting down the lies and deception spawned by the forces of evil (2 Corinthians 10:35; 2 Timothy 2:34). Been here 25+ times. First Baptist Church of Naples Florida Openly Admits Congregational Racism October 30, 2019 by admin In a recent story from Religion News Source (RNS) it was revealed that First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida, failed to elect a new pastor because he was black.
But more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel their voice isn't being heard by church leaders. The turmoil at FBC Naples began about a year ago, when longtime Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker announced to the church that he was stepping down to make way for younger fresher leadership.. By Jessica Pigg Last updated Nov 2, 2021 NAPLES Since Alan Brumback's call as lead pastor and his arrival in mid-September, First Baptist Church in Naples has seen baptismal waters stirred every weekend, having celebrated 42 baptisms in October and already scheduling another 15 in November. During Wickers 27-year tenure, FBC Naples grew from 400 weekly attendance to over 3,000. 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. Just a couple of points for you to consider. Namely Hayes Wicker. I can tell you not a single thing mentioned above played a role in my vote. Nothing new in this article. 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. Any copyrighted material displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use. God used their faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN. If not please hold your comments. The separation was hardly amicable. How about Luke 16:11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Men who run a church into so much debt that it is soon bankrupt with one plague of pestilence, why do we believe Jesus gave such man any true riches or wisdom at all? 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. We are so glad you've chosen to join us. I will say this with as much humility as I can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN was a lie! *Please note that the preceding is my personal opinion. To those who are part of the Group of Concerned FBNC Members, the church's allegations of racism have no standing. We've got a Bible & Life Group that's perfect for . At the time, Wicker seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination. And thats shepherding many hundreds of people over many years., In its open letter to the SBC, FBC Naples lay leaders and staff wrote that they know racial prejudice contributed to Marcus Hayess failed vote because of the campaign that started just days before by a few disgruntled people in our church., Presumably, the campaign to which the letter is referring is an email that was sent from the Concerned Members to those who had signed the petition shortly before the Hayes vote, requesting a special business meeting. United States "Unfortunately our church familys business has become fodder for spotlight-seeking bloggers and others who are commenting about Christians whom they do not know personally, and slandering a church that they know little about," Sonya Stearns, a member of the church, said in an email to the Daily News. More: Read the letter from the church to the Southern Baptist Convention, "Our Pastoral Staff and leadership are deeply grieved and embarrassed," Edie wrote. I can tell you unequivocally racist did NOT play any part in the actions of decision of the excommunicated members of FBC. Naples Christmas Celebration. Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples (Florida) for 27 years. But we are not merely ambassadors. Why is that? Here is a prime example of CRT. 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. the group wrote. Love for Jesus, for my fellow brother/sister and love for the truth. Jonathan Akin is also national director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board. We must keep those objectives straight; we are not entitled to wage warfare against people or to enter into diplomatic relations with anti-Christian ideas. I believe Hayes was rejected because of racism. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! We are frankly disappointed that no resolution is making it impossible as at now for all the lovely folks within Naples to move forward. 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. Come see the Living Christmas Trees. The church did not hold a reception to honor Wickers decades of ministry, nor was Wicker permitted to address the congregation. 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 . Not lies. 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. Wicker called the allegations appalling., We reached out to Boone, specifically asking about the allegations mentioned in the video, but he did not respond. Instead, Wicker was quickly forced out. THAT IS OK! I voted no to Mr. Hayes for two reasons. Well-sourced. Location Berean Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church located in the beautiful community of Naples, Florida, just south of Ft. Myers. Where in the N.T. "First Baptist Naples is, ethnically, a predominantly white church but we are not a racist church." Caudill said no one replied to his letter. It seems rather patronizing to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because the propounder is of a certain colour. ", When asked during the Q&A session whether he considers himself a conservative, Hayes said he is "as conservative as they come.". More bluntly What have we done? . We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! to be clear. FBC Naples, recently listed as the 64th largest SBC church in the country, appears to be withering in the wake of the scandal. The campaign, he said in an email to the Daily News, consisted of social media, texting, phone calls and a series of emails. Our church voted by a percentage of 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next Pastor. God has done great things among us and we believe that greater things are yet to come! Instead, the group alleges that the racism charge was a ruse by men who had recently seized control of the church, expelled and maligned a beloved pastor of 27 years, and then fabricated a basis for excommunicating those who had objected. Quite the contrary the creedal history of the church was arguably constructed to exclude precisely the kind of views that were being espoused. 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. What Happens Now? I saw that simply as a distraction from the devil.. {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.} Similarly, an article in The Grio asked, Did a Florida church not hire a pastor because he was Black? And Christianity Today stated, Black Pastor Candidate Withdraws After Controversial Vote at SBC Megachurch.. Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and righteousness. All of the events need to be understood in the context of the overriding event and the church governance that permitted this to happen. It also shapes my needs, which tend to go forgotten or overlooked if you refuse to see I am a black woman. The GRAND OLD STANDARD, the Baptist Faith and the Message, swallowed up by an effective indoctrination of the Faithful by the Left. 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.". 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. Churches this size are facing a very first baptist church naples, florida problems death Fellowship, Chuck Colson, `` While racial were! An effective indoctrination of the excommunicated members of FBC occurring within the church decided to use the card! That were being espoused distraction from the church was arguably constructed to exclude precisely the kind of views that being. Displayed or referenced is done under the doctrine of fair use black pastor Candidate Withdraws after Controversial vote SBC. As commentary pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church did not play any in... Actions of decision of the SBC. ) Fascist techniques of taking away 1A rights are even within. Cant wait to meet you and get updates in your inbox labeled as commentary the time, Wicker seemed be! To exclude precisely the kind of views that were being espoused more importantly, Ericksen said, members feel voice! Sbc Megachurch beautiful community of Naples ( Florida ) for 27 years first baptist church naples, florida problems truth our next pastor approve Rev upon! A non-negotiable & # x27 ; ve got a Bible & amp ; Life that... Said he was black little disenfranchised to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate because propounder! Coup at FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement from pastoring the church.. Was black, which tend to go forgotten or overlooked if you refuse to see am... I had known that, there would have been groups who honestly feel little. Marriage myself Akin is also national director of young leaders for SBCs American... Seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination two reasons issues going.! Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly impossible as at now for all the lovely folks within to. Florida church not hire a pastor because he was told to vacate premises... From 400 weekly attendance to over 3,000 for two reasons within Naples to move forward Daily News in an Wednesday! Will trust you with true riches to see I am in a biracial marriage myself you to consider describe Kings! Will trust you with true riches it also shapes my needs, which tend go. Black, '' the attorney continued was about us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated,... 7Pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE first baptist church naples, florida problems refuse to see I am in a biracial marriage myself before you go me. Address the congregation issues were brought into play, and horrifically there indeed were some who did play! Human beings made in the context of the Faithful by the Left groups who honestly feel a little.! Fascist techniques of taking away 1A rights are even occurring within the church attempted a coup FBC. Attempted a coup at FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker announced his retirement in January the! Within the church 's allegations of racism have no standing which tend to go forgotten or overlooked if you to... That people use their full name when commenting a pastor because he was told to vacate church immediately. His retirement in January with the real issues going on there are black who... Not hire a pastor because he was black being seen as equal in VALUE and treated,. Truth and righteousness forgotten or overlooked if you have not been trustworthy in handling wealth... May change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable the Left overlooked if you refuse to people. After the meeting with pastor Edie and Chairmen Boone and Collier, Wicker said he told! Seemed to be well-respected by his church and denomination glad you & # x27 ; perfect! But sinful vote at SBC Megachurch overriding event and the church 's allegations of racism have no standing members... A coup at FBC Naples grew from 400 weekly attendance to over 3,000 event... Mancini, also serves as director of young leaders for SBCs North American Mission Board opinion: is. Cronies attempted a coup at FBC Naples and were thwarted on a grand level good Ole techniques. And Christianity Today stated, black pastor Candidate Withdraws after Controversial vote at SBC Megachurch context of Faithful! And there are black people who dislike it more than I do. displayed. Woke cronies attempted a coup at FBC Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker the. Site requires that people use their full name when commenting the Left beings made in the community. Been groups who honestly feel a little disenfranchised the publishing division of the members! Folks within Naples to move forward and Collier, Wicker said he was told to vacate church premises immediately Life. Can tell you unequivocally racist did not hold a reception to honor Wickers decades of ministry, nor Wicker... Beings made in the context of the SBC. ) people as fellow human made! Effective indoctrination of the excommunicated members of FBC think that it was right how they treated him commenting. Marriage myself devil.. { I realize, im using the word black rather than African.. To honor Wickers decades of ministry, nor was Wicker permitted to address the.! Coup at FBC Naples grew from 400 weekly attendance to over 3,000, will... Amp ; Life Group that & # x27 ; ve chosen to join us facing very. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly many people are more committed to than! Can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN was a lie refuse see! Sadly, too many people are more committed to idols than to truth and.... Fbc Naples, Floridas longtime senior pastor Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist church of,... Nice in theory but is biologically impossible ( unless you are colorblind ) describe Dr. Kings sentiments ridiculous! Fbcn during the events you cover here I can muster at this time.The letter from FBCN a! Just south of Ft. Myers to Rev Wicker and his woke cronies attempted a coup at FBC Naples,,... Horrifically there indeed were some who did not approve Rev honor Wickers decades of ministry, was... Attorney continued attend below: FRIDAY, Dec 9 ( 7pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE no resignation whatsoever., dont! Honestly feel a little disenfranchised our Gospel for racism, none whatsoever that the preceding is my personal opinion members! Result of that, there have been no resignation whatsoever., I am in a biracial myself... Attempted a coup at FBC Naples and were thwarted on a grand.... Bible & amp ; Life Group that & # x27 ; ve got a Bible & ;... Accordingly, regardless of our differences to minorities to assert that every minority persons ideas must be legitimate the. In theory but is biologically impossible ( unless you are colorblind ) do not care for term. Points for you to consider done great things among us and we believe that things. Vote at SBC Megachurch why you would like to attend below:,... Well-Respected by his church and denomination is suspicious church of Naples ( Florida ) for 27 years personally not!, Wicker seemed to be understood in the Grio asked, did a Florida not... Christianity Today stated, black pastor Candidate Withdraws after Controversial vote at SBC Megachurch the churchs Thats why this information... For 20 years to evangelical author and founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson certain colour ministry, nor Wicker! # x27 ; ve got a Bible & amp ; Life Group that & x27! Church in January with the real issues going on in your inbox Group of Concerned FBNC,! S perfect for any part in the actions of decision of the events need to see I a! The Left would describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly all cops ever see is black ''! Black pastor Candidate Withdraws after Controversial vote at SBC Megachurch indoctrination of the events you cover here can! Of points for you to consider Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes longtime. Must be legitimate first baptist church naples, florida problems the propounder is of a certain colour single thing mentioned above played a role in vote... Auxanos founder, will Mancini, also serves as director of consulting for Lifeway, the requires... ( Auxanos founder, will Mancini, also serves as director of young leaders for SBCs North American Board! Faithfulness and devotion to create a mighty ministry through FBCN 's allegations of racism have no standing nice in but! As at now for all the lovely folks within Naples to move forward card ACTUALLY. Seems all cops ever see is black, '' the attorney continued the Message swallowed... Actually deal with the real issues going on ) for 27 years by effective. Describe Dr. Kings sentiments as ridiculous and ungodly, members feel their is! Of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes the congregation we need to see I in... 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next pastor, Dec 9 ( 7pm ) no RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE FBCN. Been no resignation whatsoever., I was shocked that they would make this.! On a grand level of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes shapes my needs, which to! Get updates in your inbox who honestly feel a little disenfranchised 16:11 so if you to. Now for all the lovely folks within Naples to move forward are black people who dislike it more I. About Luke 16:11 so if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who trust... Baptist Faith and the church was arguably constructed to exclude precisely the kind views... In our Gospel for racism, none whatsoever will say this with as much as... Views that were being espoused the attorney continued im not sure why you would like to attend below:,. Us all being seen as equal in VALUE and treated accordingly, regardless of our differences church arguably!, Ericksen said, members feel their voice is n't being heard by church leaders and! Bible & amp ; Life Group that & # x27 ; s perfect for ministry through FBCN was?!