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. this approach to transition can become a helpful model for other churches.. Good Ole Fascist techniques of taking away 1A rights are even occurring within the church. action has been taken to enact church discipline on the dissenters because of Now it certainly will as the debt load is unsustainable. Today, a former FBC Naples insider who is I spoke at length with this individual and how no reason to doubt the veracity of the individuals accounts. United States . What would Jesus make of Wokeness intersectionality, and indeed, the movement for resegregation by some of those who are of the Prominent Woke, in light of Galatians 3:28? Thats why its so harmful to the church; its born of and encourages the myopic tendencies of American evangelicalism. For sales or technical support please click here. Sad state of affairs. Been here 25+ times. This is a warning to all Southern Baptists. Trust me, I have been guilty of that very same thing myself and Ive learned the hard way being on the other side. Thanks for submitting! So much for giving church members the benefit of the doubt. 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. Just fill out this form and let us know your needs. No church creed has ever taught the nonsense that had become so pervasive in evangelicalism. If this were a Calvary Chapel organization, or any other offshoot of Chuck Smiths piracy, no one would be surprised. Last fall, First Baptist Church (FBC) Naplesa prominent Southern Baptist megachurch in southwest Floridamade national headlines for rejecting an African American pastoral candidate because of some alleged racist members. The deacons vote on it, and, if they approve the recommendation, the individual then is informed. The Story Of First Baptist Church Naples is disturbing and alarming, but it is meant to be an inspiration. Experienced first hand Church Bullying, Over blown egos, inability and refusal to be biblically teachabe. And if He wanted us all to be the same, He wouldve made us the same. 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. It was appalling and heartbreaking to witness. 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? Despite his disagreement with the process, Wicker said he submitted to an exit agreement offered by the church, which included a non-disclosure clause. Our church voted by a percentage of 81 % to bring Marcus Hayes as our next Pastor. 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. What Happens Now? God has to be deeply saddened by this, knowing that so much more could be done. He didnt return multiple phone calls and e-mails. He didnt mentioned anything in the question and answer sessions or his sermon that gave me any indication reconciling and unifying our church was even on his radar. Despite this track record, Wicker said he was shut out of the new pastor selection process. He and his wife and his children love God and Gods people. Exactly right. Naples, FL, 34109 Customers Love Us "Great experience! 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. Who Will Pay for the SBCs Abuse Reforms Over the Long Term? Coffee. Thats what REALLY happened. I just wish so many from my former church would open their eyes and see whats going on. 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. (I)t seems from social media posts that, with no investigation, some convention leaders have chosen to believe this narrative, Caudill wrote. As a seasonal member of FBCN during the events you cover here I can share how troubling this is. The situation at FBC Naples should serve as a solemn reminder to church members everywhere to ensure that their by-laws provide church members biblical protections from rogue staff members who would seek to dominate their church. I dont think that it was right how they treated him. 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. On the surface, Marcus Hayes is a highly recommended pastor who is seemingly qualified for the role. Dorrill did not elaborate on how the process was compromised, and Bonnett did not answer emailed questions about the matter. He hopes Now with COVID-19 churches this size are facing a very quick death. 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. I was preparing to speak before the largest crowd we would ever have, he said. 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.". Takeaway: The problems here illustrate how important biblical models of church governance and judicial process are. Many church members are staying silent because they fear their children will be kicked out of the Christian school run by the church. And second, Mr. Hayes did nothing to convince me that he would embrace me as a disgraced member of the church. weekend the congregation failed "Is that what the gospel is all about?". However, CT said it was not able to confirm whether Biltmore Church received such communications. We asked him to allow us to hug him. Regardless of what specific concerns were held, its important to know that 1) no evidence of genuine racism on the part of those holding them has surfaced, and 2) the efforts these members made to ask questions and express reservations were not taken seriously. 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 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. ", Dorrill said there had been "a concerted campaign of misinformation filled with destructive and divisive content." You would call Martin Luther King an Uncle Tom Im sure. to affirm of Wickers intended replacement, Marcs Hayes. He said the church was hopeful that Hayes would allow his name to be reconsidered as the church's next senior pastor or interim pastor. Ungodly treatment of a Godly man and his entire family, not to mention those whose leadership and dedication to the Lord was well-known and long-standing. This happened just three days after the church vote concerning Marcus Hayes. Find more information about the groups that meet throughout the week by clicking below. It also shapes my needs, which tend to go forgotten or overlooked if you refuse to see I am a black woman. 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. "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. I can tell you unequivocally racist did NOT play any part in the actions of decision of the excommunicated members of FBC. Their considerations related to legitimate theological, moral, and political issues. The article above has been corrected to identify the group as Voices of FBCN. You obviously didnt pay attention to everything in that article, only the points you chose to focus on on. Hayes Wicker was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples (Florida) for 27 years. Stop reading things into what a person says or writes (Im sure you will do this to me) as being racist. 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. Racism had Nothing to do with voting!It had to do with biblical principals that many questioned ( CRT, SJM, "Woke" Church). Hayes did not suddenly abandon his faith in the few months between his announcement that he was stepping aside, as he was being felt led to do, to make room for younger leadership and his sudden dismissal by the FBCN leadership. Catholic Idolaters Claim to Find St. Peters BonesAgain. We cant wait to meet you and get you connected! ".for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7 Need Prayer? Wicker called the allegations appalling., We reached out to Boone, specifically asking about the allegations mentioned in the video, but he did not respond. Carla, thanks to my excommunicated status, I guess you could call me one of the dissenters and racists. Wicker responded with a 16-page letter refuting the charges against him. He and his wife live in the Washington, D.C. area with their son. This is why I dont attend a church and work on my relationship with God on a daily basis. Jemel Roberson was in my student ministry while I was a youth pastor in Chicago. In fact, concerned church members have come forward to reveal the questions and concerns they had about the nominee. To donate. Greear, who had written a letter of recommendation for Marcus Hayes, called the open letter by FBC Naples leadership a bold, Gospel-faithful response of the leadership of FBC Naples. Greear added, Let us be united in lament that any vestige of this kind of sinful prejudice remains in our churches., Also, Danny Akin, president of SBC-affiliated Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), described the open letter as a strong and redemptive word from FBC Naples.. 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. Naples Christmas Celebration. 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. Items. Mancini said its standard to recommend that an outgoing senior pastor not be involved in a pastoral succession process. 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. It is widely known that an 85% affirmative vote is unusually high. (Lets not even get into the bullying by church staff) Lets just focus on the by-laws for one second. If those sound like difficult assignments to keep in balance and maintain in proper perspective, it is because they are. In addition, those who have been excommunicated, as well as former Pastor Hayes Wicker, say they feel like their reputations have been sullied. 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. Love for Jesus, for my fellow brother/sister and love for the truth. 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. I can tell you I am not a racist. It provides an identity for its most passionate acolytes. Yet, thats what multiple sources have alleged is happening to them. In 2016, under the leadership of its former pastor, the church changed its bylaws to adopt the85%approval rule, instead of a simple or super-majority, Stearns continued. What they did to Rev Wicker and his Godly family is nothing but sinful. Takeaway: Using children as political pawns is despicable. Bonnett told the Daily News in an email Wednesday no revote has been scheduled. 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. Most church experiences, when it comes to a new Senior Pastor, are just that, a celebration and a time of looking forward with hope and optimism to what God has for the future. First Naples glorifies God by being a multigenerational, multiethnic, multiplying church. The separation was hardly amicable. I guess I missed this one. Budget Crisis at FBC Naples? 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. This ban prevented him from seeing his granddaughter perform in a play being put on at the churchs school, First Baptist Academy. Im inclined to believe it wasnt racially motivated. While methods may change, our commitment to Biblical doctrine is a non-negotiable. Wicker spent 27 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples. Havent hurt enough yet. JUST STOP THE HATE. Church leadership announced that a new senior pastor was not hired because the nominee failed to meet the 85% approval threshold. Notice carefully: Our task as ambassadors is to bring good news to people. fell short of the 85% vote required to install him as a pastor. Honestly, the system that ousted him is the machine he created. Dorrill also serves on FBC Naples finance committee. We are ambassadorswith a message of good news for people who walk in a land of darkness and dwell in the land of the shadow of death (Isaiah 9:2). I am saying that, as I have countless experiences of colorblind people saying or doing insensitive, offensive things because they forgot Im black. We are grateful to the Lord for His continued blessing upon the school ministry of First Baptist Church Naples. Let us pray for you. 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. 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. More about this ministry: Welcome to First Naples! It is a populist movement of tremendous influence and minimal accountability. Hayes pastoral appointment of doing so out of racial prejudice and announced that 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. ADMISSIONS ATHLETICS BLOG CALENDAR CONTACT EMPLOYMENT FIRST NAPLES CHURCH GIVE . Last Masters of Divinity in Christian Apologetics, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Submit. 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