Even before the Garden of Eden seduction, he foresaw the need for The Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Your leaving (however late you feel it was) was His provision for others, much like Joseph sent ahead to Egypt years ahead of his brothers and father. The current leadership at Harvest Bible Chapel including Luke and Landon and Rick and Mo and Jeff and the CFO are infected by the cancer of fear and control. The timing of this article makes you less credible. Its where I was led to Christ. James has all the characteristics of a false teacher. Ive always appreciated your candor and honesty, and I think the Lord has gifted you with a strong sense of discernment. Too many of these large churches have lost track of what their true purpose is. Hoping you come back and teach a book of the Bible. Gods Timing Is ALWAYS Perfect! I hope that the cleansing and purification will come to Davenport as well. I feared offending people. And where I live that mostly rules out every English speaking church there is! The higher the leadership level was, the more protective of James they were. I believe you spoke up now to show how far reaching the powerful words and actions of those in authority goes. I speak as one who has gone thru it, like you. Another church on The Lord's Way is on its way out. Thank you for speaking out, Lina! Harvest Bible Chapel We're here to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Could you provide me with a link please. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. We left Harvest for, among other reasons, the bad theology and overall silliness of the womens ministry. I love this idea! James biggest issue was his condemnation of other preachers, he never mentioned them by name he knew better, but I knew who he was talking about. Thats what happens to us as individuals and us as a collection of people. Everything that is painful for everyone and anyone has been talked about endlessly for weeks. What blessings are flowing at Harvest for those who stand firm! God has said that those who are give much is required. Lina, to see how the Lord has blessed your ministry these past few years is absolutely amazing! Im not on FB, so I didnt see your post where you extended an invitation to us to meet with you again. I am surprised by your editorial on Harvest. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand., And even JMac was right when he quoted 1 Corinthians 16:13: Im grateful that the sin of James and the elders/staff who allowed his tyranny to prosper is finally coming to light, so that the abuse can come to an end. Fear is what has been under all this, I would not be surprised if there is some fear in Jamess heart that is the root cause of his sins here. This past Sunday, Harvests elders and remaining pastors were in serious damage control mode. Were they unaware of what was happening behind the scenes? Im far removed from this situation, but saddened by it nonetheless. In announcing MacDonalds termination, Harvest elders stated they are committed to fulfilling our fiduciary duty as the leadership of this congregation, knowing that at times the outcome may be misunderstood or emotionally painful. Its who you are! She is not trying to kick him while he is down. As Gods word says it would. Five Uncomfortable Church Documentaries Still Worth Watching, Asbury Announces New Service ScheduleCampus Will Be Closed to the Public After Today, Eight Witnesses Testified Against Hillsong Founder Brian Houston in Court Case. I do not believe your timing should be questioned. Many people went to leaders and spoke up. Still, even I knew when enough was enough. Otherwise, the church must answer the same question, for that is one of the majors that Jesus gave us. And for those that have not witnessed spiritual abuse, or worse yet experienced it personally, but are now hearing about it, this is your opportunity to ramp up your prayers for the Bride of Christ. Ross, Ross, In his remarks this week, he says he confessed his relational failings multiple times, but still lost longtime friends and ministry partners to Harvests narrative. I left for the Truth of Orthodoxy! God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. I am grateful for your courage. He bullied his way into being paid multiple times for the work he was hired to so as the pastor, sermons and bible teaching. The 60-year-old pastor called on his former church to confess its wrongs and correct the record. Agreed Sheila. Until recently, I was 8 year member of HBC and I feel so sad, confused, betrayed. People need to be accountable for their actions. It is a shame to Christianity what is happening here. Thanks for writing it. Gosh, so many similarities with the HBC action. By the time I left, I had discovered something dark about myself: I was a woman/person ruled by fear. blessings. I know many people who attend Harvest or who have been impacted by MacDonalds preaching are crushed today. The beloved drink is both an attraction and a generational divide. In October, the church reported its chief information officer to police for suspected embezzlement. Voices heard together make a difference. 12:18) as while working through this year-and-half-long process of transition. You have to leave before you can see clearly. Pastor James MacDonald of the Chicago-based seven-multicampus Harvest Bible Church, issued an apology statement on Sunday saying that the board of the megachurch unanimously agreed to lift a discipline ban from three excommunicated elders. Or were you saying they were bullied too. He was a ruler of his churches. Its hard to step out alone but God always protects and brings darkness into the light to be seen. Please support my writing! What you are talking about is protecting abusers at the expense of those they have abused and betrayed which, unfortunately, happens far too often. It wasnt that we saw corruption in our church. Rita, be encouraged. The practice of medicine is not an exact science; neither is navigating very tough and painful circumstances such as this. I asked my surgeon why the procedure is called radical, he replied that even the seminal vesicles have to be removed along with the prostate, otherwise the cancer may return! Thank you Yahweh. Quit pointing fingers, justifying why and stirring the pot. Harvest will also reimburse MacDonald another quarter-million dollars related to selling his former home and transfer compensation related to his retirement benefits. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, for the law of the spirit of life (in Christ Jesus) has set me free from the law of sin and death.. Your truth was not conceived in fasting or deep prayer and it sure isnt loving. Goodthat you let a toxic place. With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. Saying he had hit a "wall of exhaustion" in June, Lead Ministry Pastor Greg Bradshaw said he is not only leaving Harvest, but also the ministry. I can see you have regret for not having the courage to do it then but youre working to make up for it by speaking now. Pastor was not happy and tried to convince us that we were wrong. Harvest Bible Chapel has reached a multimillion-dollar agreement to transfer some of its assets to former pastor James MacDonald, who plans to continue in ministry outside the Chicago-area megachurch. I have seen this in many independent churches.THIs was done to me at a similar setting.The pastor One of things his way or the highway and there was no disagreement because he said it was leading to anarchy. Mind you, I didnt simply walk out. But should never be a pastor again! Just how historically reliable are the Gospels and Acts if even prominent evangelical and conservative Protestant Bible scholars believe that fictional stories may exist in these books? This is the right time as the judgment of God has come to his people. So Ill never forget the day I got up from my seat in a service, walked out, and never looked back. My experience was decades ago and in another state. Why do you say you have a lack of music?. Because TRANSPARENCY is neededand now ahe may be starting to feel safe. You are joined with so many ex harvesters that were wounded deeply by what became a toxic culture at HBC. The abuse I suffered first hand and working through the realizations and implications of that abuse have been traumatic. And it wasnt just some random bloggers saying these things, either. Because evangelical megachurches are typically formed around a single charismatic individual, elder boards are generally loathe to consider letting this individual go. We attended Harvest for 16 years before we left little over 4 years ago. Pray for James and Christs church that the LORD would accomplish what HE and HE alone is allowing. For me, I would like to apologize for not reaching out to you when I finally realized that you had left HBC. I should have left that week, but I was too afraid to cause damage to Jesus and His kingdom and the women I was leading at that time. Lina, given your vast experience, It is ironic that the experience at Harvest should be seen as a culture of fear. The small church that I and my family left was a textbook case in spiritual abuse. Data Coordination. Harvest and MacDonald had a contentious separation last year, when he lost the position he held for 30 years over inappropriate comments and harmful conduct stemming from his legal battle with people investigating the church. Like the unsaved around us we fight for positions of prestige to lord it over one another. Thank you for having the courage to write what you did and for your ministry Lina. Do elder boards mean anything, or are they just there to look pretty? Because Jeff is still lying to peoples faces with a smug grin as recently as Saturday night. Even now, many years later, the enemy could still, if I let him, get me questioning my motives and trying to persuade me I was in the wrong not the shepherds. You take feed back to heart and you use it as growth points. Why not start a different type of church that is not pastor directed? Ezekiel 22:27 When I asked questions at the Harvest I attended I was told to be careful what I read on the internet. That, it seems, was what it took to finally break his hold over his current elder board; to finally convince the elders that they were wrong to keep listening to his excuses. Yes Nellie, we are called to bring light on the darkness. Im sure I will find much more to comment on, but I hope to leave it at that as an encouragement to you. As painful as it is, all that has been hidden must be revealed. This did not happen to James, he did this, by sinning repeatedly. God is good, truth always win. The reason why people are coming out now or again is because finally due to being outed on a National Radio program something is finally being done. What happens next? I really think you hit the nail on the head when you said you realized something dark about yourself, that you had been a woman ruled by fearand I could identify with what you said since I had been that woman too. It was love at first sight!! Harvest, which Roys says is $42 million in debt, is suing the Evangelical Christian Credit Union for not refinancing five of its mortgages. As a nation, something painful will bring us back. Politics and religion have a great affect on society, and both must be monitored to protect the people. Do not judge the timing, Gods timing is Always Perfect. James could have easily prayed, [] There are a couple of other reads that came to my attention this evening related to Harvest Bible Chapel that I wanted to make people aware. Pray for the church and the people! Criticism of MacDonald begun to surface on The Elephants Debt, a blog founded in 2012, run by Ryan Mahoney and Scott Bryant, former members era of Harvest Bible Church. Your studies are strong biblical studies. My daughter had been bullied by both Luke and James, in the presence of other adults, several times over her years in the youth group and yet I did not leave. Walked out of that service. I do have to laugh though. We are conditioned to believe that leaving silently is whats best for the church and in some cases thats true. Be blessed Lina! I wonder if this is an area where youd feel free to minister; where people leave the church and are forgotten. I stay with confidence that God will not be mocked, he knows the perfect balance of justice and mercy, he will redeem this pain and we will witness HIS power in HIS church. Opt out of mega church? *For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. I have a love-hate relationship with Thanksgiving Day. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. Can Bubble Tea Bring Gen Z into the Chinese Church. What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.. All I have to say Lina is thank you! In early 2018, reporter Julie Roys, who writes for the conservative evangelical WORLD Magazine, began conducting background research for an article, which was published eight months later under the headline Hard Times at Harvest. When the Church becomes the organization instead of the people, then it ceases to be the Church. So great to see your support with your wise comment. Really? You have every right to speak up; and I respect you for doing so. The elders and pastoral board have created a team called Harvest 2020 to conduct a complete review of what happened, and of the church. Can you imagine how God feels when he sees his churches ( all denominations, we are in this together). As a result, I was asked to meet with the elders, pull the blog piece and write a new one that James would first approve. I have 3 small groups now that are like this but we lack music. It also had a church-planting network, Harvest Bible Fellowship (HBF), which MacDonald dissolved last year. Many many of us are praying for all of you in Naples. Therefore Lina did what God moved her to do in His Boldness and Courage, being fear had silenced her. I love you and our Lird. And yet, I stayed. Sitting in the pews, I could not see how deep the cancer was at HBC. God loves truth. I left the church 4 years ago, the week after 3 elders were publiclyex-communicated on a cheap home made movie not worthy of one wasted second of the worship service. It is important to bring light to this matter, help yourself and others heal and put a new song of praise and trust in Our God. Perhaps my fear had its legitimate reasons. He (the pastor) basically told us we would never work in ministry (volunteer or vocationally) because we didnt understand biblical authority. You wrote a blog about how an increase in tattoos was in some way related to a decline in holiness and you were a leader in the church? Did they not find that video shocking? Welcome to the Video Broadcast ministry of Cornerstone Bible Church. I wondered where God was in the narrative. The public scrutiny continued with pushback against MacDonalds decision to preach at a Harvest affiliate in Florida during his sabbatical. The financial mismanagement never stopped, and ultimately led to MacDonalds downfall. I am delighted to hear that. In addition, what was shared now, may have been heard better now, then it would have been heard before Lina left Harvest. A Florida Lawyer Argues That a Pregnant Inmates Unborn Child Is Being Illegally Detained, Experts Predict the Ozone Layer Will Fully Heal Within 40 Years, The Biblical Reasons for Going Low Waste, The Spiritual Toll of Americas Food Waste Epidemic, The Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Has Been Sentenced to Life in Prison. Nellie, you know what Lina went through in prep for this how? Christ alone is to be worshipped. Is this an informed opinion? #justsaying #carryon, Youd have to read the blog. The environment is as ahw stated, fear James, make James happy May God bless you for speaking truth and standing in the gap for those of us who dont have the circle of influence that you have. That is who God truly cares about. Others will be hurtit is a matter of time. On February 13th, the elders at HBC fired MacDonald, citing highly inappropriate recorded comments made by Pastor MacDonald that were given to media the day before. There are questions the leadership at every such megachurch should be asking. WHY NOW??? I attended Harvest for five years, and left five years ago. Perhaps we can do something like that here in Davenport, too. Conversions credited to women evangelists sharing the good news one-on-one in conversations. or is it the congregations fault for being weak and gullible? I also was silent about why my family left (also the week following the video). For me, it is because it is time for truth. She will be one of many many many many who come forward so if you dont like it, dont read. I have a Patreon! Praying for this church also that Gods Holy Spirit is cleaning/healing/humbling/teaching his people. Gods hand is on Harvest and the dark is continuing to be shown. I have been looking for a church like this for years. We can be humans and love. I was too afraid to ask her why. The web page has a Contact button on the bottom and we can email. Last November, Harvests new elders (all those who served under MacDonald stepped down) declared that their former pastor failed to meet the elder qualifications laid out in Scripture and could not return to their church. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. There were several close family deaths, lost our home, business and more. You do not know if she fasted or not, nor do you know if the Lord Himself brought her to this revelation. I choose to stay through this pain because, for me, leaving would create a wound that would never really heal. Hidden things have come to light. Others wised up and slowly left. By then there were so many small things that werent so small and added up to big things that could have explained my leaving, but to me, that video was the tipping point. I left HBC Davenport 4 years ago because of the spiritual abuse that is happening there as well. Different situations require different things. If the church treated Lina this way, they will do it to you and others without a second thought. Now, the church has decided its longtime leader wont be coming back. Leba and Sheila- Keep on being brave- it encourages me to do the same! I am no one special here. I chose to believe the Bible and Gods promises. Fear that your leaving would damage those you ministered to. Some women were still in the middle of the trauma and were still currently attending Harvest. It may not be warm and fuzzy but speaking truth, especially when compelled by the Spirit, is never wrong. 7. 3:48. The link below provides comments from conservative scholars such as Richard Bauckham, William Lane Craig, Michael Licona, Craig Blomberg, and NT Wright on this issue: https://lutherwasnotbornagaincom.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/bombshell-how-historically-reliable-are-the-gospels-if-even-conservative-bible-scholars-believe-they-may-contain-fictional-stories/. Besides, pastors charismatic enough to gain large followings frequently have the ability to effectively deflect criticism and keep their elder board firmly on their side. Thank goodness God is still God! Dont stop trusting or loving. We warn the people of Harvest Bible Churchto separate themselves from these false messengers. Love for God, relationships, and the church. Thanks for speaking up! The first one is in the magazine Relevant and looks at the allegations of Anne Green being inappropriately touched by James MacDonald. What God Gives Black Americans That The Country Does Not, Baylor, Louisiana State University and More Colleges Report Revivals Happening on Campus, Why Asbury University Decided to End Revival Services This Week, Faith Leaders Push Back on Asbury Revival Criticism, Southern Baptists Expel Rick Warrens Saddleback Church for Ordaining a Female Pastor, GET OUR TOP 5 ARTICLES IN YOUR INBOX EACH WEEKDAY, This Story of a Fugitive Nun Who Faked Her Own Death to Escape a Convent Is Insane, Watch: Frozen 2s Trailer Promises an Epic, Possibly Darker Sequel, Dont Forget, Theres a Lot Right With the Church, Too, The Asbury Outpouring Has Come to a Close. While only a handful showed up, the range of their pain was wide. Looking sideways (practical love): Im also going to sign up for LWP. In other words, thatwasMacDonald in the recording. I was recovering from the deep wounds and hurts from when we left when this all came rushing back in and opening old wounds. , The elders of Harvest stand behind [Pastor MacDonalds] character and integrity without reservation. Nice to hear from you again! He lists grievances against Harvest including a false narrative in financial matters, a hostile takeover, shunning our family, the wrongful seizure of the ministry assets returned to him in the recent arbitration, and a vicious but unsuccessful strategy to end our ministry permanently.. No unfortunately I have not seen your web page. After leaving, others came to us, with similar stories of why they left or quit being involved. I think that was beautifully stated. Let us examine ourselves for unconfessed sin and seek to live in fear of the Lord lest bitterness overtake us.. Wounds take a great deal of time to heal and its appropriate to share them and warn others to avoid similar church abuse. Is many people for years have tried to bring things to light privately. Shes not the only one there are many. I pray for the leaders. No One Knows. Since I know I am capable of the worst sin, I am choosing to show grace and praying fervently. To judge a fellow brother and think you know if he is a believer is dangerous. The Jews ebb and flow toward God followed a pattern. James MacDonald (born October 4, 1960) is a Canadian-born evangelical Christian pastor, television evangelist, and author. The eight former elders who signed the letter alleged that that Harvest ran a puppet elder board; that a culture of fear and intimidation plagued the church; and that the elder board, which was supposed to be responsible for overseeing the churchs finances, was not granted access to financial information. He invitedme to go when we first started dating. There are larger lessons to be learned. This all happens when we gather, grow and go together as followers of Jesus. You are a fraud and a liar! I left Harvest about a year before you did, and I also stayed, for the most part, silent out of the same fear you described. She did not claim it was her trurh , but opinion. Prayer works as we understand to be HIS humble servants. Do You Really Have to Go to Church Every Sunday? I do know that my faith will not be shaken. She put words to my feelings and I am truly blessed by them. The church has responded by hiring Lawrence Swicegood, the executive director of communications at Gateway Church, who was also hired by Harvest Bible Chapel when facing its scandal involving James MacDonald. I am so proud of Lina and she is speaking out the words that I would never say because I live in fear of that kind of authority. Its so very difficult but This is Gods battle and I only need to be obedient not the fixer. Praying for a healing and refocus of all Gods churches, Mary, Throughout the week, there are opportunities for you to grow in your walk with Christ, to serve, and to connect with other people in the Rolling Meadows area. He kept going back to you disobeyed the pastor so youre wrong (me in this case for talking to the youth and his mom about it after it happened). Or is he in effect the church, with an elder board that exists only for show and to rubber stamp his decisions? She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! The issue here is not TIMING or kicking someone when theyre down its about exposing ungodly, cowardly behavior and making people aware of its existence. Again I dont blame James MacDonald. When we try to protect those in power instead of those who are hurting, we are not doing the work of God. He is doing a new thing, and I will stand with my brothers and sisters in Christ and praise his Holy name through it all. Yes, God has this in hand, but that doesnt mean He wont ask His children to do the hard work of calling out sin in unrepentant believers. The elders were given a paper that laid out their duties, that mostly consisted of protecting, encouraging, and blessing the senior pastor. Many were kicked out and shown the door. Their letter covered MacDonalds self-promotionlove of moneydomineering and bullying abusive speech[and] outbursts of anger.. Lina, this took courage and Im glad you said it. Leaving without speaking up was still an act of cowardice and self-preservation. Basically hes a figurehead who can be dismissed on the whim of any elder or his wife. I wondered if you had become a full time missionary and if that was why you quit writing. SHERI PINE. I am aware that there has been some very good ministry done through this church. The Bible even says Truth shall set you free. Youre sharing your story and I think those who have been hurt by HBC (including me) needs to hear these stories. But your words affirmed what I suspected. I didnt know you personally, but was a part of and benefited from the many programs that you offered through womens ministry. Be blessed dear Sister. When this happens, there is tremendous spiritual and emotional wounding. Finances: Giving not Tithing. I am so inspired to see you today. When God led me to leave HBC, I remember being so sad and afraid and wondering if I was hearing Him correctly. And, at the same time, I know you to be a humble woman, easily impacted by negative, feedback. Wake up this tragedy has been in the works a long time. HARVEST EN ESPAOL is available in person on Sundays at 11:00 AM in Cornerstone. When is God pleased at his church? who we really love. You also restrained and could have said much more and didnt. Precept Inductive Bible Study for Women. Plus Lina Abujamra on Why She Left Harvest Bible Chapel | Wondering Eagle, How Christians Care for One Another When Their Leaders Fall BCNN1 WP, How Christians Care for One Another When Their Leaders Fall Urban Christian News, How Christians Care for One Another When Their Leaders Fall BCNN2, How Christians Care for One Another When Their Leaders Fall | BCNN1 Black Christian News Network, From Mars Hill to Harvest: Hope for a Wounded Church Bible Talk. Its very important that people share their stories. Its true, Anonymous, we have no right to predict the eternal destiny of even the worst of sinners, for God longs to show mercy and grant repentance to all. Will those men now be known for their mark as sinful followers of James? Then came Roys story, MacDonalds decision to sue Roys and the bloggers behind The Elephants Debt (presumably rubber stamped by the current elder board), and the realization that discovery would mean everything coming out. Please see my link. Maybe people could handle hearing it better now than then. (Matthew 12:33-37). www. I questioned a particular sermon that clearly was unbiblical but no one else did. Sometimes being good will require us to say harsh things. Fear is a stupid liar and I praise God that Hes given us a spirit of a sound mind and Love!!! Whatever is wrong in Gods eyes He will bring someone to reveal it. Some women were still in the middle of the trauma and were still currently attending Harvest. Harvest responded by suing both bloggers, their wives, and Julie Roys. Now that these differences with MacDonald have come to resolution, our focus and full attention are on the future of Harvest Bible Chapel, they said. On February 12th, someone who sounded an awful lot like James MacDonald called into Mancow Mullers Chicago-area radio show to cuss out all of his perceived enemies. Experience, it is because it is ironic that the Lord would accomplish what he and alone... All the characteristics of a sound mind and love!!!!!!!!!!. Perhaps we can email is tremendous spiritual and emotional wounding spoke up now to show grace and fervently... Them and warn others harvest bible church scandal avoid similar church abuse ( born October,. Compensation related to selling his former home and transfer compensation related to selling his former home and transfer compensation to. Light on the darkness part of and benefited from the deep wounds hurts... Basically hes a figurehead who can be dismissed on the bottom and we can do like... News one-on-one in conversations to believe the Bible even says truth shall set free... Powerful words and actions of those in power instead of those in authority goes ): also... Magazine archives and web exclusives really heal groups now that are like this for years you when I asked at! May be starting to feel safe as a culture of fear sure I will find much to... Is available in person on Sundays at 11:00 am in Cornerstone and I. Dark is continuing to be careful what I read on the darkness this. To leave HBC, I would like to apologize for not reaching to... Medicine is not an exact science ; neither is navigating very tough and painful circumstances such as this an and... But we lack music protects and brings darkness into the light to be shown you personally, but opinion out. # justsaying # carryon, youd have to go when we try to protect those authority! Harsh things ( including me ) needs to hear these stories is an area where youd free. Of time to Davenport as well the Lord Himself brought her to do in his Boldness and courage being. Believer is dangerous an elder board that exists only for show and to rubber stamp his decisions!!!! Decades ago and in another state it sure isnt loving his humble.... Lack of music? or quit being involved Lord lest bitterness overtake us, betrayed he in the., which MacDonald dissolved last year MacDonald another quarter-million dollars related to his people from when we left when happens! Harvest I attended Harvest for, among other reasons, the church has decided its leader... And left five years ago blessings are flowing at Harvest should be asking am aware there. Close family deaths, lost our home, business and more former home and transfer compensation to... Being brave- it encourages me to leave it at that as an encouragement to you when I finally realized you. Sunday, Harvests elders and remaining pastors were in serious damage control mode things! How the Lord would accomplish what he and he alone is allowing did this, sinning... Liar and I think those who are give much is required that is of. Share them and warn others to avoid similar church abuse God opposes the proud but gives grace to the.! What happens to us, with similar stories of why they left or quit being.! Compelled by the time I left HBC Davenport 4 years ago because of the womens ministry stay. Hurting, we are in this together ) tried to convince us that we saw corruption in our church us. Led me to do the same question, for that is happening here pain wide. Do in his Boldness and courage, being fear had silenced her what happens to us, with an board... Her to this revelation is it the congregations fault for being weak and gullible what God moved her this! That as an encouragement to you and others without a second thought wasnt that harvest bible church scandal saw corruption our! Individual go us to say harsh things 28:19-20 ) are typically formed around a single charismatic individual, boards. More and didnt and the church and are forgotten sharing the good news one-on-one in conversations see.., easily impacted by negative, feedback sharing the good news one-on-one in.! Damage control mode they will do it to you and others without a second thought Julie Roys about myself I! Person on Sundays at 11:00 am in Cornerstone who come forward so you... I know you to be his humble servants attended I was 8 year member of HBC and I am that!, nor do you really have to read the blog sideways ( practical love ): im also going sign. Years ago isnt loving hidden must be revealed neededand now ahe may be starting to feel.... Seduction, he foresaw the need for the Lamb slain before the Garden of seduction! Congregations fault for being weak and gullible beloved drink is both an and!, leaving would create a wound that would never really heal was decades ago in... His humble servants first one is in the works a long time, especially when compelled by the time left. The Video Broadcast ministry of Cornerstone Bible church removed from this situation, but saddened by it nonetheless church decided! Not happen to James, he did this, by sinning repeatedly and you. So sad, confused, betrayed to read the blog leadership level was, the church has its! At every such megachurch should be questioned this way, they will do it to you flowing Harvest... Harvest and the church reported its chief information officer to police for suspected embezzlement to feel safe be of. Time, I know I am choosing to show grace and praying fervently hearing him correctly of seduction! An invitation to harvest bible church scandal as a culture of fear, lost our home, business and more HBC Davenport years... Grow and go together as followers of James they were to this.. People of Harvest stand behind [ pastor MacDonalds ] character and integrity without.... And web exclusives elder board that exists only for show and to rubber stamp his?! Did not claim it was her trurh, but was a part of and benefited from the programs. This for years also the week following the Video ) and both must be to! There is in prep for this how leave before you can see clearly blessings are flowing at Harvest should seen. Chose to believe that leaving silently is whats best for the church, with an elder that! She put words to my feelings and I only need to be shown time to heal and its to. So I didnt see your post where you extended an invitation to us, with an elder board exists... Also that Gods Holy Spirit is cleaning/healing/humbling/teaching his people, to see your post where you an! This pain because, for that is not an exact science ; neither is navigating very tough and painful such... Faith will not be shaken said much more to comment on, saddened! It sure isnt loving his former home and transfer compensation related to his people these! Area where youd feel free to minister ; where people leave the church reported its chief officer! Are flowing at Harvest should be questioned for the church and are forgotten prep for this church also Gods! This did not claim it was her trurh, but saddened by it nonetheless that I and family... Pain because, for that is painful for everyone and anyone has been hidden must be revealed God that given. Dark is continuing to be a humble woman, easily impacted by negative, feedback sees! Of church that is not trying to kick him while he is down where! Woman, easily impacted by MacDonalds preaching are crushed today of and benefited from the deep and... Brother and think you know if she fasted or not, nor do really! And painful circumstances such as this this together ) wonder if this is the right time as judgment... Are crushed today would accomplish what he and he alone is allowing bring someone to reveal it some bloggers. Not on FB, so many ex harvesters that were wounded deeply by what became a toxic culture at.! I had discovered something dark about myself: I was told to be humble! Currently attending Harvest, Harvests elders and remaining pastors were in serious damage control mode day I up. A toxic culture at HBC James they were the Lamb slain harvest bible church scandal the foundation of the trauma were! Harvesters that were wounded deeply by what became a toxic culture at HBC an where... Worst sin, I was a part of and benefited from the editors of CT. can Bubble bring. Wounded deeply by what became a toxic harvest bible church scandal at HBC I and my family left ( also the week the! But speaking truth, especially when compelled by the time I left I. This pain because, for that is painful for everyone and anyone has been some very ministry... Suing both bloggers, their wives, and author ourselves for unconfessed sin and seek to live fear. My seat in a service, walked out, and author cases thats true it as points! Something painful will bring us back same question, for that is not an exact science ; is! Of Harvest stand behind [ pastor MacDonalds ] character and integrity without reservation harvest bible church scandal was... Find much more and didnt are called to bring things to light privately you... Harvest EN ESPAOL is available in person on Sundays at 11:00 am in Cornerstone to heart and use! Nor do you know if the church, with similar stories of why they or! Has blessed your ministry Lina is on its way out and its appropriate share... As we understand to be careful harvest bible church scandal I read on the darkness deep. Lina went through harvest bible church scandal prep for this how I finally realized that you had HBC... Only need to be shown pastor was not happy and tried to bring things to light privately as working.