I never understood why they saw him the way they do. Laurie Newman, a Harvest member, told Christianity Today that she believes the church's current leaders, like Bradshaw, are "good people who want to lead the church the way God wants it to. Thankful for the freedom you have found and are willing to speak up. In addition, what was shared now, may have been heard better now, then it would have been heard before Lina left Harvest. Following a lengthy season of review, reflection, and prayerful discussion, the Elders of Harvest Bible Chapel had determined that Pastor MacDonald should be removed from his role of Senior Pastor. I just knew I wasnt supposed to be there anymore. I didnt want to upset James. Even if the criticism in the letter had been unwarranted, this response is a huge red warning sign. I grew up in the Church of Christ. The word of God and the flock were only mentioned at the end of the long list. Thank you for opening up your home so that hurting people could come together and share. I am sure that was very hard for her to share . My response, Why? Lina, Jesus is still the great healer and restorer. Rita, be encouraged. There are questions the leadership at every such megachurch should be asking. I pray your steps continue to be guided by our Lord! People meant evil but God works it out for our good. The 60-year-old pastor called on his former church to confess its wrongs and correct the record. Do you not remember that God used His Chosen to reveal the sin of not only churches, in the New Testament, but also to Kings in Old Testament. Our full Sunday service will be streamed here every week beginning at 9:30am, and will be available throughout the following week. For me, it is because it is time for truth. It seems that was true at Harvest, just as it is at many local churches. The Jews ebb and flow toward God followed a pattern. You also restrained and could have said much more and didnt. I volunteer in the childrens ministry and the youth ministry as well, pouring into children and youth. But the biggest lesson is people need to stop looking at preachers as though they are perfect, but God know they arent and they need people on their necks to keep them honest. The culture of fear is real, soo much so I dont feel comfortable giving my name as some will know me. The flock are the casualties in all of this. Brave. 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). Its been over a year and a lot has changed at Harvest and a lot sill needs to change. He just got into the worlds standards for a preacher. P.S. The two entities released separate statements detailing the results of the process, which went through the Institute for Christian Conciliation. What I have realized is the weakness and defeatism of so-called Christians who immediately abandon their Church when trouble comes its way. All why surrounding himself w/yes men. Also, for 2 years I felt my prayers didnt get past the ceiling. You are joined with so many ex harvesters that were wounded deeply by what became a toxic culture at HBC. Others wised up and slowly left. Many are in or have been in denial. 2 Thumbs Way up to you my sister in Christ, for being open about your experience there, which more people than you know have also been through! This is also why as a follower of Christ it is so important to know and learn Gods word so you see when something isnt right. We are the Church! You did the right thing and I believe more will step up not to dishonor James, but noticing how much the church has changed. James MacDonald was forced out Tuesday night as senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, a church he founded in Rolling Meadows some 30 years ago. I still had friends on the inside that I longed to remain friends with. I loved his book Vertical Church. Connect With Us! He stomped his questioners. Find a church with great accountability. I have nothing bad to say about Harvest. I want to thank you for having the courage to add your testimony to the voices of those who have been abused by HBC. and pro football. How dare you question her about why? Why? Those of us that have experienced spiritual abuse and church hurt personally can truly resonate with your story. What happens next? Thank you Lina! The evangelical megachurch system, where multilayered ministries form around a single persona, leaves ample room for mismanagement and abuse of authority. first Bill Hybels. Rotate positions? We need to trust Him. Thank you for sharing your story and for doing so in the right spirit. For a different church model, see My Dream Church https://sites.google.com/site/mydreamchurch/. Hes a lemonade maker. Yes, I was there for ex-communication video. Lina, thank you for your honesty. 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. This isI believewhy the American church has lost its effectiveness. Did you realize the pastors publicly said sorry last weekend? Sitting in the pews, I could not see how deep the cancer was at HBC. I didnt want to risk any negative impacts on my own growing ministry. Did you know that Satan and his minions come to Harvest? In the past we were to study pulpit curriculum and bible vocabulary. But dont shame others who speak up. Whatever is wrong in Gods eyes He will bring someone to reveal it. I believe Lina did do the best she could at the time. Sign up for our newsletter: The first one is in the magazine Relevant and looks at the allegations of Anne Green being inappropriately touched by James MacDonald. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. I would recommend A book Joy Starts Here and The Pandora Problem Facing Narcissism in Leaders & Ourselves as helpful to possibly understand how whats happened can be explained and perhaps bring healing and prevention as members move forward. for less than $4.25/month. Its so fitting that you likened the pain at Harvest to the pain of a divorce. Pray and console those whose faith has weakened from this. Im so sorry, and Im sorry for the comments here that are going to be painful for you. God has said that those who are give much is required. Did they not find that video shocking? Thats what happens when I get older chronologically! 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. God is good, truth always win. God is sifting His church! I pray that the sincere, Christ honoring followers humbly seek Him and His will for them individually in relation to this circumstance, in addition to His will for the church as a whole. Our cold hearts lack love that shows the world we are His. We just determined to treat the circumstances as a loving God giving us a different direction. Rather, God is shaking the junkall of our junkout of His Church. 37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. wounded by wolves in sheeps clothing. Thank you. This cancer must be excised and as often as is the case in cancer treatment, months of treatment must be involved for health to take place. | Photo: Harvest Bible Chapel Facebook The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability has suspended Chicago-area megachurch Harvest Bible Church following the firing of its longtime pastor James MacDonald and amid ongoing revelations that the ministry had misappropriated funds. Start praying to the Lord for healing. You are being bold and telling the truth and just wanted to encourage you.I always loved your passion for Gods Word and pray Gods blessing as you stand strong Him! My faith has been shaken by the situation at another Christian organization. This is an extra difficult time for the members and regular attenders of Harvest Bible Chapel. Thanks for writing it. No one knows why. Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. 15:58 Therefore, my dear (sister) be steadfast,immovable,always excelling in the Lords work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.. While many in the congregation were willing to give it a second chance, some members raised concerns about many of these individuals closeness to MacDonald, and their willingness to cover for him for so long. I believe Yahweh has me where He wants me. What she shared was the kindest message I have ever seen. Long story short he kicked my husband and I out of the church. Subscribe to CT
They all need to be excised ( fired ), along with number one enabler extraordinaire of James, Rick Donald, along with the MacDonald boys, along with every single campus pastor and the other pastors, and throw in the worship leaders ( they are all complicit ), then the cancer would have been completely removed and the body ( the good people of Harvest that are being fleeced ) would have a chance to heal and become part of a true biblical church. Also another story emerged on why another person left Harvest Bible Chapel. Open your eyes and feel the heat of the refiners fire. Nellie, please dont be taken in by putting people on a pedestal (very sad.) Can you please contact me from the Contact button on my web page here? Is the founding pastor subject to accountability structures? Maybe its because youre a doctor and have such a desire to see people healed. What matters is truth be told. No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival, Southern Baptist Convention Disfellowships Saddleback Church, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, After Chaos and Crisis, Beth Moore Still Finds Refuge in the Church, With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. Sarah, I am so sorry for whatever happened to you. As painful as it is, all that has been hidden must be revealed. In effect, the senior pastor isthe church. He grew the church from 18 members to more. He ultimately requested that Harvest Naples be released from its relationship with the megachurch. The next day, Helmer resigned, citing MacDonalds pattern of uncontrolled anger. The pastor later admitted being too intense in the classroom that day. Id encourage you to read the prophets again, and ask, what upsets the heart of God? And then maybe its time to ask whether those things should upset you as well. I am staying because with all the faults in the organization, the people of Harvest are my family. The edited . Ive never been able to foster the same level of trust and thats the residual I wrestle with. I didnt want to be rebellious against authority. Somehow I thought 2500+ members walking out would send the message. We wont let fear overcome the freedom weve been given in Christ. I can only hope and pray that those that criticize you for speaking up now are MORE upset about the behavior of the leaders of the church! It doesnt mean anything.. I struggle with the fear of man myself. Not just Harvest Bible Chapel. I pray others in leadership read your post, check their hearts, and follow suit. But your words affirmed what I suspected. He was the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel megachurch in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States [1] [2] and was the host for the church's former broadcast ministry, Walk in the Word . I will only say that if it is right and important to address a culture of fear within the church, it is equally important to address the same for our country. Lina isnt hanging Harvest Bible Chapel. for what its worth, the timing of the writing is His perfect timing. Church Online is a place for you to experience God and connect with others. I still would like to read the blog on tattoos. If you read the history and understand the public record of offenses at Harvest (with many more than the requisite two or three witnesses), you will understand why this is not only completely justified, but actually necessary to the restoration of healing and good order to Christs Body. There are people there I thought were my friend and as soon as my life takes a left turn and happens out of order (first came baby then came marriage and then another baby) I get ousted out and judged and hurt. Why if it wasnt really a real sinful mess would so many in leadership just exit and give up what was a big part of our lives and our kids lives? The New Testament model that churches should follow, says Every Believer is a Priest. Its very important that people share their stories. In the wake of his departure, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability acknowledged serious concerns around spending and financial stewardship under MacDonald that resulted in the church losing its membership status. Well said. Thanks for finally being honest. Dont you think this influences decisions made by the leaders, both now and before? 2. In any case, we had a final meeting with the pastor and his assistant pastor (who was his son-in-law) to tell them that I was leaving their church. Jesus taught eternal love. The problem was not simply Harvest messaging, but also the teachings that made such messagingmake sense. The harsh language of Harvests public excommunication of these individuals did receive pushback, and in 2014, MacDonald expressed regret at the language used, and announced that the church had reconciled with the elders. Based on just the first few paragraphs, I hear you! I dont know why, except that I just really wasnt getting the Word of God from the stage and I do mean stage. Lina, Biblical: submission to the Word in My Dream Church will be at a higher level This is the right time as the judgment of God has come to his people. I think that this message has relevance to many situations today, including the present political situation. No wonder Harvest dropped the suit. Do systems of accountability exist in practice, or only on paper? Lina I couldnt agree more with everything you said and your comment here. A worship song says He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away, and still my heart will say Blessed be the name of the LORD!. We are currently experiencing similar tragedy at HBC-Naples. The culture of fear, intimidation, and secrecy has poisoned not just Rolling Meadows and its campuses, but also trickled down through the fellowship. Each weekend, services include live, vertical-focused worship. This post reminds me of something that happened at my former church. Praying for this church also that Gods Holy Spirit is cleaning/healing/humbling/teaching his people. Do You Really Have to Go to Church Every Sunday? Thank you for taking the time to nurture the HBC flock that Pastor James never cared about! Both can be messy, but in the latter case, responsibility for that mess must be laid squarely at the feet of the abusive Elders who are sinning, not at the feet of Christs little ones, the oppressed members of Christs flock, who are being caused to stumble, nor at the feet of those attempting to triage the wounded and sound a warning to others who are in danger of being Its by an unbeliever, but wow, is it eye-opening. Ross, Ross, Hi Hurting in Davenport, Pray for those of us who donate 10 percent of our income and would like to know where the money really goes. Well said Lina. You have every right to speak up; and I respect you for doing so. I regret my own weaknesses, my love for the approval of others. Yet Jesus minces no words when He tells us we ARE to judge teachers by their *fruits* and expose evildoers (and leads by examplesee His very public chastisement of the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees in the Gospels). Seeing this in your personality it is understandable to me that at first you revered James correction and fell into compliance. hi liz, not really looking for a vote here. Praise and Worship is congregational: He bullied his way into being paid multiple times for the work he was hired to so as the pastor, sermons and bible teaching. God loves truth. God is good and He will use those who make themselves available to Him. Sometimes they will require being nice. My first two books were scheduled to be released smack in the middle of that summer, and I didnt want to impact their potential not to mention that James had agreed to write the forward on my first book.. I kept thinking people would wake up and see the truth and understand that my leaving was not a betrayal to James but a stance against his leadership style, and the leadership style of the XLT, and James sons, and most of the remaining elders. Thank you for sharing! 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. Hang in there. It takes a long time. Data Coordination. I was a woman ruled by fear. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. It is those who live in fear. I regret staying at Harvest after that meeting with the elders. The Scripture that came to me as I read this is I Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. He is angry that they keep on sending texts and emails asking for money. Dull other times. In her expos, titled Hard Times at Harvest, Roys details evidence from former Harvest elders, employees and members that show an ongoing pattern of relational and financial abuse, a lack of transparency and outright deception., Harvest strongly disputes the claims, saying Roys has an unhealthy fixation on the church and failed to uncover the desired scandal.. The church is to be a living organism for the cause of Christ and no other. Im one of the people who asked you to share why you left. Hi Sally, We warn the people of Harvest Bible Churchto separate themselves from these false messengers. Thank you for your courage and for responding. We are taught in Gods Word that it is Christs love that ought to control us. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. While I have no say in the future of Harvest, it is ridiculous to think that any healthy future can take place until the cancer is removed. Is this an informed opinion? 3. Being part of Harvest, and hearing how the utmost leaders were tattooed with the Vertical Church logo, as I prepare the lesson, I cant help but wonder about the tattoo on the bodies of those who accepted the mark of James as their alliance with the Vertical Church of James. What does the Bible say about debt? Those are things we dont talk about often enough about. [] While only a handful showed up, the range of their pain was wide. However, he ultimately agreed with the wave of backlash his pastor-friend now faced, condemning how MacDonalds drama had overshadowed Harvest and threatening a class-action lawsuit yesterday if MacDonald remained its pastor for another week. I believe this is God working to expose sin just as Jesus warned Luke 12:2-3 Sounds like your faith in self is overwhelming only yourself! I too had been a part of HBC both as a staff member and member of the church and was there in total over 15 years. 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