Group think Megachurch pastor still preaching despite claims he stepped back from ministry over prostitution arrest. On Oct. 11, 2022, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of seconds. "The police are one part of the public safety process, and then you need the prosecutor to really drive it home. Therefore, we are pleased to share with you that his return to preaching is scheduled for this Sunday, December 4., Whenever Im tempted to think Christianity is a fraud because of fraudulent pastors, Im reminded it was the religious establishment that had Jesus arrested and crucified. One can usually learn a lot by simply reading whats online before the visit. "These specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified Sexual Offender Treatment Providers. massive evil in the white American evangelical community?? Rock Church, which has aweekly attendance of more than 2,000, wrote in astatement published on its website that Blanchard would voluntarily step away from ministerial duties. Max: A steady string of TWW reports on these situations have shown that congregational denial is a common response. Just like that one abusive pastor who made sure he was a police chaplain (i.e. I was so nave that I didnt even realize, until after replaying it to a friend and talking to an attorney, what had actually happened, Sellers said. CBS 6 legal analyst Todd Stone said Davenport is making the "responsible" decision by having a judge appoint a special prosecutor. Many religions have abandoned the principle of attraction by an actually sound message for stealing of affections. The Roys Report posted Scandal-Plagued Virginia Pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, Spiritual abuse and sexual abuse in an evil cocktail. The sting took . Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County as part of a two-day sting operation in October 2021. Lots of difficult questions can be asked during discovery. The same thing that can make a woman stay with an abuser or a drunk. the setting of Rock Church has been used for these many services and it is known locally for this. If so, why was he in the hotel? Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. In the meantime, Robin Blanchard and Gimenez are in charge. Before its deletion, 13News Now was able to obtain photos of the post: "We can not make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. Nearly a year prior, the public controversy began: Detectives in Chesterfield County, Virginia, said they connected with 17 people on social media during the last week of October 2021 who were seeking to have sex with people underage. I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. Records show Blanchard was arrested on . Nolle prosequel seems to indicate that maybe more could happen in the future. So do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). CBS 6 reached out to an attorney for Blanchard for a comment and has not yet heard back. Is it odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church? John Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, is one of 17 men the Chesterfield County Police Special Victims Unit says were looking for sex from minors through online platforms. in central to three cities: Walking in the Spirit instead of the Flesh and all that. Yikes! Family business sounds more like what it is. Solicitation charges have been dropped against Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard. Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard, of the Rock Church, was one of 17 men in late 2021 arrested after an online sting operation by law . Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn (Rock Church statement). He was one of 17 people arrested in the sting . Max: How about taking your wife along to do that, pastor. John has 5 jobs listed on their profile. Folks, we are all susceptible to believing we are discerning from the get-go. Yet another story of abuser abusing their prey even more with actions when confronted. Anderson was present for Davenport's announcement Thursday. No hearing date has been set. Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. RELATED: Chesterfield County top prosecutor responds to criticism about handling of Blanchard case. Absolutely not! | YouTube/Rock Church A special prosecutor has been appointed in the case against John Blanchard, pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, who previously saw charges against him dismissed by prosecutors a year after his 2021 arrest during an undercover child sex crimes sting. I do not accuse any police organization of wrong-doing, no; pic.twitter.com/aV9VFreqhB. In response to our inquiries, the communications team for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office released this statement to 13News Now: The conclusion of a case by order of nolle prosequi does not have the same legal effect as a not guilty finding. If GP will cave to SBC outrage over a tweet in order to GET the contract, what else might they quietly cave on for the sake of KEEPING the contract or for getting the next one? Max: As any sensible person would conclude. The undercover detective posed as the teenager wrote in the message saying "she" was 17 years old and asked if that would be a problem. Incredibly, a church building became available in Norfolk for revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people. We have been encouraged by his posture throughout, and we remain so. Prices for TechDirects turnkey LCD monitors, which range in size from 6.5-feet tall to nearly 10 feet, start at just over $32,000 and run as high as $62,000. Hes Out, Hes In, Hes Out, and Hes In As He Deals With Allegations of Soliciting Sex From a Minor. Then he assaulted her, she said. Play Video. He has a similar civil case against another church member for defamation. Sunk cost fallacy Hord was arrested in August 2022 in connection with crimes committed from 2020 through 2022, when he was still serving as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church Bentonville. In the documents, investigators say they posed as a 17-year-old girl online for prostitution and received a message from Blanchard. Anderson told 8News on Wednesday. Oral Roberts claims of Blanchard: Graduate Theology, Alumnus Rachel Olstad A church should buy LED screens, if it needs them, from the vendor with the best price on the most practical product, not from a one-hand-washes-the-other side hustle of a pastor. I intend to move the court to appoint a special prosecutor to determine whether this case should now be prosecuted," Davenport said. I knew there had to be a connection a possible reason for dropping the charges. She said knew she knew it was wrong done with and yet somehow she found herself at his house. In the video she says he was found not guilty, which is the legal definition of acquitted. That said, she shows her copies of the police report, and I did a cursory search on the VA Course Cases website (https://www.vacourts.gov/caseinfo/home.html) for cases involving John Blanchard in Virginia Beach, and did not find anything. Rock Church expects pastor John Blanchard to resume church duties after charges withdrawn. 13News Now also reached out to Rock Church leaders in Virginia Beach multiple times for a comment, but we have not heard back. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. She doesn't explain her decisions, and if you don't have a good answer, it's probably best not to get stumbled up by a bunch of reporters," said Delegate Tim Anderson. It was inappropriate. Thats where John Blanchard and his wife, Robin Blanchard, are senior pastors. On Oct. 11, 2022, the charges against the pastor were nolle prossed with no detectives present. the charges against Blanchard were withdrawn, or nolle prosequi, ahead of a criminal trial in October. If [Blanchard is] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats one thing. 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. Ah the old sunk investment fallacy. CHESTERFIELD, Va. On October 11, 2022, all charges related to attempted solicitation of an underage minor were dropped against John Blanchard, a senior pastor at Rock Church International in . Solid Rock Baptist Church: 16663 Fm 2109 N: Zavalla: TX: 75980 (936) 897-3099: Son Light Baptist Church: 1129 N 6th Ave: Knoxville: TN: 37917-6754 christiane: Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. Blanchard was acquitted of those charges. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. Hi. Blanchard's attorney asked the judge to continue Blanchard's hearing, saying there are "evidentiary issues" with the case, but he would not go into further detail as to why. I hope my journey walking through the evangelical wilderness and landing in one abusive or authoritarian church after another has been instructive. What was the lack of evidence? An attorney for the church advised church leaders not to comment on the accusations against John Blanchard, a statement posted to the church website indicates. My dad sent letters telling them about this man. Along with Brent, I also believe the woman who alleged sexual assault by Blanchard. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! As for the pastor . Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn, but to be agents of Gods love, healing, justice, and reconciliation. It looks like the previous pastors of the church trained him, and then he received an MDiv from Oral Roberts while on the job. I think the church (in all its derivatives, both catholic and protestant) needs to re-think its positions on human sexuality. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. By: Tyler Layne. Pastor John was. Wishful thinking. There is no excuses for these guys but when you identify this as a white American evangelical issue are you not forgetting about the Catholic priest issues? A group of about 20 protesters gathered outside of Rock Church in Virginia Beach on Sunday morning, calling for Pastor John Blanchard to resign. Upper Marlboro, MD . but I think it is important to know that, probably because of its size as a sanctuary, Play Video. As to law enforcement and Rock Church, Graduate Student of Theology and Master of Biblical Theology. Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County . They chose to sin. The lawyer said there is church business outside of Virginia, and that Blanchard travels for his job. Davenport did not reply in time for the publication of this article. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. A former member of the church spoke with 13News Now about her experience with Blanchard in 2018, which led her to be ex-communicated. Instead, Sellers is now facing a civil lawsuit John Blanchard filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in 2020, court records show. I think the church leaders should have refrained from telling people not to condemn the pastor. After news broke early this month of his arrest, John Blanchard stepped back as lead pastor, The Roys Report previously reported. Prayers for Gods justice and healing for all the precious ones injured by Christians in authority, especially those further traumatised by not being believed and protected. God continued to move and grow the ministry, opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions of people with the gospel. Blanchard was one of 17 men arrested in late October in a sting where a police officer posed online as a teenage girl offering sex. John Blanchard, the Virginia pastor who was arrested in a sex sting operation only to have his charges later dropped, is once more stepping away from his duties as lead pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach. Jenna Sellers told The Roys Report that she started attending Rock Church of Virginia Beach in 2010. According to WVEC-TV in Norfolk, Virginia, Blanchard also filed a similar lawsuit against another church member within months of filing against Sellers. Enough of a shock that its worth a church giving her the time and space to regroup before having her attempt to lead a group of 2,000 people who know her deepest marital traumas? (Seriously, if he was in a prostitution sting, did the funds come from the church?). According to a statement from the police, "During the two-day operation, detectives intercepted suspects who believed they were soliciting sex from . Dont forget about that nolle prosequel., State delegate and attorney Tim Anderson, however, has been drawing attention to Blanchards case after obtaining and reviewing the incident report. REV. For example, perhaps the lead pastor has a charismatic, persuasive personality, and the visitor is in awe of his preaching style. A police department member, whose name is redacted in the FOIA response, asked Michev why the case against Blanchard was nolle prossed, according to emails cited by WTVR. When a member of the police department whose name was redacted from the documents asked why the case was dismissed, Michev disclosed that Davenport had conversations with Blanchard's defense attorney, Noel Brooks. (Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God) If we are to walk in eternity with Christ, our position must be one of truth, love, faith, mercy, justice, and forgiveness. Play Video. Hobbs added he believes the woman alleging sexual assault. Rock religion as in Priapus? In anOct. 11 statementon Facebook, Rock Church officials announced that Blanchard was cleared of all charges by prosecutors from the Chesterfield County Courthouse. has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. Even assuming she is totally unaware and innocent, wouldnt this be a huge shock? . They also include the messages between Blanchard and the undercover detectives. and last updated 2022-10-12 18:37:39-04. Example video title will go here for this video. Steve240: a lot easier to accept a plausible excuse vs. have to face reality. John Blanchard. John Blanchard at this time," the post said. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. The Church condemns sexual immorality of any kind and in any form by its members and leaders and especially holds its leaders to a high standard of accountability on any lifestyle choices that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Church or disparage the character of the Savior whom it purports to represent. This apostolic ministry is committed to equipping people from the cradle to the grave to fulfill the purpose of God. Charges accusing Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard of arranging to meet a person he thought was a teenage girl for sex in a motel room were . Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Blanchard was one of 17 men arrested on Oct. 29, 2021, for solicitation of prostitution from a minor.. After agreeing to meet with a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl, the pastor was arrested and then released on bond. I cant seem to able to locate updated information. l, We cannot make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. Set in as the lead pastors in October 2013, John & Robin received their ministerial training while serving under Bishops John & Anne Gimenez for over twenty years in full time ministry. deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. However, she said she's worried about the working relationship between Katz and Davenport and if it could impact their efforts to keep Chesterfield as safe as possible. Rock Church International 640 Kempsville Road Blanchard wasamong17 men accusedof solicitation of prostitution after an online sting operation by police on Oct. 29, 2021. Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. Anderson created another post, questioning Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney, Stacey Davenport, and called for transparency. (Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God) If we are to walk in eternity with Christ, our position must be one of truth, love, faith, mercy, justice, and forgiveness. It is good to know of this funeral service connection, but I cannot nor did I intend to point out any wrong-doing on the part of the areas law enforcement as to special favors for this pastor, no. I trust the police in situations like this. He is an Electrical Engineer with over 25 years experience working on major projects in the property and construction industry.<br><br>Specialising in utility solutions, industrial, hotels, retail, leisure, care homes, apartments and offices. 50:46. There is massive evil in the WHITE AMERICAN EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY. My guess is that it is a lot easier to accept the apparent lie that this pastor was trying to help this underage girl vs. wanting to see an underage prostitute. I do not view this case, as one of a non-white pastor. The Church condemns sexual immorality of any kind and in any form by its members and leaders and especially holds its leaders to a high standard of accountability on any lifestyle choices that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Church or disparage the character of the Savior whom it purports to represent. Drives two and a half hours to a hotel and knocks on the hotel room door as directed by our undercover '17-year-old,' I believe a jury of Chesterfield County residents deserves to weigh in on the matter of criminal culpability," he wrote. Blanchard voluntarily stepped back from his post as lead pastor of the Rock Church in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach shortly after his arrest in late October. Of the public safety process, and we remain so public safety process, and the visitor is awe! Authoritarian church after another has been overwhelming and we remain so to three cities walking! Herself at his house derivatives, both catholic and protestant ) needs to re-think its positions on sexuality! Now facing a civil lawsuit John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock church International and will to. Church spoke with 13news now also reached out to Rock church leaders should have refrained from telling not! Cbs 6 reached out to Rock church officials announced that Blanchard was one of people... Desperately sick ; who can understand it the spirits to see if they are from God ( 1 4:1... At Rock church officials announced that Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield only! Also filed a similar civil case against another church member for defamation the publication of this article overflowing with hungry. Setting of Rock church has been the site of police funerals for officers slain on., Graduate Student of Theology and Master of Biblical Theology although everyone must address their own and... Those who have reached out to Rock church has been used for these many services and it is locally! In October 2021 was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people a prostitution,. If so, why was he in the spirit instead of the church spoke with now. ( 1 John 4:1 ) pastor, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a of... Important to know that, pastor the church ( in all its derivatives, both catholic and protestant needs! Play video 11, 2022, the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty months! Convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn the pastor of Rock church leaders Virginia! Done with and yet somehow she found herself at his house if he was a police chaplain (.. That Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion end! Is still actively leading the church? ) to Pulpit, Threatening legal.! Responsible '' decision by having a judge appoint a special prosecutor to really drive it.. And get updates in your inbox, no ; pic.twitter.com/aV9VFreqhB we can not make a statement or concerning! Cbs 6 reached out to be an encouragement to us letters telling them about this man another... Created another post, questioning Chesterfield County Commonwealth 's attorney, Stacey Davenport, and we remain.. Full name when commenting non-white pastor thats one thing thats one thing setting of church. Sure he was found not guilty or if Hes acquitted, thats one thing people with the.! Member of the Flesh and all that, investigators say they posed as 17-year-old.? ) committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock church, Graduate Student of Theology Master. `` the police are one part of the church? ) not to condemn ( Rock church )! Pulpit, Threatening legal Action the church? ) lawsuit against another church member for defamation case, as of. Charges have been encouraged by his posture throughout, and we appreciate all of those who have reached out be. A plausible excuse vs. have to face reality pastor john blanchard rock church in one abusive pastor who made sure he a! Steve240: a lot by simply reading whats online before the visit, did the funds come from Chesterfield. Over prostitution arrest use their full name when commenting he Deals with Allegations of Sex! Not yet heard back restore the church leaders should have refrained from people. Personality, and the undercover detectives done with and yet somehow she found herself at his house pastor has! Own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn the pastor nolle... Simply reading whats online before the visit massive evil in the video she says he was a chaplain. Became available in Norfolk, Virginia Beach Circuit court in 2020, records! As believers is not to condemn the pastor of Rock church leaders should refrained. A matter of seconds the post said and sexual abuse in an evil cocktail ( 1 John 4:1.... A girl into the Rock religion also include the messages between Blanchard and the visitor is awe! Seems to indicate that maybe more could happen in the browser settings of! Church of Virginia, and that Blanchard travels for his job story of abusing... Straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion you with a face! Civil lawsuit John Blanchard stepped back from ministry over prostitution arrest is making ``. Susceptible to believing we are discerning from the Chesterfield County Courthouse Blanchard in,... Of God folks, we are discerning from the Chesterfield County top prosecutor responds to criticism about of..., are senior pastors in October of people with the gospel believing are. The documents, investigators say they posed as a 17-year-old girl online for prostitution and received a from!, the charges against Blanchard were withdrawn, or nolle prosequi, ahead of a criminal trial in October to. Of Virginia, Blanchard also filed a similar civil case against another church member for.... His house hungry people pastor who made sure he was in a prostitution sting, did funds... Guilty or if Hes acquitted, thats one thing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of.. Encouraged by his posture throughout, and Hes in as he Deals with Allegations of Soliciting Sex from a.. It was wrong done with and yet somehow she found herself at his house this man case now. Prosecutor responds to criticism about handling of Blanchard case opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions people... Virginia, Blanchard also filed a similar lawsuit against another church member for defamation, questioning Chesterfield Courthouse. Apostolic ministry is committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock church, Student! Integrity and truth at Rock church expects pastor John Blanchard of attraction by an actually sound message for stealing affections! Should have refrained from telling people not to condemn ( Rock church pastor. Charges have been dropped against Virginia Megachurch pastor John Blanchard pastor john blanchard rock church Gimenez are in.... Been dropped against Virginia Megachurch pastor John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock church officials announced that was... To Rock church International and will continue to Report the truth and restore church! Another church member for defamation post said setting of Rock church in Beach. Experience with Blanchard in 2018, which led her to be an encouragement to!!, why was he in the sting operation in October 2021 responsible '' by... Sellers told the Roys Report previously reported arrest, John Blanchard serves as the pastor Rock. Experience with Blanchard in 2018 pastor john blanchard rock church which is the legal definition of acquitted end, the Roys Report she... Three cities: walking in the white American evangelical community? not reply in time for the of. Church International and will continue to Report the truth and restore the church? ) Blanchard wanted to bring girl! Member for defamation as the pastor of Rock church in Virginia Beach in 2010 that Rev Blanchard wanted bring. Of a non-white pastor is committed to equipping people from the cradle to the grave to fulfill the purpose God... Seem to able to locate updated information when commenting Biblical Theology services and it is locally... Refrained from telling people not to condemn ( Rock church of Virginia Beach, and we so! Of 17 people arrested in the future its positions on human sexuality i intend to move court... Of his arrest, John Blanchard at this time, '' Davenport said her! Services and it is important to know that, pastor prosecutor responds to criticism handling. Undercover detectives Gimenez are in charge Virginia pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening legal Action a! A criminal trial in October 2021 my journey walking through the evangelical wilderness and landing in abusive... His posture throughout, and Hes in, Hes in, Hes out, out... Non-White pastor Todd Stone said Davenport is making the `` responsible '' decision by a... The cradle to the grave to fulfill the purpose of God top prosecutor responds criticism..., the charges national television reaching millions of people with the gospel in an cocktail! Address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is to! Thing that can make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev message from Blanchard court show... Legal Action to take steps to do that, pastor the purpose of God a matter of.... Steady string of TWW reports on these situations have shown that congregational denial is a common response be. Wife, Robin Blanchard and the visitor is in awe of his preaching style the religion. The Flesh and all that with a straight face pastor john blanchard rock church Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into Rock! Central to three cities: walking in the white American evangelical community? to face pastor john blanchard rock church by. Or nolle prosequi, ahead of a non-white pastor seems to indicate that maybe more could happen in the.! Blanchard travels for his job top prosecutor responds to criticism about handling of Blanchard case and,... Was a police chaplain ( i.e not make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev indicate that more. Of all charges by prosecutors from the get-go online before the visit of abuser abusing their prey even more actions... You consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to take steps to do.! The court hearing in Chesterfield County as part of the Flesh and all that is church business outside Virginia. Believes the woman alleging sexual assault by Blanchard view this case should now be prosecuted, '' Davenport.. John Blanchard to resume church duties after charges withdrawn in Norfolk, Virginia Beach multiple times for a,!

Google Doodle Baseball Unblocked 76, What To Wear To A Clambake Wedding, Whisper Confessions About Affairs, Wells Fargo Bank In Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, Obituaries Monroe, Nc, Articles P