Mrs. Pollard founded the Tennessee Ministers' Wives Association. All of which he took the credit for. . Barbara told me to always remember the victim, placing them in front of me as I try to figure things out. He matters, a lot. The Vast Conspiracy (insert name here) who was Always Plotting Against Him, of course. Her life will never be the same. Im not sure how $$$ factors in to TWW, as Im not a trustee, not on the board, nor a major donor. They also had a child together, Janet Does sibling, according to Bellevues response to the complaint. I believe that if churches cannot keep a close watch on the people in their building who are caring for underage children, then they should not run a program in which they reassure parents that their children are safe. The suit alleges Hook groomed the victim, identified as Janet Doe, and was provided unsupervised access to the teen at Bellevue. [36] Under Pollard's leadership the church continued broadcasting services, upgrading to color cameras and equipment in 1970. [32], In July 2007, Bellevue Baptist was named one of the top 50 most influential churches in the country, coming in 38th. And cover for the predator, because, Titus 3:2 speak evil of no one Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and our podcasts for on-the-go access. "Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead." "I will bless my people & their homes around my holy hill. I havent heard of Episcopal churches with pederasts in leadership roles, either. Open Discussion Page. Gaines, an alumnus of SWBTS and the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, issued a public statement in response to past controversial statements made by 75-year-old Patterson about women, abuse and divorce. This button displays the currently selected search type. [31] Iglesia Bella Vista is a Hispanic church plant near Summer and Highland. At the time, my brother was a graduate student at the University of Florida. We take no ads to make money. Unfortunately both cases were dismissed due to the statute of limitations. At the good old Big State U, when I ask our administrators what run the Big U more like a business means, I either get no clear answer, or they use it to justify their pet approaches/initiatives. +++++++++++++++++++. [4] Because of the growth in membership, a 1,000-seat auditorium was constructed on Bellevue Avenue, replacing the stone chapel. The man was able to fool Adrian Rodgers! And he would leave with her in the presence of people who are there to monitor and would see him leave with her and nobody ever stopped him, Smith said. Until Steve Gaines and his cohorts begin to truly understand the depths of the pain of abuse victims, they will not be able to truly offer a spiritually rich and safe youth program. This isn't the first time Bellevue has faced accusations of mishandling sexual . Before I started blogging, I spoke with Barabara Dorris at SNAP, as well as the well-known attorney,Jeff Anderson, both of whom offered me important advice. The members of the group wishing to follow biblical guidelines and convinced that they would be forced to pursue their request through the secular court system, decided to no longer pursue their quest. [4] Bellevue financed and constructed a branch church, first known as Lauderdale Heights Baptist Church and later as City View Baptist Church. Something went wrong. In August 2009, I wrote several posts about how poorly Belleview Baptist Church and Steve Gaines handled a sex abuse situation. Why do I keep thinking this guys REAL sin (like Red Phelps) was being too direct about it? [30] This group was limited to 50 voting members in order to avoid having an infiltration by those opposed to it, although the actual group was much larger. He came in an completely changed the structure of the church and was allowed to do so in the name of church growth, increased number of baptisms and increased giving. https://images.nasa.gov/details-from-a-million-miles-away-nasa-camera-shows-moon-crossing-face-of-earth_20129140980_o.html. My Comment was Deleted We'll fix this as soon as possible. CORDOVA, Tenn. (ABP) -- In the latest development in a scandal at one of the Southern Baptist Convention's largest churches, Bellevue Baptist Church fired Paul Williams Jan. 22. The report stated that the election of Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, to the SBC presidency in 2016 "conveyed the message that a clergy sex abuse cover-up was considered 'no big deal' in the SBC." In 2006 Gaines went months before reporting a staff minister's prior sexual assault of a child, the report says. Mega-pastors? Are they involved in a joint venture? During Missions Week, missionary Steve Hyde talks about his experiences in serving in Cambodia. According to the parents, some people at the church knew Janet Doe was leaving with Hook. According to the Commercial Appeal in Bellevue Baptist Church sued after paid volunteer coordinator sexually abuses teenagerby Katherine Burgess: The parents of a 15-year-old sexual abuse victim are suing Bellevue Baptist Church, saying the flagship church in the Southern Baptist Convention provided a space for her abuser to groom and abuse her, and that church officials failed to remove her abuser from working with children after being warned. A prominent Southern Baptist mega-church has placed a long-time staff member on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation into allegations he molested a member of his family 17 years ago. theyre looking out for #1. it matters not that they are enabling deception, lying, hypocrisy, abuse of all kinds, crimes committed against the least of these. Poor us. Twisted, sick, evil. Married: June 14, 1980, to Donna Dodds GainesWomens Ministry, Speaker, Founder of ARISE2Read, Author of Theres Gotta Be More, Leaving Ordinary, Choose Wisely, Live Fully, and SEATED: Living From our Position in Christ. [4] An activities building was added in 1966 for evangelistic outreach as well as for the congregation. Bethany Gaines Golding: stay-at-home mom. It is a flagship church of the Southern Baptist Convention, and its pastor, Steve Gaines, once led the denomination as its 61st president. They are visible from several miles away. Bellevue is truly "A Family of Friends." I was actually part of a . My heart goes out to Janet Doe. lawyers for Bellevue Baptist Church say the church had no knowledge of the abuse and denies that Bellevue Baptist Church is liable for any actions of James Hook which were outside the course and scope of his employment., According to Katherine Burgess of the Commerical Appeal in Bellevue Baptist Church responds to lawsuit over staff members abuse of teen, In its response filed in court, Bellevue deniedany suggestion or insinuation that Bellevue permitted, condoned or was aware that Hook was grooming his victim. YouTube. But God made me see what is happening about 12 years ago and I had to go out and see what is going on out there. PS What is the difference between a paid volunteer and an employee? Pastor Steve Gaines focuses on how to deflect the attacks of Satan and the benefits of denying ourselves. ), Union University, Jackson, Tennessee (1979), Dyersburg High School, Dyersburg, Tennessee (1975), SBC Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee (19992000), SBC Committee on Nominations (1991, 1999). [4] During Pollard's twelve years at Bellevue, the church hosted an annual Medical Professional Day. John Steven Gaines (born December 31, 1957) is an American Southern Baptist pastor, and the 61st President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Calvinistas? Rather than sell it, the congregation voted to donate the original black and white television cameras and equipment to missions. Association of Related Churches Fred Swank was the legendary pastor of Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The ground floor of the 1952 sanctuary was designed for Christian theatre presentations like The Robe (1957, 1959) and Ben Hur (1961). In 2007, Gaines initiated a church-wide, ongoing volunteer ministry to Memphis and the community. [5] Lee preached the sermon Pay-Day Someday more than 1,200 times at Bible conferences, in state capitol buildings, churches, universities, youth camps, and ballparks across the nation and around the world.[4]. We'd love to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Williams was fired. Ive commented about this before. Thirty-two founding members signed the official charter on August 9, 1903. [16] [8] He was elected president of the SBC again in 1986 and 1987. Week One | Men of Memphis Bible Study | Spring 2023 . Interesting how Jesus didnt seem to get that; he didnt need peoples $$$ to run his ministry, to establish his kingdom. Bellevue: Clergy sex-abuse and cover-up scandal-hit Southern Baptist flagship. Prayer Requests https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Texas-pastor-who-leads-Baptist-search-didn-t-13724813.php. . Specific details of the case, allegedly involving sodomy with a minor 17 years ago, have not been released to the public, although . Three large crosses, visible from Interstate 40, mark the church's location. Let us go back a ways and see the pattern. I get it. On December 17, 2006, the church announced that Paul Williams, a minister and staffer at the church for 34 years, had been placed on leave with an investigation pending regarding a "moral failure," identified by Gaines and others as alleged child molestation in the 1980s. In 2006-07, it was mired in reports of a clergy child molestation cover-up. Pastor Steve Gaines begins a multi-week series on "A Godly Christian" with a message on "A Godly Christian and His Faith." Focusing on the Genesis 22 story of Abraham and Isaac, we see how faith strengthens us to endure the trials of life. [4] Hurt served as pastor for the first 11 years, resigning because of poor health in 1914. Nevertheless, the Seminary has maintained a close relationship with the congregation ever since it moved to Memphis in 1976; former Bellevue pastor Adrian Rogers was an influential figure at MABTS. Williams, who had served at Bellevue for 34 years, told investigators he was sexually abused as a child. Because, because Honor your father the 5th Commandment ? We'd love to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Church, get on the right side against predation, against church as a hunting ground. A wonderful person, too! It remains a conservative, evangelical body today. What a crazy story? Looking at Matthew 22, we'll see how God calls us to love others and worship Him. what matters is the bonus God points theyll probably get for showing grace and supporting the perpetrator. How to Resign from a Church Like this past week when i bought Snag It. It was long pastored by 3-term Southern Baptist president Adrian Rogers, and more recently, by Steve Gaines. Jeffrey Chalmers: get rid of all the weak students. On Sunday, July 10, 2005, the Pastor Search Committee of . Week Five | Men of Memphis | Spring 2023. [4] When his health improved, he later served as pastor of Union Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis. [34] For the community they presented 38 consecutive performances of Handel's Messiah, as well as other classical works like The Seven Last Words of Christ and Mendelssohn's Elijah. Missions Night | Steve Hyde. From a Million Miles Away, NASA Camera Shows Moon Crossing Face of Earth-NASA, It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being. John Joseph Powell. A graduate of Union University with a master's and doctorate degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he served on the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message revision committee for the Southern Baptist Convention along with the committee chairman, Adrian Rogers. Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., said Sunday that Paul Williams, a minister of prayer and special projects . thou shalt not confront. J R in WV: One of the first questions the Evangelist preacher asked was Whats your take of the collection?. [6] Years later, Graham paid tribute to Lee at his death calling him "one of the towering giants of the 20th century". On Dec. 18, Gaines announced to the 25,000-member Bellevue congregation that Paul Williams, a 34-year employee at Bellevue, had gone on paid leave pending a church investigation regarding "moral failure.". In December 2005, when he retired as senior minister of music, 5,000 adults and children were enrolled in Bellevue's vocal and instrumental programs. Steve Gaines is the President of the Southern Baptist Convention. In this Houston Chronicle report, Swofford refused to comment. In 2007 a missions team from Bellevue's women's ministry led a conference in Hyderabad, India. You can also fill out our general contact form by clicking the button. Staff June 15, 2016. Hook became a paid volunteer at the church around that time. [4] He was elected president of Southern Baptist Convention in 1959 and unanimously re-elected in 1960. Muff Potter: theyre everything TWW is not. ST. LOUIS (Christian Examiner) - Corinth native and pastor of the Memphis area Bellevue Baptist Church Steve Gaines, 59, was elected by acclamation as the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention today following a historic and unprecedented delay the first day of the June 14-15 SBC annual meeting. With a small $1,000 gift from member Fannie Jobe, Pastor . For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.. To this observer, itseems like the church is making this all about them. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org. "Women of Prayer" is the theme for next year's Abide, Feb. 23-24, with plenary speakers Donna Gaines, Bible teacher and wife of Steve Gaines, senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tennessee; Andrea Lennon, Women's Ministry Specialist for the Arkansas Baptist Convention; Heather Johnson, Bible teacher and wife of Dr. Mark . [9] Lee was born in a log cabin on November 11, 1886. He tweeted out the following: [11] Before Steve Gaines preached his first sermon as Bellevue's seventh pastor on September 11, 2005, Rogers demonstrated his support for his successor in the morning worship services by washing Gaines' feet and placing a cloth mantel across his shoulders to symbolize the transfer of leadership. Friend: Why do churches like this one ignore victims? Steve and Donna have four children and 16 grandchildren. Church Discipline MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - An independent investigation commissioned by the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in America, showed that sexual abuse allegations were ignored or covered up by church elders for nearly 20 years.. That scathing report named Steve Gaines, the senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, as one of the SBC leaders who "protected or even . Some saw it as Bellevue abandoning a community that could use the church [20] The real problem is that Steve will stop at nothing to keep his power and position. Guests and prospective new members can learn about church membership. Bless you, Dee, for shining the light in the dark corners of a decrepit Church. Hook even gave the girl a ring because daddys give their daughters rings until they get married, the police report said. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [21], In September 2006, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis' predominant newspaper, reported that recent changes at Bellevue have led to protests by some members. Richardson, Cyndi(2003); Adams, Paul(Historian). In mid-November, a website was launched by the committee. I honestly believe he cares absolutely nothing about the victim Janet Doe. That scathing report named Steve Gaines, the senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, as one of the SBC leaders who "protected or even supported abusers." I think that Hooks job title at Bellevue was volunteer coordinator, and it was a paid position. The crosses are engineered to withstand 70-mile-per-hour (110km/h) winds and are constructed of four pieces of structural steel and angle iron painted white. Question: @netgrace was involved with Vineyard Duluth and did a great job. One couldnt even imagine such sickness and a church so dysfunctional. they were trained this way. [10] In 1994, he was asked by Focus on the Family founder and president, James Dobson, to serve on the organization's board of directors. Why do churches like this one ignore victims? [4] In 1948, Bellevue called Thomas P. Lane to build a comprehensive music program for children through adults. Speakers included James Dobson of Focus on the Family and Rogers' successor, Steve Gaines. Dr. Steve Gaines, Bellevues Senior Pastor, is known as a man of prayer and a preacher of Gods Word. Relationships are what Bellevue Baptist Church is all about. Our actions bare the fruit of our faith.For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the . The actions, according to some, have opened up a needed avenue of dissent in the church but, according to others, have served only to . Born: December 31, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi, to Edgar and Dorothy Gaines. Since 1996, Gaines had preached once a year at Bellevue by Rogers' invitation. . Bellevue's goals are to "Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples." Paige Pattersons statements were improper. If he [Gaines] knew about this and kept quiet, then hes put Bellevue in a very dangerous position and possibly put children and the emotionally vulnerable at risk.. Members are conditioned to praise tales of turning away from the fast women. We have had to place a minister on a paid leave of absence due to a past moral failure. In November, 2006, the church formed a communication committee to address the controversy. ), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas (1984), Bachelor of Science (B.S. Which is precisely the point, it cant work for them because theyre everything TWW is not. Make Disciples. 2" series, this time focusing on the greatest commands God has given us. Anyone who challenges his decisions soon finds themselves dealing with the real Steve Gaines, the dictator who takes no prisoners. Not until 6 months later, when the news was broken in a blog was the congregation finally informed. The problem at present is the deacon board has drunk the Steve Gaines kool-aide. I dont think it has a board, donors, trustees, $$$. Share Jesus. Why? However, Mid-America operates independently from Bellevue. while others saw it as a growing issue of white flight. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Steve Gaines, senior pastor at the Memphis-area megachurch, told the congregation Williams had confessed the misconduct to him six months earlier. YOu can read about it here. Headless Unicorn Guy: Whats your take of the collection?. We cannot take chances with other peoples children, said Spradlin, who also is interim pastor of nearby Germantown Baptist Church. © 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - The Wartburg Watch. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP)-Several members of the Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church have begun to air disagreements with the church's pastor on the Internet and on local television and print media outlets. I was beginning to see that I had kicked over a hornets nest by starting this blog. Bellevue is a place where families can grow closer to each other and where they can make lasting friendships. Hope for Your Future. The newspaper identified the Bellevue staff member accused of sexual abuse 17 years ago as Paul Williams, a 34-year staffer. He used some shocking language to describe his wish to oust freshmen who were not instantly adjusting to campus life. Police noted that both Hook and the victim described themselves as being in a father/daughter relationship. Thousands of evangelical women are calling on him to step down. Sigh. James A. Hook was a paid volunteer coordinator at the church when he sexually abused his victim, who is identified by the pseudonym Janet Doe. At one point, Hook had reportedly told the girl that he wanted to be a father figure to her. Come learn how you can be part of fulfilling Bellevue's Mission. We are getting sued. [19] Bellevue has also planted churches in Honduras, Uruguay and Nicaragua. Join us in prayer as we anticipate the coming of Easter. Pardon my brief diversion. The Baja peninsula and the Sea of Cortez are plainly visible. My sexually abusive father showed me graphic photos of my mother and himself. Bellevue Baptist Church is located in Memphis, TN. Friend: Didnt work out well for the business-savvy president of Mount St. Marys University in Maryland. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs . On August 13, 1972, at the request of the search committee, Rogers preached his first sermon at Bellevue. Mega-pastors? Groups at Bellevue are small gatherings of people who meet together and encourage one another to Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples. Married to David Golding, Engineer with Turner Construction Company in Memphis, Tennessee. Daniel Harris brings the final message in our "It's Not About Me, Vol. So, I did some digging, this President, who had been a CEO of and investment company, and NEVER been an academic, was fired by his board.However, he claims he never said, or was taken out of context, all the bad thingsthat were said about him. According to police, officers were called to the 8000 block of Dexter Road on Sunday and found a 2018 Toyota backed into a parking spot. According to the lawsuit, Hook used his position to encourage Janet Doe the pseudonym used to identify his 15-year-old victim to volunteer in the childrens Sunday School program, where he had access to her alone. Maybe this church will be sued out of existence. Steve Gaines had problems before he ever became pastor at BBC. Im not sure how $$$ factors in to TWW, as Im not a trustee, not on the board, nor a major donor. And, Satan quoted Scripture of all things, to get there. [35] Whitmire was minister of youth music until Lane's retirement in 1986. thou shalt keep quiet and never call out wrong. I know that your teens dont want it and, if truth be told, it is nice to have a place to send your kids to have some time for yourself. https://cruxnow.com/church/2016/03/drown-the-bunnies-president-out-at-mount-st-marys/. Sometimes this theme gets disrupted with a male victim, who might be painted as gay instead. [4] Christian talk radio with Steve Gaines. Two weeks ago I was surprised to find out that the issue was not settled. Related. This seems crazy to me. 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[38] The proclamation noted that on six workdays, 5,300 volunteers have contributed between 30,000-35,000 hours through yard work, painting, construction, and more to benefit 40 schools, two post-secondary schools, 44 churches, 55 family homes, 14 parks, nine city/government buildings, 16 hospitals, 47 ministries, and ten Memphis City School football fields. The following may be how Hook was arrested. Bellevue teams have also worked in Seattle, WA; Vancouver, BC; and the Dakotas. It causes me to wonder what goes on at BBC. There were many warning signs at Gardendale Baptist in AL. Did anyone from the church go to sit on the side of the victim or ask for a tougher sentence for a man who abused a teen from their church? SEATED: Living From our Position in Christ. it is entirely self-centered. Pastor Steve Gaines of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. 49 min. it just doesnt say thou shalt not rock the boat. No matter what the church says, they cannot know if this man has hurt other teens. This post almost needs a trigger warning. . The church's head pastor has been Steve Gaines since 2005. Not Using the Proper Code Words? This is the first space pic Ive seen that emphasizes my neck of the planets woods so to speak. In 1965 the Pollards organized a church group for senior citizens. Bellevue, based in Cordova and a prominent Southern Baptist church pastored by Steve Gaines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president, has faced criticism in lawsuits and a recent investigative report for how leaders have handled sexual abuse allegations in the past. However, it appears that the church was warned about him. I think the problem here is that they never consider women (even teenagers) to be victims. who put the word out? Acts 1:3-11. During this period, the church's membership grew from 9,000 to over 29,000. John Steven Gaines (born December 31, 1957) is an American Southern Baptist pastor, and the 61st President of the Southern Baptist Convention. [4] Bellevue continues to send out mission teams all over the world each year, spending $5.5 million, one-fourth of its $22 million annual budget on missions. Description. Calvinistas? [4] Bellevue's main reasoning behind the move to the other side of the city, besides needing more room, was that its membership had changed, with the majority of it now located in the eastern part of the Memphis metro area. Once I said, if we really want to run like an efficient business, we should get rid of all the weak students, since they take up a disproportionate amount of our time that did not go over very well! Gaines later said he should have immediately disclosed the information to church leadership. It has been an education, one I could not have imagined. It is such a mirror of the Corinthian church that allowed such wickedness that not even the pagans would do such things. Awful, isnt it? As told inIn Disturbing details released after man caught at park with teenager: A 43-year-old man was arrested over the weekend after his alleged interactions with a teenage girl came to light. In light of the events that have unfolded, I realize now that I should have discussed it further with this minister and brought it to the attention of our church leadership immediately.. She will need intensive counseling and I think the church should be willing to pay for outside, nonchurch connected counseling. They were warned by this teens father yet they continued to dole out his paycheck. Bellevue Baptist was founded in 1903 by Central Baptist Church as a mission church on the outskirts of Memphis. #bellevue #menofmemphis #biblestudy #faith. Given the history of Steve Gaines and BBC, this should come as no surprise. That Steve Gaines was killed in a tragic plane crash in Gillsburg, Mississippi, along with several other band members. Bill and Kyle discuss how God transforms a church during seasons of revival. The church completed a 3,000 seat building located at 70 N. Bellevue in 1952, which was one of the first air-conditioned churches in Memphis. 2023 Southern Baptist Convention. TWW recognizes the power of truth. Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus, and Jesus came right back at the enemy with the whole truth of Scripture. This same church hired ane paid a volunteer who had a questionable background. Three children. [10] His biography, Love Worth Finding: The Life of Adrian Rogers and His Philosophy of Preaching, was published in 2005. 0:00 - Introduction of our text 10:19 - Faith strengthens 15:05 - Faith serves 21:42 . it matters not that they ignore and effectively shun the victim. I believe there is a subtle innuendo at play that this poor teen victim comes from a questionable background and that maybe her molestation is the fault of her parents or her upbringing.. In the back, the officer located a man, later identified as James Hook, and a 16-year-old girl underneath a blanket.