In April 2018, she told someone in John Blanchards accountability group about the assault. Gimenez remains the churchs bishop. She pressed charges, but Blanchard was acquitted, Sellers said. (The Daily Beast redacted sensitive personal information from the document before publishing. LCU. Church Discipline Pinterest. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. Im sure the police want to do the right thing, yet if Rock Church is known for holding funerals for officers killed in the line of duty, it will be understandably difficult for local LEOs to remain detached. ), Bond amended with agreement of bondsman, it says. who can understand it?. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. christiane: please be aware that for many years, Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. I suspect what she meant was that the DA chose not to prosecute based on the available evidence. The judge asked Blanchard to "maintain good behavior" until Blanchard's trial which was originally scheduled to take place on Jan. 6, 2022. Why did the Commonwealth Attorney lie, on multiple occasions, that the reason the case was dismissed was due to lack of evidence?". (And I aint talking about the California burger chain.). To donate, click here. I have written several posts about checking out a churchs website before visiting. While she did not reveal the new information, an email that Katz reportedly sent to Davenport on Jan. 17 suggests it could be a video obtained through a search warrant that "incontrovertibly validates police assertions that Blanchard knowingly sought to engage in sex with an underage girl in a Chesterfield County hotel room on the day of the arrest.". Blanchard's lawyer asked that the judge consider changing the conditions of Blanchard's bond which stipulated he could not leave the state. But Blanchard would also stop by her home randomly, she said sometimes to discuss church matters, but other times to drop off gifts for her kids or for other personal reasons. "But he was treated differently. "Do Theologians LIke Russell Moore Ever Apologize for Theological Blunders of the Past?" Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? The "minor" was an undercover detective posing as a 17-year-old sex worker as part of a prostitution operation, police said. It came to light in November 2021 that a former assistant had previously accused Blanchard of sexual assault, an incident that allegedly occurred in 2018. John Blanchard at this time. Texts a phone number posted on a known sex worker website, 3. 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. It elaborates on the sex-sting operation that nabbed the lead pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach.The report is prompting backlash from an official who speculates that a deal was involved and that prosecutors abused their discretion. According to The Meryhew Law Group, a psychosexual evaluation is "a very effective tool" for helping those accused in cases of sexual misconduct. It seems it is time to burn the whole thing down and simply start over from scratch somehow. Thats what I was looking for. In a promotional video for the company, Blanchard tells pastors and church leaders I believe that the blessing that the Lord has given us at our church can be a blessing to you, explaining that his own search for high definition LCD screens to use during services had been stymied by outrageous and exorbitant prices. Blanchard outlined that, as well as what she says happened after Blanchard's arrival, in court documents filed in Virginia Beach in 2019, the year she took out charges against him. Michev stated that Blanchard had a "built-in defense." In the last hearing at Chesterfield County Juvenile Court, prosecutors set the prostitution charges against Blanchard aside, but they can bring those charges back in the future. I sincerely pray that law enforcement will probe into Blanchards activities. This week, xx submitted his resignation as Duluth Vineyard's Senior Pastor. Continuing with the Christian Post, we learn: After almost a year of legal maneuvering, the charges against Blanchard were withdrawn, or nolle prosequi, ahead of a criminal trial in October. Folks, we are all susceptible to believing we are discerning from the get-go. 2 min read. has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. Is it odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church? John Blanchard was arrested in October of 2021, but prosecutors recently set those charges aside. Or are folks afraid of his threats of legal action? I continue to call on Rock Church to commission an independent, third party investigation of his actions, with full cooperation and access to all related evidence, producing a public report at its conclusion.. He was arrested at a hotel where he was supposed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. [1] [2] [3] Pastor New Life Fellowship 4 Practically every reference he gives in his books are [1] [2] [3] Church) Roman Catholic monks, mystics (Brother Lawrence, Brennan Manning, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Parker Palmer, Henri Nouwen, and John of the Cross), New Age teachings or teachers from Hinduism and Buddhism. Part one of the statement from Rock International Church. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. I figured more time would be needed, but wondering if I had missed something. Chesterfield Police said it cannot elaborate on the new evidence against Blanchard. A Virginia Beach pastor was charged in an underage sex trafficking sting after he was previously acquitted of sexual assault charges. So, if the statement on the front of the church website is not enough for the inquiring visitor, perhaps we need to add more context. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. 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 Virginia Beach. (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. If it is found that Blanchard attempted to procure an underage girl for a sex act, then what else might he have done when no one was looking? Senior Pastor at Rock Church Chesapeake, VA. John Blanchard . Baptizing her with the Holy Fluid from his Rod like that excerpt in the 1984 Meese Commission report? Because being consort to the crown princess of Rock Church didnt pay well enough? Michael in UK: I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. It would destroy their perfect world including: Admitting their pastor is a hypocrite and isnt perfect or near perfect individual they admired for so long John Blanchard at this time. For months, Katz has defended his department's investigation and publicly called on Davenport to offer reasoning for withdrawing charges. You can twist it. State delegate and attorney Tim Anderson, however, has been drawing attention to Blanchards case after obtaining and reviewing the incident report. That's a fact, and that's not something that we . Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He insisted that he wasnt sure what would have happened had his plan materialized and he had intended to just talk. Example video title will go here for this video. Anderson has been posting about the case on social media, calling on Stacey Davenport, Commonwealths Attorney of Chesterfield County, to explain why the charges against Blanchard were dropped. However, he touts himself online as the founder of TechDirect, a self-described LED screen solution for churches.. 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. In 1971 the first Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free! We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. If I read this right, Guidepost will stay quiet when the SBC gets upset? I do not accuse any police organization of wrong-doing, no; but I think it is important to know that, probably because of its size as a sanctuary, Membership Covenants Although resources like that can save us a lot of time and money, it's a problem if we attempt to apply a DIY attitude toward our faith. on the Cop side of the line) and taunted his wife with that fact as he was beating her. Anderson said, In my legal opinion, from what I have seen, theres no excuse not to prosecute this case. The heart is deceitful above all things, Move over M Scott Peck. Preparing Rocky profile View Rocky's Email & Phone (It's Free) 5 free lookups per month. That this pastor solicited what he thought was an underage girl makes it even worse. It looks like the previous pastors of the church trained him, and then he received an MDiv from Oral Roberts while on the job. 12.10.22 EChurch@Wartburg Dr Scot McKnight: Just Who Was Mary of Christmas? Instead, Sellers is now facing a civil lawsuit John Blanchard filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in 2020, court records show. Steve240: Family business sounds more like what it is. Anderson created another post, questioning Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney, Stacey Davenport, and called for transparency. Welcome to Northside Church of the Nazarene 739 Francis St., Zanesville, OH 43701, 740-453-4010, info@nsnaz.org Like Douggie ESQUIRE of Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid? Anderson said, In my legal opinion, from what I have seen, theres no excuse not to prosecute this case. Blanchard filed the request in Chesterfield County Circuit Court's civil division last month, the records show. Yikes! His mother-in-law was there in court and listened to every single detail of how I had to relay what he did to me.. God continued to move and grow the ministry, opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions of people with the gospel. Yet another story of abuser abusing their prey even more with actions when confronted. You can read more about his first court appearance here. Emails cited from those documents by WTVR show that Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alexander Michev initially told detectives they did not need to attend a status hearing for the Blanchard case that was set for last October. Perhaps then the truth will come out. John has 5 jobs listed on their profile. . On Oct. 11, 2022, the charges against the pastor were nolle prossed with no detectives present. has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. Baker, Louisiana, United States. The prosecutor told the judge that after reviewing the charges, the case would be nolle pros. This message has taken his ministry to dozens of countries all over the world and the USA and to procure a Masters of DivinityDegree from OralRoberts University. Milky Way timelapse photobombed by the Aurora Borealis over Loch More in Scotland. His lawyer, T. Noel Brooks, did not respond to a request for comment. Do you not judge those who are within the church [to protect the church as the situation requires]? (1 Corinthians 5:12 AMP), There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT (Romans 8:1 KJV), revered as a man of God who is a prophetic voice to the body of Christ, TWW continues to report on a string of men of God who have joined the bad-boy conga line. It must be based on the melanoma? Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? But this is not a race issue. Play Video. and John wrote of the "overcoming" power of the blood. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! I mean no accusations towards any collusion no. The records show he said, "I can't have charges, I didn't do anything wrong. (Seriously, if he was in a prostitution sting, did the funds come from the church?). Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County as part of a two-day sting operation in October 2021. The next generation of leadership emerged in 2013, when founder Anne Gimenez along with the Rock Church elders & leadership installed John and Robin Blanchard as the new Senior Pastor of the Rock Church International. I cant seem to able to locate updated information. All that is being said are allegations at this point. This exoneration comes after nearly 11 months of delays and continuances. In the documents, investigators say they posed as a 17-year-old girl online for prostitution and received a message from Blanchard. The same thing that can make a woman stay with an abuser or a drunk. Police officers then brought him in for questioning. 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. Records show Blanchard was arrested on . @13NewsNow obtained new documents from when Rock Church Pastor, John Blanchard, was arrested in Chesterfield County on solicitation of prostitution charges.Recently, prosecutors set aside the charges against Blanchard. Rock Church - John Blanchard - Defeating Leviathan. To all Rock Church leadership who know about this and are complicit: Your silence is an indictment of your hypocrisy.". View John Blanchard's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Church leadership knew and decided not to remove him from his position.. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. It doesnt matter concerning his position in church. Upper Marlboro, MD . On Oct. 11, 2022, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of seconds. As any sensible person would conclude. JOHN D. BLANCHARD VICE PRESIDENT OF CHURCH PLANTING & GLOBAL EXPANSION. Prosecutors recently set those charges aside. Steve240: a lot easier to accept a plausible excuse vs. have to face reality. a company [Blanchard] founded to provide LED screens to churches.. On Nov. 1, Rock Church International announced in a since-deleted Facebook post that Blanchard would be stepping down from pastoral duties during legal proceedings. Education. My dad sent letters telling them about this man. Considering the allegations, shouldnt that be In and Out and In and Out and In and Out? REV. LOL Take the wife to the meeting with the Lady of the Night. 45:15. They chose to sin. When Blanchard arrived at the hotel, he was met by officers who arrested him. I dunno, on top of everything else, I think the financials of that place ought to be gone over, but then again, I work for a Temple of Capitalism and of course thats where my mind goes. Back in the day I remember hearing that if you were arrested by the Feds, it was a righteous bust with no loopholes or bias, compared to those by the local police. As for the pastor . But these are CHRISTIANS. By racial statements? John is a founding Director of Orbis. Why in the world would anyone seek to destroy Rock Church? Thats where John Blanchard and his wife, Robin Blanchard, are senior pastors. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The schools Honor Code Pledge, which all students must sign at the beginning of the year, requires people to promise at all times to keep my total being under subjection from all immoral and illegal actions and communications, whether on or off campus, and that they will not engage in or attempt to engage in any illicit, unscriptural sexual acts, which include any homosexual activity and sexual intercourse with one who is not my spouse through traditional marriage of one man and one woman.. The prostitution thing needs to be punished legally. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! ", However, the firm warns that such an assessment is "a subjective snapshot of our client's beliefs and attitudes at a particular point in time. My dad was a pastor. John Gimenez felt compelled to seek an empty church building as a sign of Gods confirmation. 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 . John Blanchard at this time, says the statement on Rock Churchs website. He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. Even though the pastor was acquitted after the assistant pressed charges, she says, It did happen to me. The only thing that is curious is that the statement hasnt changed on the Rock Church website. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Tragically familiar pattern of predatory sexual abuse and gaslighting of victim and protection of the predator by the very people who should be protecting her. He first appeared at the pulpit armed with a shofar he said he found in the host pastors office. Toll free: (866) 364-9980, Virginia Beach Megachurch Pastor Charged with Soliciting Minors Online for Sex, Charges Against Virginia Pastor of Soliciting Sex With a Minor Dropped, EDITORS NOTEBOOK: Trouble for Bryan College, The Importance of Financial Oversight, and Police Chief Defends Case Against Pastor John Blanchard, Police Chief Objects to Decision to Drop Child Solicitation Charges Against Virginia Megachurch Pastor John Blanchard, Criminal Case Against Pastor John Blanchard to be Reviewed by Special Prosecutor. 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. Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County . https://julieroys.com/scandal-plagued-virginia-pastor-returns-threatens-legal-action/. The pastor alleged that he was driving and did not see the text message informing him that the person was 17. Certainly. I thought she was going to come out with some answers. Is he now claiming it didnt happen? A wreck it is. Ministry credentials, a touch of charisma and a gift of gab do not always equal a prophetic voice to the body of Christ., How can a congregation deal with a pastor who is out, then in, then out, then in?. Although this operation did not involve any actual child victims, we take all such cases very seriously and are always motivated by our mandate to protect the safety of our community.. "Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised. In April, after a few court appearances where the prosecutor and Brooks went back and forth on what evidence can be used in the court case, attorneys told the judge they needed time to come up with a resolution. Arturo G. Azurdia III had an affair with a married woman. "She's never answered the biggest question, which is the question we've asked from the beginning. I was just going to talk. Location. Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. John Blanchard (pictured) and his wife, Robin, serve as senior pastors of The Rock Church of Virginia Beach. As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God. (Screenshot credit: Rock Church International/YouTube) All charges against Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard for his alleged involvement in soliciting sex with a . The state attorney has been drawing attention to this case since they went after 15 people, and Blanchard wasnt one of them. Association of Related Churches Denial Lots of difficult questions can be asked during discovery. 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. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. How about taking your wife along to do that, pastor. The married father of two was charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution, both felonies. The Prophetic word declared, I am sending you to a people you know not of inspiring them to trust God for clear direction. Michev said a misdemeanor charge was not pursued because "we wouldn't get anything out of a misdemeanor conviction." has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. Appearing before his congregation on Sunday, John D. Blanchard, pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, said the accusations against him were demonstrably false and part of smear campaigns against me and this church., But today Im here to announce enough is enough, Blanchard said, adding, You can dress up a lie.