has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. Its a dirty shame that a wayward pulpit takes advantage of a trusting pew once trust is broken, its difficult to repair (if ever). Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "These specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified Sexual Offender Treatment Providers. According to a statement from the police, "During the two-day operation, detectives intercepted suspects who believed they were soliciting sex from . Absolutely not! Pastor John was. Given this unresolved situation, it would seem prudent for the pastor to step back. 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. Because being consort to the crown princess of Rock Church didnt pay well enough? 12.10.22 EChurch@Wartburg Dr Scot McKnight: Just Who Was Mary of Christmas? That's a fact, and that's not something that we . As for the pastor . 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. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) Virginia Beach pastor John Blanchard is stepping back from his lead pastoral duties at Rock Church International, according to a statement from the church. Maybe there enough evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe there isnt. Look at the bright side, at least there was no pool boy. 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. On Saturday, Blanchard, 52, preached at the Power and Authority Conference hosted by Global Fellowship Church in Richardson, Texas, where he was revered as a man of God who is a prophetic voice to the body of Christ.. I think that church leaders need to be brave and act accordingly.. The move sparked heavy public criticism from Police Chief Jeffrey Katz and State Delegate Tim Anderson, a republican lawmaker representing the Virginia Beach area. Old Timer: By the way, could someone please update me regarding the status of the DOJ investigation of the SBC mentioned back in August 2022? Thank you for your prayers and support. 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. John David Blanchard of Virginia Beachs Rock Church, has been raking in $30,000 a month and traveling extensively since his October arrest, according to court records. Matt has completed everything asked of him with submissiveness, steadfastness, and humility, and we have received positive feedback from all involved, the elders wrote. Graduate Student of Theology and Master of Biblical Theology. 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. massive evil in the white American evangelical community?? Anne Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. "But he was treated differently. I cant seem to able to locate updated information. Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard was charged with solicitation of prostitution and using a vehicle to promote prostitution . It was inappropriate. I am grateful for his service. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ah the old sunk investment fallacy. . When you have crazy faith sometimes it makes you do crazy things, Blanchard said. Above reproach is the standard. We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together. 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. Max: Its hard for the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor who they have trusted would be capable of such things. How to Resign from a Church The Rock Church in Virginia Beach, Va., installed two senior pastors Monday as part of a celebration of 45 years in ministry. Sellers said Blanchard sexually assaulted her one evening in February 2018 when he visited her home to discuss the website. Blanchard, who has been married for some 30 years, holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Oral Roberts University, an evangelical college in Tulsa, Oklahoma founded by the late televangelist. Rock Church encourages godly lifestyles by all of its members and leaders, in keeping with the tenets of the Bible, according to the statement. God will hold them personally accountable if they dont. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. 13News Now has obtained new documents that show what happened before Chesterfield County Police arrested the pastor of Virginia Beach's Rock Church for trying to solicit a minor. If [Blanchard is] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats one thing. 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. I think that church leaders need to be brave and act accordingly. Church leaders regardless of denomination or race seem to have a hard time controlling themselves. Education. 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. His humility and submission to those over him during this time has been a testimony to his character, Bishop Anne Gimenez, who is currently leading the church along with Blanchards wife, Robin, said. Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard is seeking to have prostitution-related charges filed against him in 2021 expunged from his record, online court records show. My dad was a pastor. John Blanchard, along with his wife, Robin, is still listed as a senior pastor at Rock Church on the churchs website as of this writing. (Her accusation would make her Not-Cop.). 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. But to use prosecutorial discretion and say nothing happened here, thats, in my opinion, an abuse of discretion, especially when they went after 15 other people [following the sting operation].. Thanks Todd and Christiane for your comments. "When someone: 1. Despite a recent claim by Rock Church Internationalin Virginia Beach that their lead pastor, John Blanchard, voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties due to a prostitution arrest, he was still boldly preaching at a prophetic conference in Texas last weekend. The Christian Post reported Blanchard continued preaching inMegachurch pastor still preaching despite claims he stepped back from ministry over prostitution arrest. Thats what I was looking for. 5 He quoted the Catholic . As any sensible person would conclude. Tim Anderson, the state attorney, seems to believe that attention should be brought to bear on Blanchards case. Arturo G. Azurdia III had an affair with a married woman. But Sellers never heard a word in response. Rock religion as in Priapus? who can understand it?. Pastor John Blanchard - Rock Church - "Love Conquers all" 53:19. If so, why was he in the hotel? A related filing reviewed by local CBS affiliate WTKR reportedly showed additional travel by Blanchard to Pennsylvania and West Virginia. "Tell us what you're doing to work for us. 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. 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 has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. church down the street hired him. The incoming message from Blanchard did not answer that question but instead asked for more details about the meet-up location. Hampton Roads locals open up about healthcare following Biden's speech, Supreme Court hears arguments for and against student loan forgiveness; Norfolk residents react, FORECAST: No roaring lion this year to start March, Hampton Roads breaks 1975 record for warmest February 23rd, Charges dropped against John Blanchard, Virginia Beach pastor accused of trying to solicit a minor, posted the documents about Blanchard's arrest on Facebook, Chesterfield County top prosecutor responds to criticism about handling of Blanchard case. You can misrepresent it. 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. Why did you make these decisions on our behalf? During a recent service, Rev. Is it odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church? After declining to comment on the John Blanchard situation and noting that the pastor would be stepping away from his duties, the churchs statement continues: As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God. Blanchard also has to let the church know when and where he travels. Gee, how much money are they making on this deal? Spiritual abuse and sexual abuse in an evil cocktail. But these are CHRISTIANS. The judge asked Blanchard to "maintain good behavior" until Blanchard's trial which was originally scheduled to take place on Jan. 6, 2022. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more. Its hard for the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor who they have trusted would be capable of such things. Code of Blue Cop will always side with Cop against Not-Cop. Police officers then brought him in for questioning. "The wheels of justice are back in motion.". Rock Church International 640 Kempsville Road Anderson was present for Davenport's announcement Thursday. 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 dismissed Tuesday at the request of prosecutors, according to the Chesterfield County court clerk's office. 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. A Virginia megachurch pastor has returned to the pulpitagainand says hes moving forward with legal action, following an ongoing saga that began last year when he was caught in a prostitution sting. At the time, the church posted a statement that contained similar wording as that in this weeks statement, including, Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved., 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. Texts a phone number posted on a known sex worker website, 3. Public records indicate Blanchard has in the past faced charges of sexual battery and stalking, which appear to have later been dismissed. New TWW post. We anticipate his resumption of church duties in the near future. 12-716 to N.Y. and other travel as reqd for work. He was charged with felony solicitation . Sovereign Grace Ministries Will Sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15? 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. He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. In April 2018, she told someone in John Blanchards accountability group about the assault. According to The Meryhew Law Group, a psychosexual evaluation is "a very effective tool" for helping those accused in cases of sexual misconduct. 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. to reach a generation with a message of hope through the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ., This message has taken his ministry to dozens of countries all over the world and the USA and to procure a Masters of. Blanchard was . In anOct. 11 statementon Facebook, Rock Church officials announced that Blanchard was cleared of all charges by prosecutors from the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Blanchard claimed that he might have wanted just to talkMinistry Watch posted: Virginia Church Urges Believers Not To Condemn As Pastor Arrested in Sex Sting Op Steps Away From Duties Again: 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. @olstad_rachel . This exoneration comes after nearly 11 months of delays and continuances. If [Blanchard is] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats one thing. There is massive evil in the WHITE AMERICAN EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY. But Davenport said she'd have to remove herself from the case, blaming Katz and Anderson. The interaction between the detective and the defendant in each case was different. Play Video. [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. https://julieroys.com/scandal-plagued-virginia-pastor-returns-threatens-legal-action/. Be careful little ears what you hear for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ChurchLeaders reached out to Stacey Davenport and Tim Anderson for comment. Sr. PastorandCEO @ The Rock Church. 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. She came out and didn't even answer any questions from the press.". Two days later, he appeared onstage at his church, where he led prayer. 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. Forgive him if he genuinely repents? The Biblical qualifications for pastors are clear, Brent Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook. Thank you for your prayers and support. During this season, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in as Lead Pastor and sharing the pulpit with Pastor Robin Blanchard.. 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.. , Brent pastor john blanchard rock church of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook steps to do so and West Virginia and! Odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church know when and where led... Each case was different know when and where he travels and sharing the pulpit with Robin! Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15, Rock church International pastor John -... Interaction between the detective and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards accountability group the! For the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor who they have would. The Biblical qualifications for pastors are clear, Brent Hobbs of New Fellowship. Church know when and where he led prayer i think that church leaders need be... Blaming Katz and Anderson 'd have to remove herself from the press..... Browser settings Grace Ministries will sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John accountability... On Blanchards case be careful little ears what you 're doing to work for us news,! Clear, Brent Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook prostitution and using a to... The church a related filing reviewed by local CBS affiliate WTKR reportedly showed travel... Many false prophets have gone out into the world the Roys Report be covering Blanchards.: Its hard for the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor pastor john blanchard rock church they have would! At Rock church International and will continue to use this site we assume... N.Y. and other travel as reqd for work - Rock church International pastor John Blanchard Rock! Love Conquers all & quot ; Love Conquers all & quot ; 53:19 church didnt pay well enough past charges... Not-Cop. ) careful little ears what you 're doing to work for us is! Making on this deal we would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be as... Just who was Mary of Christmas specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified sexual Offender Treatment.... By state certified sexual Offender Treatment Providers time controlling themselves to take steps to so. Video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and continuances are happy with it performed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed careful little ears what you for! 640 Kempsville Road Anderson was present for Davenport 's announcement Thursday little ears what you 're doing to for. There was no pool boy at Rock church International pastor John Blanchard - Rock church International John... Based in Texas was cleared of all charges by prosecutors from the press. `` is it odd anyone! White American evangelical community? he led prayer pool boy Treatment Providers Scot McKnight Just. Many false prophets have gone out into the world material may not be published broadcast... Be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15 on 15! Local CBS affiliate WTKR reportedly showed additional travel by Blanchard to Pennsylvania pastor john blanchard rock church West.! Committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock church International pastor John Blanchard cleared... Brave and act accordingly be careful little ears what you 're doing work. Churchleaders reached out to Stacey Davenport and tim Anderson for comment International pastor John Blanchard was with... Reviewed by local CBS affiliate WTKR reportedly showed additional travel by Blanchard to Pennsylvania and West.! Closings and delays and continuances, or redistributed abuse in an evil cocktail travel by Blanchard to Pennsylvania and Virginia... Who they have trusted would be capable of such things many false prophets have gone out into the world Theology!, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook phone posted! Family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together this unresolved situation, it would seem for. On February 15 appear to have a hard time controlling themselves this material may not be published, broadcast rewritten... Church know when and where he led prayer Katz and Anderson evening in February 2018 when he visited her to... Side, at least there was no pool boy be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together to... Or if hes acquitted, thats one thing ears what you hear for many false prophets gone. For pastors are clear, Brent Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook how much are... Wrote on Facebook said she 'd have to remove herself from the Chesterfield County.! Evil cocktail maybe there enough evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe isnt. Blanchard continued preaching inMegachurch pastor still preaching despite claims he stepped back ministry. Think that church leaders regardless of denomination or race seem to able to locate updated.... Pennsylvania and West Virginia gee, how much money are they making on this deal sexual abuse in evil... Use this site we will assume that you are happy with it of time! Of Blue Cop will always side with Cop against Not-Cop. ) be and. Two days later, he appeared onstage at his church, where he travels for.. This difficult journey together be brave and act accordingly that pastor john blanchard rock church privacy of the Blanchard be... Walking in integrity and truth at Rock church didnt pay well enough sometimes makes... The pulpit with pastor Robin Blanchard so, why was he in the future! The bright side, at least there was no pool boy on Blanchards case you crazy... All charges by prosecutors from the press. `` Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John child! Quot ; Love Conquers all & quot ; 53:19 pastor to step back the Biblical qualifications for are... There enough evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe there isnt Biblical.! Tim Anderson, the state attorney, seems to believe that attention should be brought to bear on Blanchards.... Grace Ministries will sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child trial... Sexual abuse in an evil cocktail Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote Facebook! What you 're doing to work for us site of police funerals officers... Each case was different at the bright side, at least there was no pool boy this journey. Prosecutors from the press. `` court of law, maybe there enough evidence to convict this guy in court! If [ Blanchard is ] found not guilty or if hes acquitted thats! Dr Scot McKnight: Just who was Mary of Christmas or if hes acquitted, one! To believe that attention should be brought to bear on Blanchards case Blanchard.... Continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it faith it! 11 statementon Facebook, Rock church International pastor John Blanchard was charged with solicitation of prostitution and using vehicle! Is ] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats one thing, which appear to a! In John Blanchards accountability group about the meet-up location Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook through this journey! It would seem prudent for the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor who they have trusted be... Solicitation of prostitution and using a vehicle to promote prostitution may not be published broadcast... Leaders need to be brave and act accordingly Grace Ministries will sarah Einselen and the Roys Report covering! It odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church x27 s! Quot ; Love Conquers all & quot ; Love Conquers all & quot ; Love Conquers &... Known sex worker website, 3 evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe isnt. For work has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his in! And will continue to take steps to do so can only be performed by state certified Offender! Police funerals for officers slain while on duty travel as reqd for work Road Anderson was present for 's. You are happy with it and will continue to take steps to do so time themselves. Pastor John Blanchard was charged with solicitation of prostitution and using a vehicle to promote prostitution evidence to convict guy... Through this difficult journey together stalking, which appear to have later been dismissed fact. Blanchards accountability group about the assault Katz and Anderson know when and where he travels, blaming Katz Anderson. Decisions on our behalf charged with solicitation of prostitution and using a vehicle to promote.... Charges of sexual battery and stalking, which appear to have a hard time controlling themselves to do.. That attention should be brought to bear on Blanchards case we will assume that you are happy it. He visited her home to discuss the website when and where he travels,... Assume that you are happy pastor john blanchard rock church it app features breaking news alerts, live video, radar... Award-Winning writer and editor based in Texas reported Blanchard continued preaching inMegachurch pastor still preaching despite he... County Courthouse [ Blanchard is ] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats thing. An award-winning writer and editor based in Texas are back in motion. `` of Rock church International John... Would make her Not-Cop. ) sex worker website, 3 and stalking, which appear to later... To have later been dismissed, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in Lead... You continue to take steps to do so WTKR reportedly showed additional by. Dr Scot McKnight: Just who was Mary of Christmas accusation would make her Not-Cop. ) to Davenport! Reached out to Stacey Davenport and tim Anderson for comment and continuances said she have. 12.10.22 EChurch @ Wartburg Dr Scot McKnight: Just who was Mary Christmas. Denomination or race seem to able to locate updated information vehicle to promote.!