For me, it doesnt matter if he did what he has been accused of Hes known for his knowledge, humor, devotion to the Lord and to His people. BUT ANYONE WHO SAYS, YOU FOOL! WILL BE IN DANGER OF THE FIRE OF HELL. [21] In 1998, Cornerstone Church purchased one of the last gospel radio stations in Toledo. My Cornerstone. And others here. You have never heard Pastor Michael say anything like not tithing will send you to hell. Jesus is the only thing that sends you to heaven and not knowing him is the only thing that sends you to hell. The . Above: Carolyn McDonald, Michelle Poulsen, Rachel Horvath, Jessica Spiesz, Ashley Scibilia, Joy McCullough. And yes, it will all be settled out in the end. I found each of the women to be credible, saidattorney and founder of MinistrySafeKimberlee Norris, who haspracticed law addressing child sexual abuse for over 30 years. So many things in those cases didnt add up. Can you walk away from the church today if you dont agree with whats being taught or do you feel like they have you so wrapped that you would have to sneak away and break all connections? And its no wonder, these saying are born out of the doctrine that stems from the selfish foundation on which it was built. On the contrary, I thought she spoke alot!! If you tithe then you must become circumcised and if you become circumcised then you must sacrifice animals and if you sacrifice animals then you must keep the holy days etc. You people are just jealous of his success and despite your best efforts, his church continues to grow. The church is very huge and the people seem nice but a little clicky which isn't ideal. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Pitts pleaded "no contest,"and Judge Gary Byers found him guilty and sentenced him to 9 days in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio in Stryker. Which I do. Yeah rightall he can do for me is lead me down the wrong path. Yes I am. Besides, Ive said repeatedly, (if you care to look), that God will deal with Pitts, and Im really sick to death of the whole thing. Has your involvement in Cornerstone alienated you from your family? The USA TODAY NETWORKreached out to Wayne Aarum, his son Josh Aarum, andboard members Daryl Dekalb and Wes Aarum Jr.for comment specifictothis matter. Men are to point to Jesusthe Holy Spirit leads and guides us into all truth. As far as the exposure incidents go, he didnt have any excuses because he held to the fact that he was innocent. However, I dont need the copy to know its true. I think alot of other churches, have a problem with the mixed congregation. And as far as the Pitts thing goes, if hes so great, why does everyone feel they need to defend him so strongly. Unless the church needs it, Pastor Pitts doesns ask us for it. Many ofthose womenwould later spend years in therapyto erase traces of emotional entanglement with him. So there are two possibilities: The request was deniedbecause both state and county child abuse reports are confidential. He was definitely grooming me I didnt realize how absolutely brainwashing it was.. Pastor Pitts hired some very fine attorneys and, in the end, all charges except for two criminal trespass misdemeanors were suddenly dropped. For MANY reasons. I do not care about your efforts to attack me, but you all need Jesus. It was almost like I needed that from him, said Poulsen, who now lives inAmherst. JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CORNERSTONE CHURCH TOLEDO. If you have anything to say thats worth while, and arent afraid to share your name and not be a coward. Survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in New York statecan getconnected withcounseling, legal assistance and crisis help. Its called the 10 Commandments. I am not attacking Michael, but the truth is the truth. Do you feel like you have to give more than you can afford or are you made to feel guilty regarding how much you do or dont tythe? p.s. Making fun of Pastor Pitts on a billboard in Toledo is not speaking your opinion. Reviewed October 12, 2018 . I think most people have driven when they probably shouldnt and got out of it scot free (I know I have). I need to make one correction in my statements. New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. I left after the drunk driving incident because there was no true remorse from Michael for the ordeal that he put his members through. Not sure how he found this website, but none-the-less, Im broken-hearted that my unfortunate past has been BB-Q (to quote my nonsense impersonator). False prophetess Paula White is working hard to resurrect the church her selfish divorce helped tear down. FOR ALL THE MEMBERS OUT THERE I WAS CURIOUS WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THAT? We also are losing our insurance because the church cant afford it. You can reach her on Twitter @gsilvarole or by email at gsilvarole@gannett.com. It almost been 72 hours, are your attorneys issuing their warrants er subpeona or subpoena (yea thats what it is). You may choose to wrap yourself in deception and lies and your bitterness like you obviously have, but you need to keep it to yourself. [1] Early life and career [ edit] She is no longer representingCircle C Ranch. 2023 www.democratandchronicle.com. What about the scriprute that says God has choosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith. And contentment with Godliness is great gain but those that teach that Godliness is the source of gain you are to withdraw from. Read it in Timothy you simple minded Christian and do what the scripture says to do to those that preach the prosperity message withdraw from them. And, I am orginally from Cleveland, and the Blade is the worst newspaper in the State. Founder and former Senior Leader of Cornerstone Church Toledo. My opinion. He grooms them to the point where they have noboundariesanymore. Devan ODierno told the USA Today Network that Wayne Aarum was physically inappropriate with her, including placing his hands on her bottom while hugging her tightly in an empty room, while she was on staff at Circle C Ranch in the 2000s. email me. The nature and content of Mohlers stack was apparently so moving Mahaney devoting 190 words to it and to Mohlersworld-class gifts.. Mahaneys former flagship church, Covenant Life, gave an additional $15,000 to SBTS. (The Pitts camp claims the officials are lying.) I can assure you, Michael Pitts only has one house and no jets. They were seated off to the sidein the dining hall, while a few other people milled around. Thank goodness!!! Maybe you need to brush up on your law. The only people I am giving a hard time in this forum, are the idiots who are pretending to be him! Alert: Bishop Michael Pitts and other vipers preparing to strike. The trooper said he smelled alcohol, and did a field sobriety test. He would kiss their foreheads, or put his forehead to theirs in a close embrace a particular physical encounter thatstaff members at the Ranch would refer toas gettingWayned., Aarum said in a May 7, 2021, email thathe had never touched anyonein a way that was unsuitable orincorrect in the work, situation, location, setting, or circumstances.. I am a member of Cornerstone and I want to say to Kevin (and whoever else may be wondering) exactly what happened the service after the DUI. And since for some reason, you are having a hard time with me, and I dont want to cause you to stumble, Im leaving this forum. Obviously, he is above reproach. Once again, I agree we are all sinners. Perhaps your level of discernment in much higher than the present leaders of the church, or you have no discernment! But by not speaking up or following up on complaints, they are in fact providing passive support.. A bishop must be blameless, with a good report both within (from the church) and without (the community). Ive been by their place and its not that much. Carolyn McDonald was one of the first women to make the Circle C board aware of her abuse allegations, in the form ofanemailonOct. 6. But I know, your not mad in the slightest. Read all 4 reviews . He pleaded no contest to the charge of driving while intoxicated and was sentenced to three days in a DWI program for first-time offenders. I dont care if you continue this forum about me. God Bless. If my worst quality is loyalty, then I guess thats okay. The investigationsfindings were serious enough that Norris recommendedChapel staff tosharethemwithlaw enforcement, state and localOffice ofChildren and Family Services agencies and state and local Department of Health agenciesbefore her report was complete,she said. Why? 2 days ago. I dont mean to give you a hard time but just want to encourage you to seek the truth and remember that your relationship with God, and answering to God is more important than answering to a leader of Cornerstone Theywerebetting on which new campers Wayne Aarum might pay special attention to, he said. CJ Mahaney, the founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM), recently spoke at a conference called "Conviction to Lead 2013" at an SGM megachurch in . And you will only know on the last day what a difference this conference made. But he saved his greatest praise for Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, architect of the conservative revolution in the Southern Baptist Convention, and the top-billed speaker at the conference. Were always working on improving, thanks for highlighting this for us. I pray that my family and friends who still attend wake up and see the false teachings this man is heaping on the City of Toledo. One can still see what a wonderful teacher he is. . Patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed.. In 1997, he faced eight counts of public indecency and seven counts of criminal trespass, linked to a series of incidents in which a man matching Pastor Pitts description was reported exposing himself to people in places like a local park and a Wal-Mart parking lot. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Religion from Reed College, where he wrote his thesis on Christian Worship Music. Until members really wake up and ask God to show them the truth, this man will continue to excel. Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. They also have issue with the fact that the church building and furnishings are so nice, but imagine how much it would cost in today. Rembember, we are all sinners. As I said, Google didnt turn up any notice of said difficulties. Thats all besides the point. My reference is based upon years of experience. 48hr left. Nor does that attitude reflect in my posts. Quite the contrary, I believe he does more harm to the Body of Christ than good. Michael Pitts will, Im sure, be more than happy to tell them about the good things Cornerstone does. You dont need Pitts approval or covering. 37 people like this. Pitts is lying. I assure you I never studied law, Ive never issued warrants, or any of that nonsense. I agree with Lily on the things that she compares with the Bible. I am not interested in legal charges or threats, I only wish that whoever owns this forum would stop this nonsense. How are church leaders selected? Truse me Pastor Michael is not making a small fraction of that amount. You said yourself your poor.What is someone gonna do with your money anyway. Various allegations have been raised against Senior Pastor Michael Pitts, his wife Kathi Pitts, Eddie Combs (singer in the group Higher Ground), ( of the church), David Huskins (former bishop to Michael Pitts who committed suicide) and others. She was 15, and he told her she was amazing. Ive set under Pastor Pitts teachings for over 6 years now and I see him as the Billy Graham of our generation. Non the less, Free speech is allowed unless it causes the defamation (sorry for the previous quirk, spell check is a genious) of character in more than verbalized, and reserved form, or prevention of potential income. A USA TODAY NETWORK investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, some on multiple occasions, according to their firsthand accounts. Wayne Aarum was the first man Joy McCullough ever held hands with. Police and the Cattaraugus County district attorney,Lori Pettit Rieman,ultimately determined that none of the allegations, some of which could have been considered criminal in nature at the time, were criminally actionable now,because the statute of limitations hadexpired,according to police reports. The Delta incident is a completely separate incident. Pastor made no excuses for his actions and apolagized to the congregation. However, Mr. Smith said that he did receive confirmation in writing from Dr. Forgac that he and Mr. Pitts talked, though hes not sure how many times. His alleged penchant for public masturbation only became a story after he was facing criminal indictment. I think it is socially and morally irresponsible to represent yourself as someone else, even if your intentions are good. Thats the mentality of America that he has found a foundation to preach upon. Meet #MattRasor who is the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Church under the leadership of Bishop Michael Pitts. At least as of a few years ago, he was living in a half-million-dollar home on 30 acres, wearing designer duds, and driving a Cadillac. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A downtown Fresno church is celebrating a win in a lawsuit against the state. Finally, no one said he was exempt from sin. remember when you write in the sand baby. How sad. From events to our Online Campus you can all the information and resources you need to grow in your faith and connect with others. Did you see him doing the act.. I think you need to know more than what Pitts and Clan want you to see in the saftey of the congregation. Pastor Michael Pitts spent nine daysin the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio after state troopers pulled him over last December. Jesus completed the law but he didnt disregard it. Patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. Looking at his website, and how everything came to be, he talks more about how this is what he wanted (the ministry) and not enough about what God wanted. How can anyone in their right mind ignore the Delta arrest? He stood in harms way to protect Gods people, he faced death and peril to protect Gods peoplehe was righteous. The bible says to judge someone by his fruit. MinistrySafelawyer Kimberlee Norris spentmonthsinterviewingdozens ofvictims, witnesses and corroborating sources. Some people, Im afraid, are just blinded by what they Want to see, and not whats real. In 1997, he faced eight counts of public indecency and seven counts of criminal trespass, linked to a series of incidents in which a man matching Pastor Pitts description was reported exposing himself to people in places like a local park and a Wal-Mart parking lot. He is a man who has guided my learning well. He just pleged another 750 million over the next five years. Hewould frequentlysitalone withgirls,hishand ontheirthighs, former camp staffers said. He. Private MotorCities National Heritage Area Antique Car Tour, Half-Day Classic Food Tour in Ann Arbor with Lunch, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Admission Ticket, E-Bike Rentals along the Sandusky Bay & The Islands, Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home, Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure, Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Detroit by 3Quest Challenge, Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toledo by Crazy Dash, Fort Meigs Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield. Even if the girls get closure, theres a good chance that hes going to continue on spiritually manipulatingpeople if none of the truth gets out there.. That access, and Aarums presence as anauthority figurein a Christian setting,helpedfoster the girls'spiritual and emotional dependence on him, clearing the way for further manipulation and inappropriate behavior, said Cheryl Chambers, a licensed mental health counselor with Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York. In an interviewwith Buffalos WKBW-TV in March, Wayne Aarum told reporters he'd like to knowthe identities of thewomenwhoare accusing him ofimpropriety. Someone who looks exactly like Michael Pitts stole the pastors car and his personal identification, masturbated in front of two boys, and then blackmailed the pastor for at least two years so the pastor couldnt acknowledge the mixup; or I guess members of Cornerstone have enough faith to get saved but not enough faith to get rich. Apparently Josh is too busy to check this forum any longer. Secondly I must say its amazing how you go from wishing me luck on finding the answers Im looking for to being a complete prick. His final punishment: 14 days of house arrest with an ankle bracelet and a $500 fine. Just because your poor doesnt mean you should have anything against the message of tithing and blessing. He demanded details and full eye contact. At the age of 14, Pitts felt called to become a preacher. Maybe youll see. I have no doubt that Cornerstone does many wonderful things. The suit alleges that the potential additional victims are too many to be included as individual plaintiffs in the suit because SGMs leaders have cultivated an environment conducive to and protective of physical and sexual abuse of children., (Note: The lawsuit itself can be readhere, though I cannot emphasize enough how triggering and generally upsetting it is.). I gotta say, Im overwhelmed by the fact that so many Christians would rather gossip about the past and put down and talk trash about a congregation or minister of the gospel. Separate in the fact that it happened years prior to the much public criminal case. He has dozens and dozens of engagements annually. But in the middle of the hustle and bustle of your pathetic groveling, I hope you find Jesus. He was released over the weekend. Sights & Landmarks, Churches & Cathedrals. Pitts says hes done nothing wrong, despite the evidence. I heard that an offering was taken for him for his birthday, and he said it was not enough, and had the plates passed again. San Antonio's Cornerstone Church recently made headlines late last year by hosting a three-day gathering of far-right conspiracy theorists. Yeah, sad situation. You cant because hes notremember hes just a man and every man has the capacity to do evil. Nice try whoever you are. May God Bless. Here is my last offer. Anyone that builds a multi-million dollar organization is not stupid, slow, ignorant or any such thing. That incident speaks for itself. There are organizations and resources to help you. I find it painstakingly difficult to believe he would post as Mike Pitts on this firum, because he wouldnt Once again, nice try. In multiple letters and meetingsover the past year,The Chapel pastors haveimploredthe board ofCircle C Ranchtohear and consider the womens allegations. He is a good teacher and preaches for ME to follow the word. Hope that you make good decisions. So, yes, then when she heard I was a pastors wife, she then said that she was, and told me who she was. Within a year, however, she said she would go to the police to report heruneaseabout thehabitsshed seen develop betweenWayne Aarum and teenage girls at the camp. Pitts, Wife Included Among Power Shifters", "Growing strong: Four local churches where the congregations are rising to the heavens", "Diversity a goal of local congregations", "Pastors Lament Loss of Access to WDMN-AM", "Cornerstone Church and its leader are the real deal", "Bishop Pitts: New period of awakening is coming to California", "Spiritual revival event showcases talented teens", "Pr Jessica shares her testimony in Ghana", "Toledo charity lost its leader but not her spirit", "Churches equip U.S. soldiers with over 5000 Bibles", "Cornerstone Toledo Youth Visit Mercy Ministries Today", "Local church to sponsor benefit for city's needy", "Cornerstone pastor writes 2 books on handling crises", "Metropark ranger in Pitts case suspended", "Low-power Toledo TV station produces a high-stakes drama", "Toledo Area Pastor Released from Jail after Serving Nine Days", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Pitts_(pastor)&oldid=1125867950, This page was last edited on 6 December 2022, at 08:34. Michelle Poulsen and Joy McCullough allege Wayne Aarums physical and verbal behavior toward them was inappropriate and abusive while they were youth group members at The Chapel in the late 1990s. Pastor Pitts does exactly that. Isnt it funny how when you type michael pitts into the search field of this site you get links to go and look at his books at Barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com. Once again, my fault with Charasmania is that its beliefs are wrong, thus discounting its actions. Actually, the Delta incident like you called it was proven to be false just like the other so-called incidents its hard for him to do those things when hes out of the country! Ive seen those same patterns. You want to argue a point that is mute. Were talking about the kingdom of God. Do you know someone connected to The Chapel or Circle C Ranch? The effects of Aarums actionshave grown, spawning a black hole that consumedthewomenslives, they said,andrippedapart personal relationships and church alliances in the close-knit Christian community in Western New York. Keep your money in your pocket, since you have a better use for it. And, truly there was no real explaination given for his actions. You people need to pick up a Bible and get a church home, instead of judging someone that is following God will for his life. (Its in Maumee, a Toledo suburb.) Not just the ones called to a pulpit and their families. Im also curious why everone at Cornerstone who does tithe isnt rich by now. The other sitings were also valid alibis with one being the pastor was at the church with 230 members doing a leadership meeting. The only man whos life im intrested in diggin around in is Jesus. You are a very good lecturer. You are the one that needs to pray for discernment! One is Ricky Payne, 20, a bearded man police describe as a hippie. Thirdly: During the beginning of the trial, more than 4 people (women)reported to the police that the individual they saw had an uncanny likeness to michael pitts and they gave a description of a car that was later followed up on and the individual that owned the car DID have a definite likeness to the pastor, as well as a record as long as your arm of indecent exposure and assault!! Shereportedhim at the timetopastors at The Chapel,who eventually met withhimat least four separate times between 1997 and 1998 regarding his physicalhabitswith teenage girls, according to excerpts from Aarumspersonnel fileat The Chapel, provided by email to the USA TODAY NETWORK by Chapel leadership. If you dont feel like you can approach a leader, why not? You know Matt, if you spent as much time arguing the CAUSE OF CHRIST, instead of the CAUSE OF PASTOR PITTS, maybe more people would be in Heaven someday. I am sincerly praying for all of you and I hope you all find a piece inside that would release you to the Word of God instead of wasted HOURS on the internet. But Im always available for any of you to talk to. What I think we must look at iswhat makes a False Teacher (or Apostle) false, his actions or doctrine? The Cstone app from Cornerstone Church connects you with everything that is happening. ****There is soooo much more I could tell you about people and facts and craziness, but it would be a book****** And the image STILL continuesflashy cars, jewelry, fancy dudsetcwhos image is that?? He is one of the greatest men of God I, or for that matter the world, has ever known. Let it go? Are you pushed to bring people to church and invite so many per month? Are there a series of steps you must follow in order to be truly saved (like a series of studies, profession, then baptism?) Herdetermination to bringto lightwhat she calls her Wayne story propelled her through the events of the last yearconfronting Aarum, speaking to investigators and police and comforting other women whove been through similar experiences. (For those who havent read up on Pitts, most of the charges he faced were derived from people who saw a man meeting his description masturbating in a public place, like a park or a parking lot. Since late 2019, allegations aboutWayne Aarums misconduct have gained momentum. God Bless~ Julie. Firstly, many many individuals in the city of Toledo were and have been very unhappy about Michael Pitts once the church started to grow big. 'I was so young': Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. CEO of M.A.P.S. and I thank You Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you find yourself not telling them everything because they just wouldnt understand/agree? (h/t Pulpit Pimps) Pitts is bishop or apostle of the Cornerstone Global Network. Getting caps on your teeth is no different. Its so much more damaging than you could realize, especially at such a young age,said Michelle Poulsen, 38, who alleges Aarum initiatedphysically and emotionallyintimatemomentswith her when she was a teenage youth group member at The Chapel. HMMM, Ill be praying for the no name people on here. It doesnt just pop out of my mouth as a cuss word or as in vain. Sorry to have hit a sore spot with you! If you are worried about losing your standard of living because disability wont pay what your salary is you can have the church buy you a parsonage and pay for it the church can lease you vehicles. He was in town he was arrested on the day of incident. Warming up yet? Like hello peoplethats 10% to the churchNOT the pastor! Ok, Im tired of arguing about the Pittster. Toledo, Ohio. Charlton wrote here on RD back in March: Thesuit has been filed not only on behalf of the individual plaintiffs [8 at this point], but also on behalf of a much larger class of people allegedly abused as minors in SGM, who do not wish to come forward with their stories. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The witness never actually was indicted for purgery, but maybe, the charges were suddenly dropped because he was going to be??? Do you have any idea what the tithes and offerings are for a 4,000 member church? Pastor Michael Pitts spent nine days in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio after state troopers pulled him over last December.

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