Perhaps then the truth will come out. Because this may once again become a future pending criminal case, I cannot make any further comments on the facts or the circumstances surrounding anything related to this matter," she said. 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. and last updated 2022-10-12 18:37:39-04. 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. John Blanchard, along with his wife, Robin, is still listed as a senior pastor at Rock Church on the church's website as of this writing. I figured more time would be needed, but wondering if I had missed something. And denial and collusion by wife and family. A steady string of TWW reports on these situations have shown that congregational denial is a common response. Including Acts That Have No Name even among the FURRIES? 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. Association of Related Churches I have written several posts about checking out a churchs website before visiting. I intend to move the court to appoint a special prosecutor to determine whether this case should now be prosecuted," Davenport said. In the wake of the arrest of a Virginia megachurch pastor accused of soliciting sex from a minor, a former church employee has come forward saying the pastor sexually assaulted her in 2018. "But he was treated differently. When traveling on dates not specifically listed, will notify court + bondsman of dates + locations. 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. Does this church support and believe in local law enforcement officers, or do they believe their pastor is to be believed above all? A newly released report offers more details about the October 2021 arrest of Virginia pastor John Blanchard. . If so, why was he in the hotel? The dismissal comes nearly a year after Blanchard was charged along with 16 other men during an Oct. 29, 2021 Chesterfield County . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I think the size of the sanctuary was big enough to accommodate large numbers of attendees, and the location certainly is also a factor in choosing. 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].. Blanchard was acquitted of those charges. 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. In a statement posted Wednesday, the church asked believers not to condemn., He wont come back until this is totally resolved. Yeah, right. How can a congregation deal with a pastor who is out, then in, then out, then in? Anne Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. Were going to release to God some crazy faith and I believe were going to see the supernatural happen in this place tonight.. Coming from a background in atheism and a dysfunctional childhood, Johns heart is to reach a generation with a message of hope through the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ. When a member of the police department whose name was redacted from the documents asked why the case was dismissed, Michev disclosed that Davenport had conversations with Blanchard's defense attorney, Noel Brooks. 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. 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?. Pastor John was. 50:46. Membership Covenants The Biblical qualifications for pastors are clear, Brent Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook. (Screenshot credit: Rock Church International/YouTube) All charges against Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard for his alleged involvement in soliciting sex with a . Solicitation charges have been dropped against Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard. 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. Coming from a background in atheism and a dysfunctional childhood, John's heart is to reach a generation with a message of hope through the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ. LSU. My dad sent letters telling them about this man. You work for us," Franssen said. The prosecutor in a statement to the Court indicated that due to new information coming to light and lack of evidence, they will no longer be pursuing charges against Blanchard. John Blanchard at this time, says the statement on Rock Churchs website. Pinterest. (And I aint talking about the California burger chain.). Before its deletion, 13News Now was able to obtain photos of the post: "We can not make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. God will hold them personally accountable if they dont. By: Tyler Layne. Anderson referred us to comments he has already made to other media outlets and on his Facebook page. In 1971 the first Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free! I think that church leaders need to be brave and act accordingly.. . "The wheels of justice are back in motion.". Blanchard has served as the senior pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach with his wife, Robin, since October 2013. Set in as the lead pastors in October 2013, John & Robin received their ministerial training while serving under Bishops John & Anne Gimenez for over twenty years in full time ministry. (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. "Hundreds of pages of documents have been turned over to my office related to Stacey T. Davenport for Chesterfield Commonwealth's Attorney handling of the Pastor John Blanchard case," Anderson wrote. and desperately sick; Baker, Louisiana, United States. My guess is that it is a lot easier to accept the apparent lie that this pastor was trying to help this underage girl vs. wanting to see an underage prostitute. I knew there had to be a connection a possible reason for dropping the charges. Many religions have abandoned the principle of attraction by an actually sound message for stealing of affections. Above reproach is the standard. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! Are his overseers asking him these challenging questions? Rock Church in Virginia Beach is seen on Oct. 20, 2022. People have been asking for some answers, for some light. Will Sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15? ", "The evaluation is intended to identify any particular treatment needs of the client, and to propose a treatment plan to meet those needs," the law group's explainer sheet states. The Roys Report posted Scandal-Plagued Virginia Pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action. ChurchLeaders reached out to Stacey Davenport and Tim Anderson for comment. He has a similar civil case against another church member for defamation. As for the pastor . A timeline of the case against Rock Church Pastor John Blanchard. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. The records show he said, "I can't have charges, I didn't do anything wrong. Old Timer: 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. Rock Church Virginia Beach, Va John Blanchard pedophile pastor protest 2/26/23. CBS 6 reached out to an attorney for Blanchard for a comment and has not yet heard back. John Blanchard is among 17 men accused of solicitation of prostitution after an online sting operation by law enforcement. Rock Church, which has aweekly attendance of more than 2,000, wrote in astatement published on its website that Blanchard would voluntarily step away from ministerial duties. Anderson was present for Davenport's announcement Thursday. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. John Gimenez felt compelled to seek an empty church building as a sign of Gods confirmation. Under Virginia law, sexual battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. fired an associate pastor for having affairs. Pastor John Blanchard - Rock Church - "Love Conquers all" 53:19. Max: As any sensible person would conclude. Blanchard learned he had actually been communicating with an undercover detective and not a teenager after allegedly driving to meet up for sex at a local motel, where he was handcuffed by cops. This apostolic ministry is committed to equipping people from the cradle to the grave to fulfill the purpose of God. Pastor John Blanchard and his wife Pastor Robin Blanchard are the Senior Pastors of the Rock Church International in Virginia Beach Virginia. Welcome to Northside Church of the Nazarene 739 Francis St., Zanesville, OH 43701, 740-453-4010, info@nsnaz.org In a statement posted Wednesday, the church asked believers "not to condemn." Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard, of the Rock Church, was one of 17 men in late 2021 arrested after an online sting operation by law . On Oct. 11, 2022, the charges against the pastor were nolle prossed with no detectives present. Interment will follow at Knollcrest Cemetery. Enough of a shock that its worth a church giving her the time and space to regroup before having her attempt to lead a group of 2,000 people who know her deepest marital traumas? 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 Texts a phone number posted on a known sex worker website, 3. Blanchard filed the request in Chesterfield County Circuit Court's civil division last month, the records show. Rock Church encourages godly lifestyles by all of its members and leaders, in keeping with the tenets of the Bible, according to the statement. He was expected back in court for his preliminary hearing on March 22. This situation will supposedly be prosecuted, which means that Blanchard will have to submit to discovery as well as those he sues. We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together. "These specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified Sexual Offender Treatment Providers. The Virginia Beach megachurch pastor was one of 17 men arrested during an . As ministers of justice, prosecutors are required to individually evaluate the strength of the evidence provided by the police in each case. Frankly, anyone approaching a minor for a sexual encounter should be condemned. John & Robin Blanchard are the Senior Pastors of the Rock Church of Virginia Beach. But these are CHRISTIANS. Megachurch pastor still preaching despite claims he stepped back from ministry over prostitution arrest. Baptizing her with the Holy Fluid from his Rod like that excerpt in the 1984 Meese Commission report? REV. Folks, we are all susceptible to believing we are discerning from the get-go. Rock Church expects pastor John Blanchard to resume church duties after charges withdrawn. To donate, click here. Chesterfield County constituent Traci Franssen said she's been following the Blanchard case closely and watched Davenport's announcement Thursday through a live stream. Nearly a year prior, the public controversy began: Detectives in Chesterfield County, Virginia, said they connected with 17 people on social media during the last week of October 2021 who were seeking to have sex with people underage. Posted at 10:57 AM, Oct 11, 2022 . This concerns me. Travel 11-16 to 18 to Atlanta. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. We anticipate his resumption of church duties in the near 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. John Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, is one of 17 men the Chesterfield County Police Special Victims Unit says were looking for sex from minors through online platforms. Our youngest daughter, Leah was married this week to Alexei, a wonderful young man! This statement makes it seem like Blanchard is trying to deflect attention away from his actions. Access to MinistryWatch content is free. The judge granted the attorneys about two months to sort out how they want the case to move forward. A Virginia Beach pastor was charged in an underage sex trafficking sting after he was previously acquitted of sexual assault charges. Shades of Ravi Zacharias. 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 D. BLANCHARD VICE PRESIDENT OF CHURCH PLANTING & GLOBAL EXPANSION. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. During this season, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in as Lead Pastor and sharing the pulpit with Pastor Robin Blanchard.. Today its CHRISTIANS who have become the People of the Lie. How about black pastors such as Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson or the revered MLK jr. who is known to have had affairs with a number of women in his congregation. You can read more of the initial story here. Blanchards next court appearance on charges of solicitation of prostitution and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution is scheduled for March 22, Chesterfield County officials told The Daily Beast. Blanchard's attorney asked the judge to continue Blanchard's hearing, saying there are "evidentiary issues" with the case, but he would not go into further detail as to why. "I'm not trying to say Pastor Blanchard's guilty of anything," Del. christiane: Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. Blanchard claimed that he might have wanted just to talk, And a bank robber just wants to look at the money taken , Todd Wilhelm: Wherever there is money & power gained through religious position, there will be self-interest & hypocrisy. -Julie Roys. please be aware that for many years, Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. 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. 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.. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. "Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised. Davenport did not reply in time for the publication of this article. I was so nave that I didnt even realize, until after replaying it to a friend and talking to an attorney, what had actually happened, Sellers said. Rock Church is committed to honesty and integrity in dealing with charges or accusations of sexual misconduct or immorality among its leaders and will support any investigation arising from accusations of violation of this standard among its staff and leaders in an effort to find the truth and to protect its members, church families and their children, at all times. He was arrested at a hotel where he was supposed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. Sr. PastorandCEO @ The Rock Church. Blanchard appeared in Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Nov. 15, 2021. In April 2018, she told someone in John Blanchards accountability group about the assault. 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Does this Church support and believe in local law enforcement officers, or do they believe their pastor to... Sting operation by law enforcement and Tim anderson for comment is a misdemeanor punishable up. Posted at 10:57 AM, Oct 11, 2022 '' Davenport said was married this to! These specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified sexual Offender Treatment.. He was previously acquitted of sexual assault charges child prostitution trial next week on February 15 that have No even!, he wont come back until this is totally resolved ; GLOBAL EXPANSION be an encouragement to us he.! Reply in time for the publication of this article is trying to deflect attention away from his Rod that. Not to condemn., he wont come back until this present situation is totally resolved knew had... We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard case closely and watched Davenport 's announcement Thursday through a stream. 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pastor john blanchard rock church