(ChurchLeaders) Hillsong pastor Brian Houston has said that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a “personal decision,” even as he recommended people follow the advice of their doctors. Houston made his comments in a statement addressing the death of Hillsong member Stephen Harmon, who passed away from COVID-19 after making a series of posts mocking the vaccine. “The death of … [Read more...] about Brian Houston Calls Vaccine a ‘Personal Decision’ After Death of Unvaxed Member
Church
Former Mars Hill Elders Plead For Mark Driscoll to Resign Immediately
Mars Hill Church’s former elders have released a statement to Christianity Today pleading with their former lead pastor, Mark Driscoll, to resign from The Trinity Church in Arizona, which Driscoll planted in 2016. Driscoll previously co-founded Mars Hill Church in 1996 and pastored it in Seattle, Washington, until … [Read more...] about Former Mars Hill Elders Plead For Mark Driscoll to Resign Immediately
Ex-Youth Pastor at FL Megachurch Allegedly Molested Girl for Five Years
(ChurchLeaders) Former pastor Jeffrey Bedwell, who’s being held in a Jacksonville, Fla., jail on a $500,000 bond, has been accused of grooming and molesting a girl from 2013 to 2018, starting when the victim was 12 and continuing until she was 17. Bedwell, who was arrested July 8 and is scheduled to appear in court next week, faces charges of unlawful sexual activity, lewd … [Read more...] about Ex-Youth Pastor at FL Megachurch Allegedly Molested Girl for Five Years
Divine Transformation: Ex-Alaska Strip Club Becomes Church
By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A popular strip club that once beckoned customers off a busy highway leading into Anchorage is now a church offering salvation — instead of temptation — thanks to a daughter of a former exotic dancer. Linda Dunegan believes divine intervention played a hand in transforming the building that housed Fantasies on 5th … [Read more...] about Divine Transformation: Ex-Alaska Strip Club Becomes Church
California Church Leader Held for Alleged Child Sex Abuse
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (AP) The co-founder and “'apostle” of a Southern California church was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a child for years, beginning when she was 9 years old, authorities said Friday. Puredi Hillary, 67, of Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of continuous sexual abuse of a minor and committing lewd and lascivious acts with … [Read more...] about California Church Leader Held for Alleged Child Sex Abuse