But you dont have to be bamboozled. Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. Its sad to say that my whole family continues to support this man and his organization. [1][3] The church grew rapidly and by the age of 26, Pitts was preaching to over 1,000 weekly members. I dont expect anyone to understand the blessings of being a child of Abraham. Its written in the Bible. 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. Toledo, Ohio. They criticize the fact the pastor lives in a nice house, but it was recently reported that the Diocese of Boston is selling the bishops mansion for $90 million dollars, significantly more than Pastor Pitts home, and an Oblate home here in Toledo is going for over $300,000. :https://www.wtol.com/article/news/pastor-pitts-faces-judge/512-e11a9b95-93b0-42b3-8c56-a395a7481a30, 2009-Alert: Bishop Michael Pitts and other vipers preparing to strike: https://gcmwatch.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/the-michael-pitts/, In 2010 dozens of former members started a blog detailing abuses suffered at the hands of Cornerstone leaders: https://lifeaftercornerstonetoledo.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-just-me-life-after-toledo-pit-stop.html, Michael Pitts Sanitized Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pitts_(pastor). The nature and content of Mohlers stack was apparently so moving Mahaney devoting 190 words to it and to Mohlersworld-class gifts.. Ferrante, now 36 and living in Rush, Monroe County,eventuallybecamea full-time program directorat the Ranch, andsaid herepeatedlywitnessedphysically intimate momentsbetween Aarum andteenage girls, sometimes in deserted or secluded areas. I just recieved this email from a friend. After this false start at rehabilitating Mahaneys image, Mohlers appearance alongside Mahaney at a small leadership conference feels like an attempt to test the waters for Mahaneys return. Cornerstone is impacting the city of Toledo in positive ways no matter what you think. It is not Bill Gates billions of dollars in donations that makes him righteous. princess1075. But I know, your not mad in the slightest. Pastor Pitts hired some very fine attorneys and, in the end, all charges except for two criminal trespass misdemeanors were suddenly dropped. Why dont you do a search to find out what Michael really believes. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Michael Pitts has accomplished more in his ministry already than you (edward) will ever accomplish. The Holy Spirit is still present and active in the life of every believer through fruit and gifts. In an email to aUSA TODAY NETWORK reporter on April 28, 2021, Aarum said: I have never had any sexual interaction with anyone other than my wife. Pitts' response was that in line with the purchase, all programs were being evaluated, and those wanting to remain on the air were welcome to reapply. Oh, looks like I stuck a nerve. THATS ALL. In a May 7, 2021, email, Aarum said there were occasions, such as when problems arose at the Ranch, when he wouldhaveto enter a space where a female counselor is present.. Im known by the entire Cornerstone congregation.I dont need the trouble or the headache. 1520 Reynolds Rd, Maumee, OH 43537-1602. Youve got people who are actively making excuses or running interference, but you also have a lot of people who are passive and say, I didnt do anything, or Thats not my job, Drumwright said. Nate, you need to get your facts correct. A bishop must be blameless, with a good report both within (from the church) and without (the community). than to poke my nose in the buisness of one man. Both clearly violated in this forum. Pitts is lying. Hi Romesha, Last year, when Pitts appeared for a command performance at Paula Whites church, she declared it was by divine appointment. I dont care if you let the mean rest. If people want to support Pastor Pitts, so be it. Obviously you are much sharper than T.D. This forum is for talking about the subject at hand. Dekalb declined to comment generally for this story. I believe this forum has become abandoned. Alas! Cornerstone Youth exists to disciple resilient believers that influence culture. I thank You Lord!! Ive been by their place and its not that much. All of these memories were in the cloud of deception that Wayne had manufactured through a careful grooming process.. Pastor Michael Pitts NEVER goes by Mike. PLEASE SHARE THIS PETITION ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 2023 www.democratandchronicle.com. By the way, its Michael, not MIchael easy isnt it.. I will not validate thier slander with comment, suffice to say, the gentleman from NJ has a point and it should render this debate over the alleged dealings of one man moot. Maumee, OH, United States JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CORNERSTONE CHURCH TOLEDO Numerous people have come forward over the past twenty years alleging sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and assault from high ranking ministers at Cornerstone Church. 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. 35 years experience public speaking in over 20 nations. Hes completely unapproachable and has set up his organization so that the congregation worships him and not Jesus. Its sad but there are ways to work around it and stick uncle sam with the outrageous price tag of medical coverage. I specialize in 501s and non-profits and in many of these situations the insurance climbs to 4 or 5 grand a month. The Delta incident is a completely separate incident. Usually it can be issued by a judge or by the lawyer representing the plaintiff or the defendant in a civil trial or by the prosecutor or the defense attorney in a criminal proceeding. You mentioned that Pastor and his family live in a home that costs 1/2 millions of dollars. Then, in 2012,Elle Campbell, a staff member and youth leader at The Chapel,went tocurrentLeadPastor Jerry Gillisabout a concerning incident between a youth group member and Aarum at Snow Camp. Shut it down with in 72 hours or I will sue you for slander. I cant make you think differently, nor can you make me. Unlike the other incidents hes accused of, at Delta Pitts was actually caught on the scene! What good is all this gossiping and backstabbing doing the Kingdom of God? You obviously only attended Pastor Pitts church as periodically and never really listened to what he preached theres no way you would be so foolish as you are now to touch Gods anointed. Members have reported being propositioned for sexual favors in exchange for money, gifts, and positions/titles/opportunities in the ministry. Despite these efforts to raisethe alarmabout Aarumsbehavior,he remains in his position as president at Circle C Ranch as of spring2021, a role in which he has spentconsiderable time with adolescent staff members. It dawns on you pretty quickly that this is not appropriate, Smith said. Review of Cornerstone Church, Maumee, OH - Tripadvisor What does that person have to offer him? He was identified by witnesses along with his automobile. And you go girl. God is the ultimate judge. It would not square with what I know his character is. For MANY reasons. Cornerstone Church exists to help people find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. Pastor Implicated in Sex Abuse Scandal is Back, Conservative Mag: Glenn Greenwald Hates America. Finally, the prosecutors said they agreed not to file charges if Mr. Pitts would agree to counseling, which Mr. Smith said Mr. Pitts did. God doesnt need your money or desire it, he wants your obediance. Protesters demand accountability for Cornerstone Church leaders - WTOL If you dont feel like you can approach a leader, why not? The specific authority in this case would be applied to the owner of this forum. One of those happen to be Do not take the Lords name in vain. So, I assure you, I am not imagining anything. Patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed.. And I dont think that things are on the up and up at Cornerstone. A urine test confirmed Pitts was legally drunk although he told the court he only drank two glasses of wine. 2019. There are many (legal) ways to structure things where you can take the burden of insurance off the church. The only man whos life im intrested in diggin around in is Jesus. In this December 2020 file photo, the Rev. 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? Its not spiritual warfare, its the truth. I trust his teaching. Unfortunately, there is no one to rebuke him sharply, openly and to his face until he repents. You guessed it. Hes just a man. 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. Can you not read, or do you need pastor Pitts to help you read as well as explain scripture to you. Im sure your already looking into these things but hope I helped. the blade does not have the final say so in our lives, nor does pitts, P.T. Hundreds show up in Port Clinton to honor late Tuskegee airman, Sunday sunshine and milder temperatures ahead of Monday warmup | WTOL 11 Weather. The case began in December 2006. Wake up and smell the coffee! Pastor what do you mean by an understudy degree. There is no demonstration of true Godly love at Cornerstone, just a lot of judgmental attitudes and self-righteousness. I was uncomfortable in retrospect looking back on this and wishing I would have done more. FIFTHLY:The reason INDEED that the case was dropped was definitely because of purgery. It was almost like I needed that from him, said Poulsen, who now lives inAmherst. Im sure your cousin is the only saved person that has contributed to this board. Isnt that hilarious? He does great things for lots o people!!! Wayne Aarum was the first man Joy McCullough ever held hands with. These environments are often helped by a network of oblivious, passive or complicit supporters or followers who dont report the perpetrators actions, saidMinette Drumwright, a professor and researcher at the University of Texas at Austin who has studied workplace harassment. "In 1995, he was stopped by police after allegedly being spotted masturbating in front of two young boys hitting golf balls at a local baseball diamond. Righteousnees seek the welfare of others more than the welfare of themselves. No matter how broken and desperate you are, He is still a miracle-working God. Ultimately false doctrine will lead to sinful actions, no doubt. There are others who have gambled everything doing far lesstell me why Pitts would be above it??? Jeffrey Swinger for the USA TODAY NETWORK. Pitts is not the end all be all in the Charismatic realm. Do his messages make you feel like you arent doing enough but you find yourself fretting over where youre going to find more time or how youre going to explain to loved ones why you have to spend even MORE time doing church-related things? Josh, is there any way you could post the Police Report from the Delta arrest? I dont know about anyone else, but I think Mike Pitts is non other than the infamous Pastor Pitts from this forum. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Joe Schmoe would be hated in the community and locked up. You are praising Denny Schafer? My reference is based upon years of experience. Snellfelt confused, she recalls; no one had ever touched her like that. Yes, all these incidents do subtract from the validity of his message. Follow her on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. Secondly: The majority of the sitings of indecent exposure were DOCUMENTED days of OUT OF THE COUNTRY travel of the pastor. If you have answered yes to any of these questions its time to start questioning your leaders. If its not to Gods glory, it would fail. That is simply an aspect of the case that has been passed along and like a game of telephone; the truth has been warped so uniformly that most believe the lie. His behavior does NOT represent the rest of us. ROFLMBO, yeah, do post it once more please, and while your at it, look up this verse: Matthew 5:22 BUT I TELL YOU THAT ANYONE WHO IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER WILL BE SUBJECT TO JUDGEMENT. 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 should make it clear that he was never convicted of any of these charges. So, yeah, I certainly dont say God unless Im saying it to speak to Him, or talking about Him to someone else. Am I annointed, well, God annointed a donkey to speak in the old testament, so why cant a man that is not perfect (being myself) be used of God. He certainly never earned any understudy degrees. I assure you I never studied law, Ive never issued warrants, or any of that nonsense. CEO of M.A.P.S. Michael Pitts will, Im sure, be more than happy to tell them about the good things Cornerstone does. Hmmmmm. San Antonio's Cornerstone Church recently made headlines late last year by hosting a three-day gathering of far-right conspiracy theorists. Thankyou Doug! Dont get your hackles up matthew and no name thats just my opinion. Matt Hagee, who is the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, released a statement on November 18, 2021 regarding the controversial ReAwaken America Tour event that took place at his church last week. A warrant is: a writ issued usually by a judge or magistrate which commands an otherwise illegal act and affords the person executing the writ protection from damages if the act is performed. Had the authorities had any convincing evidence on him, they would not have dropped all the charges and offered him a trespassing plea, would they? Michael Pitts has a church that is growing AND winning souls for Chirst, he is feeding the hungry, hes building a world class ministry from Toledo Ohio. [1] He has published more than a dozen books. 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. He was friendly and charismatic in public, and his 6-foot-3-inch frame commanded a roomwhen he delivered sermons about sin and salvation. The Bible mention false prophets. Wevebeen conditioned to think that abuse is the man in the trench coat in the bush, but often its someonewho would never beconsideredcapable of that behavior,Denhollander said. There was also no mention of the fact that, in 2000, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated As I said before, I posted this stuff online precisely because it wasnt available anywhere else, and people considering joining his church had a right to get all sides of the argument. Are you illiterate as well as ignorant? God takes care of His own Lily, I think youd better remember that and to finish that statement you can look to the Bible! We pastor a small church, (no, Im not jealous, I wouldnt want a large church, too much stress) and I have an incurable disease. But, I firmly believed I wasnt in a cult either.when I was involved. It was difficult not to notice this car, nor identify it incorrectly. [14] Heal The World also funds the Cornerstone Academy, a school in the village of Odokono N'kwanta, Ghanan. His final punishment: 14 days of house arrest with an ankle bracelet and a $500 fine. You think they were convinced of his innocence? Heres the link: Any reasonable person would do this seeing as he lives in Toledo. In 2005, the church filed for a restraining order to halt its attempted sale by then owner, Lamaree Marty Miller. Is that your fruit dropping to the ground? Just because Denny Schafer has a way to speak his opinion in public doesnt make him a bad guy. I just hold Gods name in high esteem. Hes a great man with a past. That could have been anyone to have seen Pastor pantsless. I had never been to Cornerstone prior to that, but a memember and friend ask me to attend. email me. Church Online is a place for you to experience God and connect with others. However, I dont need the copy to know its true. San Antonio megachurch pastor's brother accused of sexually abus - KENS MinistrySafes investigation, separate from Circle Cs independent investigation, first focused onallegations of abuseat The Chapel youth groupin the 1990s. Pitts recurring issues with liquor, sex and false teaching do not meet the standards. He is one of the greatest men of God I, or for that matter the world, has ever known. If he is a complete charlatan like you think, he must have built his church by plain business and marketing sense. MinistrySafelawyer Kimberlee Norris spentmonthsinterviewingdozens ofvictims, witnesses and corroborating sources. Modern doctrine, especially in the Charasmatic Church centers around selfishness, what can I get, how much do I sow to reap Charasmatic doctrine is not one of selflessness but of selfishness. I can tell you, that is NOT Godly. Jesus I love youthank You Lordthank You Lordyes yesthank You Lord.bless your wonderful wonderful loving saving redeeming powerful name!!! What kind of a moron would log into his book that he saw Pastor in a state park on a day when Pastor was out of the country. Jennifer Adema,now 42 and living in Salt Lake City, Utah, alleges she wasinappropriatelytouched by Aarum onmissionstrips and at The Chapel in the 1990s. 'I was so young': Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. [11], Pitts is the founder of "Heal The World", a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that activities include covering the cost of soup kitchen Thanksgiving meals,[12] collecting Bibles for US soldiers,[13] and partnering with Mercy Ministries. Sheexplained how it took months of therapy to realizethat herinteractions with Aarumdidnt happen because he loved her like a father. I would be interested to know. I came back just to see if you had the nerve to comment again. lots o people enjoy me lucky charms 38 people follow this. I think we should left God be the judge, because you should be very careful with talking bad about people God calls. Thats their business. So the people who were victim to the disgusting actions of Pitts, are just supposed to live with it? Founder and Leader - Cornerstone Global Network - LinkedIn if it is true it will happen again. Mr. Smith said that as part of the negotiation, prosecutors agreed to return to the defense any evidence of Mr. Pittss counseling sessions with Dr. Gregory Forgac, a Toledo psychologist who frequently deals with sex offenders. God Bless You. From events to our Online Campus you can all the information and resources you need to grow in your faith and connect with others. Pastor Michael Pitts spent nine days in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio after state troopers pulled him over last December. Survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in New York statecan getconnected withcounseling, legal assistance and crisis help. In multiple letters and meetingsover the past year,The Chapel pastors haveimploredthe board ofCircle C Ranchtohear and consider the womens allegations. I just dont get it. 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. Carolyn McDonald alleges Wayne Aarum physically and emotionally abused her, including touching her crotch over her clothes and barging into her bedroom while she was in her underwear, while she was on staff at Circle C Ranch from 2006 to 2008. In 2020, The Chapel hiredMinistrySafe,a consulting company supported bylaw firmLove & Norris thatprovidesthird-party investigations of abuse allegations in Christian ministries,to conduct an independent investigation into theclaims. Come on, be serious. Downtown Fresno church victorious in lawsuit against state I cant make sense of it, said RichFerchen, 52, who worked with Aarum at both The Chapel and the Ranch for decades. But several of themmadethemselves known to Aarum or his boardover the years in hopes that confrontingthe issue head-on would causeAarumsbehavior to change. Vengeanceis the Lords, Ademasaid. Let me just say that when you verbally attack Michael Pitts on this forum, your not attacking him anymore. you go girl!! But then again, dealing with false teachers is never pleasant. Cornerstone Church is a non-denominational church located in Toledo, Ohio. Unless the church needs it, Pastor Pitts doesns ask us for it. Toledo-Area Pastor Released from Jail After Serving Nine Days and Maumee). He just pleged another 750 million over the next five years. Thats all besides the point. Today, far too many called Christian clergy are spiraling headlong into perdition. 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. He was definitely grooming me I didnt realize how absolutely brainwashing it was.. The truth is that God holds us and judges us and makes us accountable for our actions. I do believe in God. Barnaum or even the great Dr. Suess, Jesus has the first, last and middle words. So we must ask ourselves the question, what makes us righteous? Pitts says hes done nothing wrong, despite the evidence. (oh, btw, for future reference, so your not emarassed again its spelled parishioner) Anyway. In fact, Cornerstone is not just a church, its a family. Norris also contacted locallaw enforcement and local agenciesherself about the findings,according to police reports. He was consecrated as a bishop by the International Communion of Charismatic Churches in 2009. I personally was really impressed with how Pastor handled the service. Other women alleging abuseat Aarums handssaidthey're not considering filing civil lawsuitsat this time. I am not attacking Michael, but the truth is the truth. Sarah Taddeo is an Enterprise reporter for USA Today Network's in New York, covering consumer affairs and statewide news. Youre not Michael Pitts. The fact is that God cammanded us to tithe so thats that. app is safe and it keeps me connected to what I need most, thank you Lord, https://pushpay.com/legal-center/privacy/. Oh, btw, I met mrs. pitts. Once again, I agree we are all sinners. Given the lack of critical response to the appearance, Mahaney will likely feel more comfortable returning to the broader evangelical conference circuit. He will be judged with the rest of us. Cornerstone Church . Reporters also tried to contactRonald Snell,a longtime friend of Wes Aarum Sr. andCircle C board member for a short period, whowas also present at the meeting. The organizations legal counsel at the time, Julia Hilliker, a partner at major Western New York law firm Hodgson Russ LLP,investigated the initial abuse claims. Wheres your god for them? I can tell you for a fact a number of things. Or is that just a oversight to twist scripture to support a false doctrine? more. The MinistrySafereportgiven tolocalChild Protective Services in2021 outlined that the company hadfoundevidence of an ongoing pattern of manipulation and intimacy between Aarum and teenage girls. He was out of the country on half of the alleged dates. Ive never called you anything close to a prick. But the Ranchsboard rejected Hilliker's findings, Fancher said. 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. If anyone ever cares to chat with me, feel free to email me at jminner2@aol.com, and Ill be happy to talk with you. $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Latin. 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 youre looking for the truth, I promise you that you will never regret if you choose to leave there. He finds girls that he likes, and he gets them into a vulnerable position where they tell him everything, McDonald said. Theywerebetting on which new campers Wayne Aarum might pay special attention to, he said. she was kinda snotty! The goodness of the Lord affecting all nations is a recurring theme of the Ministry of Cornerstone. I dont even have to examine the fruit in your life to know thats more than what youve done. How are offerings handled? In fact he apologized and said there was no excuse. Maybe youll see. hmmmmmm, woulda never pegged her for a pastors wife, until I was actually told who she was. 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. This public display of affection is just the latest in a long-running and highly public friendship. Most of the more critical opponents of Pastor Pitts are memebers of other churches or never been to nobodys church. Im not speaking of an arrest warrant, which is not actually issued by a judge. Rembember, we are all sinners. Julie: I just liked seeing you going back and forth with Dan. Did you wear braces Kristi? god wont be mocked. P.S. http://www.dennyradio.com 6 1. If youve had experiences with Wayne Aarum that you believe to be abusive, please help us investigate. Everything Ive read so far, everystoryon Facebook I dont doubt it, he said. What I dont understand is how these modern Apostles can have all kinds of stuff while there are needs in their church. I dont care if you continue this forum about me. All that matters now is that if this things are true is that Pastor Pitts ask for forgivenss and moves on. TOLEDO, OH This will not be easy on the eyes. Cornerstone Church - Home - Facebook He is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Church and oversees the Cornerstone Global Network, a network of over 150 churches throughout the US, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, South Africa and the UK. Im not mad in the slightest. His face, withbrighteyes, asalt-and-pepper goateeand weatheredsmile lines, could easily blend inwith those of otherlikable dads.
