The married father of two was charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution, which are felonies. While denouncing those of us in various fandoms who KNOW were dealing with imaginary worlds and critters and magic. This postponement would go on several more times. I cant seem to able to locate updated information. Blanchard wasamong17 men accusedof solicitation of prostitution after an online sting operation by police on Oct. 29, 2021. I think the church (in all its derivatives, both catholic and protestant) needs to re-think its positions on human sexuality. Blanchard also has to let the church know when and where he travels. 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. 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. If it is found that Blanchard attempted to procure an underage girl for a sex act, then what else might he have done when no one was looking? The judge granted the attorneys about two months to sort out how they want the case to move forward. Shades of Ravi Zacharias. When traveling on dates not specifically listed, will notify court + bondsman of dates + locations. 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, the statement continued. I think she just didnt know the proper legal language. It seems it is time to burn the whole thing down and simply start over from scratch somehow. I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. And denial and collusion by wife and family. Main photo: John Blanchard preaches on Leadership Principles. Screenshot from YouTube / @Rock Church, Email:[emailprotected] 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. Membership Covenants He wants to look into this more carefully and determine why the charges were dropped. 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. Play Video. But in the fall, Davenport dismissed the charges against Blanchard saying there was not enough evidence to find him guilty. I would guess the social network goes much deeper. The undercover detective posed as the teenager wrote in the message saying "she" was 17 years old and asked if that would be a problem. A defense attorney for Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard initially struck a deal with Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney Stacey Davenport of Virginia to do a psychosexual evaluation and sex offender-related counseling in exchange for tabling a child prostitution case against him. Davenport did not provide those explanations during her announcement to the press Thursday and walked away from reporters without taking questions. Will Sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15? His only prior arrest stems from a charge of improperly altering a price tag, the document states. In a promotional video for the company, Blanchard tells pastors and church leaders I believe that the blessing that the Lord has given us at our church can be a blessing to you, explaining that his own search for high definition LCD screens to use during services had been stymied by outrageous and exorbitant prices. . Prosecutors recently set those charges aside. https://julieroys.com/scandal-plagued-virginia-pastor-returns-threatens-legal-action/. Its a sin problem that eclipses the color of skin and portrays the sinful nature of all mankind. Above reproach is the standard. How about taking your wife along to do that, pastor. deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Thankfully, there was a nolle prosequel, which means the charges could be brought against Blanchard again. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. That meant the charges would be dropped, but could be refiled again at a later date if prosecutors felt they had enough evidence against Blanchard to move forward. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. How to Resign from a Church Given this unresolved situation, it would seem prudent for the pastor to step back. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A Virginia Beach pastor previously accused of soliciting sex from a minor says "enough is enough.". I suspect what she meant was that the DA chose not to prosecute based on the available evidence. I would guess hearing something one year after the investigation began may be optimistic. 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. Old Timer: I sincerely pray that law enforcement will probe into Blanchards activities. It would destroy their perfect world. Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, was arrested and charged for solicitation of prostitution in Chesterfield County in 2021. This article was originally published at ChurchLeaders.com. "I'm not trying to say Pastor Blanchard's guilty of anything," Del. . 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. Blanchard has served as the senior pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach with his wife, Robin, since October 2013. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. Will check in weekly w/ bondsman.. As any sensible person would conclude. Ive given him the best 10 years of my life, so I cant leave now. Yes you can. When Zipporah and her sisters spotted Moses the first time, they thought he was an Egyptian, and in many ways they were right. ", Upon approval by a judge, rendering the records unavailable would "make sharing of these transcripts, the report, or any other documents, previously released under FOIA a crime.". It doesnt matter concerning his position in church. Group think Are his overseers asking him these challenging questions? 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. Blanchard faces charges including felony solicitation of prostitution and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? Christian college asks Supreme Court to stop Biden's trans dorm directive, M.I.A. "Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised. He insisted that he wasnt sure what would have happened had his plan materialized and he had intended to just talk. The Everlasting Enterprising Evangelical church. State delegate and attorney Tim Anderson, however, has been drawing attention to Blanchards case after obtaining and reviewing the incident report. ", "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. A steady string of TWW reports on these situations have shown that congregational denial is a common response. That they had been duped for a period of time by this person Maybe there enough evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe there isnt. On Oct. 11, 2022, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of seconds. The pastor at a nearby Southern Baptist church criticized Rock Churchs poor handling of the situation. Her shoulder was in pain that evening and he kept offering to rub it even after she declined, she told a local TV station. Blanchard was one of 17 men arrested on Oct. 29, 2021, for solicitation of prostitution from a minor.. After agreeing to meet with a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl, the pastor was arrested and then released on bond. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Blanchard, 52, was among 17 men accused of solicitation of prostitution after an online sting operation by police on Oct. 29, 2021. Rock Church - John Blanchard - Defeating the Spirit of Python Pt.1. Anderson said. A Virginia Beach pastor was charged in an underage sex trafficking sting after he was previously acquitted of sexual assault charges. Virginia Church Urges Believers Not To Condemn As Pastor Arrested in Sex Sting Op Steps Away From Duties Again: Scandal-Plagued Virginia Pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action. 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. Why did you make these decisions on our behalf? Blanchard's attorney would only say he was "pleased with the outcome" of the case. 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. Location. There is no excuses for these guys but when you identify this as a white American evangelical issue are you not forgetting about the Catholic priest issues? John Blanchard at this time. He needs to be out of the Rock Church ASAP until this is resolved. 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. If so, why was he in the hotel? After almost a year of legal maneuvering, however, the charges against Blanchardwere withdrawn or nolle prossedahead of a criminal trial in October. Kenn Blanchard from the album Speak Life Church - season - 1 free online on Gaana. 13News Now also reached out to Rock Church leaders in Virginia Beach multiple times for a comment, but we have not heard back. . John Blanchard (pictured) and his wife, Robin, serve as senior pastors of The Rock Church of Virginia Beach. 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. Absolutely not! . They documented it for records. Now Playing. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) Ephesians 2:4-5, Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18. A message from the series "Daily Devotional Videos." Pastor Rick reminds us that with tools like YouTube you can find videos that will show you how to accomplish any Do-It-Yourself video. Why in the world would anyone seek to destroy Rock Church? 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 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. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. At one point, she said, she reached out to a church counselor shed previously met with weekly, saying she missed her and wanted to talk. Blanchard claims he did nothing wrong. 1/3 https://t.co/2PHkVGmEfJ, © 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 - The Wartburg Watch. In my opinion, they are not that important in the big scheme of things. My Comment was Deleted Tim Anderson, the state attorney, seems to believe that attention should be brought to bear on Blanchards case. Sellers worked for about two years as assistant to Robin Blanchard and her mother, Rock Church Bishop Anne Gimenez. Matt has completed everything asked of him with submissiveness, steadfastness, and humility, and we have received positive feedback from all involved, the elders wrote. Even though the pastor was acquitted after the assistant pressed charges, she says, It did happen to me. 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. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Hobbs said hes aware of Blanchards previous suits alleging defamation and said he has no idea if hell be sued for speaking out. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. ChurchLeaders reached out to Stacey Davenport and Tim Anderson for comment. 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. The state attorney has been drawing attention to this case since they went after 15 people, and Blanchard wasnt one of them. "Many more revelations have been discovered. 45:15. 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. 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. No hearing date has been set. This exoneration comes after nearly 11 months of delays and continuances. Chesterfield County Police arrested Rock Church Pastor, John Blanchard, in October 2021 on prostitution charges. 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. A timeline of the case against Rock Church Pastor John Blanchard. After news broke early this month of his arrest, John Blanchard stepped back as lead pastor, The Roys Report previously reported. pic.twitter.com/aV9VFreqhB. I cant seem to able to locate updated information. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) -Ephesians 2:4-5, Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18. God continued to move and grow the ministry, opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions of people with the gospel. Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. The dismissal comes nearly a year after Blanchard was charged along with 16 other men during an Oct. 29, 2021 Chesterfield County . christiane: 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. Is he now claiming it didnt happen? Even though the pastor was acquitted after the assistant pressed charges, she says, It did happen to me. And yes you can leave an apostate church. He was expected back in court for his preliminary hearing on March 22. It was inappropriate. Part one of the statement from Rock International Church. hearing for John David . During the interview, investigators say they asked Blanchard multiple times what made him chat with the person online, but Blanchard kept saying he didn't know how he came upon the website where he chatted online. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? There . LCU. She said that in 2018, Blanchard offered to come to her home to help her work on the church's website. A newly released report offers more details about the October 2021 arrest of Virginia pastor John Blanchard. 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. Rock Church - John Blanchard - Defeating Leviathan. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together. 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.. I do not accuse any police organization of wrong-doing, no; In April, after a few court appearances where the prosecutor and Brooks went back and forth on what evidence can be used in the court case, attorneys told the judge they needed time to come up with a resolution. I figured more time would be needed, but wondering if I had missed something. "The police are one part of the public safety process, and then you need the prosecutor to really drive it home. During this season, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in as Lead Pastor and sharing the pulpit with Pastor Robin Blanchard. 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. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Some of the cases had sufficient evidence to support felony convictions, and some did not. (Photo: Chesterfield County Jail) 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. RELATED: Chesterfield County top prosecutor responds to criticism about handling of Blanchard case. 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