cornerstone church toledo scandal 2020

But you dont have to be bamboozled. By now you would think that everyone at Cornerstone should be rolling in wealth. The Holy Spirit is our abiding comforter and helper, and leads us in declaring Jesus. I need to make one correction in my statements. And yes, it will all be settled out in the end. 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. $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Latin. Do I need to prove this is really me, NO, because it doesnt matter. David stood for the goodness of God toward his people. Officials did not press charges after Pastor Pitts agreed to seek counseling with a psychologist who sees sex offenders, they said. If you have anything to say thats worth while, and arent afraid to share your name and not be a coward. He must be brushing up on his law. Circle C Ranch, founded by Aarums father, Wes Aarum Sr., in 1968and still operated bythe Aarumfamily,welcomesthousands of children every summer and hosts church youth retreats in the winter months. Did you see him doing the act.. I also think P.T. So the vampires gave it to them. And about the term warrant. We pastor a small church, (no, Im not jealous, I wouldnt want a large church, too much stress) and I have an incurable disease. 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. The police report is public record, and you can obtain a copy through the Delta police department. Obviously, he is above reproach. The witness never actually was indicted for purgery, but maybe, the charges were suddenly dropped because he was going to be??? Aarum maintains that there were no complaints about hisinteractionswith youth group students during his tenure atThe Chapel or in the decade afterward, he said in an April 28 email. PLEASE SHARE THIS PETITION ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Another thing how ignorant are you to say somthing about paying 10% of your income to Pastor Michael. I believe it was MLK that said the most segregated day in America is Sunday. Josh, is there any way you could post the Police Report from the Delta arrest? Its your site, do what you want to do. I was a member there for a number of years with my family then I attended alone because my husband refused to go back. And I know that the Lord sees him as His beloved son and He is very well pleased with him. no problem Julie if anyone wants to know the TRUTH about Pastor Pitts e-mail me at hockeyjk@yahoo.com lets just say I have an inside connection. Pastor Michael is, despite his lack of formal education, one of the most intelligent men I have ever known. Maybe you need to brush up on your law. Im also curious why everone at Cornerstone who does tithe isnt rich by now. It looks like we have some Christian potty mouths in here. The USA TODAY NETWORKs requests for comment from McDonald's lawyers were not returned. (except my cousin). 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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. p.s. Wake up and smell the coffee! Also, in regard to the Toledo Blade when have they EVER reported truth Everybody knows they make up the majority of what they print. Those who didnt fit the type boys and plain-looking or heavier-set girls wereoftenignoredorbrushed off, said Ferrante and McDonald, whom Ferrante said he often saw inone-on-one conversationswith Aarum. Pastor Implicated in Sex Abuse Scandal is Back, Conservative Mag: Glenn Greenwald Hates America. Anyway, yes, I noticed, as I said in one of my other posts, that his website has very little to do with God, and more about Pitts!! (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. He was in town he was arrested on the day of incident. 1520 Reynolds Road . McDonald, a teenagecamp staff memberwho was at the Ranch working a winter churchretreat, sobbed through a confession Aarum had spent hours prying out of her astory of watching porn when she was 13. 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. The request was deniedbecause both state and county child abuse reports are confidential. THATS ALL. Pastor Pitts was never linked to any of the park episodes. When she finished telling him about it, Aarum praised her;he said God still loved her. PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION-WE WILL NOT REST UNTIL THIS "CHURCH" IS THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND THEIR ACTIONS ARE BROUGHT TO LIGHT!! So, what, exactly, does Michael Pitts teach and expect from you as a member of his church? You are a very good lecturer. 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. Not someone who looked like Pastor Pitts the good man himself, driving his own car! Oh, looks like I stuck a nerve. I find it painstakingly difficult to believe he would post as Mike Pitts on this firum, because he wouldnt Once again, nice try. 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. Are you illiterate as well as ignorant? than to poke my nose in the buisness of one man. The prosecution in his trial had rested its case, and the defense had begun calling witnesses when the plea deal was struck. Mahaneys former flagship church, Covenant Life, gave an additional $15,000 to SBTS. The results of that test caused the trooper to take Pitts into custody, and take him to the Highway Patrol Post on Airport Highway. Cornerstone Church is a non-denominational church located in Toledo, Ohio. I just dont get it. I dont even have to examine the fruit in your life to know thats more than what youve done. It says that at judgement they will stand before Jesus saying didnt we prophesy in your name, etc. if you live in New York or across the U.S., the following centers and hotlines can connect you with counseling, information and support: Bivona Child Advocacy Center in Rochester, New York works on child abuse response, healing and preventionwith a model that leverages collaboration between law enforcement, medical personnel, and child protective services. Updated: 11:03 PM CST January 30, 2020 SAN ANTONIO The brother of a San Antonio megachurch pastor was arrested Wednesday and charged with indecency with a child by contact and continuous . God Bless You. I think you would have to agree he is a very sharp and intelligent man. Like hello peoplethats 10% to the churchNOT the pastor! trust me, I do know more about Pastor Michael Pitts than the average perishener. Galations 6:1. For me, it doesnt matter if he did what he has been accused of MAUMEE -- A local pastor convicted of drunk driving is back home. At that point, Carolyn McDonald briefly considered alawsuit, butdropped it after her lawyers saidit wouldbedifficult to bring her most egregiousallegations of abuseto court, because she couldnt remember whether she was 17 or 18 when they occurred. You think they were convinced of his innocence? Well, coincidentally Cornerstone is not a cult. They are by-products of being worshipped and idolized. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. 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. I think most people have driven when they probably shouldnt and got out of it scot free (I know I have). For decades,youths across the region wereenamored with Wayne Aarum, whooperatedinsome of thehighest-profile spaces inWestern New YorksChristian ecosystem. It reminds me of a movie I saw once about a traveling vampire circus. I do believe in God. Hes more focused on speaking to asset owners. Its called the 10 Commandments. But by not speaking up or following up on complaints, they are in fact providing passive support.. Manypeopleare devotedto the Ranch and the Aarum family, and said they never experienced or witnessed egregiousphysical behavior from Aarum. Whats worse, public masterbation or being a murderer? A buddy of mine used to video tape the services at Cornerstone. Hey, anonymous: I guess no one reads my writing except you, who keeps coming back to my site five times a day to leave anonymous comments calling me gay and asshole. You have the same response to everything just like I do. 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. But, according to the Bible, he does preach on tithing and giving. Sheexplained how it took months of therapy to realizethat herinteractions with Aarumdidnt happen because he loved her like a father. I did and so did my son and most of his friends. Religion Dispatches is your independent, non-profit, award-winning source for the best writing on critical and timely issues at the intersection of religion, politics, and culture. Heres the link: John: To contradict your statement, the following was taken from the article posted in the TOLEDO BLADE on Sunday, November 30, 1997. You see, Pastor Michael Pitts was charged with several counts of exposing himself to strangers. Follow her on Twitter @Sjtaddeo. I think you perhaps mean undergraduate degree because Ive never heard of anything called an understudy degree. He also pleaded "no contest" in April of 1998 to two charges of criminal trespassing in a case where he was accused of exposing himself at Oak Openings Metropark. I have been to Pastor Pitts church and seen him do AWESOME things for the Lord. Mike Baker, pastor of Eastview Christian Church leads the church's on-demand Christmas Eve service. Thats why you see nothing negative regarding him on the internet. 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. Like I said, I cant make you think differently, nor can you make me. CEO of M.A.P.S. 11 hours ago, - Since late 2019, allegations aboutWayne Aarums misconduct have gained momentum. Who cares what kind of outward gifts he gives. It was almost like I needed that from him, said Poulsen, who now lives inAmherst. They lived bored lives and were hungry for entertainment. We are all very capable of doing very sinful things. But for the record, I am a pastors wife. He is a man who has guided my learning well. Its sad because those people in his congregation who have real struggles to make it through life constantly feel like they dont measure up because they dont have the money or things that are expected of them. I think Pastor Pitts is very annointed visionary that was sent by God. and Maumee). 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). Quite the contrary, I believe he does more harm to the Body of Christ than good. Sexual abuse prevention organization Darkness to Light operates a toll-free number for individuals, children or adults, in the U.S. who need local information and resources about sexual abuse. how are you so sure that its true? There is no demonstration of true Godly love at Cornerstone, just a lot of judgmental attitudes and self-righteousness. 48hr left. All fourdid not respond. They went on disability because insurance companies have a propensity to make you cancel with premium increases, and viola the government picked up their medical bills. The truth is that God holds us and judges us and makes us accountable for our actions. We believe they are telling the truth, The Chapel's lead pastor, Jerry Gillis, said in an interview with USA TODAY NETWORK reporters. I never saw him in the same light after that dream. Thats a Christians main goal, to do what God wants. Defined under legal terminology, (in which I have an understudy degree in law) is most frequently referred to as a subpeona. He is just a man. Thats the childish statement. alot of those individuals were other pastors/priests in the city and alot were in a city/government office or political office. We all have evil learking in our members. Ferrante would sometimes linger in those secluded locations, awkwardly making conversation, to ensure someone else was present. But I want justice.. Another aspect of the story that is seldom told is the fact that the park official who brought the charges against Pastor Pitts was indicted for purgery. The ICOC Ive never questioned whether or not he sinned. Thanks-Dave. Meanwhile,Adema, who alleged abuse from Aarum in the 1990s at The Chapel,confronted Aarum himself over a video callin early 2020. I would be careful pretending to be someone else. Yeah, sad situation. I pray that today would be the day of salvation for all of my imposters, nay-sayers, and those who have fewer better things to do than to chat online about news from almost 10 years ago. I can say with extreme certainty that Pastor Pitts never said that the church did not give him enough for his birthday and never re-passed the offering containers. When reached by phone, Hilliker said she could not comment on what her recommendations were orwhether they were accepted or rejected by the board. 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. THEY HAVE DAMAGED COUNTLESS PEOPLE AND CONTINUE TO PREY ON VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY!! His final arrest was the drunk driving incident. I have aquantences, that used to be friends, that I heard started going to his church, and was curious because Ive heard some things about him. You also claimed that Michael Pitts offered no explanations for his actions, but only excuses. He said, I need you to make sure Wayne isnt touching girls or is alone withthem.In a sick way, I already felt like that was myresponsibility.. Officials did not press charges after Pastor Pitts agreed to seek counseling with a psychologist who sees sex offenders, they said. Apparently Josh is too busy to check this forum any longer. I came back just to see if you had the nerve to comment again. Curious to note a few things here that were never brought out or known or told in or by the media: 3 months before the big arrest a few city/government/police officials called a certain individual in the police department, in the investigations, and spoke to this person. wow this is a trip! Another issue involved the two young witnesses, who would have had to appear in court. He demanded details and full eye contact. Pastor Pitts was IDd by the boys at night while the cops shined a flashlight into the cruiser. Im just curious what would happen if everyone at Cornerstone quit tithing. First off, I dont go to his church nor have I ever attended or given him any money. 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!! Did MIchael Pitts really post that Because if he did he cannot spell defamation of character. Call me funny but Pastor Pitts seems like a little more intelligent than that. As far as thinking the people were walking in funny ummm I guess I can believe you were once a member of a cult. That has been my point. Everything Ive read so far, everystoryon Facebook I dont doubt it, he said. Let it go? Bishop Michael Pitts is putting on yet another one of those grand, stratospheric type church conferences which boasts big, money making drawing cards like TD Jakes, Eddie Long and Paula White. God doesnt need your money or desire it, he wants your obediance. The USA TODAY Network attempted to obtain any relevant reportsfiled on Wayne Aarum fromtheOffice of Children and Family Servicesunder the Freedom of Information Law. This public display of affection is just the latest in a long-running and highly public friendship. Has your involvement in Cornerstone alienated you from your family? again, I also read Lilys posts. I would play this weird game of being bold and defending thesegirls, butdoing it in a way that doesnt get you removed,he said. Meet #MattRasor who is the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Church under the leadership of Bishop Michael Pitts. I just know that we, all Christians, are to set an example. Last time I checked, Dave, I wasnt trying to convince anyone I was a holy man who is the best route to understanding God. if you tell me your name Ill tell you mine! By signing, you accept Change.orgs Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and agree to receive occasional emails about campaigns on Change.org. so, if you didnt get that, it wasnt at all because she was not outgoing that I thought her snotty at all. My reference is based upon years of experience. (Ive heard Pitts say this from the pulpit). Ok, Im tired of arguing about the Pittster. I thought this forum died, if you have a problem with Pastor Michael Pitts, take it the Lord in prayer. Hes completely unapproachable and has set up his organization so that the congregation worships him and not Jesus. Just because your poor doesnt mean you should have anything against the message of tithing and blessing. [14] Heal The World also funds the Cornerstone Academy, a school in the village of Odokono N'kwanta, Ghanan. P.S. 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. So Ive been a little stressed with that lateley, thats why Ive been gone from this. All Rights Reserved. Mr. X, Does anyone know if this is true? None righteous, no not one. Not to mention the fact that if Pitts really was provably in another country on April 18, 1995, one might think he could bring that up to Delta police at the time not mention it to the media two years later, after hes already served his court-appointed sex counseling. Doesnt it say in the Bible that you are to tithe to the church 10% of your wages? She added that the difference between the strict rules for teenagecamp staff membersand the operational freedom thatAarum seemed to have as a senior leaderwasstark;You start to see the dichotomy of how the kids are treated and how Wayne was untouchable as far as what he was allowed to do, she said. Have faith in him and He will move your mountains of impossibility. A comment from subversive Christian bloggerJulie Anne Smithwhom I spoke to about a month ago was sadly prescient: As long as a pastor has the right theology, their behavior, no matter how bad it is, can be covered up.. 19 likes. To say the good pastors problems are a media invention is hopelessly naive. Does he teach that Cornerstone is the one, true church? I think you need to know more than what Pitts and Clan want you to see in the saftey of the congregation. About this app. I would still really like to see the Delta Report. Why is the church still strong? Hi Romesha, Thanks for your review. Nor does that attitude reflect in my posts. Youre not Michael Pitts. And His Word, and His People! 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. A bishop must be blameless, with a good report both within (from the church) and without (the community). Michael Pitts is an American pastor, preacher, and author. She is no longer representingCircle C Ranch. Hes known for his knowledge, humor, devotion to the Lord and to His people. Hes the only one that will never have his character tainted or be caught doing public perversions. The more his congregation makes, the more he makesthats reality. Who did you get that fromyour imagination? Ill have to ask some of my family who still attend if this happened. One can still see what a wonderful teacher he is. What we should concentrate on is the plank in our own eye and not the speck in our neighbors. Any attention on his perversion would jeopardize the flow on money which allow him to continue his upper echelon lifestyle. Im known by the entire Cornerstone congregation.I dont need the trouble or the headache. God loves you regardless of where you go to church. During the event, footage revealed that a crowd in the church's main worship space was chanting, "Let's go Brandon," which is coded language for an expletive directed at . Immediately following the purchase, several area pastors complained that their shows had been pulled from regular programming. Furthermore, I do not agree that Pitts is a sharp, intelligent man. Im done. The specific authority in this case would be applied to the owner of this forum. Why is it that since he has a big church, hes doing great things? Thats why they will go to Pitts pleasure palace and parade around for the sheeple to snap pictures of them and utter nonsensical religious platitudes. So I. Rather the DA, deputy sherriff or a Sherriff himself. Ive never called you anything close to a prick. But I for one, am not ever going to go to a church where the guy has had so much evidence pointing at him, and putting him in such a bad light. Circle C Ranch released its owninvestigation of the allegations at The Chapelon the Ranchs website in March 2021. All rights reserved. A legal warrant. In the months following, additional charges from other locations were added. Also, Im not the one that is acting like this shining beacon of light like you are. The case began in December 2006. His parents were raised attending church regularly. They were seated off to the sidein the dining hall, while a few other people milled around. Yeah rightall he can do for me is lead me down the wrong path. We all fall short of Gods laws. Unbeknownst to them, they were talking to his UNCLE!!! I think it is socially and morally irresponsible to represent yourself as someone else, even if your intentions are good. But I believe that people who give no grace to others better hope they dont ever need any. TOLEDO, OH This will not be easy on the eyes. IT has been alleged by nearly a dozen victims that Matt Rasor has been GROOMING, SEXUALLY ASSAULTING, and DATE RAPING young boys and members of The Cornerstone Church Global Network. By the way, its Michael, not MIchael easy isnt it.. Just was surprised when she told me who she was! if he is guilty as charged, so be it, if not, so be it. From events to our Online Campus you can all the information and resources you need to grow in your faith and connect with others. Im sure Pastor Pitts isnt the happiest about this forum but you are doing more to defame his charactor by sounding like an idiot. If, as you say, you dont care if your spiritual leader has a penchant for public masturbation, drunk driving, and lying well then, I suppose Ive wasted your time. And others here. Its a vicious cycle of those individuals always feeling inadequate and that they have no faith. 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. It detailed the Ranchsdenial of the allegationsand called the data found by theMinistrySafe investigationessentially meaningless.. You fool! But enough is enough. How can anyone in their right mind ignore the Delta arrest? Members are told to shut up and follow him, and believe me thats what they do. After telling police last year he'd been molested by a youth pastor at Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Mathews County, a 16-year-old boy got an unusual call, according to court testimony. hmmmmmm, woulda never pegged her for a pastors wife, until I was actually told who she was. 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. In fact, Cornerstone is not just a church, its a family. The sermon was well rounded and I felt that it was relatable to current times and people situtations. It is used to compel the testimony of witnesses in a trial. Drew Silleman relayed this news via email on Feb. 9, 2021, to a group of women who gave statements to the agency. He was released over the weekend. 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. The Cstone app from Cornerstone Church connects you with everything that is happening. Why shouldnt a pastor live comfortable and drive a nice car? That email launcheda series of events, including atleast two separateinvestigations into Aarums conduct,and the involvement of law enforcement and state camp licensure officials. But it is idiotic and foolish to make a judgement when you are unaware of a million facts that are never presented to you. As part of the unusual plea agreement, both prosecution and defense agreed that neither side would be allowed to discuss the reasons for the sudden deal. As far as the Delta incident goes there was no police line up, and a very poor description of the suspect. Rob Shryock is an author, journalist and editor of the Religion blog "God Is Sometimes Great." the blade does not have the final say so in our lives, nor does pitts, P.T. If my worst quality is loyalty, then I guess thats okay. Case was dropped then and there, because there then WAS NO CASE. (The Pitts camp claims the officials are lying.) And Kathy, re: your comment: Unfortunately, there is no one to rebuke him sharply, openly and to his face until he repents.