How does being arrogant and manipulative have anything to do with intelligence? It is not Bill Gates billions of dollars in donations that makes him righteous. You should read one of his books Julie. Circle C Ranchpublishedmultiple statementson itswebsitein recent months,doubling down on the argument that Aarum has never acted inappropriately with teenage girlsin any pastoralrole. Julie: I just liked seeing you going back and forth with Dan. God Bless~ Julie. He was rather impressed by the large amounts of money collected every week and the men with guns to handle it all. Check out his books on Amazon.com or in Barnes and Noble. As far as the exposure incidents go, he didnt have any excuses because he held to the fact that he was innocent. i have recieved a couple of not so nice emails in response to the comment i made on this site. 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. I hope you all will take a lesson and leave it alone. Can you walk away from the church today if you dont agree with whats being taught or do you feel like they have you so wrapped that you would have to sneak away and break all connections? I thank You Lord!! The Chapel, where Aarums brother Wes Aarum Jr.was a pastor until he resigned in early 2021,is attended by about 5,000 people. The judge was SOOOO MAD! hes a big jerk who should mind his business (Oh I guess hes a stereotypical journalist) and leave people alone. There are others who have gambled everything doing far lesstell me why Pitts would be above it??? [8], Pitts was consecrated as a bishop by the International Communion of Charismatic Churches in October 2009 for his oversight of the Cornerstone Global Network, a network of more than 120 churches. If there werent significant mammon being waved in their face, they simply wouldnt show. (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. It doesnt just pop out of my mouth as a cuss word or as in vain. Sorry to have hit a sore spot with you! There have I been flattering enough. I am not interested in legal charges or threats, I only wish that whoever owns this forum would stop this nonsense. But thats the truth. 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. This terminology is a reflection of the false teachings that it supports. 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. Simple as that. I just know that we, all Christians, are to set an example. on Mr. Pitts. Cattaraugus CountySgt. The only man whos life im intrested in diggin around in is Jesus. Thats a Christians main goal, to do what God wants. But for the record, I am a pastors wife. Also, Im not the one that is acting like this shining beacon of light like you are. In response to Lilys postings about Michael Pitts: I personally cant believe you sat in that mans church and discerned the things you did. Hi Romesha, The people at Cornerstone are blinded to the truth because they worship him. Thats how I was raised. When a pastor resigns after his 77-church network is implicated in "the largest evangelical sex abuse scandal to date," how long does it take for him to regain the trust of his colleagues? Id appreciate it, Mr. Josh Benton, if you would get your facts straight and not try to get people to believe what YOU think is true. Perhaps you didnt decipher this from my prior postings so let me make myself abundantly clear: I love Pastor Michael Pitts. Others were less sure. 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. so I dont sweat the small stuff. There will be false prophets, and we are never to follow man, but God only. I am doing my best as a servant of God to preach the gospel so that a lost and hurt people may come to know Jesus Christ. 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. and Maumee). His car was spotted near where several of the incidents occurred. The Delta incident is a completely separate incident. He is just a man. it doesnt matter to me if he makes a billion dollars in a day. Unfortunately, because your review is generic and your username is vague, we dont have any way of following up to make things right. He loves the congregation with all his heart, and he DOES point to Jesus in his preaching teachings writings etc. Both clearly violated in this forum. Hmmmmm. 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 court, when another defendant recognized Pastor Pitts and asked why he was there he said, You know, you dont get through life without taking a few little bumps.. 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? LASTLY: I am a family member, and I know him well. No worries though because GOD never sleeps. He does great things for lots o people!!! matthew! The stage door is closed. So if you are comforting yourself, I have a stack, well you might have a stack, but if we consider the nature and content of your stack as opposed to his stack, well, your stack looks pretty sorry and pathetic. The only people I am giving a hard time in this forum, are the idiots who are pretending to be him! The Holy Spirit is our abiding comforter and helper, and leads us in declaring Jesus. So, what, exactly, does Michael Pitts teach and expect from you as a member of his church? GEORGIE SILVAROLE, Tina Yee, NEW YORK STATE TEAM. Im done. Others have expressed suspicion, nonchalance or patent disbeliefregardingwomens stories on social media, or in person at church meetings. Also, Enron made some wonderful donations to charity. Because this was a completely separate incident and Pitts did go to counseling for the Delta incident speaks volumes about the criminal case regarding his indecent exposure. LOL, I knew you meant MAY, darn typing demons at it again, right? Ive been to Cornerstone, have you? Were talking about the kingdom of God. Where in the Bible do you get that we are supposed to withdraw from those who preach prosperity? Bishop of Cornerstone Church Toledo and the Cornerstone Global Network I DONT THINK ANYONE IS WILLING TO BOTHER GETTING THE DELTA REPORTTHEY WOULD RATHER BASE THEIR OPINIONS ON RUMORS. (oh, btw, for future reference, so your not emarassed again its spelled parishioner) Anyway. 2019. Shed resignfrom her position not long after, her emotions a mix of heartbreak andfrustrationasshe leftthe Ranch. Does he use words like rebuke and radical in his messages? 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. Cornerstone Church is a biblically-based church that declares Jesus everywhere and leads believers in a life of resilient faith. He was released over the weekend. Which I do. That didnt seem right. It reminds me of a movie I saw once about a traveling vampire circus. He was released over the weekend. Similar indecent exposure charges in Wauseon and Toledo were thrown out. Amazing. Above: Carolyn McDonald, Michelle Poulsen, Rachel Horvath, Jessica Spiesz, Ashley Scibilia, Joy McCullough. Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. A legal warrant. Pettit Rieman has not responded to the USA TODAY NETWORKs multiple requests for comment. Again, what a joke. 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? Toledo is a very racist, bureaucratic and segregated place that fears the truth and God. Its your site, do what you want to 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. [18], On September 18, 1997, Pitts was arrested on charges of exposing himself to passing motorists near Oak Openings Metropark in Swanton, Ohio. And if they are out of control spiritually and naturally, where does that leave those following them? There is a difference. Its called the 10 Commandments. Im sure Union Carbide has done some nice things around Bhopal. Do you find yourself not telling them everything because they just wouldnt understand/agree? Service Times: Sunday: 10:00 am Thursday 7:30 pm He validated my life., In aApril 28 emailto the USA TODAY NETWORK, WayneAarum acknowledged that his conversationswithyouth group membersat The Chapel, meant to help them navigate their adolescent struggles, could have sometimes hurt (them) because of the listeners personal situation, he said." 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. I went there for half my life. 11 hours ago, - than to poke my nose in the buisness of one man. The ones that are in the pitts with denial? From events to our Online Campus you can all the information and resources you need to grow in your faith and connect with others. Something smells fishy here Here is a man of God who lavishes himself in fine gold, designer clothes, fancy cars, and ultimate living with a $440,000 home on 30+ acres and his own private jet? in any way. The statement was withdrawn after it drew widespread criticism. Jesus crossed many lines for you, laying down his life that you might have eternal life. If I got fired, who was going to stand in the gap?. Pastor made no excuses for his actions and apolagized to the congregation. Benton who lived and worked in Toledo for some time said he was dismayed that there was little information on Pitts sexual malfunctions on the internet. I doubt it, however I wouldnt put it past any of pastors at Cornerstone. She was 15, and he told her she was amazing. Sarah Taddeo is an Enterprise reporter for USA Today Network's in New York, covering consumer affairs and statewide news. 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. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Religion from Reed College, where he wrote his thesis on Christian Worship Music. Nah, not gonna give you my name. Cornerstone Church is a biblically-based church that declares Jesus everywhere and leads believers in a life of resilient faith. Like someone said above, we are growing and are much stronger. Thats my cue to exit stage right. He grooms them to the point where they have noboundariesanymore. MAUMEE--A local pastor convicted of drunk driving is back home. Are you illiterate as well as ignorant? He was in town he was arrested on the day of incident. Soyou be the judge, is someone righteous base on what they do, or what they believe? Toledo, Ohio. So there are two possibilities: Why dont you add the other stories like how the church gives away bikes, toys and other items to the inner city kids, all the donations the church makes and the good the church does for the city with programs like Project Breakthrough. And I know that the Lord sees him as His beloved son and He is very well pleased with him. They have no integrity whats soever this is also proven by if the above article regarding Delta was true, there would have been counseling that really was done, when it fact, there wasnt ever any counseling, because the incident never took place. I believe it was MLK that said the most segregated day in America is Sunday. Yes, all these incidents do subtract from the validity of his message. Attorneys file lawsuits. But in the Delta incident, a man fitting his description was spotted masturbating in front of two boys at a baseball diamond. The USA TODAY NETWORKreached out to Wayne Aarum, his son Josh Aarum, andboard members Daryl Dekalb and Wes Aarum Jr.for comment specifictothis matter. You cant because hes notremember hes just a man and every man has the capacity to do evil. You said yourself your poor.What is someone gonna do with your money anyway. Pastor Pitts hired some very fine attorneys and, in the end, all charges except for two criminal trespass misdemeanors were suddenly dropped. Did you see him doing the act.. Maybe you need to brush up on your law. Though there has been some debate surrounding Pitts ability to get charges against him dismissed on legal technicalities, the Bible has no such leniency for those who claim to be bishops in the Lords church. Were always working on improving, thanks for highlighting this for us. Truse me Pastor Michael is not making a small fraction of that amount. He acknowledged in an April 28, 2021, email that he had hugged (youth group members) in greeting or congratulating them,and patted people on the back in acknowledgment of their accomplishments.Both actions were in socially appropriate contextsin the 1990s, he said. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. youve got to be kidding me you really are a beacon of light Julie, Um, who said that? It is not our works. Officials did not press charges after Pastor Pitts agreed to seek counseling with a psychologist who sees sex offenders, they said. Like hello peoplethats 10% to the churchNOT the pastor! Many ofthose womenwould later spend years in therapyto erase traces of emotional entanglement with him. Your post is very attacking to the point of threatening. He has consistently denied allclaimsagainst him of inappropriate conduct. Both clearly violated in this forum. Improve this listing All photos (14) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour 4 Linda A. Smith, 63, of Holland, Erie County, who worked as Circle Cs business manager between 2005 and2006, said shefelt honoredto be working atthe Ranchwhen she was first hired. 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. Why is the church still strong? There is no demonstration of true Godly love at Cornerstone, just a lot of judgmental attitudes and self-righteousness. I also think P.T. Last year,Carolyn McDonaldfacedmembers of the Circle C Ranch boardandsharedherstorydirectly for the first time. Arent you afraid? Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258 210-490-1600 connect@SACornerstone.org The USA TODAY Network attempted to obtain any relevant reportsfiled on Wayne Aarum fromtheOffice of Children and Family Servicesunder the Freedom of Information Law. I told him that when #MeToo came out, hes the one I thought of," Adema said. Im not speaking of an arrest warrant, which is not actually issued by a judge. Comparing Mohler to legendary American pastor Jonathan Edwards, Mahaney rhapsodized about how smart Mohler is by gushing over his stack of books: Ive seen his stack of books. The suit alleges that the potential additional victims are too many to be included as individual plaintiffs in the suit because SGMs leaders have cultivated an environment conducive to and protective of physical and sexual abuse of children., (Note: The lawsuit itself can be readhere, though I cannot emphasize enough how triggering and generally upsetting it is.). Theres some thoughts to ponder Julie. This is why I did not actually have to witness the incident to know its all true. Not tearing him down. Rather the DA, deputy sherriff or a Sherriff himself. It looks like we have some Christian potty mouths in here. Simply amazing. He has nothing valuable to offer except false doctrinewhy is that so difficult for you to grasp? I dont buy it. If you have answered yes to any of these questions its time to start questioning your leaders. So, my friends, Im not going to be here anymore. Well I amy also be surprised your a pastors wife seeing as you gossip on an online forum about other pastors wives. By joining, or logging in via Facebook, you accept Change.orgs Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I really believe Pastor Pitts is sincere and annoited. I thought Jesus completed the law and prophets yet you quote it to support your prosperity message. You must be dumb as a stump to miss that one. It is what a person believes that makes him righteous. Its not about that, it should be all about God. Alert: Bishop Michael Pitts and other vipers preparing to strike. (The Pitts camp claims the officials are lying.) Ive never questioned whether or not he sinned. Oh, and Hayden, thanks for giving your name. In the end, she doesnt control what happens to Aarum, she said. The fact is that God cammanded us to tithe so thats that. They cared more about others than they did themselves. And the image STILL continuesflashy cars, jewelry, fancy dudsetcwhos image is that?? MinistrySafelawyer Kimberlee Norris spentmonthsinterviewingdozens ofvictims, witnesses and corroborating sources. That email launcheda series of events, including atleast two separateinvestigations into Aarums conduct,and the involvement of law enforcement and state camp licensure officials. Just wanted to throw that in there. Georgie Silvarole is the backpack reporter for the USA TODAY Network in New York, covering everything from breaking news to feature pieces. He played dumb, Ademasaid. It sounds to me as if you could use what Pastor hasGod. Pastor Michael is, despite his lack of formal education, one of the most intelligent men I have ever known. Getting caps on your teeth is no different. 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.. Hes just a man. Founder and former Senior Leader of Cornerstone Church Toledo. Okay. July 16, 2020 09:07 AM. Two young men step out. did ya miss me?? The . If you are worried about losing your standard of living because disability wont pay what your salary is you can have the church buy you a parsonage and pay for it the church can lease you vehicles. Pastor Pitts pled guilty to trespassing. Several authorities, includinglocal police andthe Cattaraugus County Department of Health,have received reportsaboutAarum. I think not. We all fall short of Gods laws. Truth always outlives a lie. And while I appreciate your no-doubt informed thoughts on how the media operate, I might point out in the case of Pastor Pitts, he was charged with more than a dozen crimes by multiple jurisdictions.