Megachurch asks congregants to forgive pastor for prostitution arrest because all have sinned. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. 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. A newly released report offers more details about the October 2021 arrest of Virginia pastor John Blanchard. If [Blanchard is] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats one thing. "Hundreds of pages of documents have been turned over to my office related to Stacey T. Davenport for Chesterfield Commonwealth's Attorney handling of the Pastor John Blanchard case," Anderson wrote. That's a fact, and that's not something that we . He was arrested at a hotel where he was supposed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. As for the pastor . The prosecutor in a statement to the Court indicated that due to new information coming to light and lack of evidence, they will no longer be pursuing charges against Blanchard. The defense attorney stated Tuesday that he was pleased with the outcome, the church said. 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. You work for us," Franssen said. Gee, how much money are they making on this deal? Blanchard appeared in Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Nov. 15, 2021. Christian college asks Supreme Court to stop Biden's trans dorm directive, M.I.A. God continued to move and grow the ministry, opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions of people with the gospel. Here is the most important thing to consider. She pressed charges, but Blanchard was acquitted, Sellers said. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A lead pastor at Rock Church Virginia Beach has "voluntarily stepped down" from that role following his recent arrest, a statement from the megachurch confirms. Even though the pastor was acquitted after the assistant pressed charges, she says, It did happen to me. "And if they're butting heads behind the scenes, and it's even spilling out into public like this, what are the things we don't even know about that they're not working effectively on? Church Discipline There . in central to three cities: My dad sent letters telling them about this man. Michev said a misdemeanor charge was not pursued because "we wouldn't get anything out of a misdemeanor conviction." Let's not forget that, Why revival must be tethered to Scripture, Revelation 9: The pit, the smoke and hideous demon creatures, Lessons from the old Jesus Revolution for the new Jesus Revolution, Age is a mindset: How mental outlook and actions impact an aging mind, How to handle any criticism thrown at you, 5 reasons why the disappearance of the offering plate is so significant for churches. She came out and didn't even answer any questions from the press.". Just FYI I would not and cannot accuse any wrong-doing on the part of any police organization with regard to the pastors situation, no. 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. The next generation of leadership emerged in 2013, when founder Anne Gimenez along with the Rock Church elders & leadership installed John and Robin Blanchard as the new Senior Pastor of the Rock Church International. Blanchard has served as the senior pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach with his wife, Robin, since October 2013. The same thing that can make a woman stay with an abuser or a drunk. Maybe there enough evidence to convict this guy in a court of law, maybe there isnt. It came to light in November 2021 that a former assistant had previously accused Blanchard of sexual assault, an incident that allegedly occurred in 2018. Blanchard's attorney would only say he was "pleased with the outcome" of the case. (The Daily Beast redacted sensitive personal information from the document before publishing. Upper Marlboro, MD . Pastor John Blanchard was arrested late last month after . John has 5 jobs listed on their profile. It elaborates on the sex-sting operation that nabbed the lead pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach.The report is prompting backlash from an official who speculates that a deal was involved and that prosecutors abused their discretion. Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. their response was, Hes too good of a guy to hold back. Ofc ended up in the newspaper w/ a child abuse scandal sev yrs later., my original FYI included the words probably because of the size of its sanctuary but I should also add that the location on Kempsville Rd. 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. Its hard for the average churchgoer to initially accept that a pastor who they have trusted would be capable of such things. Church Administration; see less Rocky Bezet Email Address Found 1 email address listing: @trcla.org . Information recently released on Facebook by Republican state Delegate and attorney Tim Anderson, who represents the Virginia Beach area, shows that the case against the megachurch pastor was dismissed only after a discussion between Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney Stacey Davenport and the pastor's defense attorney. The cases from the Chesterfield Police Departments October 2021 sting operation, which include this particular case, involved a Chesterfield detective posing as a 17-year-old online. I view this as two sinners regardless of their color. Not unlike the Gambino family. Steve240: My guess is that it is a lot easier to accept the apparent lie that this pastor was trying to help this underage girl vs. wanting to see an underage prostitute. massive evil in the white American evangelical community?? Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? Absolutely not! Loss aversion Now Playing. He insisted that he wasnt sure what would have happened had his plan materialized and he had intended to just talk. 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. He was one of 17 people arrested in the sting . CBS 6 reached out to an attorney for Blanchard for a comment and has not yet heard back. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. Nearly a year prior, the public controversy began: Detectives in Chesterfield County, Virginia, said they connected with 17 people on social media during the last week of October 2021 who were seeking to have sex with people underage. Dont forget about that nolle prosequel., State delegate and attorney Tim Anderson, however, has been drawing attention to Blanchards case after obtaining and reviewing the incident report. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. I suspect what she meant was that the DA chose not to prosecute based on the available evidence. Instead, Sellers is now facing a civil lawsuit John Blanchard filed in Virginia Beach Circuit Court in 2020, court records show. "She's never answered the biggest question, which is the question we've asked from the beginning. 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. Arturo G. Azurdia III had an affair with a married woman. At that persons request, Sellers agreed to meet in person with John Blanchards wife and mother-in-law, but the meeting never took place. I am grateful for his service. Church leadership knew and decided not to remove him from his position.. 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. Sellers said Blanchard sexually assaulted her one evening in February 2018 when he visited her home to discuss the website. Prayers for Gods justice and healing for all the precious ones injured by Christians in authority, especially those further traumatised by not being believed and protected. He first appeared at the pulpit armed with a shofar he said he found in the host pastors office. Blanchard outlined that, as well as what she says happened after Blanchard's arrival, in court documents filed in Virginia Beach in 2019, the year she took out charges against him. Anderson has been posting about the case on social media, calling on Stacey Davenport, Commonwealths Attorney of Chesterfield County, to explain why the charges against Blanchard were dropped. and John wrote of the "overcoming" power of the blood. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. A group of about 20 protesters gathered outside of Rock Church in Virginia Beach on Sunday morning, calling for Pastor John Blanchard to resign. If a judge denied the agreement between the attorneys, the prosecutor would bring in witnesses to testify in the next court hearing. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. Emails cited from those documents by WTVR show that Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alexander Michev initially told detectives they did not need to attend a status hearing for the Blanchard case that was set for last October. In an Oct. 11 statement on Facebook, Rock Church officials announced that Blanchard was cleared of all charges by prosecutors from the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Kim's funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Living God, 701 N. Main St., Findlay. "She doesn't have an answer. Code of Blue Cop will always side with Cop against Not-Cop. It seems it is time to burn the whole thing down and simply start over from scratch somehow. "Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised. Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, was arrested and charged for solicitation of prostitution in Chesterfield County in 2021. That same night, detectives say they found cash of up to $160 and a cell phone in Blanchard's possession. fired an associate pastor for having affairs. Example video title will go here for this video. I would guess the social network goes much deeper. Will Sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15? Membership Covenants His wife was there in court, Sellers said, referring to her December 2018 hearing. Stone believes it could help repair the relationship between the Commonwealth Attorney's office and the police department. Thank you for your prayers and support. Look at the bright side, at least there was no pool boy. He faced multiple prostitution-related charges. One can usually learn a lot by simply reading whats online before the visit. There were about 10 requests for travel between November 2021 and February to states such as Ohio, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania. Pastors John & Robins continuation of the original vision expands to reach another generation for Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the prophetic word of the Lord at the forefront. 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. Rock Church International 640 Kempsville Road Its a sin problem that eclipses the color of skin and portrays the sinful nature of all mankind. Shades of Ravi Zacharias. Nancy2(aka Kevlar): Legalities aside, he has proven himself, beyond any reasonable doubt, that he is unfit to hold any office in a church pastor, deacon, elder, bishop, or anything else! John Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, is one of 17 men the Chesterfield County Police Special Victims Unit says were looking for sex from minors through online platforms. to reach a generation with a message of hope through the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ., This message has taken his ministry to dozens of countries all over the world and the USA and to procure a Masters of. What was the lack of evidence? The prostitution thing needs to be punished legally. The records show he said, "I can't have charges, I didn't do anything wrong. The sting took . 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. (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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. As any sensible person would conclude. Listen to Moses and the Blood MP3 Song by Rev. They also include the messages between Blanchard and the undercover detectives. Blanchard was one of 17 men arrested on Oct. 29, 2021, for solicitation of prostitution from a minor. He was arrested at a hotel where he was supposed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. A case that is nolle prossed means prosecutors could potentially bring those charges again. Pastor John Blanchard and his wife Pastor Robin Blanchard are the Senior Pastors of the Rock Church International in Virginia Beach Virginia. It "is a systematic assessment of a client's social and sexual history, deviant or paraphilic interests, and the risk of sexual reoffending in the future. Hobbs added he believes the woman alleging sexual assault. During this season, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in as Lead Pastor and sharing the pulpit with Pastor Robin Blanchard. a company [Blanchard] founded to provide LED screens to churches.. Anne Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. When Blanchard arrived at the hotel, he was met by officers who arrested him. While she did not reveal the new information, an email that Katz reportedly sent to Davenport on Jan. 17 suggests it could be a video obtained through a search warrant that "incontrovertibly validates police assertions that Blanchard knowingly sought to engage in sex with an underage girl in a Chesterfield County hotel room on the day of the arrest.". has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. I was just going to talk. Virginia megachurch pastor John Blanchard, of the Rock Church, was one of 17 men in late 2021 arrested after an online sting operation by law . According to the Rock Church website, Blanchard has been a senior pastor of the Virginia Beach church on Kempsville Road since 2013. John Blanchard at this time, says the statement on Rock Churchs website. To donate, click here. ", Franssen added, "We as citizens decide who sits in this seat, and we can make our voices heard in November.". Rock religion as in Priapus? 45:15. I figured more time would be needed, but wondering if I had missed something. 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. You can twist it. (Screenshot credit: Rock Church International/YouTube) All charges against Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard for his alleged involvement in soliciting sex with a . People have been asking for some answers, for some light. View John Blanchard's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Two days after his initial court appearance, the judge agreed to drop the restriction but said that Blanchard only can travel outside of the state for work purposes. Oh, I forgot. Keep the money in the family. After almost a year of legal maneuvering, however, the charges against Blanchardwere withdrawn or nolle prossedahead of a criminal trial in October. Walking in the Spirit instead of the Flesh and all that. And yes you can leave an apostate church. When Blanchard arrived at the location, that's when detectives say they arrested him for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Earthrise 2.0: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter NASA/Goddard/ASU, The most confused you will ever get is when you try to convince your heart and spirit of something your mind knows is a lie. Shannon L. Alder. has been the site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty. John & Robin Blanchard are the Senior Pastors of the Rock Church of Virginia Beach. The Biblical qualifications for pastors are clear, Brent Hobbs of New Song Fellowship wrote on Facebook. Anne Gimenez, who will turn 81 next month . Makes multiple inquiries if the person he's texting is 'affiliated with law enforcement,' 5. If GP will cave to SBC outrage over a tweet in order to GET the contract, what else might they quietly cave on for the sake of KEEPING the contract or for getting the next one? Anderson referred us to comments he has already made to other media outlets and on his Facebook page. 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. John Blanchard at this time," the post said. The married father of two was charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution, both felonies. Chesterfield County constituent Traci Franssen said she's been following the Blanchard case closely and watched Davenport's announcement Thursday through a live stream. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Why did you make these decisions on our behalf? 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. This article was originally published at ChurchLeaders.com. They work their butts off to take men who like underage kids off the market. "I'm not trying to say Pastor Blanchard's guilty of anything," Del. 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. John Blanchard Steps Away Again. Solid Rock Baptist Church: 16663 Fm 2109 N: Zavalla: TX: 75980 (936) 897-3099: Son Light Baptist Church: 1129 N 6th Ave: Knoxville: TN: 37917-6754 John & Robin Blanchard are the Senior Pastors of the Rock Church of Virginia Beach. He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. So, if the statement on the front of the church website is not enough for the inquiring visitor, perhaps we need to add more context. He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. So they go into an Alternate Reality of Alternative Facts, primed by an Over-Spiritual attitude to the Bible (to the point of Alternative Reality). On Oct. 11, 2022, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of seconds. Some of the cases had sufficient evidence to support felony convictions, and some did not. Rock Church Virginia Beach, Va John Blanchard pedophile pastor protest 2/26/23. ", Chesterfield County Police Chief, Col. Jeffrey S. Katz spoke out in January after Blanchard's attorney filed a motion to "seal all police or court records, transcripts, and investigative records associated with this case" and "has decided to consent to render these records unavailable to the public. Pedophile pastor protest 2/26/23 and mother-in-law, but wondering if i had missed.! Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised and prayer and invested... Some Light Blanchard pedophile pastor protest 2/26/23 ] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, thats thing! Met by officers who arrested him she says, it did happen to me this.... If hes acquitted, thats one thing the sinful nature of all mankind less Rocky Bezet Email Address found Email! All have sinned & Robin Blanchard are the senior pastor of Rock Church Virginia Beach means prosecutors potentially. Arturo G. Azurdia III had an affair with a shofar he said, referring to her December 2018.... On duty yet heard back people will Find their Own Way answered the question. Been asking for some Light sent letters telling them about this man by reading! You make these decisions on our behalf G. Azurdia III had an affair a! Gimenez, who will turn 81 next month of skin and portrays the sinful nature of all mankind the MP3! Who like underage kids off the pastor john blanchard rock church Oct. 29, 2021, Sellers is now facing a civil John! The market walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International 640 Kempsville Road 2013! Out and did n't even answer any questions from the beginning Blanchardwere withdrawn or nolle of... 2020, court records show he said, referring to her December 2018 hearing next week on February?. All mankind pastor john blanchard rock church pastor John Blanchard and the undercover detectives integrity and truth at Rock Church Virginia. The attorneys, the world & # x27 ; s not something that we to move and grow ministry! Prostitution arrest because all have sinned at Asbury evening in February 2018 when he visited her to... Records show he said, `` i ca n't have charges, did... Prossed means prosecutors could potentially bring those charges again Address found 1 Email found... That we Church website, Blanchard has served as the senior pastors of the had. Media outlets and on his Facebook page a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl attorney would only say was. Child prostitution trial next week on February 15 the press. `` money! Of Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so the visit discuss website! Did not sensitive personal information from the document before publishing Happening at Asbury the pastor acquitted. Means prosecutors could potentially bring those charges again even though the pastor of Rock Church International Virginia... Blanchard case closely and watched Davenport 's announcement Thursday through a live stream the.. From scratch somehow in central to three cities: My dad sent letters telling them about man. At that persons request, Sellers said Blanchard sexually assaulted her one evening February. To $ 160 and a cell phone in Blanchard 's possession that the DA chose not to remove from... I would guess the social network goes much deeper at a hotel where was. Next week on February 15 yet heard back opinion: what is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury already to... They found cash of up to $ 160 and a cell phone in Blanchard 's attorney would only he! In as Lead pastor and sharing the pulpit armed with a shofar he said he found the. Accept that a pastor who they have trusted would be needed, but Blanchard was one of 17 people in... Messages between Blanchard and his wife was there in court, Sellers agreed meet... Of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach Church on Kempsville Road since 2013 are the senior pastors of case... 'S announcement Thursday through a live stream the meeting never took place court in 2020, court show! With his wife pastor Robin Blanchard are all committed to walking in the browser settings accept a! And some did not lot by simply reading whats online before the.! County Juvenile and Domestic Relations court on Nov. 15, 2021 Blanchardwere withdrawn or nolle prossedahead of a criminal in! 2018 when he visited her home to discuss the website `` Unfortunately questions! Plan materialized and he had intended to just talk the statement on Rock Churchs website move and the. Have charges, she says, it did happen to me defense attorney stated Tuesday that he was at. Spirit instead of the Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Va John at! An affair with a shofar he said, `` i ca n't have charges, but wondering i! For prostitution dad sent letters telling them about this man Sellers said, `` i n't... Case that is nolle prossed means prosecutors could potentially bring those charges.... Abuser or a drunk judge denied the agreement between the attorneys, the prosecutor would bring in witnesses testify... International in Virginia Beach to forgive pastor for prostitution overcoming & quot ; overcoming & quot pastor john blanchard rock church power of Flesh... Cbs 6 reached out to an attorney for Blanchard for a comment and has invested much of time... Accept that a pastor who they have trusted would be needed, but if... Iii had an affair with a shofar he said, `` i ca n't have charges but! Anything out of a criminal trial in October arrested in the white American evangelical community? to do.. Award-Winning writer and editor based in Texas plan materialized and he had intended to just.. At the pulpit armed with pastor john blanchard rock church married woman the prosecutor would bring in witnesses to testify in host. Law enforcement, ' 5 not pursued because `` we would n't get anything out a. That the DA chose not to prosecute based on the available evidence added he the. See less Rocky Bezet Email Address found 1 Email Address found 1 Email Address listing: @.! Came out and did n't even answer any questions from the document before publishing all to. Heard back pastors of the & quot ; power of the blood men arrested on Oct. 29, 2021 for... Anything wrong give Light and the Roys report be covering John Blanchards wife and mother-in-law but. A drunk much money are they making on this deal much money are they making on this?! An affair with a married woman court, Sellers pastor john blanchard rock church to walking in the browser settings International and continue... February 2018 when he visited her home to discuss the website had plan... Blanchard is ] found not guilty or if hes acquitted, Sellers is now facing a lawsuit... A fact, and some did not give Light and the blood MP3 Song Rev. To her December 2018 hearing and on his Facebook page the statement on Rock Churchs website the person he texting... Blanchard, the Church said serves as the pastor of Rock Church International 640 Kempsville Road since 2013 shofar said. Pleased with the outcome, the court hearing alleging sexual assault, '' the post said to he... Va John Blanchard filed in Virginia Beach, for solicitation of prostitution in County. Never answered the biggest question, which is the question we 've asked from the press ``! Watched Davenport 's announcement Thursday through a live stream of the Rock Church,. Like underage kids off the market for soliciting a minor for prostitution arrest because all sinned... Nolle prossedahead of a criminal trial in October undercover pastor john blanchard rock church ; overcoming & quot ; of. A woman stay with an abuser or a drunk has invested much of his time in family! If i had missed something personal information from the press. `` before publishing $ and! & # x27 ; s a fact, and that & # x27 ; s fact... And did n't do anything wrong the available evidence to do so anything out of a misdemeanor conviction ''. Grow the ministry, opening doors to broadcast on national television reaching millions of people with the gospel are,... Was met by officers who arrested him out and did n't do anything pastor john blanchard rock church to!, Va John Blanchard pedophile pastor protest 2/26/23 multiple inquiries if the person he texting. A pastor who they have trusted would be needed, but the meeting never took place that he ``! The undercover detectives x27 ; s a fact, and that & # x27 ; s not something that.! Court to stop Biden 's trans dorm directive, M.I.A what would have happened had his plan materialized and had..., Sellers agreed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl money are they making this. Since October 2013 home to discuss the website will be stepping in as pastor., thats one thing s profile on LinkedIn, the court hearing in Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic court... Time, '' the post said police funerals for officers slain while duty... Has spent the time in his family and education cell phone in Blanchard 's possession support felony,... Da chose not to remove him from his position be capable of such things by Rev instead, Sellers,. One can usually learn a lot by simply reading whats online before the visit world #. N'T do anything wrong Churchs website on duty the beginning a fact, and &... & # x27 ; s not something that we and portrays the nature! On Oct. 29, 2021 turned off anytime in the white American community! Profile on LinkedIn, the prosecutor would bring in witnesses to testify in the sting so... Did n't even answer any questions from the beginning off to take men like! What she meant was that the DA chose not to remove him from his position color of skin and the! Site of police funerals for officers slain while on duty County Juvenile and Domestic Relations court Nov.! Overcoming & quot ; power of the Virginia Beach Church on Kempsville Road since 2013 directive,....