She stated people did not say no to Mr. Bogard, investigators said. God wont take you to the next level until you allow him to use you where youre at. Early in our process, the Bogards decided to resign from Hillsong Church. We had 6 more months of hanging out, were engaged in February, married in July, and had a honeymoon baby. I fell in love with Dallas the moment we flew in 18 months ago. Former Los Angeles service pastor Nicole Herman told the Post she was told to 'fill' the cards, adding: 'We had a team count the tithes after every service and they would allocate X amount of money for the PEX cards. Ms. [redacted] admits that she kissed Mr. Bogard back. Houston told the investigators that "the nature and extent of such discipline were handed down by top leadership in Australia," the report reads. We met at the leadership school at Hillsong, Australia. Reed Bogard and Jess Bogard are incredible leaders who have been. The report states that the junior staffer "resurfaced the issue" in October 2020, six years after initially confessing to having a consensual relationship. More than two-thirds of the cash went on staff salaries, benefits and expenses as well as operating costs. It remains unclear if the allegation has ever been reported to the police. Another former Hillsong congregant who spoke with the Post was 27-year-old Jenna Babbitt, who started attending Hillsong NYC in August 2011. Bart Barber, Majority of pastors love to preach but few like counseling and discipling believers more: study. "The last 10 years of being in church planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family," Bogard said. Hillsong is shutting down its Dallas operations amid a series of scandals that have rocked the Australian-based megachurch, the church announced on Saturday. I want to be the first to apologize to those who felt disappointed or hurt, and I pray that God does a swift work in bringing peace and healing.. I thought, "Surely thats not them" But they had also just gotten a new car. Updated April 12, 2021: A few months ago, Pastor Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess, resigned as pastors at Hillsong Dallas. "The last 10 years of being in church planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and . We all struggle with insecurity and comparison. My teenager said something in response to COVID the other dayhe said, This is the worst year of my life!" Bieber responded on Instagram, saying that the story was fake news and adding, And btw, Hillsong is not my church. Kelly told investigators that even if Bogard did not physically force himself on his accuser she did not have the ability to say no. Weve had some crazy days, some great days seeing God do many, many miracles, and so were so grateful for that., Reed and Jess Bogard met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia and later returned to the U.S. to plant the three Hillsong churches with which they have been involved. A year later, after a crazy night of partying, I decided I wanted to give the whole God thing another shot. He was fired by Brian Houston and retreated from the limelight, which he had enjoyed with his celebrity following. Investigators said Bogard disputed the level of drinking. A shiny new red Hummer. Repent and change your waysGod can use you wherever youre at. A former Hillsong member named Jenna Babbitt said that she provided childcare services for some pastors, including Reed and Jess Bogard, who resigned earlier this month from Hillsong Dallas. 4. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. When she asked about it, investigators noted: Mr. Use what is in your hand to fulfill what is in your heart. The Church isnt a building. God can use you where you are. ", After this encounter, Bogards accuser entered into a regular sexual relationship with him. An internal investigation commissioned by Hillsong Global into former Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard showed that his abrupt resignation in January 2021 was due to a rape accusation by a junior female staffer with whom he had an affair with for months. UPDATE: Brian Houston Announces Dallas Hillsong Closing After Pastors Misuse of Funds, ChurchLeaders original article written on, In addition to helping plant Hillsong Dallas and Hillsong LA, the Bogards helped plant Hillsong NYC while, It has been an incredible ride thus far,, ina prerecorded message prior to Sundays livestreamed sermon, which was delivered by Hillsong pastor, . But Reed and I lead the church togetherwith our arms linked. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. This story has been shared 677,807 times. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. He also claimed that when money was used on volunteers, it was done manipulatively. It's unclear what prompted the woman to claim six years later that Bogard had raped her. Bogard expressed his gratitude toward Brian and Bobbie Houston, the global senior pastors of Hillsong Church, for supporting and trusting him and Jess. He spent most of his I said, "It sucks bud. I always ask people, What do you love? I believe God places a natural thing in us to where we are inclined to do the things we lovepursuing that will show you what your gifts are. It was revealed that the two were under investigation for "leadership failures," resulting in the closure of that campus. In November 2020, Hillsong NYC lead pastor Carl Lentz was fired for "moral failings" including an extramarital affair with a Brooklyn jewelry designer. 'I want to be the first to apologize to those who felt disappointed or hurt, and I pray that God does a swift work in bringing peace and healing.'. Along with the former junior staffer and Bogard, the following individuals were interviewed as part of the internal investigation: a former Hillsong NYC congregant; Shannon Kelly, a former creative director at Hillsong NYC; Amanda and Robert Fergusson, a husband and wife team of Bible teachers and key leaders of Hillsong Church; Jess Bogard, wife of Reed Bogard; Lauren Brooks (sic), a former creative producer at Hillsong NYC; Tolu Badders, chief operating officer and executive pastor at Hillsong Church NYC; Kane Keatinge, Hillsong NYC staff pastor; Carl Lentz, former Hillsong NYC lead pastor who wasfired in November 2020 over leadership issues and moral failures, including being unfaithful to his wife; Laura Lentz and Ben Houston. The culture of Hillsong is the problem, and the pastors, from continent to continent and coast to coast, are simply the byproduct of the culture., Megan Phalon, who also worked with the Bogards while a congregant at Hillsong NYC, told The Post the email initially left her in shock and feeling hopeful that Brian was actually acknowledging the wrong that the Bogards had done., Her brief hope, however, was overshadowed by a now-deleted tweet Brian Houston sent on Sunday in response to a Christian Post article detailing allegations that married Hillsong staff administrator Jason Mays assaulted then-Hillsong College student Anna Crenshaw in May 2016. We ask that the media and all other parties respect and protect her privacy.. These complaints included the misuse of worshipers tithes. I used to work as a receptionist at a hair salon. In a statement Crenshaw made toMargaret Aghajanian, Hillsong Church's head of pastoral care oversight, she said a friend of Mays encouraged her not to report the alleged incident. We are honest with our church about not being perfectnobody is. Honestly, we didnt think about Dallas when planning to plant a church. In early January, the lead pastors of Hillsong's Dallas church, Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess Bogard, resigned with little explanation. He was forced out of his role in the celebrity-favorite church in January 2021 amid claims he and his wife had misappropriated funds to satisfy their own lavish taste. Liked by Jasmine Bogard. Thats where my motivation comes from. I love to be around people, to communicate, or to give others an understanding of God. Darnell Barrett, another member of the church, was fired in 2021 for sending a shirtless picture to someone else in the congregation. [redacted] stated that as soon as she and Mr. Bogard sat down at a table at the bar, they each ordered a drink. Stroud end up? After 4-5 months of going to church, I had never asked the question, How can I become a Christian? I just felt as though I couldnt be in a relationship with God because of all I had experienced in my life. To (rightfully) be more respectful of privacy, I deleted my comment. 1 overall pick and where will QBs Bryce Young and C.J. Many factors, all amplified by the pandemic, have resulted in the difficult decision to pause all operations at Hillsong Dallas for now.. Mays,the son of the church's head of human resources John Mays, pleaded guilty to 'assault with an act of indecency' in 2019, according to the outlet. That makes it sadder. When did you know it was time to start your own church? I would meet with Mary every Tuesday afternoon and we would read the Bible together. He just wants to pass the blame and shame us enough so we stop talking. If anythingthis last COVID season has begun to show us that the Church is people. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. BOGARD, Jud Age 45, passed away peacefully in his North Hollywood, California home on January 24, 2022. I stay fueled and motivated honored that God would choose me and have a relationship with me. The two then had sexual intercourse., Bogard told investigators that he has no recollection of the accuser "saying 'no' at any time while they were in the car. Its such a rough season. Lentz was found to have had at least one extramarital affair and abused his authority during his pastoral role at the New York location. We have been in regular contact with her and she has asked to remain anonymous. The Houstons said Reed Bogard, who along with his wife allegedly used church funds lavishly, had been suspended from his pastoral duties as complaints that he failed to uphold the standards of Hillsong leadership were being investigated. Some seasons will require more time with the kidslike COVID. Reed and Jess Bogard met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia and later returned to the U.S. to plant the three Hillsong churches with which they have been involved. We can glorify the pastor and the preacherbut truth be told, if we dont have great people financing the Kingdom of God, people loving people, people serving through outreachthen we dont make up the full body of Christ. Ive been so broken and God has used me regardless. Reed and Jess Bogard met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia and later returned to the U.S. to plant the three Hillsong churches with which they have been involved. "An additional cause for concern is that even within the parameters of the sexual relationship between them, it appears that the sexual activities between the two frequently suggest that they were designed to reinforce the power imbalance between them.. Jess Bogard and her husband, Reed, are the Lead Pastors of Hillsong Dallas! Thats a tactic a lot of these pastors use to keep their secrets, he charged. 20:07 BST 25 Mar 2022 One thing I have been thinking about a lot lately is that I want to make decisions now that my future self will be grateful for. We try to create a normal life in the midst of something nobody has ever experienced before. 1. Reed and I have been talking over a period of time and we both agree that it would be a perfect time for them to come to a new season in their life, which means a new season also for Hillsong Dallas., The church will be getting new lead pastors, which is exciting, said Houston, although he added, We want to make the right decision, so were not going to rush it., During the interim, Hillsong leaders will help to provide for and support Hillsong Dallas. Investigators noted in the report that: "It is difficult if not impossible to say with certainty whether the initial sexual acts between Mr. Bogard and Ms. [redacted] occurred notwithstanding an express, verbal objection ('No') uttered by Ms. [redacted] in the moment.". Hillsong admittedin December that it knew about 'serious allegations' against the church in 2018 and 'found some were true'. Just going to church and knowing Him was better than the life I was living. It wasnt Jesus perfection that drew me to Himit was His ability to accept me as I am. Church leaders were led to believe the relationship was consensual and "consequences to both [parties] were meted out accordingly," investigators revealed. Be sure to follow us on social media @equippedbyfaith and subscribe to our newsletter at info@equippedbyfaith.com to receive weekly Bible Reading Plan devotionals, Equip Group meet-ups, and other special updates! I was paid once for one job, Walker said, recalling how Reed Bogart once gave him some $600 as a favor when he needed some cash. Hillsong ChurchAustralia found out about it in 2014. Opportunity, Fun, Success, Dreams & being your best self! With the boys, I try to be as real as possible. Ms. [redacted] reports that at this point, she froze., Mr. Two of the megachurch's lead pastors from their Dallas branch, Reed Bogard and his wife Jess Bogard, made an announcement during their Sunday sermon, saying, "We just really feel that it's. But Gods grace covers it all. Mr. Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, did not respond to requests for comment. [She] just dropped over $1,000 for no reason.. 22:42 BST 27 Mar 2022. Bogard's departure from the church is the latest in a string of scandals to have plagued the organization. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Three high school seniors who have been charged with murder after 'throwing rock at female motorist's car' took PHOTO of her shattered windscreen as sick memento, cops say, President Biden admits to being 'confused' as he struggles through CHILDREN'S press conference and tries to remember last country he visited and the name of movie Top Gun (before little girl tells him to go back inside! Investigators reported that Bogard was "stood down publicly from the platform in Los Angeles for a period of either eight or twelve months," noting that "stories differ.". Bogard was ousted from the church along. , updated The comments below have not been moderated. We loved our time with Jess and we know you will too. But over the last few years, the so-called disciples of the church have revealed themselves to have somewhat compromised morals. But I believe God speaks through leadership. Justin and Hailey Bieber are the church's most famous followers but the Kardashians have been tied to it as has Selena Gomez and others. Other former church members have compared it to a cult and detailed incidents of sexual assault. When we were in Australia, we knew we wanted to come to the United States. Ms. [redacted] recalled the disoriented falling sensation of the seat back suddenly going back when shed not realized it was about to do so. Another former New York City congregant Jenna Babbitt, 27, said she was given one of the cards to buy items for the children of Reed and Jess Bogard, who she babysat. 'Early in our process, the Bogards decided to resign from Hillsong Church. ), Scientists may have worked out how to increase lifespans by 80 PERCENT - in lab study of cells, Sudan's Islamists use online networks and AI to make their move and spread claims that they are poised for victory - just like the Taliban did - as democracy leaders flee, Nikki Haley says Biden will likely DIE within five years: 2024 hopeful attacks presidents age after he announced his run for President, Record one in FOUR high school students say they are gay, bisexual or 'questioning' their sexuality, official CDC data shows - double the 2015 figure. Months on the heels of a sex scandal that rocked its Hillsong NYC location, Hillsong Church is now facing allegations of financial abuse as a number of former members accuse pastors of splurging tithe money on lavish expenses. Ms. Jud was born to Roxane and Nicholas Bogard in Boston, MA, on July 8, 1976. But God continues to remind me to stay in my own lane. More than six years later, on or about October 2020, Hillsong Church Australia learned of additional allegations concerning Ms. [redacted] and Mr. Bogards affair. Then youll discover it. Weve had some crazy days, some great days seeing God do many, many miracles, and so were so grateful for that.. I lift my hands in worship, even when I dont feel itand it fills my spirit. Hillsong Church has faced controversy recently after Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz was fired on Nov. 4 for what Houston first announced as moral failures. The next day. When the time is right and we have identified and trained suitable lead pastors, we will consider relaunching.. What are the biggest obstacles youve had to face up to this point? By posting your comment you agree to the house rules, By Please click here to learn how. We've received your submission. The relationship began in September 2013 and continued through the beginning of January 2014. Ive never met two people who believe in people so much, said Bogard, adding that he believes the best is yet to come for Hillsong Church in general and for Hillsong Dallas in particular. and Chelsea Smith with campuses in Seattle and Los Angeles. Susan Greene. Babbitt, who said she gave thousands to the church, said she saw the cards used for buying gifts and staying in luxury hotels. Last April, Hillsong paused its Dallas campus after Pastors Reed and Jess Bogard resigned in January as they were being investigated for leadership failures and accused of overusing church expense cards . Without discounting the strength of a prosecution case due to the passage of time, it is likely that a jury, evaluating the interplay, would have found that Mr. Bogard acted without obtaining (or, under the circumstances, having any reasonable expectation of being able to obtain) actual consent by Ms. [redacted].. When contacted about the report in February, Hillsong Church said Brian Houston, who resigned Wednesday after it was revealed that two women made seriouscomplaints of misconduct against him in the last 10 years, was not aware of the rape claims against Bogard when he was chosen to lead Hillsong Dallas in 2019. The investigation was commissioned by Hillsong Global in October 2020, shortly after senior church officials first learned that the former junior staffer alleged that her first act of sexual intercourse with Bogard in his car after a late night out together was non-consensual. 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It doesnt matter how many mistakes youve made. Hillsong Church has faced controversy recently after Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz was fired on Nov. 4 for what Houston first announced as moral failures. The next day, Lentz published an apology in which he admitted that he was terminated because he had been unfaithful to his wife. Reed Bogard, pastor of Hillsong Dallas in Dallas, Texas, announced Sunday that he and his wife, Jess, are stepping down as pastors in order to pursue health and to transition into a new season in their lives. Look at your own lifeask yourself what you are good at and what you love. What happened with my relationship with Hillsong is once I did report to church, that's when things started going downhill,' she told the Christian Post. The indefinite pausing of Hillsong Dallas is the latest in a series of scandals, transitions and general tumult facing the . It has been an incredible ride thus far, said Reed Bogard ina prerecorded message prior to Sundays livestreamed sermon, which was delivered by Hillsong pastor Brian Houston. The lead pastors of Hillsong Dallas church have resigned, adding to two months of transition and turmoil in the global megachurch. Jessica is a content editor for ChurchLeaders.com and the producer of The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast. Houston wrote in his email that it was very disappointing to learn that, while some of you experienced the Bogards as dedicated pastors, many others have experienced leadership that failed to meet the commitments and standards of Hillsong Church., The current pandemic was also cited as a reason for the Dallas church closure. My husband was a pastors kid. Hillsong East Coast made nearly $13 million in 2019; 88 per cent of that came from 'tithes & offerings.' Another former Hillsong pastor Michael Guglielmucci admitted to faking a cancer diagnosis in 2008 while receiving donations to help pay for his 'treatments,' Vanity Fair reported. NFL Draft 2023 LIVE: The Carolina Panthers have the No. Others, however, believe the megachurch needs to have a much deeper reckoning before it can be anywhere close to redeemed for its leadership failures. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV). It was reported that the Bogards used fundsused to purchase ATVs, expensive meals, designer clothes, and items for their children. Equipped by Faith is a ministry of AMEN Church and a registered 501c3 non-profit organization created to equip and empower women of faith. Now on April 10, 2021, Hillsongs global senior pastor Brian Houston emailed church members that leadership has decided to pause all operations at the Texas location. It is understood no reimbursement protocols were in place for money spent on the cards. published an apology in which he admitted that he was terminated because he had been unfaithful to his wife. You dont have to have it all together to make an impact for Jesus. We do all of these seasons together and I try to make sure nothing competes with our relationship, our kids, or our family. Hillsong started in Australia in 1983 but has since ballooned to become an international mega church with a cult-like celebrity following. During the interim, Hillsong leaders will help to provide for and support Hillsong Dallas. Bogard then began to climb over the arm rest until he was bearing down on top of her in her seat. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
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