Rock Church is committed to honesty and integrity in dealing with charges or accusations of sexual misconduct or immorality among its leaders and will support any investigation arising from accusations of violation of this standard among its staff and leaders in an effort to find the truth and to protect its members, church families and their children, at all times. The dismissal comes nearly a year after Blanchard was charged along with 16 other men during an Oct. 29, 2021 Chesterfield County . VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. (THECOUNT) Rock Church Senior Pastor, John Blanchard, has been identified as the suspect arrested along with 16 other men accused of solicitation of prostitution of a minor Following an online sting operation by law enforcement. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. Now Playing. In the documents, investigators say they posed as a 17-year-old girl online for prostitution and received a message from Blanchard. But Sellers never heard a word in response. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! They documented it for records. (Seriously, if he was in a prostitution sting, did the funds come from the church?). She explained she preferred not to describe her assault in detail for the sake of her teenage daughter. In response to our inquiries, the communications team for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office released this statement to 13News Now: The conclusion of a case by order of nolle prosequi does not have the same legal effect as a not guilty finding. I suspect what she meant was that the DA chose not to prosecute based on the available evidence. To all Rock Church leadership who know about this and are complicit: Your silence is an indictment of your hypocrisy.". 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. Virginia Church Urges Believers Not To Condemn As Pastor Arrested in Sex Sting Op Steps Away From Duties Again: Scandal-Plagued Virginia Pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action. Ah the old sunk investment fallacy. CHESTERFIELD, Va. On October 11, 2022, all charges related to attempted solicitation of an underage minor were dropped against John Blanchard, a senior pastor at Rock Church International in Virginia Beach. But Blanchard would also stop by her home randomly, she said sometimes to discuss church matters, but other times to drop off gifts for her kids or for other personal reasons. It would destroy their perfect world. In 1971 the first Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free! "When someone: 1. 5 He quoted the Catholic . A report from the Chesterfield County Police Department said Davenport cited a "lack of evidence" in not moving forward with the case against Blanchard. They chose to sin. (Screenshot credit: Rock Church International/YouTube) All charges against Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard for his alleged involvement in soliciting sex with a . Rock religion as in Priapus? Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County as part of a two-day sting operation in October 2021. The only thing that is curious is that the statement hasnt changed on the Rock Church website. Prices for TechDirects turnkey LCD monitors, which range in size from 6.5-feet tall to nearly 10 feet, start at just over $32,000 and run as high as $62,000. ", Upon approval by a judge, rendering the records unavailable would "make sharing of these transcripts, the report, or any other documents, previously released under FOIA a crime.". Charges accusing Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard of arranging to meet a person he thought was a teenage girl for sex in a motel room were dismissed Tuesday at the request of prosecutors, according to the Chesterfield County court clerk's office. 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. Christian college asks Supreme Court to stop Biden's trans dorm directive, M.I.A. Are his overseers asking him these challenging questions? massive evil in the white American evangelical community?? Not unlike the Gambino family. 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. In a statement posted Wednesday, the church asked believers not to condemn., He wont come back until this is totally resolved. Yeah, right. Has he ever explained why he wanted to meet with a 17-year-old girl in a hotel? The Church condemns sexual immorality of any kind and in any form by its members and leaders and especially holds its leaders to a high standard of accountability on any lifestyle choices that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Church or disparage the character of the Savior whom it purports to represent. Will check in weekly w/ bondsman.. Records show Blanchard was arrested on . But Davenport said she'd have to remove herself from the case, blaming Katz and Anderson. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. (Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God) If we are to walk in eternity with Christ, our position must be one of truth, love, faith, mercy, justice, and forgiveness. Prosecutors recently set those charges aside. So do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). His humility and submission to those over him during this time has been a testimony to his character, Bishop Anne Gimenez, who is currently leading the church along with Blanchards wife, Robin, said. Sr. PastorandCEO @ The Rock Church. He was arrested at a hotel where he was supposed to meet a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl. "This guy just has to go . Along with Brent, I also believe the woman who alleged sexual assault by Blanchard. The legal standard required for an officer to obtain a warrant for arrest is merely probable cause. Its current ethos is not working and as weve seen here at TWW and other blogs, its one dumpster fire after another. Will they stay quiet on "awkward" victim stories? As to law enforcement and Rock Church, Listen to Moses and the Blood MP3 Song by Rev. According to the Christian Post inMegachurch asks congregants to forgive pastor for prostitution arrest because all have sinned Well, bless his heart. Blanchard also has to let the church know when and where he travels. hearing for John David . Prosecutors recently set those charges aside. As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God. In a statement posted Wednesday, the church asked believers "not to condemn." Because this may once again become a future pending criminal case, I cannot make any further comments on the facts or the circumstances surrounding anything related to this matter," she said. Forgive him if he genuinely repents? She said that in 2018, Blanchard offered to come to her home to help her work on the church's website. You can read more of the initial story here. The Church condemns sexual immorality of any kind and in any form by its members and leaders and especially holds its leaders to a high standard of accountability on any lifestyle choices that could reflect negatively on the reputation of the Church or disparage the character of the Savior whom it purports to represent. The incoming message from Blanchard did not answer that question but instead asked for more details about the meet-up location. On Nov. 1, Rock Church International announced in a since-deleted Facebook post that Blanchard would be stepping down from pastoral duties during legal proceedings. How about taking your wife along to do that, pastor. church down the street hired him. Steve240: Why members continue to attend and support this pastor? His lawyer, T. Noel Brooks, did not respond to a request for comment. Location. CBS 6 then went into Davenport's office to ask follow-up questions, but Davenport refused to speak further. Prayer Requests How about black pastors such as Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson or the revered MLK jr. who is known to have had affairs with a number of women in his congregation. please be aware that for many years, Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. But to use prosecutorial discretion and say nothing happened here, thats, in my opinion, an abuse of discretion, especially when they went after 15 other people [following the sting operation].. For months, Katz has defended his department's investigation and publicly called on Davenport to offer reasoning for withdrawing charges. 45:15. It can be a lot easier to accept a plausible excuse vs. have to face reality. Today its CHRISTIANS who have become the People of the Lie. . Gimenez remains the churchs bishop. Its a dirty shame that a wayward pulpit takes advantage of a trusting pew once trust is broken, its difficult to repair (if ever). Despite a recent claim by Rock Church Internationalin Virginia Beach that their lead pastor, John Blanchard, voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties due to a prostitution arrest, he was still boldly preaching at a prophetic conference in Texas last weekend. I think she just didnt know the proper legal language. In this statement, Rock Church seemed to overlook the possibility that these charges could be brought again. In a statement posted that day to Rock Churchs Facebook page, Bishop Anne Gimenez, who had taken over Blanchards pastoral duties, said: We have always believed in Johns innocence. Hobbs added he believes the woman alleging sexual assault. Sunk cost fallacy John Blanchard (pictured) and his wife, Robin, serve as senior pastors of The Rock Church of Virginia Beach. Sellers said Blanchard sexually assaulted her one evening in February 2018 when he visited her home to discuss the website. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. 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. "But he was treated differently. 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. For example, perhaps the lead pastor has a charismatic, persuasive personality, and the visitor is in awe of his preaching style. If I read this right, Guidepost will stay quiet when the SBC gets upset? ), Bond amended with agreement of bondsman, it says. You can read more about the church's response here. It doesnt matter concerning his position in church. The married father of two was charged with solicitation of prostitution of a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution, which are felonies. This exoneration comes after nearly 11 months of delays and continuances. Above reproach is the standard. Anne Gimenez, who will turn 81 next month . 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 Blanchard has served as the senior pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach with his wife, Robin, since October 2013. "The wheels of justice are back in motion.". 12.10.22 EChurch@Wartburg Dr Scot McKnight: Just Who Was Mary of Christmas? In October of 1968, Rock Church was founded when John & Anne Gimenez were traveling from Pennsylvania to Florida and stopped in Virginia to appear on The 700 Club. Given this unresolved situation, it would seem prudent for the pastor to step back. RELATED: Charges dropped against John Blanchard, Virginia Beach pastor accused of trying to solicit a minor, In the messages with the undercover detectives, Blanchard agreed to meet at a place by the Chesterfield Mall, but first, he asked the person: "Are you affiliated with law enforcement in any way?". Why did the Commonwealth Attorney agree to seal and erase the records? Gimenez, Robin Blanchards mother, co-founded the church and was its senior pastor from 1999 until the Blanchards took that role in 2013. Blanchard learned he had actually been communicating with an undercover detective and not a teenager after allegedly driving to meet up for sex at a local motel, where he was handcuffed by cops. On Oct. 11, 2022, the court hearing in Chesterfield lasted only a matter of seconds. fired an associate pastor for having affairs. I dunno, on top of everything else, I think the financials of that place ought to be gone over, but then again, I work for a Temple of Capitalism and of course thats where my mind goes. John Blanchard at this time. Bishop Anne, Pastor Mrs Robin the Rock are nice to ladies as a headline issue. A newly released report offers more details about the October 2021 arrest of Virginia pastor John Blanchard. Although this operation did not involve any actual child victims, we take all such cases very seriously and are always motivated by our mandate to protect the safety of our community.. Thats where John Blanchard and his wife, Robin Blanchard, are senior pastors. Under the guidance of our legal counsel, We cannot make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. As for the pastor . Baptizing her with the Holy Fluid from his Rod like that excerpt in the 1984 Meese Commission report? Max: As any sensible person would conclude. On the steps of the county courthouse, Davenport read a brief statement to reporters announcing new evidence against John Blanchard has come to light in the past 48 hours. I am grateful for his service. Blanchard was . . We need to report sin wherever we see it and bring to justice illegal acts as these. The first advice I would offer anyone who saw this on a church website is RUN. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? 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. 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. He filed a civil case against her in Virginia Beach Circuit Court, saying that the allegations she made were false. I think the church (in all its derivatives, both catholic and protestant) needs to re-think its positions on human sexuality. Considering the allegations, shouldnt that be In and Out and In and Out and In and Out? Stop the music. 13News Now also reached out to Rock Church leaders in Virginia Beach multiple times for a comment, but we have not heard back. ", The transcription goes on to say Blanchard said he never solicited anyone for sex and never confirmed in the messages he wanted any sexual contact. "The police are one part of the public safety process, and then you need the prosecutor to really drive it home. LCU. Thank you for your prayers and support. After agreeing to meet with a detective posing as a 17-year-old girl, the pastor was arrested and then released on bond. Robin, is still listed as a senior pastor at Rock Church on the church's website as of this writing. Ive given him the best 10 years of my life, so I cant leave now. Yes you can. Even assuming she is totally unaware and innocent, wouldnt this be a huge shock? Wishful thinking. Pastor John Blanchard was arrested late last month after . Drives two and a half hours to a hotel and knocks on the hotel room door as directed by our undercover '17-year-old,' I believe a jury of Chesterfield County residents deserves to weigh in on the matter of criminal culpability," he wrote. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. 50:46. Great! Nolle prosequel seems to indicate that maybe more could happen in the future. His mother-in-law was there in court and listened to every single detail of how I had to relay what he did to me.. In the meantime, Robin Blanchard and Gimenez are in charge. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! I think the church leaders should have refrained from telling people not to condemn the pastor. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. 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). Church Volunteer and Soccer Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault Posts Bond, MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: Ankerberg Theological Research Institute. This message has taken his ministry to dozens of countries all over the world and the USA and to procure a Masters of DivinityDegree from OralRoberts University. In February, 13News Now took a look at available court documents on Blanchard's travels. and John wrote of the "overcoming" power of the blood. You can read more about his first court appearance here. Blanchard's attorney asked the judge to continue Blanchard's hearing, saying there are "evidentiary issues" with the case, but he would not go into further detail as to why. LOL Take the wife to the meeting with the Lady of the Night. Charges accusing Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard of arranging to meet a person he thought was a teenage girl for sex in a motel room were . Here is the most important thing to consider. Have to find another church (if leadership continues to refuse to take action) and leave place where they are comfortable at. 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. 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