Many former members believe that the church preys on underprivileged minorities, especially in the black and hispanic communities and those with lower socio-economic status. Numerous people have come forward over the past twenty years alleging sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and assault from high ranking ministers at Cornerstone Church. Georgie Silvarole/USA TODAY Network New York, Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Until members really wake up and ask God to show them the truth, this man will continue to excel. No questions have been asked about this experience. And the people who attend these events perhaps are unaware that the stars are priming them for blood. Also a fact I would assume the Pator knows. No worries though because GOD never sleeps. WSPD and 92.5 are owned by the same companyClearChannel. This was shortly before the first arrest. It was difficult not to notice this car, nor identify it incorrectly. Drew Silleman relayed this news via email on Feb. 9, 2021, to a group of women who gave statements to the agency. In 1995, he was stopped by police after allegedly being spotted masturbating in front of two young boys hitting golf balls at a local baseball diamond. 19 likes. And you will only know on the last day what a difference this conference made. But he saved his greatest praise for Al Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, architect of the conservative revolution in the Southern Baptist Convention, and the top-billed speaker at the conference. Also, Enron made some wonderful donations to charity. His car was spotted near where several of the incidents occurred. I really cannot imagine anyone as high profile, in the city of Toledo at least, cognoscentely exposing themselves to some kids. But, according to the Bible, he does preach on tithing and giving. What I dont understand is how these modern Apostles can have all kinds of stuff while there are needs in their church. The praying in his name statment was a paraphrased quote taken from his message directly after his drinking and driving arrest.you might want to get the tape or have we forgotten about that arrest as well? 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. After this false start at rehabilitating Mahaneys image, Mohlers appearance alongside Mahaney at a small leadership conference feels like an attempt to test the waters for Mahaneys return. I can assure you that this forum is 100% protected by the constitution of the United States. Here you will find a variety of messages from Phil and Meredith Ryburn and the team at Cornerstone C. In response to Lilys postings about Michael Pitts: I personally cant believe you sat in that mans church and discerned the things you did. Men are to point to Jesusthe Holy Spirit leads and guides us into all truth. Hi Romesha, Thanks for your review. There are others who have gambled everything doing far lesstell me why Pitts would be above it??? Pastor Michael Pitts spent nine daysin the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio after state troopers pulled him over last December. Does he use words like rebuke and radical in his messages? God Bless Pastor Pitts and the whole Cornerstone Family, I myself have benefited greatly from the annointing spirit that overflows beyond the walls of Cornerstone. Just because you can take a scripure out of context doesnt mean you have Michael Pitts number. Its the people on here that call themselves Christians, yet put everyone else down for their opinions that give Christians a bad name if you ask me. MinistrySafelawyer Kimberlee Norris spentmonthsinterviewingdozens ofvictims, witnesses and corroborating sources. Attorneys file lawsuits. Ive set under Pastor Pitts teachings for over 6 years now and I see him as the Billy Graham of our generation. How to they do it? http://www.dennyradio.com There will be false prophets, and we are never to follow man, but God only. and Jesus says I never knew you, you workers of iniquity. Its a vicious cycle of those individuals always feeling inadequate and that they have no faith. youve got to be kidding me you really are a beacon of light Julie, Um, who said that? You need the Lords covering and to find a church that preaches His love and His true doctrines. So I dont care that I am gossiping, besides Im not a pastors wife therefore I am also not bound by this imaginary code of behavior. Shed resignfrom her position not long after, her emotions a mix of heartbreak andfrustrationasshe leftthe Ranch. Pastor Pitts has done more to further the kingdom of God and impacted more lives than you could ever hope to. Hes the only one that will never have his character tainted or be caught doing public perversions. Maybe the bucket passing a few years ago is what it was, and it got mixed up in the rumor mill.?? He said,I loved you guys and viewed you as my own children. You dont need Pitts approval or covering. TOLEDO, OH This will not be easy on the eyes. I dont expect anyone to understand the blessings of being a child of Abraham. Its written in the Bible. 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. [6] In 1998, Cornerstone Church purchased WDMN, an AM radio station in Toledo, and sold it in 2012. After all, they have been given the charge of teaching you the truth and will be accountable for it. settle down now. Its not about that, it should be all about God. 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. trust me, I do know more about Pastor Michael Pitts than the average perishener. Sights & Landmarks, Churches & Cathedrals. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. If he were youd better believe he would live in a far more expensive home than $440,000. And about the term warrant. Isnt that hilarious? They were righteous. But by not speaking up or following up on complaints, they are in fact providing passive support.. There is no demonstration of true Godly love at Cornerstone, just a lot of judgmental attitudes and self-righteousness. 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. Half their stories are plagiarize and the other half has no facts. I do not care about your efforts to attack me, but you all need Jesus. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. The people at Cornerstone are blinded to the truth because they worship him. His face, withbrighteyes, asalt-and-pepper goateeand weatheredsmile lines, could easily blend inwith those of otherlikable dads. Circle C Ranch released its owninvestigation of the allegations at The Chapelon the Ranchs website in March 2021. I dont mean to give you a hard time but just want to encourage you to seek the truth and remember that your relationship with God, and answering to God is more important than answering to a leader of Cornerstone [7], Pitts has not attended seminary or theological college, but is self-taught from tapes, CDs, books, and other materials. Defined under legal terminology, (in which I have an understudy degree in law) is most frequently referred to as a subpeona. I would still really like to see the Delta Report. His alleged penchant for public masturbation only became a story after he was facing criminal indictment. The Cattaraugus County Sheriffs Office opened aninvestigation into this case in early 2021 after Norris contacted them regarding the allegations, according to police reports. He stands up for God every day while in the secular world. I didnt know that was a relatively new church to this area at the time. Why is it that since he has a big church, hes doing great things? A bishop must be blameless, with a good report both within (from the church) and without (the community). Mahaneys former flagship church, Covenant Life, gave an additional $15,000 to SBTS. In an interviewwith Buffalos WKBW-TV in March, Wayne Aarum told reporters he'd like to knowthe identities of thewomenwhoare accusing him ofimpropriety. Gillis didnt thinkto lookatWayne Aarums personnel file at the time, he said. Mahaney offered no apology, only the vague self-deprecation and false-humility that are typical of his patter, and the sort of rhetorical back-slapping that one would expect in the boys club of evangelical Christianity. With all of these public sins, why hasnt there been some public contrition from Pitts? Actually, the Delta incident like you called it was proven to be false just like the other so-called incidents its hard for him to do those things when hes out of the country! But during his tenure at Circle C,Ferchenadmitted that he saw Aarumclosely embrace girls, and that, on multiple occasions, he happened upon Aarum and a girlspeaking together in secluded rooms or spaces. [20], Pitts' church invested in TV station WMNT-TV, Channel 48, in Toledo in 1997. His car was spotted near where several of the incidents occurred. Keep your money in your pocket, since you have a better use for it. Hes completely unapproachable and has set up his organization so that the congregation worships him and not Jesus. You are a very good lecturer. Seed, time and harvest. The USA TODAY NETWORK asked for comment from five individuals whosupport the Ranch and the Aarums. Contact Sarah at STADDEO@Gannett.com. 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. Pitts is not the end all be all in the Charismatic realm. In this instance, your years of experience isnt as valid as youd wish. He blamed his problems on media monsters. MAUMEE -- A local pastor convicted of drunk driving is back home. 'I was so young': Former Circle C Ranch staffer discusses effects of abuse. Galations 6:1. You people need to pick up a Bible and get a church home, instead of judging someone that is following God will for his life. Christ said the only person with the right to cast stones is someone who is without sin right? Although I find posting here quite enjoyable. Not someone who looked like Pastor Pitts the good man himself, driving his own car! To say the good pastors problems are a media invention is hopelessly naive. But I believe that people who give no grace to others better hope they dont ever need any. in any way. The statement was withdrawn after it drew widespread criticism. Toledo is a very racist, bureaucratic and segregated place that fears the truth and God. Maybe that is why all of those charges were dropped. Any attention on his perversion would jeopardize the flow on money which allow him to continue his upper echelon lifestyle. A warranted legal documentation requiring a subjects attendance at a hearing. Your post is very attacking to the point of threatening. Rather the DA, deputy sherriff or a Sherriff himself. Let the mean rest. If anyone ever cares to chat with me, feel free to email me at jminner2@aol.com, and Ill be happy to talk with you. Pastor Pitts doesnt need to explain himself here, nor has he ever done so! Pitts has been found guilty ofdriving under the influence once before. He finds girls that he likes, and he gets them into a vulnerable position where they tell him everything, McDonald said. Its all about the free exchange of accurate information. That thiswas what Ihad hoped for and thought that it was.. You should read his Bio. 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. The only man whos life im intrested in diggin around in is Jesus. As I said, Google didnt turn up any notice of said difficulties. The ICOC 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. (The Pitts camp claims the officials are lying.). Ive been by their place and its not that much. The judge was SOOOO MAD! Im terrified of God,Schuerholzsaid in the meeting recording. I dont care if you continue this forum about me. Hi there, Did you wear braces Kristi? During the meeting,Wes Aarum Jr., a Circle C board member and Wayne Aarums brother,called the allegations horrific. Fellow board member Daryl Dekalbexpressed reservations about the process andsaid they couldnt truly respond without Wayne Aarum being present. Like I said, I cant make you think differently, nor can you make me. If someone wants to read an article on Pitts, they could do a search on the blades website. In fact, Pastor Pitts is ministering more now than ever. princess1075. This is perplexing me. Hindsight isa ridiculously good teacher.. how are you so sure that its true? FOR ALL THE MEMBERS OUT THERE I WAS CURIOUS WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THAT? God Bless Pastor Pitts, Cornerstone Church, and all heares and doers of Gods word. Not too long ago, I read something on The Toledo Blades web site about Pastor Michael Pitts of Cornerstone Church. Meet #MattRasor who is the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Church under the leadership of Bishop Michael Pitts. Are you illiterate as well as ignorant? You are praising Denny Schafer? (The Pitts camp claims the officials are lying.) Pastor Michael Pitts spent nine daysin the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio after state troopers pulled him over last December. She was 15, and he told her she was amazing. His kids dont defame people for all the world to see. alot of those individuals were other pastors/priests in the city and alot were in a city/government office or political office. And so he handed out the sentence that he did because he knew he was innocent and he hated that fact. The Cstone app from Cornerstone Church connects you with everything that is happening. Its so easy to stand outside a situation and form opinions based on the malarky that the media puts out there, as well as the gossip of others. I happened to be attending the service right after Pastor P. had received the DUI. Nice try whoever you are. All that matters now is that if this things are true is that Pastor Pitts ask for forgivenss and moves on. Several of these individuals specifically said Aarum didnotfollow a widely known Circle C Ranchpolicyaboutavoiding bodily contact between members of the opposite sex. You know how I feel about no names LOL Big Chickens!! Check out his books on Amazon.com or in Barnes and Noble. I just know that we, all Christians, are to set an example. Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour, History Along the Maumee: A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Ohio, Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle, Toledo Scavenger Hunt: Toledo Perspectives. He does not take money from us that the Lord doesnt tell us to give. Members are told to shut up and follow him, and believe me that's what they do. Are you being sarcastic or is that a compliment? But then again, dealing with false teachers is never pleasant. Wevebeen conditioned to think that abuse is the man in the trench coat in the bush, but often its someonewho would never beconsideredcapable of that behavior,Denhollander said. LOL, I knew you meant MAY, darn typing demons at it again, right? Thats why you see nothing negative regarding him on the internet. The effects of Aarums actionshave grown, spawning a black hole that consumedthewomenslives, they said,andrippedapart personal relationships and church alliances in the close-knit Christian community in Western New York. (www.cornerstonetoledo.com)Why dont you worry about your own walk and stop judging another mans servant if you want reference scripture. As for why people still worship at his church the good pastor is a charismatic man. 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. Mahaney called Cornerstone Church, where the conference was held, one of my favorite churches on the planet, predicting that there will be massive fruit from last nights [conference] till the end of time. It sounds to me as if you could use what Pastor hasGod. . If you are the Pastor, your going to have to give me some more compelling evidence. 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). You should read one of his books Julie. Please E-mail me. This taught us one thing The media always start with the story they want to portray and then goes and gets information to support it. And its no wonder, these saying are born out of the doctrine that stems from the selfish foundation on which it was built. Thats an improper assumption on your part. No. and called and tried over and over to contact the church (it was a service night)to let someone know. Thats still no excuse to do what he did. Jakes and Mark Chirona who have both recently had Michael Pitts in to preach. And just because an organization is growing, doesnt mean that he is doing what God wants of him. 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. If you are an currently an enabler of Michael Pitts, I urge you to immediately discontinue sowing seeds (aka giving him money), attending his conferences or warming the benches at his local theater church. So Ive been a little stressed with that lateley, thats why Ive been gone from this. He demanded details and full eye contact. It is obvious that the Delta incident did occur. [19] Following the trial, Metroparks ranger Russell Maneval was suspended for 60 days by the Toledo Area Metroparks for falsifying information on police logs involved in the Toledo case. I have never intentionally said or done anything to hurt anyone, Aarum said. The Delta incident is a completely separate incident. How can anyone in their right mind ignore the Delta arrest? You can unsubscribe at any time. I never saw him in the same light after that dream. I have always tried to do my best to help.. Which I do. In afall 2020 letter,Wayne Aarum saidhe was reinstatedas presidentand that Circle Cs independent investigation was complete, andhad found no factual basisfor the allegations against him at that point. They choose before they write which way they want it to go and than make things up to slant it in that direction! The MinistrySafereportgiven tolocalChild Protective Services in2021 outlined that the company hadfoundevidence of an ongoing pattern of manipulation and intimacy between Aarum and teenage girls. 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.. Hi Hayden!! Michael Pitts has a church that is growing AND winning souls for Chirst, he is feeding the hungry, hes building a world class ministry from Toledo Ohio. Id settle down on the f word if I were you. I wouldnt personally want to go to his church, but I sure do wish people would be more concerned about taking care of pastors and familys of smaller churches, rather than making sure that The Big Guys get the bells and whistles. Myself, My family, and my church are passed the past, and I will not stand for defemation of charector. His final arrest was the drunk driving incident. Finally, both of Pastor Pitts attornies accepted Jesus and now attend his church as a direct result of the entire ordeal. 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.. Whats worse, public masterbation or being a murderer? app is safe and it keeps me connected to what I need most, thank you Lord, https://pushpay.com/legal-center/privacy/. [9] Pitts has preached at the annual Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance conference several times,[10] as well as in Mexico and at annual meetings in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ghana. Dedicated on line cs. Snellfelt confused, she recalls; no one had ever touched her like that. Sorry you didnt have a great experience with us. Or is that just a oversight to twist scripture to support a false doctrine? That could have been anyone to have seen Pastor pantsless. 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? I did and so did my son and most of his friends. And Kathy, re: your comment: He ran his hands over her shorts and up her thigh,toward her crotch, andslidhis fingers against her outer labia. It made me think back to when I was working for The Blade a few years ago and Pastor Pitts was in the news quite a bit. Did you see him doing the act.. 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. Read all 4 reviews . A urine test confirmed Pitts was legally drunk although he told the court he only drank two glasses of wine. For example, many of the critics are from the Catholic Church. The Blade is a terrible newspaper devoid of ethics and integrity! Were talking about the kingdom of God. lily you smell like shit. This, and only this, is the belief that God accepts as righteous. Thats how I was raised. All Cornerstone campuses can use the information found in this app. He said in a May 7 email thathe followed Ranch policies, except in emergency cases in which men and women may have to have physical contact. You mentioned that Pastor and his family live in a home that costs 1/2 millions of dollars. I can assure you, Michael Pitts only has one house and no jets. The CAC atBestSelf in Buffalo, New York brings together a multidisciplinary group of professionals to address child sexual abusein a child-centered environment. ooooh scary. amen! For me, it doesnt matter if he did what he has been accused of They cared more about others than they did themselves. Google any of these vipers and you will see who they slither around with. Community. I thought you were never coming back Julie. Isensed that I was a part of something very good. Megachurches are usually terrible, this is no exception. How are offerings handled? Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer, and Jerry Gillis, lead pastor at The Chapel, discuss the allegations against Wayne Aarum. This public display of affection is just the latest in a long-running and highly public friendship. In fact, Cornerstone is not just a church, its a family. Pastor Michael is, despite his lack of formal education, one of the most intelligent men I have ever known. Most of the more critical opponents of Pastor Pitts are memebers of other churches or never been to nobodys church. Sorry, I do buy it. Lets put him up on a pedestal. Georgie Silvarole is the backpack reporter for the USA TODAY Network in New York, covering everything from breaking news to feature pieces. His car was spotted near where several of the incidents occurred. 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. But, the one thing that made me open my eyes to the reality of my church was the internet and a website called reveal. Above: Carolyn McDonald, Michelle Poulsen, Rachel Horvath, Jessica Spiesz, Ashley Scibilia, Joy McCullough. PS before I go. In response, The Chapels executive pastor, John Camardo, said in a May 1 statement to reporters: The Chapel has reviewed the personnel file and believes that the assertations made by Mr. Aarum are not consistent with the contents of the file.. David stood for the goodness of God toward his people. Scandal and sin mark the head conference speakers: Jakes charges 50k for speaking engagements and has been in and out of the homosexual controversies for years now. Look at the lineage of Jesus in the book of Matthew, Jesus line is litter with imperfection. I have been to Pastor Pitts church and seen him do AWESOME things for the Lord. BTW I happen to know Pastor Michael Pitts didnt go to college. Secondly I must say its amazing how you go from wishing me luck on finding the answers Im looking for to being a complete prick. Maybe I wouldnt have listened anyway, who knows. $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Latin. Are you expected to get advice about all aspects of your life from people who are more spiritually mature than you are? Why shouldnt a pastor live comfortable and drive a nice car? Thats their business. 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.