Everything with regard to the exposing incident was so questionable and especially the Delta arrest. Both clearly violated in this forum. His wife had their first child the same time and same hospital I had triplets!!! Several women, including McDonald and Ashley Scibilia, 37, of Grand Island, separately remember him touching their crotches or inner thighs over their clothes while sitting in semi-public areas. [26], International Communion of Charismatic Churches, "Cornerstone's pastor elevated to higher rank", "Rev. 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. 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. By signing, you accept Change.orgs Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and agree to receive occasional emails about campaigns on Change.org. Hes a great man with a past. Shoot, while were at it, why dont we just put candles around him and pray in his name. Pastor Pitts is annointed, and a lot of people in Northwest Ohio are envious. I suggest you read your Bible. WSPD and 92.5 are owned by the same companyClearChannel. You sure seem to have everything figured out I just hope you dont ever need any grace or mercy since it is certain that you aernt offering any to Pastor Michael or anyone elso for that matter. Unless the church needs it, Pastor Pitts doesns ask us for it. Julie: I just liked seeing you going back and forth with Dan. Other women alleging abuseat Aarums handssaidthey're not considering filing civil lawsuitsat this time. We had the evidence on him, said Mr. Smith, but we would have had to bring two boys to the edge of hell to bring it out. It doesnt just pop out of my mouth as a cuss word or as in vain. Sorry to have hit a sore spot with you! How sad. I really cannot imagine anyone as high profile, in the city of Toledo at least, cognoscentely exposing themselves to some kids. In 2009, Ferrante, now a program director at camp during the summers,spoke toWayne Aarum's father, Wes Aarum Sr., abouthis concerns. Wayne Aarum was the first man Joy McCullough ever held hands with. Dear IMpersonator, This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I like the pastor. [20], Pitts' church invested in TV station WMNT-TV, Channel 48, in Toledo in 1997. Attorneys file lawsuits. They were seated off to the sidein the dining hall, while a few other people milled around. Did you see him doing the act.. What a childish statement. 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. Aarum and the Circle C board members did not respond when asked how thisinvestigation was conducted and who conducted it. Pastor Pitts has done more to further the kingdom of God and impacted more lives than you could ever hope to. Why is the church still strong? Cornerstone Church (Maumee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Pettit Rieman has not responded to the USA TODAY NETWORKs multiple requests for comment. He must be brushing up on his law. Ill pray for you Matt. Others were less sure. Theyformedfriendships around their desperation to see their stories taken seriouslyby leaders at the Ranch. Open today: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. His final punishment: 14 days of house arrest with an ankle bracelet and a $500 fine. 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. I left after the drunk driving incident because there was no true remorse from Michael for the ordeal that he put his members through. Do you feel like this? Its all about the free exchange of accurate information. Officials did not press charges after Pastor Pitts agreed to seek counseling with a psychologist who sees sex offenders, they said. Please let this die. 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. 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.. This is the man that appeared on the. At the time of the Delta incident, Pitts was driving a teal blue Saab; which was identified by two boys. Not too long ago, I read something on The Toledo Blades web site about Pastor Michael Pitts of Cornerstone Church. With all of these public sins, why hasnt there been some public contrition from Pitts? Community. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. How are offerings handled? Numerous people have come forward over the past twenty years alleging sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and assault from high ranking ministers at Cornerstone Church. Yep, I think they are one in the same. Let me know what happens this birthday! Several authorities, includinglocal police andthe Cattaraugus County Department of Health,have received reportsaboutAarum. Thats still no excuse to do what he did. In 1997, he faced eight counts of public indecency and seven counts of criminal trespass, linked to a series of incidents in which a man matching Pastor Pitts description was reported exposing himself to people in places like a local park and a Wal-Mart parking lot. The only man whos life im intrested in diggin around in is Jesus. As far as the exposure incidents go, he didnt have any excuses because he held to the fact that he was innocent. 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. Lucky the Leprechaun. Sunday Service. Maumee, OH, United States JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CORNERSTONE CHURCH TOLEDO Numerous people have come forward over the past twenty years alleging sexual abuse, harassment, exploitation, and assault from high ranking ministers at Cornerstone Church. Members are told to shut up and follow him, and believe me thats what they do. 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. Citing client confidentiality, Dr. Forgac would not comment. Barnum may have had something to say about the issue. JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CORNERSTONE CHURCH TOLEDO. You see, Pastor Michael Pitts was charged with several counts of exposing himself to strangers. For me, it doesnt matter if he did what he has been accused of Fourthly: 4 hours BEFORE the infamous arrest, a cornerstone member working at the blade was startled to see the headlines OF the ARREST printed BEFORE it ever happened!!! I completely agree with you. Sheexplained how it took months of therapy to realizethat herinteractions with Aarumdidnt happen because he loved her like a father. In response to Lilys postings about Michael Pitts: I personally cant believe you sat in that mans church and discerned the things you did. I believe this forum has become abandoned. Alas! Norris also contacted locallaw enforcement and local agenciesherself about the findings,according to police reports. I thank You Lord!! Ive seen those same patterns. Georgie Silvarole/USA TODAY Network New York, Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I can tell you for a fact a number of things. Bishop Michael Pitts is putting on yet another one of those grand, stratospheric type church conferences which boasts big, money making drawing cards like TD Jakes, Eddie Long and Paula White. If you have anything to say thats worth while, and arent afraid to share your name and not be a coward. That is love! I was a real prick. The public indecency charge was dropped on January 15, 1998 when Judge Francis Gorman of the Toledo Municipal Court ruled that the statute of limitations had expired for the initial event. I am not a member of Cornerstone, but my membership is at another church in the city, but I still find it very disgusting that people would rather gossip about a pastor who has struggled, rather than pray for Him and trust God to work things out as only He can. During the event, footage revealed that a crowd in the church's main worship space was chanting, "Let's go Brandon," which is coded language for an expletive directed at . Until members really wake up and ask God to show them the truth, this man will continue to excel. There are others who have gambled everything doing far lesstell me why Pitts would be above it??? Were always working on improving, thanks for highlighting this for us. 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. All that matters now is that if this things are true is that Pastor Pitts ask for forgivenss and moves on. Also do you realize how much he preaches out in a year? It understands that as Christ unconditionally loved us so must we love one another. Peter, the father of the church, denied Christ 3 times, tried to take off the high priest servents head, David was a murder, Abrham a liar, Simeon a zealot, so on and so on. The Bible mention false prophets. she was kinda snotty! Patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. A buddy of mine used to video tape the services at Cornerstone. Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258 210-490-1600 connect@SACornerstone.org Survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence in New York statecan getconnected withcounseling, legal assistance and crisis help. What are you doing here? p.s. Darla: what did you mean by his kids dont defame people for all the world to see? There have been patterns of sexual misconduct and perversion from ministers and associate pastors over the years when I was a member and before then. Hindsight isa ridiculously good teacher.. He has never done these things, and dont believe the garbage you hear about offerings and services etc etc. Ill have to ask some of my family who still attend if this happened. I need to make one correction in my statements. The focus is to keep people intimidated and blinded to the real issues. God loves you regardless of where you go to church. If my worst quality is loyalty, then I guess thats okay. Nor does that attitude reflect in my posts. Jeffrey Swinger for the USA TODAY NETWORK. Michelle Poulsen and Joy McCullough allege Wayne Aarums physical and verbal behavior toward them was inappropriate and abusive while they were youth group members at The Chapel in the late 1990s. Bishop of Cornerstone Church Toledo and the Cornerstone Global Network I hope you all will take a lesson and leave it alone. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Religion from Reed College, where he wrote his thesis on Christian Worship Music. BUT ANYONE WHO SAYS, YOU FOOL! WILL BE IN DANGER OF THE FIRE OF HELL. PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION-WE WILL NOT REST UNTIL THIS "CHURCH" IS THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND THEIR ACTIONS ARE BROUGHT TO LIGHT!! In theweeks following, over a dozen womengave statements toofficers regarding their experiences with Aarum. Members have reported being propositioned for sexual favors in exchange for money, gifts, and positions/titles/opportunities in the ministry. Im not quite sure what to believe now. So why are you still there if the Bible commands to withdraw from those that preach inerrant doctrine? If anything they are a by product of intelligence. So, what, exactly, does Michael Pitts teach and expect from you as a member of his church? 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. It is obvious that the Delta incident did occur. Georgie Silvarole is the backpack reporter for the USA TODAY Network in New York, covering everything from breaking news to feature pieces. Circle C Ranchpublishedmultiple statementson itswebsitein recent months,doubling down on the argument that Aarum has never acted inappropriately with teenage girlsin any pastoralrole. 6 1. The developer provided this information and may update it over time. Looking at his website, and how everything came to be, he talks more about how this is what he wanted (the ministry) and not enough about what God wanted. I happened to be attending the service right after Pastor P. had received the DUI. The divine person, the Holy Spirit, was promised and sent to the early Church for empowerment in Christian living and demonstrations of God's power. It's only a matter of time before this mess of a church is shut down for good. But despite all the religious grandstanding, court records and media reports show Pitts cant seem to keep his private parts in his pants while he is in public places. A warrant isnt a subpoena (which you coincidentally also spelled wrong try the spell check again). Pastor Pitts hired some very fine attorneys and, in the end, all charges except for two criminal trespass misdemeanors were suddenly dropped. I noticed they all look young and hip. [14] Heal The World also funds the Cornerstone Academy, a school in the village of Odokono N'kwanta, Ghanan. Let God handle him. They arent true, and if you want to believe bad about someone, then you will. Lily, your bitterness is showing. Thats a Christians main goal, to do what God wants. Last time I checked, Dave, I wasnt trying to convince anyone I was a holy man who is the best route to understanding God. In the months following, additional charges from other locations were added. I have never intentionally said or done anything to hurt anyone, Aarum said. Ferrante would sometimes linger in those secluded locations, awkwardly making conversation, to ensure someone else was present. Hi Hayden!! And you go girl. God is the ultimate judge. [22], In August 2000, Pitts was charged with a DUI. And I frankly dont care who you are. As for why people still worship at his church the good pastor is a charismatic man. What I think we must look at iswhat makes a False Teacher (or Apostle) false, his actions or doctrine? He was identified by witnesses along with his automobile. TOLEDO, OH This will not be easy on the eyes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. wow this is a trip! It's sad that now Bishop Pitt's daughter and her husband have been thrown under the bus to continue the legacy to bring harm to the people of God. Pitts says hes done nothing wrong, despite the evidence. Wayne Aarum was not present for the meeting. 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 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. Unfortunately, because your review is generic and your username is vague, we dont have any way of following up to make things right. CJ Mahaney, the founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM), recentlyspoke at a conference called Conviction to Lead 2013 at an SGM megachurch in Knoxville after a long absence from the public eye. Its so much more damaging than you could realize, especially at such a young age,said Michelle Poulsen, 38, who alleges Aarum initiatedphysically and emotionallyintimatemomentswith her when she was a teenage youth group member at The Chapel. THATS ALL. This policy was included in a 2003document from a camp event titled The Circle CTen Commandments, and was mentioned by multiple camp staff members interviewed for this story. It was normal to pick them in the first few days of camp they were pretty andthinteenagers, mainlystaff but sometimes campers,said Nicole Richard, 30, of Norfolk, Virginia, who worked at the Ranch in the mid-2000s and said Aarum touched her inappropriately and made comments about her appearance. Thats their business. Everything is just a gray area.. About this app. You can share anonymously or with your name. The . Herdetermination to bringto lightwhat she calls her Wayne story propelled her through the events of the last yearconfronting Aarum, speaking to investigators and police and comforting other women whove been through similar experiences. FOR ALL THE MEMBERS OUT THERE I WAS CURIOUS WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THAT? Image: Courtesy photo . Are you illiterate as well as ignorant? Why cant we all do the same. I can say with extreme certainty that Pastor Pitts never said that the church did not give him enough for his birthday and never re-passed the offering containers. Similar indecent exposure charges in Wauseon and Toledo were thrown out. Example video title will go here for this video, Sentenced To Death: The murder that unsettled Arkansas. It almost been 72 hours, are your attorneys issuing their warrants er subpeona or subpoena (yea thats what it is). Pastor Pitts oversees aVAST NETWORKof churches throughout the country and outside the United States. with that said, youre right. MAUMEE -- A local pastor convicted of drunk driving is back home. Your response shows how ignorant you are. Dear anonymous commenter, Maybe that is why all of those charges were dropped. Just excuses. Finally, no one said he was exempt from sin. I used to attend Cornerstone from the very beginning on Douglas through the the exposing incident. The qualifications are clear. [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. Im still not angry, but it seems youd like me to be. He blamed his problems on media monsters. First off, Pastor Michael has never preached or obviously practiced abstinence. 48hr left. That didnt seem right. The answer, apparently, is 7 months. Anyone that builds a multi-million dollar organization is not stupid, slow, ignorant or any such thing. Futhermore, you obviously did not really look into the Delta incident. Above: Carolyn McDonald, Michelle Poulsen, Rachel Horvath, Jessica Spiesz, Ashley Scibilia, Joy McCullough. Men are to point to Jesusthe Holy Spirit leads and guides us into all truth. I have aquantences, that used to be friends, that I heard started going to his church, and was curious because Ive heard some things about him. Have faith in him and He will move your mountains of impossibility. His behavior does NOT represent the rest of us. This terminology is a reflection of the false teachings that it supports. If you are that concerned about a so called false-prophet or a church being led astray by false teachings then get on your knees and do some real intercession pray for this man and these people.oh and one more thingLord, you are awesome!! When the good Lord walked this earth, he was clothed in simple robes with sandals or on many occassions wore callouses on the soles of his bare feet! Nate, you need to get your facts correct. espescially the part which involves frustrating would be impersonators. in any way. The statement was withdrawn after it drew widespread criticism. By the way I did hear pitts say that along with the whole chruch that day. [3] It was the first racially integrated church in the region. But, I firmly believed I wasnt in a cult either.when I was involved. 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. I dont foresee that happening. As far as the Delta incident goes there was no police line up, and a very poor description of the suspect. But, the one thing that made me open my eyes to the reality of my church was the internet and a website called reveal. Im sure your already looking into these things but hope I helped. Since his last name is not pitts, they didnt know he was related to him. Hi Romesha, Pitts is not exempt from sin because hes carries the title of Pastor or Apostle or because he built a multi-million dollar organization. LE, Ferrante, now 36 and living in Rush, Monroe County,eventuallybecamea full-time program directorat the Ranch, andsaid herepeatedlywitnessedphysically intimate momentsbetween Aarum andteenage girls, sometimes in deserted or secluded areas. In 1997, he faced eight counts of public indecency and seven counts of criminal trespass, linked to a series of incidents in which a man matching Pastor Pitts description was reported exposing himself to people in places like a local park and a Wal-Mart parking lot. What we should concentrate on is the plank in our own eye and not the speck in our neighbors. [15], Pitts has partnered with, and hosted annual WOWJAMs, an event started by Stephen and Linda Tavani aimed at reaching poorer communities around the city by utilizing music, games, dances, and prizes. If you speak up or leave, you are cursed by the church. McDonald, a teenagecamp staff memberwho was at the Ranch working a winter churchretreat, sobbed through a confession Aarum had spent hours prying out of her astory of watching porn when she was 13. Thats what bothers you! You cant really think he doesnt know this about you. app is safe and it keeps me connected to what I need most, thank you Lord, https://pushpay.com/legal-center/privacy/. He is a good teacher and preaches for ME to follow the word. I would bet he has more than one home anyway! Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. P.S. 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. Since late 2019, allegations aboutWayne Aarums misconduct have gained momentum. I also think P.T. Pastor made no excuses for his actions and apolagized to the congregation. I wish Id done more, Gillis said. Im not speaking of an arrest warrant, which is not actually issued by a judge. So, yeah, I certainly dont say God unless Im saying it to speak to Him, or talking about Him to someone else. Pitts can petition state to get license back. Im sure those that go looking for dirt on people find it amusing and helpful, however Ive learned if you go digging up the past all you get is dirty. So, yes, then when she heard I was a pastors wife, she then said that she was, and told me who she was. At around noon on Jan. 27, 1975, a two-tone Cadillac pulls up to a vacant house in Irving, Texas. Did MIchael Pitts really post that Because if he did he cannot spell defamation of character. Call me funny but Pastor Pitts seems like a little more intelligent than that. In fact, Cornerstone is not just a church, its a family. Ive been by their place and its not that much. Havent you seen the pattern? His face, withbrighteyes, asalt-and-pepper goateeand weatheredsmile lines, could easily blend inwith those of otherlikable dads. Cornerstone is aggressivly moving the kingdom forward, why dont you check out one of their live services online? Carolyn McDonald was one of the first women to make the Circle C board aware of her abuse allegations, in the form ofanemailonOct. 6. Reviewed July 21, 2020. princess1075, Willoughby, Ohio. People imperonating others is in fact fraud, but more than this the word of God says, and I quote, touch not mine annointed and do my prophets no harm. In 1997, he faced eight counts of public indecency and seven counts of criminal trespass, linked to a series of incidents in which a man matching Pastor Pitts description was reported exposing himself to people in places like a local park and a Wal-Mart parking lot. Jon Schuerholz, executive pastor at Cornerstone Church in Grand Island CarolynMcDonald's childhoodchurch was present, andpushed the board memberstotake action. But I know, your not mad in the slightest. That access, and Aarums presence as anauthority figurein a Christian setting,helpedfoster the girls'spiritual and emotional dependence on him, clearing the way for further manipulation and inappropriate behavior, said Cheryl Chambers, a licensed mental health counselor with Christian Counseling Ministries of Western New York. They have no integrity whats soever this is also proven by if the above article regarding Delta was true, there would have been counseling that really was done, when it fact, there wasnt ever any counseling, because the incident never took place. Do you think these mega-churches he preaches at aernt paying him? Come on, be serious. He ran his hands over her shorts and up her thigh,toward her crotch, andslidhis fingers against her outer labia. Sorry, kinda crabby (lol, crabwalk, get it) tonight. hmmmmmmm thoughts to ponder!! Not someone who looked like Pastor Pitts the good man himself, driving his own car! Rest assured, I know Michael Pitts better than you would ever wish to know him. I honestly didnt even know what was happening to me, said Snell, now 21. I think Pastor Pitts is very annointed visionary that was sent by God. Ive set under Pastor Pitts teachings for over 6 years now and I see him as the Billy Graham of our generation. They criticize the fact the pastor lives in a nice house, but it was recently reported that the Diocese of Boston is selling the bishops mansion for $90 million dollars, significantly more than Pastor Pitts home, and an Oblate home here in Toledo is going for over $300,000. I came back just to see if you had the nerve to comment again. Because if it is. I think we should left God be the judge, because you should be very careful with talking bad about people God calls. After reading all the posts I just cant believe it.. instead of bashing Pastor Pitts we should be lefting him up in prayer.. no problem Julie if anyone wants to know the TRUTH about Pastor Pitts e-mail me at hockeyjk@yahoo.com lets just say I have an inside connection. In this instance, your years of experience isnt as valid as youd wish. I can assure you that this forum is 100% protected by the constitution of the United States.
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