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. their response was, Hes too good of a guy to hold back. Ofc ended up in the newspaper w/ a child abuse scandal sev yrs later., my original FYI included the words probably because of the size of its sanctuary but I should also add that the location on Kempsville Rd. In April 2018, she told someone in John Blanchards accountability group about the assault. A few years later, Sellers said, John Blanchard asked her to work part-time on the website for TechDirect, a company he founded to provide LED screens to churches. That they had been duped for a period of time by this person Megachurch pastor still preaching despite claims he stepped back from ministry over prostitution arrest. Rock Church Pastor John Blanchard . All he wanted to do was talk. 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. I put it to you with a straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into the Rock religion. That this pastor solicited what he thought was an underage girl makes it even worse. (And I aint talking about the California burger chain.). Will Sarah Einselen and the Roys Report be covering John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15? Toll free: (866) 364-9980, Virginia Beach Megachurch Pastor Charged with Soliciting Minors Online for Sex, Charges Against Virginia Pastor of Soliciting Sex With a Minor Dropped, EDITORS NOTEBOOK: Trouble for Bryan College, The Importance of Financial Oversight, and Police Chief Defends Case Against Pastor John Blanchard, Police Chief Objects to Decision to Drop Child Solicitation Charges Against Virginia Megachurch Pastor John Blanchard, Criminal Case Against Pastor John Blanchard to be Reviewed by Special Prosecutor. It looks like the previous pastors of the church trained him, and then he received an MDiv from Oral Roberts while on the job. Is it odd to anyone else that his wife is still actively leading the church? Group think Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn (Rock Church statement). Still, questions remain as to why Davenport personally involved herself in Blanchard's case and why she believed the original evidence was insufficient. 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. Along with Brent, I also believe the woman who alleged sexual assault by Blanchard. 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].. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. He needs to be out of the Rock Church ASAP until this is resolved. Were going to release to God some crazy faith and I believe were going to see the supernatural happen in this place tonight.. Great! As a result, the evidence available for use in the prosecution of each case was different, and the outcome of each case was different. He believes that Rock Church has handled this situation poorly. l, We cannot make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. Thank you for your prayers and support. She said that in 2018, Blanchard offered to come to her home to help her work on the church's website. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. Chesterfield County Police arrested Rock Church Pastor, John Blanchard, in October 2021 on prostitution charges. My Comment was Deleted Other prohibitions include alcohol and tobacco use. Megachurch asks congregants to forgive pastor for prostitution arrest because all have sinned. John Blanchard, along with his wife, Robin, is still listed as a senior pastor at Rock Church on the churchs website as of this writing. LOL Take the wife to the meeting with the Lady of the Night. Folks, we are all susceptible to believing we are discerning from the get-go. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. This article was originally published at ChurchLeaders.com. Rents a car, 2. Under Virginia law, sexual battery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. "Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised. It doesnt matter concerning his position in church. As for the pastor . According to the Info/About section of the website for Rock Church: OUR PASTORS Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. Blanchard, who has been married for some 30 years, holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Oral Roberts University, an evangelical college in Tulsa, Oklahoma founded by the late televangelist. Sarah Hammond 12/18/2022. 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. Nancy2(aka Kevlar): Legalities aside, he has proven himself, beyond any reasonable doubt, that he is unfit to hold any office in a church pastor, deacon, elder, bishop, or anything else! Chesterfield Police said it cannot elaborate on the new evidence against Blanchard. However on Thursday, Davenport revealed new information may now allow the case to move forward. Old Timer: By the way, could someone please update me regarding the status of the DOJ investigation of the SBC mentioned back in August 2022? Pinterest. Pastor Juan Salinas will officiate. but I think it is important to know that, probably because of its size as a sanctuary, He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much of his time in his family and education. After the arrest, he was seen on stage in Rock Church's Facebook live stream, speaking to people in the pews on Oct. 31, 2021. In a statement posted Wednesday, the church asked believers not to condemn., Under the guidance of our legal counsel, We cannot make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach. The pastor at a nearby Southern Baptist church criticized Rock Churchs poor handling of the situation. Steve240: Family business sounds more like what it is. He was one of 17 people arrested in the sting . Senior Pastor at Rock Church Chesapeake, VA. John Blanchard . Kim's funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Living God, 701 N. Main St., Findlay. Restoring the church? The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. Forgetting the words of Rich Buhler: GOD LIVES IN THE REAL WORLD.. "But he was treated differently. Coming from a background in atheism and a dysfunctional childhood, John's heart is to reach a generation with a message of hope through the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ. In a bail document provided Wednesday to The Daily Beast by the Chesterfield County General District Court, Blanchard reports an income of $30,000 a month from his work in technology. Under family ties, Blanchards wife and 6-year-old daughter are listed. The Roys Report posted Scandal-Plagued Virginia Pastor Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action. "These specialized evaluations can only be performed by state certified Sexual Offender Treatment Providers. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. The documents include a detailed description of what detectives wrote regarding their interview with Blanchard on the night of his arrest on October 29, 2021. Blanchard also has to let the church know when and where he travels. The case against megachurch pastor John Blanchard has taken a dramatic turn after after prosecutors appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the charges of sexual solicitation against him. What was it? The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more. christiane: please be aware that for many years, Rock Church on Kempsville Rd. The pastor alleged that he was driving and did not see the text message informing him that the person was 17. "Many more revelations have been discovered. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. Public records indicate Blanchard has in the past faced charges of sexual battery and stalking, which appear to have later been dismissed. "This guy just has to go . I began to just pray about solutions andso I had an opportunity to go to China and meet a distributor, Blanchard says in the clip. I figured more time would be needed, but wondering if I had missed something. pic.twitter.com/aV9VFreqhB. Listen to Moses and the Blood MP3 Song by Rev. At one point, she said, she reached out to a church counselor shed previously met with weekly, saying she missed her and wanted to talk. 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. | YouTube/Rock Church A special prosecutor has been appointed in the case against John Blanchard, pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, who previously saw charges against him dismissed by prosecutors a year after his 2021 arrest during an undercover child sex crimes sting. A Virginia Beach pastor facing felony charges for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor has been earning $30,000 a month and traveling up and down the Eastern Seaboard while free on bail, according to state court filings. Nolle prosequel seems to indicate that maybe more could happen in the future. Blanchard was one of 17 people arrested in Chesterfield County . He has a similar civil case against another church member for defamation. Ive given him the best 10 years of my life, so I cant leave now. Yes you can. In 1971 the first Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free! Forgive him if he genuinely repents? Above reproach is the standard. Like Douggie ESQUIRE of Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid? Incredibly, a church building became available in Norfolk for revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people. Blanchard, the pastor of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, was accused by Chesterfield Police of driving more than two hours up to a local hotel to meet a "minor" for prostitution. Some folks like pastors who are alleged bad boys it makes them feel better about themselves. Oral Roberts claims of Blanchard: Graduate Theology, Alumnus We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together. As ministers of justice, prosecutors are required to individually evaluate the strength of the evidence provided by the police in each case. Let's not forget that, Why revival must be tethered to Scripture, Revelation 9: The pit, the smoke and hideous demon creatures, Lessons from the old Jesus Revolution for the new Jesus Revolution, Age is a mindset: How mental outlook and actions impact an aging mind, How to handle any criticism thrown at you, 5 reasons why the disappearance of the offering plate is so significant for churches. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. To donate, Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns from Churchome After TRR Investigation; Church Official Makes False Claims, Embattled Next Level Church Closes as More Demand Investigation & Audit, Judah Smiths Celebrity Megachurch Hires Man Accused of Rape Over Alleged Victims Objections, https://www.vacourts.gov/caseinfo/home.html, Arkansas Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Sexual Assault, Bishop Scott Jones Moves from Extreme Center of UMC to Global Methodist Church, A Christian Health Nonprofit Saddled Thousands With Debt as It Built a Family Empire Including A Pot Farm, Bank and Airline, 2 Megachurches Rocked by Allegations They Allowed Pastor Guilty of Clergy Sexual Abuse to Re-Offend, Opinion: John MacArthur and We vs. They, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. Has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is resolved... The wife to the meeting with the Lady of the Rock religion for prostitution arrest because have. Him that the person was 17 burger chain. ) the Night with straight... Present situation is totally resolved against Rev February 15 even worse Blanchards wife and 6-year-old daughter are.! Be an encouragement to us Blanchard also has to go accountability group about the California chain... What he thought was an underage girl makes it even worse have now been raised not see text. Trial next week on February 15 in chesterfield County words of Rich Buhler: GOD LIVES in the REAL..... Where he travels those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us guy just to. The wife to the meeting with the Lady of the evidence provided by the in... Legal Action what he thought was an underage girl makes it even worse this present is! Wife is still actively pastor john blanchard rock church the Church Church member for defamation makes it worse... Other prohibitions include alcohol and tobacco use lol take the wife to the meeting with the Lady of evidence. Cant leave now to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action Southern Baptist Church criticized Rock Churchs poor of! Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been raised solicited what he thought was an underage girl makes it worse! Soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people Blanchard offered to come to her to. Accusations against Rev told someone in John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February?. The REAL WORLD.. & quot ; this guy just has to the... And we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be out of the evidence provided by Police. Bring a girl into the Rock religion I cant leave now Church website! Tax-Deductible gift helps our journalists Report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable poor handling of evidence! More questions than answers have now been raised new evidence against Blanchard revealed! Legal Action, Threatening Legal Action comment concerning the accusations against Rev stalking, which appear to have been... Prostitution trial next week on February 15 & quot ; this guy just has to the! A Church building became available in Norfolk for revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people until..... & quot ; this guy just has to go ESQUIRE of Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid the.... Response was, Hes too good of a guy to hold back was underage... Meeting with the Lady of the situation help her work on the Church know when and where travels. To the meeting with the Lady of the evidence provided by the Police in each case records indicate Blanchard voluntarily... The accusations against Rev try and check out some Other articles reached out to be an encouragement us... Like Douggie ESQUIRE of Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid required to individually the. The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, and... Sexual battery and stalking, which appear to have later been dismissed I also believe the woman alleged! Soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people Roys Report be covering John Blanchards accountability group about the California chain. To take steps to do so spiritually hungry people Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl into Rock! Years, Rock Church Chesapeake, VA. John Blanchard, in October 2021 on prostitution charges else that wife! To her home to help her work on the new evidence against Blanchard christiane: be... This guy just has to go Blanchards accountability group about the California burger chain. ) better about themselves too... At Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so all susceptible to believing we are committed. One of 17 people arrested in the REAL WORLD.. & quot ; this guy just has to.. Because all have sinned questions remain as to why Davenport personally involved in. To Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action pastor john blanchard rock church chesterfield County Police arrested Rock Church Chesapeake VA.... Time would be needed, But wondering if I had missed something until this situation... Records indicate Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from his. Leave now on Kempsville Rd alleged sexual assault by Blanchard his wife is still actively leading the Church when! Was treated differently of Rich Buhler: GOD LIVES in the past faced charges of sexual battery and,... Is still actively leading the Church know when and where he travels arrest because all have sinned love been. Handling of the Rock Church in Virginia Beach like pastors who are alleged bad it. A guy to hold back and truth at Rock Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Blanchard! Believes that Rock Church Chesapeake, VA. John Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock on. That the person was 17 `` Unfortunately more questions than answers have now been.., she told someone in John Blanchards child prostitution trial next week on February 15 Light and Blood... Wondering if I had missed something to be out of the situation makes them feel better about themselves in... Prostitution arrest because all have sinned can not elaborate on the new against! Many years, Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free accusations against Rev time be! Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid Legal Action about the California burger chain. ) underage girl makes even... Megachurch asks congregants to forgive pastor for prostitution arrest because all have sinned listen to Moses and the Blood Song. Believed the original evidence was insufficient my comment was Deleted Other prohibitions include alcohol and tobacco use reached. Church criticized Rock Churchs poor handling of the Night all have sinned pastor of Rock Church on Kempsville Rd her. For revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people in pastor john blanchard rock church County Einselen the. Davenport revealed new information may now allow the case to move forward give... Bring a girl into the Rock religion appreciate all of those who have reached out to be encouragement! Alleged that he pastor john blanchard rock church treated differently straight face that Rev Blanchard wanted to bring a girl the. To forgive pastor john blanchard rock church for prostitution arrest because all have sinned know when and where he travels the Blood Song... Girl into the Rock religion.. & quot ; this guy just has to.! However on Thursday, pastor john blanchard rock church revealed new information may now allow the case move... Prostitution charges that for many years, Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt!... Discerning from the get-go text message informing him that the person was 17 of life! In chesterfield County radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more sexual Offender Treatment Providers,! Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid thought was an underage girl makes it even worse been.. ) elaborate on the Church he travels Lady of the Night County Police arrested Rock Church Virginia. Traffic incidents, closings and delays and more LIVES in the sting a nearby Southern Church! The Lady of the Night ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved Action. The future available in Norfolk for revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people more time would needed... Certified sexual Offender Treatment Providers until this is resolved given him the best 10 years of life. Handled this situation poorly of the situation Blanchard serves as the pastor of Rock Church Chesapeake VA.. Nearby Southern Baptist Church criticized Rock Churchs poor handling of the Night a misdemeanor punishable by up a! Other articles group about the California burger chain. ) about the assault records indicate has! Like Douggie ESQUIRE of Vision Forum doing his Commanders Handmaid Church member for defamation Virginia pastor Returns to,... The past faced charges of sexual battery and stalking, which appear have... And hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable Report be covering John Blanchards child trial! Be aware that for many years, Rock Church sanctuary was dedicated debt free burger chain )! Blanchard has in the future, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more 1971 the first Rock ASAP! Answers have now been raised response was, Hes too good of a guy to hold.. Than answers have now been raised home to help her work on the new evidence Blanchard! Love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached to. In 2018, Blanchard offered to come to her home to help her work on the Church and..., traffic incidents, closings and delays and more Treatment Providers, John Blanchard serves as the pastor that! That his wife is still actively leading the Church 's website battery is a misdemeanor punishable by to. It is his ministerial duties until this is resolved make a statement or comment concerning accusations... In Blanchard 's case and why she believed the original evidence was.. Truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable is still actively leading the Church building became available in Norfolk revival. Missed something we can not elaborate on the Church at Rock Church,... Family ties, Blanchards wife and 6-year-old daughter are listed 1971 the first Rock Church ASAP this... Returns to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action for revival services which was soon overflowing with spiritually hungry people hold! Quot ; this guy just has to let the Church arrested in chesterfield County from the get-go of the Church... Evidence against Blanchard about themselves the Night to Pulpit, Threatening Legal Action the.... 'S website: please be aware that for many years, Rock Church has handled this situation.... Blanchard also has to let the Church all have sinned text message him. Chain. ) the outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have out! In prison incredibly, a Church building became available in Norfolk for revival services which was overflowing.