Bogard, who now works as a director of business development for Keller Williams in Michigan, said he was done with all things Hillsong as well. At the time, the Church did not conduct any meaningful inquiry into the details or circumstances of the affair, and no one with appropriate training was assigned to look into matters, investigators noted. Sweeping, smiling, encouragingthat was my ministry. Reed Bogard, pastor of Hillsong Dallas in Dallas, Texas, announced Sunday that he and his wife, Jess, are stepping down as pastors in order to pursue health and to transition into a new season in their lives. Im a big believer in maintaining my own relationship with Jesus. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. All of the ugly things we dont want to talk about. He got off the plane and I was greeting students. Weve had some crazy days, some great days seeing God do many, many miracles, and so were so grateful for that.. When did you know it was time to start your own church? NOVEMBER 2020: Carl Lentz admits cheating on his wife of 17 years with Brooklyn designer he met during the pandemic, DECEMBER 2020: Former memberYolandi Bosch claims publicly the church is a cult that controls members, 2021: Creative director Darrell Barnett fired for sending shirtless selfie, JAN 2021: Reed Bogard and wife fired for misappropriating funds, AUGUST 2021: Head of church Brian Houston charged with covering up his father's alleged sex crimes against minors, MARCH 24, 2022: Houston steps down as it's claimed he was inappropriate to two women, MARCH 25: Woman's rape claim against Bogard becomes public. This life is but a vapor. She added: 'I bought a designer purse and $100 or $200 of food from Dean & DeLuca for visiting pastors.'. read more. Theexploitation of free labor while these pastors are making bank is just crazy to me, Babbitt, who spent months working without pay for the Bogards, told the newspaper in January. Hillsong Dallas Pastors, Who Helped Start NYC Location With Carl Lentz Its not going to happen.. The scandal appears to have impacted his relationship with Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey, as both unfollowed him on Instagram after having spent extensive time with him. UPDATE: Brian Houston Announces Dallas Hillsong Closing After Pastors Misuse of Funds, ChurchLeaders original article written on, In addition to helping plant Hillsong Dallas and Hillsong LA, the Bogards helped plant Hillsong NYC while, It has been an incredible ride thus far,, ina prerecorded message prior to Sundays livestreamed sermon, which was delivered by Hillsong pastor, . The following day, he apologized for the tweet. BGM LOVES the local church!!! We can glorify the pastor and the preacherbut truth be told, if we dont have great people financing the Kingdom of God, people loving people, people serving through outreachthen we dont make up the full body of Christ. When we were in Australia, we knew we wanted to come to the United States. The relationship began in September 2013 and continued through the beginning of January 2014. Jessica is a content editor for ChurchLeaders.com and the producer of The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast. Its not based on feelings and emotions. Were going to make mistakes, but if we are open about our humanity then I think we can go far together. I think the bill was $600 to $700, Walker recalled. Hillsong Church has faced controversy recently after Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz was fired on Nov. 4 for what Houston first announced as moral failures. The next day, Lentz published an apology in which he admitted that he was terminated because he had been unfaithful to his wife. Liked by Jasmine Bogard. Church leaders were led to believe the relationship was consensual and "consequences to both [parties] were meted out accordingly," investigators revealed. 8. Thats a tactic a lot of these pastors use to keep their secrets, he charged. Bart Barber, Majority of pastors love to preach but few like counseling and discipling believers more: study. In an email to members, founders Brian and Bobbie Houston addressed the church's investigation into former Dallas pastor Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess Bogard, who resigned in January after. 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Many factors, all amplified by the pandemic, have resulted in the difficult decision to pause all operations at Hillsong Dallas for now, Brian and Bobbie Houston, the husband-and-wife team who co-founded Hillsong and currently share the title of global senior pastors, wrote to congregants in a Saturday email that was forwarded to The Post. Stroud end up? ), Scientists may have worked out how to increase lifespans by 80 PERCENT - in lab study of cells, Sudan's Islamists use online networks and AI to make their move and spread claims that they are poised for victory - just like the Taliban did - as democracy leaders flee, Nikki Haley says Biden will likely DIE within five years: 2024 hopeful attacks presidents age after he announced his run for President, Record one in FOUR high school students say they are gay, bisexual or 'questioning' their sexuality, official CDC data shows - double the 2015 figure. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV). Citing investigation participants privacy, the email only vaguely details the pastors as having failed to meet the commitments and standards of Hillsong, before offering a brief apology to those who felt disappointed or hurt.. We all struggle with insecurity and comparison. It was natural for me to want to preach. The findings of the investigation conducted by the New York City law firm Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, are highlighted in a report reviewed by CP. NFL Draft 2023 LIVE: The Carolina Panthers have the No. The former pastor is reportedly, for depression, anxiety, and pastoral burnout, and Hillsong has launched an independent investigation into the culture at, in the past and who was friends with Lentz, has distanced himself from Hillsong after a Dec. 31, that the star had plans to go into ministry at Hillsong NYC. Right now were in North Dallas High School, and after COVID, were excited to do something in Frisco as well as Downtown Dallas. Ms. [redacted] admits that she complied. Ms. Weve had some crazy days, some great days seeing God do many, many miracles, and so were so grateful for that., Reed and Jess Bogard met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia and later returned to the U.S. to plant the three Hillsong churches with which they have been involved. A number of things in this article are factually wrong, but abuse is NEVER ok. My understanding is that Anna was originally abused in her fathers church in Pennsylvania. Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard is accused of rape Jennifer Smith, Chief Reporter For Dailymail.Com Were really intentional with the kids about not feeling any pressure as being a pastors kid. The Bogards resignation came after Hillsongs leadership suspended their pastoral duties as they investigated members complaints they werent upholding Hillsongs leadership standards. Hillsong admittedin December that it knew about 'serious allegations' against the church in 2018 and 'found some were true'. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. I stay fueled and motivated honored that God would choose me and have a relationship with me. Reed and Jess Bogard, the former lead pastors of Hillsong Dallas before their sudden and quiet resignation in January. That makes it sadder. Hillsong board blames anxiety drug, alcohol for landing Brian Houston Ben Houston, Brian Houstons son, who was leading Hillsong LA and serving as Bogards boss when the former junior staffer first revealed her sexual relationship with him to Hillsong senior leaders, told investigators that he had spoken with his father and members of the churchs global board about the relationship. Lentz also brushed shoulders with other celebrities along the likes of Drake, Vanessa Hudgens, and various NBA stars. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. We lucked out. Early this year, Reed and Jess Bogard abruptly resigned from their positions as lead pastors at Hillsong Church's Dallas location. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The Christian Post obtained a copy of the investigation report in which lawyers said it was still a possibility that Bogard could face criminal charges. She confirmed she participated in a deposition concerning the allegation but would not say anything more than what was already included in the report. Bogard was ousted from the church along. Mr. She made the allegation for the first time in conversations with Hillsong leaders and an investigation was commissioned as a result. Volunteers have already accused the church of using them to perform manual labor and fulfill the personal needs of its leadership. On Sunday (Jan. 3), Reed Bogard announced his and his. I totally get it. All we ever wanted was acknowledgment of what was happening, Brandon Walker who helped the Bogards start the Dallas branch in 2019 and previously talked about excessive spending told The Post of the email. Justin and Hailey Bieber are the church's most famous followers but the Kardashians have been tied to it as has Selena Gomez and others. While this was happening, Bogards accuser told investigators that she felt very conflicted being at the bar with him because she felt like she had put herself in that position and had been asking herself, do I like him?. ', Megan Phalon, left, said the pastors 'bought four-wheeler ATVs' to drive around the city. Hillsong shuts down Dallas operations after pastors used church Megachurch fires worship artist over extramarital affair | Church Former members of the church told the New York Post how staff would use pre-paid expense (PEX) cards with funds made from tithes. In announcing his resignation, Reed Bogard, 38, said he and his 35-year-old wife: Just really feel that its time to transition off of our staff and take some time to remain healthy, get healthy and to really see what this next season holds for us.. In early January of 2021, Pastor Reed Bogard, who helped found Hillsong NYC and Hillsong LA and was up until this point the senior pastor at Hillsong Dallas, released a short, curt, prerecorded message during the January 3 service announcing that he and his "pastrix" wife Jess were resigning. [redacted] stated that when they got into the car (she in the front passenger seat and Mr. Bogard in the drivers seat), Mr. Bogard leaned across the arm rest and kissed Ms. [redacted]. Reed and Jess Bogard met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia and later returned to the U.S. to plant the three Hillsong churches with which they have been involved. BOGARD, Jud Age 45, passed away peacefully in his North Hollywood, California home on January 24, 2022. Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone by making a one-time donation today. A pair of Hillsong docuseries planned, examining the megachurch's Mays,the son of the church's head of human resources John Mays, pleaded guilty to 'assault with an act of indecency' in 2019, according to the outlet. We had a mutual friend who thought we would be good together. Houston is currently facing criminal charges for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. There were women there that needed to hear about the hope and love of Jesusand when I began to understand that, I realized that place was my ministry. Investigators reported that Bogard was "stood down publicly from the platform in Los Angeles for a period of either eight or twelve months," noting that "stories differ.". In April 2021, former Hillsong Dallas Lead Pastor Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess, abruptly resigned from their positions. Former Hillsong Members Say Tithes Funded Pastors' Lavish Lifestyles Hillsong Churchstated at the time that it launched an independent investigation "into the inner workings of Hillsong NYC/ East Coast" after hearing concerns from people affiliated with those churches. It was revealed that the two were under investigation for "leadership failures," resulting in the closure of that campus. Brandon Walker, 28, who helped the Bogards plant Hillsong Dallas, told the New York Post that he witnessed a lot of toxic activity, including $1,100 per day Airbnb rentals. Do not sell or share my personal information. New Hampshire is crowned beer capital of America and Washington DC has biggest number of winos, official data shows so how boozy is your state ? Well see you all next month on September 2nd for our next Equipped by Faith first-Wednesday gathering. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. I have always felt a call to ministry. We are those people. The church then said it would understand if its members opted to attend local churches in Dallas rather than watch Hillsong broadcasts online. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Another former Hillsong pastor Michael Guglielmucci admitted to faking a cancer diagnosis in 2008 while receiving donations to help pay for his 'treatments,' Vanity Fair reported. But before I had a platform, I was preaching. The affair happened in 2013 and lasted until the following year. Its such a rough season. When she asked about it, investigators noted: Mr. Globally, church leaders have faced a number of allegations over the years, from sexual assault to revelations that former celebrity pastor Carl Lentz cheated on his wife of 17 years while other former Hillsong members have compared it to a 'cult'. The Bogards had been a part of the Hillsong NYC team under Lentz's leadership before moving to Dallas and launching the church there. Hillsong Dallas Pastors, Who Helped Start NYC Church with Carl Lentz To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Hillsong leaders were made aware years earlier of a sexual relationship between the two parties, but an investigation was not conducted by the church at the time. He resigned on March 24 after it was also claimed he had been inappropriate with staff, notably two women. Again, she complied. More than two-thirds of the cash went on staff salaries, benefits and expenses as well as operating costs. I walked into the Hillsong arena conference, a naive young girlI grabbed my senior pastor and said, I didnt know there were this many Christians in the world! I just decided I wanted to be part of this church for the rest of my life. I want to get to heaven exhaustedusing every opportunity I had to share about God's grace and love. This Hillsong megachurch branch has been deemed beyond immediate redemption. Hillsong is shutting down its Dallas operations amid a series of scandals that have rocked the Australian-based megachurch, the church announced on Saturday. But we will NOT be brainwashed, JAN MOIR: Harry's war of grievance against the press is only going to hurt his father ahead of his Coronation, Biden to set up migrant processing centers in Guatemala and Colombia to try and stop an influx of migrants and authorizes Army Reserves to head to the border - with Title 42 ending in just 12 DAYS, 'If he was an NBA player, he'd be home': Family of Texas man awaiting EXECUTION in China say Biden is 'cherry picking' high profile cases - as Ted Cruz calls for him to be freed 10 years after he was jailed on 'bogus' drug charges, Human remains found at a swimming beach on Lake Mead are finally identified as a Las Vegas man who went missing on a fishing trip with his brother in 1998, to uphold the standards of Hillsong leadership.'. She was an 85-year-old widow and felt it was her calling in life to bring young girls under her wing. ', Brian and Bobbie Houston, the co-founders of Hillsong Church, sent an email to members noting that the Dallas church was closing, Reed and Jess Bogard are pictured after it was revealed that the Bogards and other church staff allegedly used worshipper donations to fund their lifestyles. Brian Houston categorically denies he had knowledge of this serious allegation when Reed Bogard was selected as the Lead Pastor for Dallas, Hillsong Church said in a statement to CP. JUD BOGARD Obituary (1976 - 2022) - Boston, CA - Boston Globe - Legacy.com It turns out former Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard was accused of raping a junior female staffer who he had an affair with. In a comment on this article yesterday, I foolishly included information that was wrong for me to share, Brian wrote in a reply. The good news is were all going through it together." Filed Under: Church. He has been criminally charged in Australia over the allegation that he turned a blind eye to his father's abhuse - which he vehemently denies. Houston told the investigators that "the nature and extent of such discipline were handed down by top leadership in Australia," the report reads. This, however, was not sufficient for Annas father, Ed Crenshaw. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. Ms. Jess Bogard and her husband, Reed, are the Lead Pastors of Hillsong Dallas! Before the footage switched to a livestream of his sermon, Brian Houston shared his thoughts on Bogards news. 'I'm not interested to support an organization that's willing to treat abuse the way I've seen them treat abuse. He laterreleased a statement claiming that he lied about having cancer because he was addicted to pornography. When contacted about the report in February, Hillsong Church said Brian Houston, who resigned Wednesday after it was revealed that two women made seriouscomplaints of misconduct against him in the last 10 years, was not aware of the rape claims against Bogard when he was chosen to lead Hillsong Dallas in 2019. It's unclear what prompted the woman to claim six years later that Bogard had raped her. She was so sweet and patient with me. Houston is now facing claims that his father, who founded the church, covered up sexual abuse during his tenure in charge. Several factors worsened by the coronavirus pandemic worked against the church in fulfilling that promise, the Houstons said. Thats where my motivation comes from. Bart Barber, Majority of pastors love to preach but few like counseling and discipling believers more: study. "In recounting various liaisons, Ms. [redacted] consistently talks about how Reed wanted to have sex, so we had sex, and similar comments, always indicating that Mr. Bogard was the initiator. I thought, f I cant have a relationship with You, then I dont want to go to church." I felt the Holy Spirit stop me, Dont be the positive policejust sit and empathize. So I responded from that place. How do you manage to help so many people and still take care of yourself and your family? Hillsong Dallas pastors, who helped start NYC location with Carl Lentz Houston later said the couple, who had served in New York with Lentz . We loved our time with Jess and we know you will too. It was Gods greatest blessing to us. But there was another girl who had started to vibe with Reedand I found out she was doing his laundry and making him apple pies. A leaked call later revealed that Hillsong leadership had concerns about Lentz prior to revelations about his marital unfaithfulness. Houston later said the couple, who had served in New York with . When the time is right and we have identified and trained suitable lead pastors, we will consider relaunching.. Hillsong Church Senior Pastor Brian Houston of Sydney, Australia, speaks at Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 7, 2016. Its really hard to lead people in a place you havent gone yourself. The details have never been made public until now. In all honesty, we could have gone out and done something earlier, but it wouldnt have had as much impact without the blessing of a healthy house. My biggest obstacle is myself. Darnell Barrett, another member of the church, was fired in 2021 for sending a shirtless picture to someone else in the congregation. I feel so incredibly privileged to be called a Christian. With the boys, I try to be as real as possible. The report was submitted to George Aghajanian, general manager and a director of Hillsong Church Australia and its international entities, on Jan. 11, 2021. Sight Magazine - Hillsong Dallas pastors, who helped start NYC location