Jennifer Smith, Chief Reporter For Dailymail.Com It was very disappointing to learn that, while some of you experienced the Bogards as dedicated pastors, many others have experienced leadership that failed to meet the commitments and standards of Hillsong Church, the Houstons continued. If anythingthis last COVID season has begun to show us that the Church is people. The two then had sexual intercourse., Bogard told investigators that he has no recollection of the accuser "saying 'no' at any time while they were in the car. Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman, LLP, did not respond to requests for comment. 20:07 BST 25 Mar 2022 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. Its really hard to lead people in a place you havent gone yourself. The Houstons examination has now concluded after interviewing members of the church who asked the church not to reveal personal details. Susan Greene. Hillsong Church is once again facing some serious allegations. We have one shot at this and we dont get a do-over. It doesnt matter how many mistakes youve made. The former Hillsong junior staffer said they stayed at the bar for about 45 minutes, having only one drink each. Shannon stated that from the way Ms. [redacted] spoke about the relationship with Mr. Bogard, it was something Mr. Bogard put pressure on Ms. [redacted] to do, investigators added. Do not sell or share my personal information. The Bogards resignation came after Hillsongs leadership suspended their pastoral duties as they investigated members complaints they werent upholding Hillsongs leadership standards. During the interim, Hillsong leaders will help to provide for and support Hillsong Dallas. A year later, after a crazy night of partying, I decided I wanted to give the whole God thing another shot. Shannon observed that from her point of view, of all the people Mr. Bogard could have chosen, Ms. [redacted] was probably the most vulnerable.. We are going to make mistakes. Hillsong admittedin December that it knew about 'serious allegations' against the church in 2018 and 'found some were true'. Houston told the investigators that "the nature and extent of such discipline were handed down by top leadership in Australia," the report reads. As we were establishing Hillsong Church in Dallas, the pandemic swept across the globe and quickly changed the shape of our growing church in the city, the Houstons explained. 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. Reeds announcement to you right now, not sure whether that comes as a shock, said Houston, but I must say Reed and Jess have given their heart and soul to the pioneering of Hillsong Dallas over the last couple of years, and were grateful for that, were grateful for the great work theyve done. Meanwhile, in January, Reed and Jess Bogard, lead pastors of the Dallas location, abruptly resigned during a Sunday morning service. Ive never met two people who believe in people so much, said Bogard, adding that he believes the best is yet to come for Hillsong Church in general and for Hillsong Dallas in particular. It turns out former Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard was accused of raping a junior female staffer who he had an affair with. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Three high school seniors who have been charged with murder after 'throwing rock at female motorist's car' took PHOTO of her shattered windscreen as sick memento, cops say, President Biden admits to being 'confused' as he struggles through CHILDREN'S press conference and tries to remember last country he visited and the name of movie Top Gun (before little girl tells him to go back inside! On Sunday (Jan. 3), Reed Bogard announced his and his wife's resignation in a prerecorded message that aired during the church's streaming worship service. This life is but a vapor. And we are so excited for Dallas as a new room of Hillsong Church is launching! Houston later said the couple, who had served in New York with Lentz . She confirmed she participated in a deposition concerning the allegation but would not say anything more than what was already included in the report. New York's statute of limitations for reporting rape cases can be as long as 20 years. Babbitt, who said she gave. 2023 ChurchLeaders.com, All rights reserved. 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. I apologize for any pain I have caused. What happened with my relationship with Hillsong is once I did report to church, that's when things started going downhill,' she told the Christian Post. 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. We all struggle with insecurity and comparison. What would you say to someone who is ready to give up or throw in the towel? Investigators noted that Bogards decision to force his accuser into signing an NDA was also another example of his abuse of power. A year and a half into my journey at that church, I wasnt able to go to our Hillsong conference because I couldnt afford it. RNS. "An additional cause for concern is that even within the parameters of the sexual relationship between them, it appears that the sexual activities between the two frequently suggest that they were designed to reinforce the power imbalance between them.. He then reached down between the seat and the door and pulled the lever that released the seat back. , updated The church is facing increasing scrutiny after recent revelations that former celebrity pastor Carl Lentz, pictured in 2017, cheated on his wife of 17 years, View of the now closed Dallas Hillsong Church where pastors allegedly used worshipper donations to fund their lifestyles. We just submitted to Hillsong leadershipsubmitted our dream to Brian and Bobbyand for 9 years, we served as executive pastors, always knowing it was a dream and desire to lead something of our own. The last 10 years of being in church planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family, Reed Bogard continued, and we just really feel like 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., Bogard expressed his gratitude toward Brian and Bobbie Houston, the. I thought, "Surely thats not them" But they had also just gotten a new car. 8. Bogard was ousted from the church along with his wife last year amid claims they had been misappropriating church donations to fund their lavish lifestyle. The Houstons said Reed Bogard, who along with his wife allegedly used church funds lavishly, had been suspended from his pastoral duties as complaints that he failed to uphold the standards of Hillsong leadership were being investigated. Stake-in-the-ground type decisions to hold me through the seasons. Play it now! Bogard then began to climb over the arm rest until he was bearing down on top of her in her seat. Reed and I have been talking over a period of time and we both agree that it would be a perfect time for them to come to a new season in their life, which means a new season also for Hillsong Dallas., The church will be getting new lead pastors, which is exciting, said Houston, although he added, We want to make the right decision, so were not going to rush it., During the interim, Hillsong leaders will help to provide for and support Hillsong Dallas. 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.". But over the last few years, the so-called disciples of the church have revealed themselves to have somewhat compromised morals. The Bogards resigned less than two months after former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz was fired last Novemberover leadership issues and moral failures, including being unfaithful to his wife. I dont have any comment on that. Bart Barber, Majority of pastors love to preach but few like counseling and discipling believers more: study. A family walked to our house, knocked on our door, and asked if my sister or I would want to go to youth group or church with themso I went. Lentz was fired from Hillsong in 2020. 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. Many factors, all amplified by the pandemic, have resulted in the difficult decision to pause all operations at Hillsong Dallas for now.. This Hillsong megachurch branch has been deemed beyond immediate redemption. We ask that the media and all other parties respect and protect her privacy.. The Bogards helped former pastor Carl Lentz plant Hillsong NYC in 2010. 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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. [redacted] says that Mr. Bogard ignored her comment and continued his climb on top of her. ChurchLeaders original article written on January 5, 2021 below. Comparison has been a constant thing Ive had to battle in my own life. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. We have been in regular contact with her and she has asked to remain anonymous. I know better and will do better.. She has always had a passion for the written word and has been writing professionally for the past five years. Reed Bogard and Jess Bogard are incredible leaders who have been. Return to homepage. The journey continues after 4 years of college, 4 of med school, 5 of PhD #neverstops #mdphd. Lentz also brushed shoulders with other celebrities along the likes of Drake, Vanessa Hudgens, and various NBA stars. Thats a tactic a lot of these pastors use to keep their secrets, he charged. I would meet with Mary every Tuesday afternoon and we would read the Bible together. Repent and change your waysGod can use you wherever youre at. 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Were going to make mistakes, but if we are open about our humanity then I think we can go far together. Be sure to follow us on social media @equippedbyfaith and subscribe to our newsletter at info@equippedbyfaith.com to receive weekly Bible Reading Plan devotionals, Equip Group meet-ups, and other special updates! NFL Draft 2023 LIVE: The Carolina Panthers have the No. Walker recalled one day while he was out with Jess Bogard and two of his friends, she bought them matching $100 jackets before taking them out to dinner at a pretty nice, pretty expensive Italian restaurant called North Italia. A shiny new red Hummer. But before I had a platform, I was preaching. My husband was a pastors kid. Primary Sidebar. They originally met at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia in 2005 and have since served on Hillsong staff for 14 years in different capacities, including being part of the teams on the ground that planted the Hillsong New York City and Los Angeles . Babbitt stated that she was also given a PEX card to pay for the food of the children she cared for but was never asked to explain the purchases. Another former Hillsong congregant who spoke with the Post was 27-year-old Jenna Babbitt, who started attending Hillsong NYC in August 2011. She stated people did not say no to Mr. Bogard, investigators said. Ive never met two people who believe in people so much, said Bogard, adding that he believes the best is yet to come for Hillsong Church in general and for Hillsong Dallas in particular. I have nothing to do with Hillsong anymore. Along with the former junior staffer and Bogard, the following individuals were interviewed as part of the internal investigation: a former Hillsong NYC congregant; Shannon Kelly, a former creative director at Hillsong NYC; Amanda and Robert Fergusson, a husband and wife team of Bible teachers and key leaders of Hillsong Church; Jess Bogard, wife of Reed Bogard; Lauren Brooks (sic), a former creative producer at Hillsong NYC; Tolu Badders, chief operating officer and executive pastor at Hillsong Church NYC; Kane Keatinge, Hillsong NYC staff pastor; Carl Lentz, former Hillsong NYC lead pastor who wasfired in November 2020 over leadership issues and moral failures, including being unfaithful to his wife; Laura Lentz and Ben Houston. But God continues to remind me to stay in my own lane. Former Hillsong NYC congregant Jenna Babbitt, 27, told The New York Post she provided childcare services for several pastors, including the Bogards, and revealed how church expense cards were used for personal items, like purchasing food for the kids in her care. Several factors worsened by the coronavirus pandemic worked against the church in fulfilling that promise, the Houstons said. In addition to the allegation of rape, which allegedly took place one night on Manhattans Upper East Side in October 2013, details highlighted in the report show Bogard drinking heavily, using marijuana, and generally bullying staff while serving at Hillsong NYC prior to being promoted as lead pastor of Hillsong Dallas. We allow them to see us have our moments of frustrationand I will always apologize to my kids when I react the wrong way or do the wrong thing. I used to work as a receptionist at a hair salon. I have always felt a call to ministry. Anna Crenshaw, now 23, told the Christian Post this week thatJason Mays, a married Hillsong staff administrator, assaulted her at some point before 2018 when she reported the incident. We met at the leadership school at Hillsong, Australia. It was reported that the Bogards used fundsused to purchase ATVs, expensive meals, designer clothes, and items for their children. Others, however, believe the megachurch needs to have a much deeper reckoning before it can be anywhere close to redeemed for its leadership failures. We loved our time with Jess and we know you will too. All of the ugly things we dont want to talk about. It was revealed that the two were under investigation for "leadership failures," resulting in the closure of that campus. 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. The church added: 'Many factors, all amplified by the pandemic, have resulted in the difficult decision to pause all operations at Hillsong Dallas for now.'. By 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. Hillsong is shutting down its Dallas operations amid a series of scandals that have rocked the Australian-based megachurch, the church announced on Saturday. Lets be more unified than ever before, said Houston. 'I felt like I could not say anything about the Jason incident because his friend had said not to, insisting that he was a good guy and this was not a normal behavior for him.'. I have a very active daily relationship with Jesus. The board came up with a plan that Mr. Bogard would not be permitted to serve in leadership in any capacity for twelve months, he would not be on platform for 12 months and he would undergo counseling, investigators said. Leaders in the church have also faced recent allegations including sexual assault. 'It was very disappointing to learn that, while some of you experienced the Bogards as dedicated pastors, many others have experienced leadership that failed to meet the commitments and standards of Hillsong Church,' Brian and his wife said at the time. Ms. Its not going to happen.. 2. Jess Bogard and her husband, Reed, are the Lead Pastors of Hillsong Dallas! Reed Bogard, 38, and his wife, Jess Bogard, 35, the lead pastors of the Australia-based institution's Dallas branch, are stepping away from the once-celebrity-beloved international worship chain after over a decade of employment there. "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. "The last 10 years of being in church planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family," Bogard said. He was seen soaking up the sun with his wife on Easter Sunday while wearing shorts with a cropped plaid shirt. It was Gods greatest blessing to us. The details have never been made public until now. I want to be the first to apologize to those who felt disappointed or hurt, and I pray that God does a swift work in bringing peace and healing.. I am grateful that there has been some action made as a result of person after person sharing their negative experience of Hillsong Church, but there needs to be a lot more progress made by Hillsong Church and specifically Brian Houston in light of all of the stories that have come out recently, Jenna Babbitt, a current Dallas resident and former Hillsong NYC congregant, told The Post. Look at your own lifeask yourself what you are good at and what you love. [redacted] stated that as soon as she and Mr. Bogard sat down at a table at the bar, they each ordered a drink. [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]. My teenager said something in response to COVID the other dayhe said, This is the worst year of my life!" Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard was secretly accused of raping a younger, female staffer who he had an affair with in 2013, it has been revealed. God wont take you to the next level until you allow him to use you where youre at. 4. Babbitt, who said she gave thousands to the church, said she saw the cards used for buying gifts and staying in luxury hotels. Bogard claimed that they arranged to meet at the bar around 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. No compelling legitimate reason was given by Mr. Bogard for why this demand was made in the middle of the affair. I think I just want to leave it at that.. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. Again, she complied. 22:42 BST 27 Mar 2022. 1 overall pick and where will QBs Bryce Young and C.J. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV). Im a big believer in being sent" and not being one of the went."