A board of trustees selected by the late Apostle Betty R. Peebles, co-founder of Jericho City of Praise in Landover, on Wednesday fired her only surviving child, the Rev. Joel R. Peebles, as acting pastor and stripped him of membership in the church his parents created more than 40 years ago.
Peebles, 42, the sole survivor of the Peebles family, said he was notified in writing of his dismissal just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, when he arrived at the church to begin preparing for an evening Bible study session.
Peebles’s firing is the latest development in a controversy that began just after Betty Peebles’s death in October 2010. The issue has been control of the church’s massive assets: a 10,000-seat sanctuary, a senior citizens’ complex, schools and a lucrative agreement to provide parking for Washington Redskins home games.
Board members contend that Betty Peebles thought her son needed additional training before taking the reins. Joel Peebles said his mother wanted him to succeed her.
“I preached by my mother’s side every Sunday,” Peebles said in a previous interview. “I preached at 8 a.m. and was by her side when she preached at the 11 a.m. service.”
Henry called Wednesday’s dismissal “another attempt by Satan” to interfere with Peebles’s work. “He has preached every Sunday. He has negotiated and signed $88 million in loans and other things to help establish this ministry,” Henry said.
A source familiar with the controversy said the board decided to fire Peebles because the two sides had not been able to agree on managing the church. Both sides claimed victory after a court hearing on Monday.
Is there any documentation on who the late pastor specifically wanted to succeed her? What do the bylaws state in regards to the appointment of a successor?I have a tad bit of a problem with the pastor being the sole appointer of the successor... kinda... I mean the church is not the family jewels that you pass down to little pastor jr. and pastor III etc. It's different, you don't own it and you don't have the right to keep it in your family for the sake of keeping it in your family.
Here's what the article says about why he was fired (not a lot of detail):
I'm not familiar with the back story, but it sounds to me like typical infighting about how to actually run the church (probably related to money, investments, budget, etc.). I perused quite a few articles and there wasn't a single mention of any sin or wrongdoing, so I don't think there were any improper actions involved.
But the bigger picture - imo - is plural vs. singular leadership and who should be in charge of a church? Should the pastor have sole authority? Majority authority? Should a board be able to oust a pastor? Independent churches vs. affiliated churches... if you start a church from the ground up, build it, etc... should your members or board be able to vote you out? What if you started that church, die and pass it on to your child, should the members be able to vote him out?
I have a tad bit of a problem with the pastor being the sole appointer of the successor... kinda... I mean the church is not the family jewels that you past down to little pastor jr. and pastor III etc. It's different, you don't own it and you don't have the right to keep it in your family for the sake of keeping it in your family.
Is there any documentation on who the late pastor specifically wanted to succeed her? What do the bylaws state in regards to the appointment of a successor?
#questionsonmymindasIreadthistory
Irregardless, I think every church should have some type of board for accountability measures and within that board roles and positions be clearly defined. I don't have a problem as much these days with a Pastor having vision, ideas and the leniency to lead (too many chiefs not enough indians is a huge problem in too many churches today) but there should be some accountability. So basically, I argue for balance (clear leadership but also accountability).
...changing locks, firing staff... all of this after the leader died... I just don't see God in that (assuming it's true). I'm so saddened to see this huge landmark go down like this. Apostle Betty died without a single mark or wrinkle on her name, and I can't imagine that she or her husband would've been pleased to see their only living son treated this way or the church they built being marred this way.... especially if their son is blameless. They built this church from nothing to one of the largest mega-churches in the DMV area.
In any case, I think that for matters like this, the entire church should decide who leads them as pastor. But it's so complicated that I honestly could argue both positions.
They changed the locks because of a series of burglaries, and that it was not attempt to lock the pastor out..........well that's what they say anyway ::) :-\
Imagine starting a ministry with your spouse. You two put up the money for the first space you rent. The first space isn't large so many times you have to invest large sums of your own money to make ends meet. You also have After 5 years you have enough for a mortgage.
You purchase a building that can seat 200. It's difficult at first because you initially don't have enough members to cover the increased mortgage and bills, but after 10 years you have enough to purchase a large space. This new space can seat 5,000.
After 5 years you start having some issues with the board members. There are disagreements. You rub some of them the wrong way.
You placed a clause in the Bylaws that allows the board to remove a Pastor from office if, say, 80% of the board can agree. Some individuals with influence pull some strings, and you're out.
Now, after giving your life and literally tens of thousands of dollars to this ministry, you're out of a job. You aren't even a MEMBER in the church you founded with blood sweat and tears.
Doesn't seem fair.
The matter of succession is a little more complicated. Still, if I founded this church, I should be able to choose who the successor will be.
Why?
Because I know the challenges better than any board member. I know the requisite personality traits better than any board member. I know the job.
I'm convinced that if we're going to make strides in winning a generation that is steadily turning toward atheism, it's going to have to be done OUTSIDE of the church. No one is going to take us seriously when they pick up the freaking Washington Post and see THIS crap. The situation is complicated, yes, but a sense of awareness is in order. You DO NOT feed a media engine that lusts after any shred of drama that will make the church look bad. These people are grown, they should act like it and start considering the BODY, not just their personal agenda.
I'm convinced that if we're going to make strides in winning a generation that is steadily turning toward atheism, it's going to have to be done OUTSIDE of the church. No one is going to take us seriously when they pick up the freaking Washington Post and see THIS crap. The situation is complicated, yes, but a sense of awareness is in order. You DO NOT feed a media engine that lusts after any shred of drama that will make the church look bad. These people are grown, they should act like it and start considering the BODY, not just their personal agenda.
They also changed the locks on the pastor's office and didn't give him a key. That wasn't an attempt to lock him out? LOL
I wonder if any members are inclined to go with him? That's a tell-tale sign. If everybody's staying put, then they all wanted him to go. If it splits the church, then the board just went renegade and tried to do something crazy.
I'm convinced that if we're going to make strides in winning a generation that is steadily turning toward atheism, it's going to have to be done OUTSIDE of the church. No one is going to take us seriously when they pick up the freaking Washington Post and see THIS crap. The situation is complicated, yes, but a sense of awareness is in order. You DO NOT feed a media engine that lusts after any shred of drama that will make the church look bad. These people are grown, they should act like it and start considering the BODY, not just their personal agenda.
It's better is the pastor decides if he started the church. What happened to the days when the saints would just pray you out if you weren't doing right. :)
But how do we that these people are even "saints"?........just a thought.I'm talking about the prayer warriors in the church as a whole. Usually the mothers board. lol
if every pastor who left a church, started another................................ ....oh wait, well thats what happens already
Its already too many dead churches where a leader is not sent, and just went. Rather than wait on Gods leading, these leaders start churches out of hurt. A ministry with that kind of foundation, develops man-made doctrines that arent necessarily Biblically based or Spirit-led that try to prevent the same hurt the church was born out of. And Im in no way saying that is whats happening here; but it could, and it has in so many other churches nationwide.
I understand the Scriptural argument against Christians not resorting to the world's legal system to resolve conflicts, but in a situation like this I don't think that the church is adequately equipped to handle something of this magnitude. And then sometimes the actions of others force your hand; if someone comes against you with a full-fledged legal attack and you don't respond in like force, it would be like showing up to a gunfight with a knife!
...I don't want to be anywhere near the electricity when the lightening strikes.Really. Somebody's trying to kindle the wrath of God. That's some Miriam and Aaron stuff right there.
I just read that they are terminating the membership of all those who support Joel Peebles.
([url]http://peopleofpraisemd.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/001-excommunicate-k-moore.jpg?w=545&h=750[/url])
Really. Somebody's trying to kindle the wrath of God. That's some Miriam and Aaron stuff right there.
From where did you get this? ?/? :-\ As in, why is it online? ?/? :-\
Lastly, are they going to change their street address as well? ?/? :-\
Even so, quickly* come, Lord Jesus. :-\
*my emphasis added
I'm reading the Chairman of the Board's deposition. It's really long, so I know no one would want to read it... but in any case, what I can't help but note is this:
1. She was appointed president of the board upon Apostle's death. She was asked something about how much she knew about serving in this position, and she said "I'm learning."
2. Much later, when asked what her personal problem is with Joel Peebles' pastoring, she named 3 things: he needs more mentoring, more training and more organization. (Now this is the man who served under his parents for 30+ years, and was the assistant pastor to his mother). She went on to elaborate on the "organization" piece, saying that she doesn't like all the walking that is done in the pulpit (it appears she was referring to the armorbearers), and that he jokes around too much.
She was given ample opportunity to add more, but she insisted that those are her only problems with him.
3. I'm on the part now where they're talking about filing taxes and whether the offering has decreased since Apostle's passing. This woman testified under oath that she has never seen a financial report of the offerings so she has no idea what they bring in on average each week or month, and that she doesn't know and has never signed any tax filings. This is the chairlady of the board. She doesn't know any of the board members' salaries (mind you, 3 of them are salaried employees of the church - clearly a conflict of interest). Is not aware of any employee evaluation or compensation policies... she basically doesn't know anything about this church at all...
---------------------------------------
Also, I read a couple of letters she wrote to Joel, I guess as a reprimand. One of them chastised him for referring to himself as Pastor Joel Peebles on a flyer, when the board has not named him pastor, reminding him that he is the assistant pastor. The letter also corrected him for referring to the church as City of Praise, not Jericho City of Praise.
**JESUS FACEPALM**
Sounds like the plot of a Carl Webber book.
just missing a few needed ingrediants
like a scandal or something
Yeah, they need to add some fornicating musicians.
I can't help but appreciate the fact that the letter was crumpled up, and then uncrumpled to be scanned.
This may be irrelevant, but I have to question the wisdom of naming a church "Jericho City". Is there something about the Biblical city of Jericho that I don't know? I didn't know the city of Jericho was associated with Godliness and praise. I thought it wasn't supposed to even be rebuilt after the walls came down.
Anyway, this is really sad. Politics... smh
It doesn't look like it was crumpled up at all, to me. :-\
As for the name of the church, it was Jericho Baptist Church and then changed to Jericho/City of Praise. I don't think the city of Jericho was necessarily associated with Godliness, but I don't think that disqualifies it as the name of the church since there's more to the city than that. But you still have a good point. I guess... Idk. There are churches named Canaan, too. *shrug*
Point.
This kind of thing is really messed up. But I'm glad that he's able to keep on keeping on. First the Crystal Cathedral, and now this?
Whoops, typed that out of order, it should have been:
This kind of thing is really messed up. First the Crystal Cathedral, and now this? But I guess that's the kind of thing that happens when churches have so much enterprise going on.
But I'm glad that he's able to keep on keeping on.
I can't help but appreciate the fact that the letter was crumpled up, and then uncrumpled to be scanned.I SO wanted to raise the Jericho point...
This may be irrelevant, but I have to question the wisdom of naming a church "Jericho City". Is there something about the Biblical city of Jericho that I don't know? I didn't know the city of Jericho was associated with Godliness and praise. I thought it wasn't supposed to even be rebuilt after the walls came down.
Anyway, this is really sad. Politics... smh
Just watched a half hour clip of the service... looks can be deceiving, so I'll just say it like this: there were an awful lot of ushers in uniform, clergy in uniform, I counted 3 keyboardists, 1 drummer, a sax player, bass player, and percussionist, and probably about 20 dancers in uniform...So... what part was deceiving? From the article description, that sounds about right.
There was at least one person translating in sign language, everyone had programs. There were old people, older people, adults, kids, men, women.... no standing room in the ballroom, there was an overflow room that was filled as well, and people in the hallways who couldn't fit anywhere else.
I am really just fascinated by this, and curious to see how it will end. Praying for a God outcome and as little damage as possible.
So... what part was deceiving? From the article description, that sounds about right.
Ok I just looked.This is funny. lol Hopes someone gets it.
Nah, it doesn't look crumpled up. It looks like almost every single bill in my pocketbook. *shrug*
Members of a divided Jericho City of Praise attended services at two locations on Sunday, the first time members of the church worshipped formally since Joel R. Peebles, the acting pastor and son of the church’s founders, was ousted and stripped of his membership last week.
About 300 members attended two somewhat subdued services in the megachurch’s Landover sanctuary, while a crowd of more than 3,000 crammed into a New Carrollton hotel...
The 8 a.m. service at Jericho was a much quieter affair. About 200 people were scattered across a sanctuary built for 10,000.... As he walked into the 10 a.m. service, with about 100 others, Tyrone Warner, a minister, said he supported the board of trustees and also plans to stay.
Rue is on top of this story like Watergate. ;D
It is fascinating, though I wish we would stop doing this to ourselves. Churches these days seem to be built around the leader. It makes me wonder what would happen to a mammoth place like The Potters House if, God forbid, something happened to Bishop Jakes. As the leader goes, so do the congregants it seems.
I really am. I'm so fascinated by this story. I find it so hard to believe that this could happen to a 19k member church (I previously said 10k, but in the depositions, they testified that it has 19k members).
Which, btw, leads me to another fascinating detail. They testified that there are 19k members. The sanctuary seats 10k, and numbers had slightly declined since the Apostle's passing. 200 went to the 8:00a service, 100 went to the 10:00a service, and 3000 went to the hotel location. Where are the other souls???
It is fascinating, though I wish we would stop doing this to ourselves. Churches these days seem to be built around the leader. It makes me wonder what would happen to a mammoth place like The Potters House if, God forbid, something happened to Bishop Jakes. As the leader goes, so do the congregants it seems.
I really am. I'm so fascinated by this story. I find it so hard to believe that this could happen to a 19k member church (I previously said 10k, but in the depositions, they testified that it has 19k members).
Which, btw, leads me to another fascinating detail. They testified that there are 19k members. The sanctuary seats 10k, and numbers had slightly declined since the Apostle's passing. 200 went to the 8:00a service, 100 went to the 10:00a service, and 3000 went to the hotel location. Where are the other souls???
They got smart and went somewhere else.
I really am. I'm so fascinated by this story. I find it so hard to believe that this could happen to a 19k member church (I previously said 10k, but in the depositions, they testified that it has 19k members).I remember years ago, my former pastor used to boast having over 200 members on our roster, but most Sundays, we'd have no more than 40 people in attendance, including guests and kids. The reality was that some people joined as a matter of formality, but were never really "members", meaning they never really participated or became a part of the church culture. Even though they hadn't attended for years, their names were never taken off of the church roster. Perhaps Jericho is like that. 19,000 is the official church roster, but 7-10k may be the actual average attendance.
Which, btw, leads me to another fascinating detail. They testified that there are 19k members. The sanctuary seats 10k, and numbers had slightly declined since the Apostle's passing. 200 went to the 8:00a service, 100 went to the 10:00a service, and 3000 went to the hotel location. Where are the other souls???
I remember years ago, my former pastor used to boast having over 200 members on our roster, but most Sundays, we'd have no more than 40 people in attendance, including guests and kids. The reality was that some people joined as a matter of formality, but were never really "members", meaning they never really participated or became a part of the church culture. Even though they hadn't attended for years, their names were never taken off of the church roster. Perhaps Jericho is like that. 19,000 is the official church roster, but 7-10k may be the actual average attendance.
It is fascinating, though I wish we would stop doing this to ourselves. Churches these days seem to be built around the leader. It makes me wonder what would happen to a mammoth place like The Potters House if, God forbid, something happened to Bishop Jakes. As the leader goes, so do the congregants it seems.
Y'know... I wrote about that.... ;D :)
But yeah, today's churches are definitely built around the leader - especially unaffiliated, independent churches, and especially pentecostal-type churches. I think that's part of a much larger problem, and I don't even have the brain capacity right now to unpack that... but it starts with pride and the ego. It trickles into this title problem we have, and it trickles into manipulation, it certainly trickles into the pastor as the central attraction of the church, and it trickles into the enterprise that the church has become.
As for Bishop Jakes, I have a hard time believing that a man as wise as he, doesn't have an effective succession plan. But hey, you never know. Pride is a beast.
^^^^^ Very good stuff, RJ.
SMH.
I don't see this culture changing in our lifetime.
And when the captain goes down, he takes the ship with him. That's something they hammer into us in my PR classes. If you build an entity around one person, you are setting yourself up for a crash and burn. Penn State and Joe Paterno = prime example.
apple steve jobs?
so many red squiggly lines in that above post
Yet, you did nothing about it. :-\IRT your av, smart move sir ;)
IRT your av, smart move sir ;):D :D