Sunday, November 22, 2009

Youth Pastor Russell Lewis arrested

RussellLewisThe clergy sexual abuse epidemic continues with the arrest of youth pastor Russell Dion Lewis of Church by the Glades in Coral Springs. Lewis stands accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

Lewis is charged with one count of custodial sexual battery and ten counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. Lewis was taken to Broward County Jail.

Meanwhile, church officials are in disbelief.

"This is the hardest time in our ministry. It's a tragedy in the life of our church," said Pastor David Hughes of Church by the Glades. "I am broken by this. I am devastated by this. I can't wrap my brain around something this
horrible."

My theory is that ugly youth pastors are more inclined to commit these crimes. I’m just saying…

Blenny posted:

I'm 17 years old as well. Pastor Russell was a great man that loved his Lord and praised him with all of his heart. I agree that for all those that knew him should pray for him and his wife as well as the victim and her family, but for the ones that were not fortunate enough to meet this man please do not judge or criticize. This is a very tragic incident in our eyes and the Lord's, but Satan is out there and he just happened to grab the attention of a righteous God believer. I'm sorry for the act that he committed and empathetic towards the family and their daughter. I will have both of them in my prayers. God Bless the victim, the victim's family, Russell Lewis and his wife, and all those who follow and do not follow Christ alike.

My problem with this line of reasoning is that it is not reasoning. Instead it inserts an excuse for poor impulse control. The devil made him do it. It’s just nonsense, but I hear it all the time.

Church by the Glades seems like a nice place and they have their head in the right place. Church should be a safe place. Pastor David Hughes address his congregation in a special service Sunday. It was the right thing to do.

Hughes told parishioners he decided to abandon the scheduled topic of his sermon to directly address the news that has rocked the church, which ministers to about 5,000 people each weekend through seven services.

"We are having a little family talk," said Hughes, 47. "It has been a weird 72 hours. As your pastor, I'm sorry. This should be a safe place."

The church formally apologies to its members and is offering counseling services to those in need. I rarely see this in the aftermath of a child molestation case, it gives me some hope.

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Baconsbud 96p · 805 weeks ago

It is good to hear that the people in the church are actually trying to better understand what has happened.
It does sound like blenny is trying to say it wasn't the guys fault but that it was the devil. The problem I have with this is for some of the church members will find this as a good enough reason and won't look for ways to prevent this from happening again.
1 reply · active 805 weeks ago
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Jon · 805 weeks ago

here's what i'd like to see change in the aftermath:

a change in the pastoral environment which actually fostered this 5-month transgression.

while a great tradegy, and certainly there are no excuses for "Pastor" Russell - that does not change the fact that this church has fostered an atmosphere among its leadership where this sort of thing is bound to happen.

the church leadership is consumed with "image". whether it be trying to "look cool", or trying to look like they're "living on the edge".

with no discipleship, no accountability, no training of elders (or pastors for that matter), this is not really a surprise.
3 replies · active 804 weeks ago
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JDC · 805 weeks ago

I don't think Blenny is saying, "the devil made him do it," and that's makes it okay. I think she just saying that as a Christ follower, the devil has his sights on you 110% of the time and so does the public eye. As Christian's or not, no one is safe from the Devil's temptation, whether it be a donut on the break room table or a sexual one as such. The devil is extremely patient and will wait an entire lifetime to get his revenge. Does that make the mistakes of this man right, absolutely not. This man will pay for his crime in more ways than the law will apply and so will the victim, there will be a long healing process on both sides.

I don't believe that the church, "has fostered an atmosphere among its leadership where this sort of thing is bound to happen." I believe that where there's a will, there's a way and when you have two individual's working for the same thing. The way is not to far at all. The key will be how the church responds to this crime to prevent it from happening again and retaining the "safe place" that God intended it to be.
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Dr. D · 805 weeks ago

The Church should be a place of worship and adoration along wiyh a sound teaching of the scripture not a place of opinions and personal experiences. I think this churches are promoting to much of a cool attitude and comfort and "feel good place",all those things are there if there is true worship and training of the people in charge... We all make mistakes but people in positions like this have to be held more accountable prior to giving them all that authority .Jesus is the ultimate pleaser ,the church should help us understand that in a secure structure enviroment of respect and not "the cool "place to go . Its unbeleivable how many of this so call churches are falling victims of this mentality, but as long as this easy spirit with no accountability, coolness ,and" feel good" continues less and less they will learn the real value of scripture which is to remmind us of our savior and the gift of grace and that we are all filthfy rags that need Jesus.
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Dr. D · 805 weeks ago

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT SEX
DECAFFEINATE YOUR LIFE
WORLD LARGEST STRIP CLUB
not to judge but this already sounded irresponsible and out of place in the church especially for the people in the outside looking in. Now something like this happens and what is the outside world thinking.... Im a sinner and every day i ask for strenght to endure this world however the church has to become something else that what has already become full of stand up comedians loud music and again ...the cool place,how about a place to promote Bible reading,Bible teaching(word by word by trainned people) and therefore RESULTING IN LIVING LIFE ACCORDING TO GODS WORD, but again we have to question our salvation ...im i really saved or was my conversion an emotional experience... In revelation Jesus exposes every church, i think we should go back and study this to see what has gone wrong not only with this church but with all the other megachurches in this country that are using this new mentality..........
1 reply · active 693 weeks ago
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Kathy's avatar

Kathy · 805 weeks ago

CBG is about Jesus and His Word-what you all are talking about are creative ways to bring people to hear about Jesus and His Word-the church is the believers in this world-the judgement must stop -the message HAS not changed only the method. I praise God for all He has done and continues to do .................
5 replies · active 797 weeks ago
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Ballz · 804 weeks ago

Why are there so many haters out there?? Really who are we, you and all the others in this world? Please people! Get it together and get a Grip! We all fall short, we all sin and we all make mistakes and are not perfect in anyway shape or form. I DO NOT EXCUSE, DEFEND OR MINIMIZE WHAT THIS INDIVIDUAL IS ACCUSED OF! HE IS ACCUSED RIGHT? NOT CONVICTED YET RIGHT? Arent we all inocent until proven guilty? People can and do say anything for their own interest and motivation, again Im not a Jury nor a Judge and he will have to answer in his day in court and the God above for sure, but please allow and let our system and God take care of this and Judge him.
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Ballz · 804 weeks ago

Lets worry about and take care of many other things that are extremly important. Not that this isnt serious or needs severe consequences and attention but allow and let the system, law and jury determine the facts and guilt, not usat this time and moment. Church by the Glades is an incredible church and opportunity and place for so many people to learn, hear and be given so many life relating and current examples and teaching in todays world! StopHating and Begin Healing for Youself and Others, a huge task I know but we all can do it and will doit if we try, God helpsthose who hurt or harm children or anyone who doesnt deserve, ask or consents to any abuse. No mattewr who they are or the capacity they hold, no matter who it is or reason its WRONG and those should be and are being punished right now and today. Please give the innocent a chance, allow and let the law take it from here and impose whatever or severe sentance or conviction they find nesessary.
1 reply · active 804 weeks ago
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nelz · 804 weeks ago

You guys are obviously missing the point everyone knows Russell is guilty of committing a crime, Pastor David said he saw the phone records and he knows its not alleged its the fact. Church by the Glades has done things that no other church has and it has brought so much people to God and his word. If people let this tragic and unfortunate incident determine how they view the church than that's your opinon but don't spread hate about my church when you never even visited. I have two kids and they both go to the church twice a week and will continue to go becuase I know I can trust their volunteers and workers, this I honestly feel was a single incident and we don't know what actually happend but Russel is in a band he's not horrible looking so I can see how these young girls might develop a crush on him but it was his responsibility to put it to an end. I don't feel it was right in any way but looking at my own life I have made mistakes also.
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nelz · 804 weeks ago

And, yes they have topics like the Truth about Sex, StripClub but if you weren't so blinded by the name and actually attended one of these series you would see what they are really talking about Truth about Sex was about how great being married and having sex is and how you shouldn't have sex before marriage and StripClub was a series about stripping your sins away. This church has changed my life and the livees of so many I know and when a tragedy happens we don't runaway and talk bad about our church we stick together as a family like everyone in this world should. I met Russel a couple of times and I hate that he made the choices he made but he did them and now the Lord will judge him. So seriously if you never been to church by the glades maybe you should becuase God is doing great things with this church and its people.
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Dr. D's avatar

Dr. D · 804 weeks ago

The Church hasnt change your life ,the call of the Holly Spirit in your decision to accept salvation did . we all are called, it is up to you to hear that voice and decide. God even spoke through a donkey to make a point .
Im not perfect and again im just saying the message hasnt change therefore why do we have to change the delivery ..Do you really think that GOD needs this tactics to get people saved??????????,how many got upset and never went because those billboards and how many went that are REALLY saved or just going to the next social club or cool place or the place to meet girls or viceversa. My GOD doesnt need to lower Himself to bring people in....... Maybe the church anxiety to grow buildings filled half by unbelievers or fatter salaries vacations etc. im sorry but it doesnt add up.......................................also im not only talking about your church im talking about almost every church/corporate building i should say that is out there.......
1 reply · active 693 weeks ago
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andrea · 804 weeks ago

i think this is what the unbelieving world finds, unbelievable....it is a shame, as christians, that there is more arguing on here about the right way to hold a service or who actually holds the truth of GOD, when the matter at hand is bringing up there down here and pushing forward the kingdom of Christ. my best stab at this: i am #2 of 7 kids and i have siblings, who, when they have done something wrong, would feel as if their world was ending if they had a sport taken away or if they couldnt go to band practice...i have other siblings, who, if those same things were taken away would be happy, but take away time with friends or the tv...then their world collapses.
my point? everyone learns in their own way. as long as the Truth is given and lives are transformed, and Christ is shining, does it matter if a drum is used in the band or a pipe organ?
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Janine · 804 weeks ago

I have to say.. I attend service at CBG weekly. Russell was probably one of my favorites to watch / listen to in Worship.Needless to say, I'm shocked and disturbed. I have a 15 year old daughter myself and I can't even fathom the thought. I pray for the family affected as well as Russell and his family. I love to see the good in people and have a really hard time seeing the bad. I don't know if he has admitted to anything or if anything further has been proven but I certainly pray that this girl did not lie and just totally ruin someone's life.
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The Last Templar · 804 weeks ago

Hello Family i am here not to speak about sin or mistakes but to ask you to stop and relly read what i type here today on a great thanks giving while other familes pray over their dinner we prayed for the help of our GOD in hopes he would make this wrong right i know that when you hear. Church and rape some people tend to make up their minds about this and that but what if you were in that jail with brother lewis and it was you these reporters and blogs were talking about people you prayed over at the church that now speak bad of you and friends that no longer want to be close to you in your time of need you see.
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The Last Templar · 804 weeks ago

The truth is that Russ is not going to jail because he did not do anything wrong and once this truth comes out I ask you Good God Fearing brother and sisters will you comment this deep to clear his name as they have done to dirty it I know this mans mother I know this man sisters brother family I know from the inside and telling those of you on the out watch ask questions and I know you will find and at the seek the truth he did not do anything wrong and yes I know for a fact LIE'S a being told on him and he just wants to get out and tell the truth but I wonder how could such a great church such a loving church turn on him so quick and by that I dont mean the memebers but the Pastor just that fast hun...... wow I know this is some of you alls church and he still claims this church is great and loves you so much but I say to you if a lie and a few phone records could do this to Russ and the Pastor turned on him what could happen to you.........?
I say trust God not man .....Watch what God does watch this turn around and when it does make sure those who spoke ill answer up for their sin..... GOD IS LOVE.....A Knight Templar
1 reply · active 797 weeks ago
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Lisa · 804 weeks ago

There are 7 services at CBG. If you have never attended a service, feel free to experience it BEFORE you sit behind your screen and judge. If you are unable to physically be there, check out podcasts, or video. Watch Pastor David on TV if you would rather hear the word of God in your pajamas. He's that good. Bottom line... Hitler sinned , but not every German is a horrible person. Michael Vick sinned, but not every football player abuses animals. I have sinned, but it doesn't mean my family should be judged. The mistakes made by one person do not reflect the thoughts and actions of the everyone in the group that he or she necessarily associates with. The CHURCH of Jesus Christ did not sin, a guest in the house of the Lord did. No one at CBG is perfect, and thankfully, all are accepted anyway. Including those who draw conclusions that are not based on experience. I invite you to attend our church. If after you have you still believe we are place damaging the word of God, your opinion is yours and it is your right to express it.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

I knew Russell before he moved to Florida. I know he was an incredible musician who loved God and was a great worship leader. Reading this blog has made me want to address some of the issues that have arisen through this discussion.

First, we must understand that the world is broken and fractured as a result of sin. God created everything and as a result of it being good the Scriptures say he rested. Then one day sin entered the world and Adam and Eve were tempted and rebelled against God. Russell in a moment of weakness and darkness also listened to the father of lies (Satan) and rebelled. Russell must take responsibility, as we all must one day, and give an account for his sin.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Secondly, John 10:10-11 says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The reality is that Satan is real and active and involved in this world and to not believe that is unbiblical. Even the strongest Christian is susceptible to the weakness and darkness brought about by the lies of Satan. This does not negate the aspect of human responsibility, but it does remind us that there is a real adversary seeking our demise.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Thirdly, as horrific as Russell’s sin and sin is in general God is still sovereign:
God is sovereign over the entire universe: Ps 103:19; Rom 8:28; Eph 1:11
God is sovereign over all of nature: Ps 135:6-7; Mt 5:45; 6:25-30
God is sovereign over angels & Satan: Ps 103:20-21; Job 1:12
God is sovereign over nations: Ps 47:7-9; Dan 2:20-21; 4:34-35
God is sovereign over human beings: 1 Sam 2:6-7; Gal 1:15-16
God is sovereign over animals: Ps 104:21-30; 1 Ki 17:4-6
God is sovereign over "accidents": Pr 16:33; Jon 1:7; Mt 10:29
God is sovereign over free acts of men: Ex 3:21; 12:25-36; Ez 7:27
God is sovereign over sinful acts of men and Satan: 2 Sam 24:1; 1 Chr 21:1; Gen 45:5; 50:20

This simply refers to the fact that all things are under His rule and control, and that nothing happens in this Universe without His direction or permission. He is a God Who works, not just some things, but all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11). Nothing Takes Him by Surprise.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Fourthly, to assume that the Church, Pastors, Ministers, or Elders could have prevented this doing church a different way is foolish. While I may not agree with the way a church may do “ministry” or “teach “ God's purpose is all- inclusive and is never thwarted (Isa. 46:11). The over arching story of the Bible is creation, fall, redemption, redemption completed. It is irrational to believe that God cannot use shallow even bad teaching to accomplish His will.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Fifth, the accusation that CBG is engaging in a marketing campaign that is “lowering itself to so call promote His name” is asinine. Russell’s sin is not the result of the church putting “offensive billboards up.” Paul stood at the Areopagus in Athens and did not engage the men there with the Gospel from a Jewish view point; he engaged them culturally as Greeks. Once again,while I may not agree with a pithy title for a sermon series posted on a billboard, there is a sense where all churches must engage people in a specific cultural context without changing the message of the Gospel. Missionaries contextualize all the time. The New Testament is full of examples of how the Gospel went forward differently to Jews and Gentiles.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Sixth, while the church and pastors do bear responsibility to protect their congregations, I would submit that anything beyond the “safeguards” that the church should of have already had in place may be moralilistic and would not have changed the outcome of this situation. The Gospel as Moralism, reduces the Gospel to works of righteousness. The attention is not on the heart but rather on the will. The moralist’s motto is “Just try harder!” Just try harder to spend more time in Bible reading, meditation and prayer. Just try harder not to be angry or not to worry, not to lust. Just try harder to be a better witness, a more loving spouse, or a better parent. In essence no amount of rules will ever fully protect us from evil and sinfulness. True change only comes from the power of the Gospel.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

The Gospel is the good news of gracious acceptance. A perverted view of the Gospel operates on the principle “I obey, therefore I am accepted”. The true Gospel operates in the principle that “I am accepted through Christ, therefore I obey.” Simply the Gospel is Christ died for our sins. There is the reality of our sinfulness coupled with the necessity of divine punishment, and the provision of salvation from wrath through Christ. We are accepted because of Christ and not our works. There is also the element of changed lives. The person and work of Christ on the cross has defeated sin, death, and, evil and is making all things new. This means that the Gospel changes your heart.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

Without the Gospel in the face of our ongoing sin we typically are tempted to self achievement or despair; however when we preach the grace of the gospel to ourselves and it is our functioning standard of how God deals with our sin it is liberating. When Paul was writing to the Corinthians he reminds them of the most important thing they have forgotten: the Gospel that he preached, by which they were being saved. We to must not forget the main thing that is of first importance, the Gospel and we must preach it to ourselves and one another daily.
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Be Hard to Kill · 803 weeks ago

We will love and serve Russell well by praying for him and his soul. Contrary to popular belief we may judge men according to Scripture, just as Nathan did David, it is a loving thing to do. If what Russell is accused of doing is true, let us appeal to him to confess his sin and repent. While his willingness to do this would be an evidence of grace (ongoing proof that he is a believer) in his life; he will still be responsible for the consequences caused by sin. If he is found guilty and unwilling to repent; let us not abandon him but appeal to him as someone who has not put their faith and trust in Christ and ask him to confess his sin and to put his faith in the person and work of Christ as payment for his sins.

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