Bethel Church is a charismatic megachurch in Redding, California, that is primarily known for their popular . Frankly, theres an unfortunate campaign trait shared by Vollmers, Hill and Valenzuela: Although they can accurately identify Reddings problems homelessness, crime, water issues, mental illness, housing shortages, etc. Its designed to attract shoppers downtown during the holidays and drive-by stoners, I guess, for the rest of the year. Redding is teetering upon the unprecedented brink of being governed by a city-council majority comprised of followers of Bethel Church, The Stirring church or a combination of both. Redding will lease its civic auditorium to Bethel Church for up to a decade. But he lacks endorsements, and his social media pages look like neglected, empty warehouses decorated with some 60s-era posters that fit perfectly with his slogan, Chill with Hill. 2023 anewscafe.com. Plus, Jeremy Edwardson is a producer for Bethel Church-affiliated musician/failed congressional candidate/evangelical egomaniac Sean Feucht, dubbed by the Rolling Stone magazine as Jesus Christ, Super Spreader for his national protest/worship concerts held during the pandemic. In reply to Jeff Gorder. The following is an open letter to Redding Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jake Mangas in response to his blog post last week on the chambers website, Hate Speech and Bethel Church.. Pity Partin, whos a respected professional in his own right. Between both departments, they set a goal of selling 500 signs (250 for each department), with all profits (about $4 per sign) going to a fund to buy an AED all-weather enclosure, along with AED for installation. In reply to R.V. Audette called the idea that she has access to Bethel funding one of the biggest myths she has heard. Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. Thats why, for this 2022 general election, I will overlook candidates religious affiliations. First, many members view Bethels strange brew of Christianity and New Age as a straight-up cult, a holy rolling, faith-healing pyramid scheme sucking the lifeblood out of the town and preaching a false gospel. All rights reserved. The two churches sometimes share resources, facilities, musicians, staff and speakers. Others have been threatened by Bethel supporters. All are equal under the law and representation.. With 10 city council candidates competing for three seats in the Nov. 8 general election, its a contentious game of political musical chairs. At Shasta Scout, we believe a democratic community requires access to just and equitable news. Shes engaged with the public. My heartburn worsened after watching Audettes guest appearance on Bethel top-gun pastor Kris Vallottons podcast, where Audette discusses, among other things, Gods role in government and if politicians should Christianize a nation. Christian nationalist Doug Mastriano of Pennsylvania lost his Senate race to his Jewish opponent, while Kari Lake lost Arizonas governors race to the incumbent. Some students are packed-to-the-max into single family homes; their fancy cars clog neighborhood driveways. Having written thousands of articles over the course of my career, I know when my palms are perspiring on the keyboard as I type, something is drastically wrong and its time to take a step back and ask myself some serious questions. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Photo by Steve DuBois. I confess to suffering significant election heartburn with the knowledge that Audette was Winters former campaign manager, and that Audette received more than $15,000 in campaign consulting fees from Sean Feuchts failed congressional campaign in 2019 and early 2020, along with $2,800 in reimbursements. She's an award-winning newspaper opinion columnist, feature and food writer recognized by the Associated Press, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and E.W. It doesnt apply to the voters, who, not being state actors are free to manifest their religious bigotry against the members of Bethel Church as much as they can refuse to elect Jews. Who are these new people and whered they get all the money to start these crazy businesses? Is it religiously intolerant to reject the most obviously qualified candidates solely because of the churches they attend, and their religious practices inside those churches? Bethel attendees represent approximately 10 percent of the City of Redding and Bethel is listed by the Shasta Economic Development Corporation as the 8th largest employer in Shasta County. Both Bethels size and its commitment to Seven Mountain dominionism have gained it increasing local influence over the last decade as it seeks to create heaven on earth.. The church used to be part of the Assemblies of God denomination but is now non-denominational. I was born in the mid 80's in Yuba City, California but moved as an infant to Redding, California where I was raised and ultimately started my family. Two closed Facebook groups the 960-member Investigating Bethel Redding and the 1,800-member Bethel Affiliated Businesses monitor and critique the church. 1. I know what he means, because Audette and Shea in particular do come across a bit on the Up-With-People uber-perky side. Crockett says he attended Bethel for nine years and continues to maintain friendships with individuals at the church. But right now, after all the North States been through, Redding could benefit from some youthful zeal. Members of Bethel the 11,000-member northern California megachurch famous for elaborate healing services, Bethel Music and musician Sean Feucht's nationwide worship protests against COVID restrictions now hold the majority on the Redding City Council after November's elections, according to nearly complete vote counts.. Bethel members Tenessa Audette, 45, a first-time candidate . Thats a vision for everybody, Jake. A dear Democrat friend of mine, whos voting only for Hill out of solidarity with his fellow progressive, said he finds Audette, Johnson and Shea just a bit too zealous for his liking. Some of them have been doxing you. The Redding City Council seat that belongs to non-evangelical councilor, Mark Mezzano, is his to keep for another two years, alongside Winter. We are a non-profit, independent, civic news organization focused on Shasta Countys diverse and investigative stories. Im not religious. Copyright 2023 Shasta Scout | Powered by Indiegraf Media, Privacy Policy | Subscriber Agreement | Terms of Use, Subscribe to get our latest articles and investigations sent straight to your inbox. Listen to Sheas story, and then tell me youd reject this former Wall Street finance expert, the grandson of immigrants who fled Communist China. With that kind of success, it would be waste of talent and experience to not tap him as a resource to create a similar Redding program. They can be a nuisance. They are predominantly well-coifed young hipster men dressed in skinny jeans and designer t-shirts with that preternatural glow that comes from a ramen starvation diet, abstinence from sex, cigarettes and alcohol and countless late-night sessions getting drunk in the spirit.. Steve Rabey is a veteran author and journalist who has published more than 50 books and 2,000 articles about religion, spirituality, and culture. If youre suggesting the chamber supports LGBTQ rights, you should know Bethel Church actively opposes LGBTQ rights at the local, state and national level, and spends a lot of money doing it. Looking to find the non-Bethelites running for city council. Email us, or join the community conversation at Shasta ScoutsFacebook page. Feb 21, 2023 5:15 PM Agenda Agenda Packet Action Agenda Members volunteer and serve throughout the city. The church also operates a ministry called Changed which has engaged in political action in Washington D.C. and is designed to support people to leave the LGBTQ+ community to follow Christ.. Thats where it says, [N]o religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States. Do I know what Im writing about? Correction made. Theres more evidence of collaboration between The Stirring Church and Bethel Church, but you get the idea. Now pretend you also own a tiny apartment over a garage behind your old legal office in downtown Redding between the railroad tracks and Court Street. Tenessa Audette leads the way in fundraising in the crowded Redding City Council race. Bethel helped raise money to assist the completion of Redding's free water park, Fantasy Fountain, and design-savvy Bethel members voluntarily created a style guide for signage in city parks. Some say the church has helped the city in many ways: But some residents have grown frustrated with Bethels combination of other-worldly theology and increasing this-worldly clout, as the appearance of Buck Fethel T-shirts show. But Bethel Senior Associate Leader Kris Vallotton has made multiple political statements from the pulpit, including his prophecy that Donald Trump would win the 2020 presidential election. While his two hours weekly at the church are important to him, he said, they have less weight in his life than the forty-plus hours he spends working and interacting in the city. The kidsand Glenn Beckcall this cancel culture.. Like the $500,000 Garden of Lights project dreamed up by Redding City Council member and Bethel Elder Julie Winter and recently passed by the council. 1313 Market Street Redding, CA 96001-0611 530.241.7320 www.shastaartscouncil.org shastar[email protected]astaartscouncil.org Funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency; The National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and the City of Redding. Bethel teaches what is known as the 7 Mountains Mandate, a theology that encourages Christians to influence the seven mountains of society, including the political realm, to bring Gods kingdom realities to earth. Munns did not respond to multiple requests for comment. 10ft shipping container craigslist sunsetter awning parts diagram mon bazou cheat menu In fact, aside from the times she recused herself to avoid even the perception of a conflict, as far as I know, Winter never uttered the the word Bethel. However on March 7th PA President Abbas said that recognising Israel as a Jewish state is 'out of the question,' a decision unanimously endorsed by the Revolutionary Council of Palestinian Authority and by the council of the Arab League. Lake has claimed the vote was rigged and B.S. and is challenging the outcome. A casino is more honest about stealing its customers money, pays its taxes and rakes the cash in 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Why are my palms sweating? By the Redding City Council and its Shasta County Supervisors simply turning their collective backs to an obvious safety issue as its sole reaction to the tragedy that occurred there is simply unacceptable, and surly the blood of the next man, woman, or child brutally and horrifically squashed out of them will spiritually be on your hands. Julie Winter, a Bethel elder, already sits on the five-seat Redding City Council. Alex Shea hosted a launch party for his candidacy Saturday and Joshua Johnson made . Bethel members Tenessa Audette, 45, a first-time candidate, and Jack Munns, 64, who first ran two years ago, will now join Bethel elder Julie Winter on the 5-member council. Members of Bethel the 11,000-member northern California megachurch famous for elaborate healing services, Bethel Music and musician Sean Feucht's nationwide worship protests against COVID restrictions now hold the majority on the Redding City Council after November's elections, according to nearly complete vote counts. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Pamme Jones as its newest addition to the Board of Directors. He said he used to work for the church but no longer holds any staff or leadership positions there. Within the last two tumultuous years, Jeremy Edwardson partnered with a seemingly unlikely docu-series collaborator: militia-member, former-strip-club-owner Carlos Zapata, known for blood in the streets violent rhetoric that briefly thrust Zapata into fleeting, international alt-right celebrity status. We are on the edge of the greatest revival of all time, says Bethels website. Members of the group have been known to cold-call new business owners and just flat-out ask them, Do you have a Bethel affiliation? Sometimes they answer, sometimes they dont. The council voted 4-1 to draft a contract with Bethel for running the 41-year-old . As a reader-funded outlet, we rely on donations to fund our work and keep our content paywall free. Things got especially slick when you introduced HR departments to this conversation and mention of potential lawsuits. . Their roadmap, the Seven Mountain Mandate, influences how believers approach politics and culture. Both Bethels size and its commitment to Seven Mountain dominionism have gained it increasing local influence over the last decade as it seeks to create heaven on earth.. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. She's been featured and quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, L.A. Times, Slate. Ive never made such an inquiry, but it really is starting to look a lot like Clearwater around here. Youre committing the fallacy of composition here, mistaking the part for the whole, missing the forest for the trees. James Crockett, who says hes a former Bethel Church member, is now a member of The Stirring. Christianity Today defines Christian Nationalism as the idea that America is defined by Christianity and should take active steps to keep it that way. Incumbent Michael Dacquisto posted on Facebook a photo of his completed ballot marked with just two Redding City Council selections. I say this, even though I am loath to live in a city governed by a majority of any one group. As you can imagine, the conversation sometimes gets testy. Below are excerpts from Johnsons post of accusations against Dacquisto: City of Redding insiders describe incumbent Dacquisto as weary and worn out. This became apparent after I wrote the story about it and was scolded by Bethels then-communications person for not mentioning that many of those in attendance were from The Stirring, too. People post mean things sometimes. This article, which originally appeared at MinistryWatch, has been corrected to accurately state details of a Facebook group. I realize many interpret it differently, as a mandate to Christians to control all institutions, She explained. I hope everyone knows those things too.. Is this heaven, or Redding? Its social media, Jake. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Pastor Bill Johnson, who became leader of the Assemblies of God congregation in 1996, described his view of the churchs role in society in Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate, a book he wrote with self-proclaimed Trump prophet Lance Wallnau: Jesus instituted it as an army that brought transformation to society, starting with salvation and continuing with seven spheres of influence: Church, family, education, government, media, arts, and commerce, they wrote. The Bethel Church can be characterized as promoting Word of Faith teaching, the prosperity gospel, dominionism, " grave sucking ," and other aberrant doctrines and practices. Her timing sucked, because she made her announcement shortly before the June election, but after the ballots had gone to press. Ive been in churches my whole life, she said, and Bethel is the least religious church Ive ever been in. Candidate Johnson agrees wholeheartedly. We are on the edge of the greatest revival of all time. Questions like that, generally asked while vigorously pacing about the room. He was an instructor at Fuller and Denver seminaries and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Some say the church has helped the city in many ways: Members volunteer and serve throughout the city. What you believe and what you do, its up to you. In fact, I agree with you on at least one thing you wrote: Were on a slippery slope here. Redding City Council candidates Joshua Johnson, left, and Alex Shea. There are three primary reasons members are concerned about Bethel, not all of them shared by all members. Absolutely. Redding Municipal Library Board - Regular Meeting. But click on the link, and its soon apparent that theres no there, there, and that site has been non-functioning for some time. Whats noteworthy is these endorsements are from a broad cross-section of individuals and organizations of all stripes and beliefs. Access to MinistryWatch content is free. Council candidate Tenessa Audette lays out her goals to KRCR's Sam Chimenti (KRCR) REDDING, Calif. Another candidate has thrown her hat into Redding's crowded city . Like Vollmers, Valenzuelas social media posts suggest a mindset aligned with election-deniers. Johnson, who publicly endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020, teaches that part of that revival will come through ballot boxes. As Snow Falls In A Redding Camp, Unhoused Community Members Keep Warm With Propane Heaters And Campfires, Shasta County Supervisors, Sheriff, Face Off Over Constitutionality Of Proposed 2nd Amendment Resolution, Reddings Proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance Update Doesnt Take Into Account City Housing Data: Heres Why That Matters, Proposed 2nd Amendment Resolution Is An Overreach of Boards Authority, Shasta County Legal Counsel Warns, Heres What We Spent To Produce The News In 2022, Heres How Weve Funded Free And Independent Shasta County News This Year, Editorial: We Build Democracy By Telling The Truth About Power, Our Diverse Community and Ourselves, Building Democracy: Were Opening Our Reporters Notebooks. The church was established in 1952, and is currently led by Bill Johnson.Bethel has its own music labels, Bethel Music and Jesus Culture ministries, which have gained popularity for contemporary worship music.The church runs the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry with . He later explained his point, that homelessness is a community problem, not a government problem. Behold, Redding City Council candidate choices: (Click on their names for more information.). Such a deal! The sobering reality is that Redding voters are backed against a Bethel wall with some tough questions: Do I wish, for the sake of a more balanced election playing field, that the Redding City Council race wasnt flooded with candidates who attend The Stirring or Bethel Church? Westbrook: 2.8 inches. At worst, based on your weak analogies, a person belonging to one of these Facebook groups could be in danger of being fired, if chamber HR members whove read your blog post now feel justified in handing out pink slips to those who belong to Facebook groups youve characterized as Bethel-haters. Reviews, coupons, analysis, whois, global ranking and traffic for ctfirewood.com. A non-Bethel incumbent up for reelection was the top vote getter. widely believed to include the idea that believers should take dominion over society to bring more of heaven to earth. It says so right in the Bible. How about You can tellthose with a certain gender preferencerun this business because it has that look.?. We are on the edge of the greatest revival of all time, says Bethels website. Our news will always be free to read, but its not free to create. If you live in Shasta County, youre probably familiar with Bethel Church, a North Redding megachurch with an attendance of approximately 10,000. Work ethic and family values were built and fostered in me beginning in the . He and his wife Lois live in Colorado. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! Not by a Shasta County country mile. On Good Friday, KRCR's Sam Chimenti sat down with the youngest (known) candidate for Redding city council, Jordan Valenzuela. I believe elected officials should serve the people they represent, not control them, and that the government should empower its constituents, not restrict them., Audette said Bethel leaders wouldnt influence her vote because they dont tell her what to believe about anything. While neither candidate directly addressed whether they might be able to pull on Bethel funding for the city in future, both said the churchs finances had not impacted their campaigns. Thanks to Bethel, Redding is now known as a leader in the field of conversion therapy, the scientifically unfounded belief that LGBTQ people can purposely change their sexual orientation or gender identity using reparative methods such as praying the gay away. . Evangelical Christians who follow End Times theology (ahem, Bethel) that condemns Jews and other non-believers to an eternal lake of fire! Bethel is a church not a PAC, she wrote. ), Similarly, Bethel members, especially Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry students, have a certain look. His fellow senior leader Bill Johnson has also compared the COVID vaccine to the mark of the beast. Cancelled . One area of government that could see significant turnover: the Redding city council. I often find myself saying, each time a new Bethel business pops up, The place looks nice, but why would I want that? (This is probably because Im old. We break down why. R.V. Theyre threatening to boycott not just Bethel businesses, but any business represented by the chamber. Whats Next For Shasta County Voting? . Article VI, Clause 3 works both ways. Annelise Pierce is Shasta Scouts Editor and a Community Reporter covering government accountability, civic engagement, and local religious and political movements. Bethel withdrew from the Assemblies of God in 2006. But no. She didnt. People who havent drank the Kool-Aid find themselves on the outside looking in and naturally resent Bethels newfound economic power, attached as it is to the on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven Seven Mountain Mandate. I read your blog post last week, in which you wrongly accused thousands of local citizens of religious discrimination, with concern from the very beginning. encourage attendees to vote for Trump or risk facing Gods displeasure. . Put all three of those concerns together, Jake, and Redding starts looking a lot like Clearwater, Florida, global headquarters for Scientology. Some people even draw parallels between Councilman Dacquisto and his broken website address. To make a donation,click here. The North State city of 91,000 is home to a church, Bethel, with 11,000 members and a commitment to community so intense it's almost supernatural. By continuing to use this website, youconsentto the use of cookies in accordance with ourprivacy policy. Second, Bethel Church and its infinite number of horizontally networked sub-ministries has raked in hundreds of millions of dollars during the past decade and hasnt been shy about spreading the manna around. Whats it all mean, Jake? For example, when The Stirring held a preachers conference, among the slate of speakers were BSSM staff member Hayley Braun, and Pastor Tinasha LaRaye, a frequent Bethel speaker and performer. Classificados de Traduo nos Estados Unidos. (Click on names for more information about each candidate.). Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Connecting yet more Bethel/Stirring dots, Nathan Edwardson is The Stirring church pastor. Thats the lens through which the people in the groups youre maligning see the world unfolding in front of them, Jake. And Lord have mercy, what does Bethel have against the LGBTQ community, outside of selective biblical literalism? That struggle led Jones to create a new, On February 28, Supervisor Jones hopes to persuade others on the Board to initiate hand counting as a way to tabulate election results in Shasta. Scientologists have bought most of downtown and the chamber of commerce. From left, Red, White and Blueprint co-collaborators Jeremy Edwardson and Carlos Zapata. Bethels pull on the local housing market, both short-term and long-term, is tremendous, and Bethel-connected dollars spent by attendees in the city are significant. Now Im not.. Council members must be residents of the City and registered . She attended Bethels School of Supernatural Ministry and says she now teaches a God and Government class there to help ensure that Christians know the importance of maintaining the appropriate separation between church and state. Obviously, Jake, you didnt do that. Classificados de Traduo nos Estados Unidos. Redding Council picks a new mayor, OKs Civic Auditorium lease, ups REU rates. Julie Winter, Redding City Council member/Bethel Church elder, The 10 following candidates are competing for three available Redding City Council seats. Four to eight inches of snowfall is expected in most of the state. While the Seven Mountain Mandate is controversial even among many Christian denominations for Bethel devotees, its considered gospel. Redding is a city of 93,462 in Trump-red Shasta County, which has a population of 182,000.
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