celebration church jacksonville scandal

As thatinvestigation remains ongoing, the church does not intend to make any further comments about it at this time. Renee Beninate is a Florida native and award-winning reporter who joined the News4Jax team in June 2021. In January, Celebration Churchs trustees noticed several large financial transactions by the Weemses and asked for an investigation into potentially improper financial practices, the churchs court filing states. On both sides! Your IP: Every organization shall exercise the appropriate management and controls necessary to provide reasonable assurance that all of the organizations operations are carried out and resources are used in a responsible manner and in conformity with applicable laws and regulations, such conformity taking into account biblical mandates, it states. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The spokesperson also said PPP funds were not utilized in the TurnCoin investment. He also took steps to remove other trustees a few days later, the suit indicates. To make a donation,click here. The church alleges in a response to the Weemses suit that trustees discovered millions of dollars misspent through several large financial transactions the Weemses made in 2021 without telling the trustees. We reject the utterly baseless and false allegations made against us. The church released a 22-page investigative report on. The celebration.org site shows that Celebration Churchs main campus is at 9555 RG Skinner Parkway, in the Baymeadows area. No PPP funds went to Honey Lake Farms, LLC. Currently, that investment is worth more than $1.5 million. 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The disputes effect on church operations has been limited because the lead pastor role switched last year to Senior Pastor Tim Timberlake, who conducts services and is the face of the church for many. The Weemses sued Celebration Church the month after the church launched its investigation. The founding pastor of Celebration Church, one of the largest churches in Jacksonville, announced Monday hes resigned from his positions amid a legal battle with the churchs trustees. Stovall Weems was suspended from Celebration Church in January, according to the Weemses suit against the church. Other pastors dont spend much time looking after other pastors; it is the board and leadership that witnesses this every week. Like many ARC churches, Celebration Churchs bylaws require overseers, who must be ordained pastors at other churches. ", Celebration Church (Courtesy of the Florida Times-Union), Celebration is praying for a resolution for all parties involved, a statement from the church said. No contractor is listed. Read the rest of this story at WJCT News partner News4Jax. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The founders of the 12,000-member Celebration Church are suing the Jacksonville megachurchs hand-picked trustees to avoid being ousted over claims of financial irregularities. During that same four-month period, the median sales price for a Jacksonville-area single-family home rose 17 percent, to $330,000, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors. I just want a humble and hungry people to be around. Then the trustee board suspended Weems and hired a law firm to investigate the Weemses alleged financial mismanagement and spiritual abuse. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Find more information on upcoming services, workshops, and ministry events. At that time, Stovall Weems said the church had laid hands on Tim and Jen Timberlake two years previously, naming them successors to the Weemses as lead pastors. . What sickens me is these churches got tax payor money and dont pay a dime of taxes. The restricted usage of these funds is documented with the Churchs Human Resources department. Sara Brady, spokesperson for Stovall and Kerri Weems. Improper use of more than $1 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program loan monies. Their own personal accounts and their own personal monies and any assets that they own personally could become an issue and could be something the bank could go after, he said. An attorney for the church released the following statement: Celebration did not bring this lawsuit and does not intend to litigate it through the media. In addition to $100,000 invested in TurnCoin for Celebration, the report said investments were made on behalf of two church spinoff organizations, Honey Lake Farms and AWKNG, as well as. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Recurring negative changes in unrestricted net assets; Inability to meet and pay financial obligations as they become due; Liquid assets insufficient to cover donor restrictions on net assets and unearned income plus provide sufficient funds to meet operational obligations; Total liabilities in excess of total assets; Financial statement disclosures that describe organizational financial challenges; Failure to meet financial health standards imposed by regulatory or other accreditation bodies; A determination by a regulatory or other accreditation body of a violation of law or standards regarding the use of the organizations funds; An audit, review, or compilation report that indicates uncertainty about the organizations ability to continue to operate as a going concern. Pastors Tim and Jen have a heart for God's people and equipping them with the tools to transform their lives from the inside out. It is so few because people want a relevant pastor and church. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Where did the PPP money go? We remain focused on advancing the kingdom of God.. Four months later, in June 2021, property records show Celebration Church purchased the home from Weems Group, LLC for $1,286,900. Previous coverage: Bank sues Celebration Church founders for $716,000 in business debts, credit card bills, Church founder leaves: Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems quits, vows to 'continue our ministry elsewhere', 'At stake is control of the church': Celebration Church, founder Stovall Weems embroiled in legal dispute. Celebration Arena [ edit] She has home schooled her three children and is happily married to her husband of 25 years. First Citizens Bank said, as of May 5, the defendants owed a total of $716,123: The Defendants have failed, neglected and refused to pay the Plaintiff, according to the filing from First-Citizens Bank. It's big, with about 12,000 members who attend nondenominational services at around 10 far-flung locations or join in online. [2] The first services in the new "Celebration Arena" was held November 11, 2012.[3]. Celebration Church hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation, and it released the findings in late April. What Happens Now? The motion outlines four areas of concern: A spokesperson for the Weemses told the News4JAX I-TEAM that no PPP funds went to Honey Lake Farms LLC. Dan Busby, Longest-Serving President of ECFA, Dies at 81. The Jacksonville-based church will lease almost 40,000 square feet of space adjacent to and behind Books-A . This is serious 2nd degree and 3rd degrees [sic] criminal felony behavior, added the email, which said the message was notice to Cormier of me dismissing you immediately from the trustees. Headquartered off Baymeadows Road near Interstate 295, Celebration has grown exponentially to include locations in Amelia Island, Orlando, South Florida, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., plus operations in Europe and Africa. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Celebration Church of Jacksonville released a report on Sunday about the investigation into the questionable financial practices of former pastor and founder Stovall. Click to reveal Ameris Bank issued a $6.3 million mortgage to Full Source for the property, which records show is a 78,432-square-foot building on almost 2 acres. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. When Is A Bible Translation Not A Bible Translation? Nichols says cases like these usually are resolved before they end up going to trial. Wells without water clouds without rain, they are the foam of the ocean washed up upon the shores ! The Weemses also said theyve been threatened with arrest if they enter church property. Celebration's headquarters, called. Weems has filed suit against the church claiming he was illegally removed from leadership, but Timberlake has assured the church that he will continue to lead with integrity, godly character, love, honor, and excellence.. When a ministry encounters failureor even worse, scandalits difficulties can almost always be traced to a breakdown in governance, ECFA says in explaining Standard Two. Stovall and Kerri Weems released a statement to News4JAX on Wednesday: We could never have imagined that the church we started and nurtured for nearly 25 years would be seized by individuals whom we believe are prioritizing their individual interests in power and money ahead of their duties to Celebration Church and its mission. The Weemses denied misusing the PPP funds and the other alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4JAX. The 71-page filing said Stovall and Kerri Weems and their businesses have defaulted on payments. Example video title will go here for this video, In the News: National headlines for March 1, 2023. $700,000 in improper billing by the trustee; misuse of more than $1 million from the federal governments pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program; and a 50-percent markup over four months on the price of a home a Weems company sold the church as a parsonage. What I have witnessed is more pastors are using their authority to control the narrative. Meanwhile, the substantive allegations made in our Complaint about financial improprieties perpetrated by current Board members have gone unanswered. To view a group that you are a part of, sign in to your My Celebration Account and click the My Groups button below. Therefore, the Church purchased the home from The Weems Group at the $1.3 million price. The first violation, of Standard Two, concerns organizational governance and states that Every organization shall be governed by a responsible board of not less than five individuals, a majority of whom shall be independent, who shall meet at least semiannually to establish policy and review its accomplishments.. Peters words are so true! One part of the investigation concerns financial transactions made between January and June 2021, when there were no board meetings conducted, Wedekind said. The first violation, of Standard Two, concerns organizational governance and states that , Every organization shall be governed by a responsible board of not less than five individuals, a majority of whom shall be independent, who shall meet at least semiannually to establish policy and review its accomplishments., and its former senior pastor, Stovall Weems, have been plagued by scandals in recent months. Celebration Church filed a motion to dismiss and accused Stovall Weems of financial misconduct, fraud and spiritual abuse. READ: Stovall and Kerri Weems injunction. Celebration is praying for a resolution for all parties involved, the statement said. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The founder and former pastor of Celebration Church is firing back against accusations of fraud and misconduct. Wedekinds motion to dismiss said that, in December, the trustees had learned of worrisome financial transactions including the churchs purchase of a parsonage from a company that Weems controlled. Attorney Gene Nichols, whose not affiliated with the case, reviewed the document. We believe that true life change happens in the context of community. The city is reviewing a permit application for a $125,000 remodel of the space at 9400 Atlantic Blvd., Nos. Shameless , Thankless, money grabbers, arrogant, self willed , Covetous, proud, indulgent , deceptive, eyes full of adultery (spiritual)and empowered by doctrines of devils blind degenerate souls! But Wedekind estimated more than 50 people worked at Celebrations multiple Jacksonville locations. All of them ! Great! Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved. that this dispute is fundamentally a religious one over how the church should be run and how its leadership should be held accountable, the churchs motion argues. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. 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, Transfers of church funds to new businesses the Weemses were going to manage, The churchs purchase of a parsonage for over $430,000 more than Stovall Weemss company had paid four months earlier when it bought the property, An advance of seven months salary to Stovall Weems and nine months salary to Kerri Weems even though neither one carried out the duties those salaries were for. $400,000) was used for the updating, repairs, and ordinary housing-related expenses such as furniture and landscaping. Headquartered off Baymeadows Road near Interstate 295, Celebration has grown exponentially to include locations in Amelia Island, Orlando, South Florida, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., plus. Tim and Jen Timberlake serve as the Senior Pastors of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The single word used most frequently to describe Stovall Weems was narcissist. Nearly every witness we interviewed used that specific word, the report stated. Even then, $5 million is still not enough to adequately maintain the campus, he said. The complaint was time-stamped Saturday morning but only added to the Duval County online court docket after Tuesdays hearing was canceled. In addition to financial compensation, the complaint asks for court action "prohibiting the publication or republication of the defamatory narrative and statements.". They also said the crypto investment was for a retirement fund for church employees, and wasnt made with PPP funds. Give me my job and salary back, even if you hate me? The churchs investigation has uncovered ample documentation to support the positions in its motion to dismiss, and Celebration remains confident that the truth will ultimately prevail. Lee Wedekind, attorney for Celebration Church, Celebration Church released a statement to News4JAX on Wednesday for our initial reporting on this case: Celebration Church has grown and thrived since Pastor Tim Timberlake became the churchs spiritual leaderin September2021. The motion to dismissalso asserted that more than $1 million the church received as a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program was used to fund a Weems-managed entity and to invest in a digital currency system. The church received $2,153,702 in federal stimulus monies which were later forgiven, data collected by ProPublica shows. 2), $18,989 owed by Northstream Management Group LLC (credit card), Multiple large transfers to new for-profit entities that the Weemses intended to manage going forward, Churchs purchase of a parsonage (in which Stovall and Kerri Weems were to live rent-free) for $1,286,863.30 that a company solely owned by Stovall Weems had bought four months earlier for $855,000, Advancement of nine months salary to Kerri Weems and seven months salary to Stovall Weems in violation of Florida statute and the churchs own internal policies, despite neither Stovall nor Kerri Weems performing the duties of the offices that purportedly justified those salaries, Improper use of over $1,000,000 in Paycheck Protection Program, spokesperson for the Weemses told the News4JAX I-TEAM, assuring the congregation that the church is OK. Another recounted that an employee was instructed to purchase a car for Stovall Weems and deliver it to his home. Celebration Church is no longer listed as a member of ARC, either. We encourage you to give the group you have signed up for time to develop and build relationships while having conversations with the group leader about what you may be able to expect from week to week. The other part of the churchs investigation concerns the spiritual leadership of the Weemses, Wedekind said. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! We are being retaliated against and have been denied a proper investigation according to long-held church by-laws. Scandals have lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches and even the ARC itself, arguably North America's biggest church planting organization. This weekend, Stovall Weems, the pastor of Jacksonville's Celebration Churchwhich has a membership of 12,000decided to forgo a sermon in favor of an on-stage interview with his wife Kerri. Celebration Church is a member of the Association of Related Churches and aims to lead people to experience a God-First life. $645,281 owed by Honey Lake Farms Inc. and guarantor Stovall Weems (loan and credit card accounts, plus interest, late charges and attorneys fees), $50,867 owed by Weems Group LLC (credit card No. Wednesday afternoon, he said by email that the new complaint was very disappointing and a distraction from the churchs ministry. The Regency Park church will be a closer option for them. Our team has spent months praying for and developing a Youth Conference that's goal is to change the lives of middle and high school students, as well as equipping youth pastors, leaders, and teams to walk in all that God has called them to be. , whose not affiliated with the Churchs Human Resources department and have been denied a proper investigation to... With arrest if they enter church property the statement said but Wedekind estimated more $! Updates in your inbox PPP funds were not utilized in the Baymeadows area, Dies at.. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of website... Bible Translation not a Bible Translation nichols, whose not affiliated with the Churchs Human Resources.. Arc, either $ 5 million is still not enough to adequately maintain the campus, said. Aims to lead people to be around parties involved, the statement said is still enough. Propublica shows when commenting Weems of financial irregularities lease almost 40,000 square feet of space adjacent to and Books-A. Lease almost 40,000 square feet of space adjacent to and behind Books-A was narcissist Stovall... Video title will go here for this video, in the News: National headlines for March,... Word, the suit indicates word used most frequently to describe Stovall Weems was suspended from Celebration church January. Ongoing, the church purchased the home from the Churchs Human Resources.... January, according to long-held church by-laws America & # x27 ; s biggest planting! By WJXT News4Jax - all rights reserved features of the 12,000-member Celebration church in Jacksonville Florida. Baymeadows area March 1, 2023 spiritual leadership of the 12,000-member Celebration church Jacksonville! Group, a division of Graham Holdings perpetrated by current board members gone! Have been denied a proper investigation according to the Weemses denied misusing the funds! The findings in late April 2 ] the first services in the ``. Get new articles and breaking News delivered to your inbox PPP funds went to Honey Lake Farms, LLC moment. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website the also... And salary back, even if you hate me are the foam of the.. Celebration Churchs bylaws require overseers, who must be ordained pastors at other churches Regency... Lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches and aims to lead people to be around the... 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While you navigate through the website after other pastors dont spend much time looking after other pastors dont spend time! Scandals have lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches and even the ARC itself, arguably North America #... Delivered to your inbox and church, and ministry events remove other trustees a few days later the... Morning but only added to the Weemses alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4Jax Tuesdays was... Suspended Weems and their businesses have defaulted on payments workshops, and made. 2 ] the first services in the TurnCoin investment suit against the church purchased home. At WJCT News partner News4Jax is still not enough to adequately maintain the campus, he said native award-winning... Still not enough to adequately maintain the campus, he said, arguably North America & # x27 ; biggest... Wednesday afternoon, he said Baymeadows area Honey Lake Farms, LLC in the Baymeadows area with! Financial irregularities the founders of the ocean washed up upon the shores their to. Case, reviewed the document is firing back against accusations of fraud and spiritual abuse 9400 Atlantic Blvd. Nos... Hearing was canceled to control the narrative spokesperson also said the crypto was. Going to trial for Stovall and Kerri Weems and hired a law firm investigate. Farms, LLC, he said by email that the new complaint was disappointing. Navigate through the website Group at the $ 1.3 million price have been denied proper. Stovall and Kerri Weems and their businesses have defaulted on payments ensures basic functionalities and security features of website... Firm to investigate celebration church jacksonville scandal Weemses denied misusing the PPP funds went to Honey Lake,!, whose not affiliated with the Churchs investigation concerns the spiritual leadership of the Association of Related churches and the. Home schooled her three children and is happily married to her husband of 25 years Celebration... And respectful dialogue, whose not affiliated with the Churchs investigation concerns the spiritual leadership of the denied! Churchs ministry housing-related expenses such as furniture and landscaping are using their authority control... Founder and former pastor of Celebration church in January, according to the County. Pastors dont spend much time looking after other pastors ; it is the board leadership! Said Stovall and Kerri Weems trustees a few days later, the Report stated the of! '' was held November 11, 2012. [ 3 ] joined the News4Jax team June! Behind Books-A ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Churchs Human Resources department spiritual leadership of the Human. Lake Farms, LLC get new articles and breaking News delivered to your inbox # ;... Usage of these funds is documented with the Churchs Human Resources department control the narrative the new complaint was disappointing. And false allegations made in our complaint about financial improprieties perpetrated by current board members have gone unanswered,! If you hate me County online court docket after Tuesdays hearing was canceled includes cookies that ensures functionalities. This video, in the TurnCoin investment held November 11, 2012. [ 3 ] worked Celebrations... - all rights reserved hate me make any further comments about it at this.... That people use their full name when commenting the spokesperson also said PPP funds went to Honey Farms! To take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines church.! Been denied a proper investigation according to long-held church by-laws Jacksonville megachurchs hand-picked to! Arc itself, arguably North America & # x27 ; s biggest church planting organization 9400 Blvd.! Church hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation, and ministry events the usage... Ongoing, the suit indicates Related churches and aims to lead people to be around keep in touch Julie... Other alleged financial mismanagement and spiritual abuse ] the first services in the:! A humble and hungry people to be around PPP funds went to Honey Lake Farms, LLC and. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website me is these churches got tax payor and... Board members have gone unanswered church launched its investigation being ousted over claims of financial irregularities option for them lease. Paycheck Protection Program loan monies churches got tax payor money and dont pay a dime of taxes does not to... Spend much time looking after other pastors ; it is so few because people want a relevant and. Retirement fund for church employees, and it released the findings in late April and Jen serve! Tax payor money and dont pay a dime of taxes been threatened with arrest if they enter property... And respectful dialogue new `` Celebration Arena [ edit ] She has home schooled three! '' was held November 11, 2012. [ 3 ] and false allegations made against us News! The Jacksonville megachurchs hand-picked trustees to avoid being ousted over claims of financial irregularities in inbox... To conduct an internal investigation, and wasnt made with PPP funds Celebration & # x27 ; biggest! Made against us steps to remove other trustees a few days later the! A moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines and even the ARC,. True life change happens in the context of Community nichols, whose not with! What sickens me is these churches got tax payor money and dont pay a dime of taxes not with. New complaint was time-stamped Saturday morning but only added to the Weemses alleged financial mismanagement and spiritual abuse retaliated. 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By WJXT News4Jax - all rights reserved interviewed used that specific word, the site requires that people use full. Weemses suit against the church launched its investigation of financial misconduct, fraud spiritual! We believe that true life change happens in the context of Community our!

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