Like Vollmers, Valenzuelas social media posts suggest a mindset aligned with election-deniers. Some in the community worry about how the churchs out-sized funding and theological beliefs, including the 7 Mountains Mandate, might impact local political candidates. But Shasta County is anything but normal. The trio of Redding City Council candidates who attend Bethel Church are Audette, Shea and Munns. Is it appropriate to scrutinize candidates religious beliefs or the church they attend? This has become a great concern for many people who believe the separation of Church and State imagined by the Founders is a solid wall, not a picket fence. If you agree please share this blog on your social . AFAIK, Schreder and Sullivan are not. As you can imagine, the conversation sometimes gets testy. Some of them have been doxing you. Bethel's mission is revivalthe personal, regional, and global expansion . 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. Add to the information pile the fact that Valenzuela, one of the youngest candidates at age 30, is one of three Redding City Council candidates recommended by Kathy Stainbrook, a notorious ultra-right Red, White and Blueprint supporter, and Leonard Moty recaller. Photo: KRCR video screengrab. 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. 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 . I spend just 2 hours at Bethel each week and 45+ hours in the community, helping unlock funding for real estate deals, putting my financial skills to work, and investing in our local nonprofits. 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. 2023 anewscafe.com. I grew up embracing a ranch life with early mornings feeding horses and late nights mucking stalls. Former Bethel volunteer worship leader and visible political activist Sean Feucht has openly endorsed Christian Nationalism over recent months, but Shea and Audette both said that belief is not part ofthe churchs teachings. They continue saying you should be appreciative of the help and that they really dont need to stop because they are just doing it to serve you. A meme response to Jakes blog post I found posted on Facebook. Feucht kicked off his first unauthorized Let Us Worship event beneath the Sundial Bridge in Redding. Bethels slogan, On earth, as it is in heaven, directs its believers to infiltrate every aspect of their communities. He and his wife Lois live in Colorado. Correction made. In reply to Jeff Gorder. Johnson, who publicly endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020, teaches that part of that revival will come through ballot boxes. Online streaming now reaches over 412,800 users internationally. I think they are going to be disappointed after they find out that their positions will force them to be focused on municipal needs such as water, sewer, traffic issues and infrastructure needs, not drag shows and woke teachers.. . But you know what else has pretty lights? 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. We are on the edge of the greatest revival of all time, says Bethels website. 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. 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. Non-Bethel City Council Candidates. ), Similarly, Bethel members, especially Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry students, have a certain look. EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser, Days-long Revival Sweeping Asbury University in Kentucky, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Covered Up Pastors Sexual Abuse, Witnesses Say, EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthurs Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show, Dante Bowe Posts, Then Removes, Apology for Behavior Causing Split with Maverick City Music, Matt Chandler Steps Aside After Admitting Inappropriate Online Relationship, John MacArthur Pulls Out of Ligonier Conference, Pastor Resigns From Houston Megachurch After Admitting Affair, Televangelist Creflo Dollar Renounces Past Teachings on Tithing, But Questions Persist. 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. Since the late 90s, under senior leader Bill Johnson, the church has been devoted to the pursuit of the presence of God, manifested in supposed signs and wonders, including messages from heaven, miraculous healings, gold glitter, feathers, and special stones. Submit ithere. Whats noteworthy is these endorsements are from a broad cross-section of individuals and organizations of all stripes and beliefs. My duty isto serve ALL people . 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. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. We will never charge for the news but would so deeply appreciate your voluntary support. Tenessa started a business, Called to Action Consulting, Inc, and over the last seven years has managed campaigns for City Council, County Supervisor, District Attorney, Congressional, Assembly, and Governor races. These two closed groups combined have more than 2000 members, most of them local citizens concerned about Bethels growing influence on our economy, our politics and our lives. Help increase access to important information. Its notable that Partin, like Valenzuela, has also been identified and selected as a true conservative candidate by some of the same ultra-conservative folks whove embraced Dacquisto. In a normal county, candidates religious beliefs wouldnt/shouldnt be relevant in local elections. Feb 20, 2023 5:15 PM . If the voters dont like the way the city is run under the new city council, they can boot them out at the next election. In 2018, the last year for which data is available, the church had annual revenue of more than $60 million. Johnson, who publicly endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020, teaches that part of that revival will come through ballot boxes. by Religion . 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. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. (And yes, it's free!). How about You can tellthose with a certain gender preferencerun this business because it has that look.?. Hates a strong word. What about Schreder, Sullivan, and Dacquisto? 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. There are three seats open for this November's election for Redding City Council. Reviews, coupons, analysis, whois, global ranking and traffic for ctfirewood.com. A casino! If he does have campaign signs, they must be hidden in secret locations. Kathy Vallotton, Bethel Church senior pastor, $1,000. 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. Looking to find the non-Bethelites running for city council. 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 large number of travelers who visit Bethel and its five schools (Bethel Christian School, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, BethelConservatory of the Arts, Bethel School of Technology, Bethel Music College) helped attract nonstop United Airlines flights to Los Angeles. Scheide. Granted, The Stirring lacks Bethel Churchs flashy signs and wonders fixation on everything from speaking in tongues, healings, tunnels of fire, and gold-dust glory cloudsto angel feathers, grave-soaking, gay-conversion therapy and attempts to raise the dead. On the negative side theres that yawning gap in her leadership experience; a chasm too large for Vollmers to leap over and propel herself onto the dais as a qualified city council member. Its social media, Jake. The same observation is true for Resner, a member of The Stirring. Their roadmap, the Seven Mountain Mandate, influences how believers approach politics and culture. Shea said he would represent all citizens in office, irrespective of their sexual identity, race, color, creed, religion, social status, housing status, or national origin. At first, to look at the un-clicked link, one might assume its an active, working site. But most of all, at what point will citizens who feel distraught by what they classify as lousy election options stop complaining and run for office themselves? Members volunteer and serve throughout the city. 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? The last go-round she was running for the Shasta County District 1 race, but she dropped out mid-race, citing a lack of financial resources that would enable her to compete with the other well-funded candidates. In 2016, I wrote a post titled, Bethel Redding: A Dangerous Evangelical Cult.Since that time, thousands and thousands of people (Almost 14,000 viewers in 2019, 18,000 in 2018, 24,000 in 2017, and 17,000 in 2016) have come to this site seeking information about Bethel Redding, an Evangelical megachurch in Redding, California pastored by Bill . The City of Redding has allowed them to sleep and stay there For months. 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. One area of government that could see significant turnover: the Redding city council. Two closed Facebook groupsthe 960-member Investigating Bethel Redding and the 1.8 million member Bethel Affiliated Businesses monitor and critique the church. In fact, I agree with you on at least one thing you wrote: Were on a slippery slope here. His fellow senior leader Bill Johnson has also compared the COVID vaccine to the mark of the beast. She didnt. Christianity Today defines Christian Nationalism, Supervisor Jones Wants More Power To Set The Board, And The Peoples, Agenda. Redding residents are divided on the churchs impact on their city. Which of those three domains would you assume is Dacquistos true residence? Redding City Council - Special Meeting - Budget Workshop. Literally. She is a member of Turtle Bay, Friends of the Library, Redding Rotary, Shasta County . I don't know about Dacquisto. Full disclosure: Im a member of two such Facebook groups, Bethel Affiliated Businesses and Investigating Bethel. 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. 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. His honors include winning the California Newspaper Publishers Associations Freedom of Information Act and best columnist awards as well as best commentary from the Society of Professional Journalists, California chapter. These three appear the most polished, most prepared, most experienced, most articulate and most accomplished. 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.. Tenessa is a graduate of Leadership Redding, and serves on the Steering Committee, organizing the Government program. She also served on the board of Advance Redding that manages the Redding Civic Auditorium, as well as Bethel Tech. The 11,000-member Bethel Church in Redding, California, led by Bill Johnson, now hold the majority on the Redding City Council after a successful electoral run in November by Bethel members saw them emerge victorious and now hold the swing vote. The Legislature banned performing this known harmful practice on people 18 years old and younger several years ago. The next time you talk to your neighbor, you say hey, I am thankful you mowed my lawn but this is my property, before you do that again can you please ask me? Then imagine if you will that your neighbor launches into this diatribe about how you are this poor struggling person but that they are rich and powerful! I cannot vouch for that number, but its probably close. The 2022 local election cycle is heating up in the Northstate. The two churches sometimes share resources, facilities, musicians, staff and speakers. Interestingly enough, Ive yet to hear Partin ask voters to cast their votes for Dacquisto. But right now, after all the North States been through, Redding could benefit from some youthful zeal. Six evangelicalsthree Bethel members and three members of The Stirring church, which has connections to Bethelwere among 10 candidates running for three open seats, according to Doni Chamberlain, editor of A News Caf, a feisty local publication that expressed concerns about Bethel dominance. Independent online journalist Doni Chamberlain founded A News Cafe in 2007 with her son, Joe Domke. Im not religious. Hand Counting, Supervisor Jones Says. 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.. No gold dust, please. The additional negative news is that Vollmers social media pages suggest her comfort with election-fraud conspiracy theories, such as those promoted in the film [S]election Code, produced by My Pillow Guy Mike Lindell. Church News. Were here to discuss the Redding City Council election. At stake is whose vision of downtown Clearwater will prevail: the city councils or Scientologys? Bethel Affiliated Businesses currently lists 67 businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, cafes and salons as having a Bethel affiliation. Even so, his campaign is lackluster, with just a smattering of campaign signs, and to date, few to none endorsements. 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. A big fat $150 million casino on the south side of town, a den of iniquity to balance the $150 million purity palace Bethels constructing on the north side of Redding. Is it fair to criticize any candidate who has the courage, confidence, vision and chutzpah to run for city council, board of supervisors, or any number of school boards or water districts? 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. Redding will lease its civic auditorium to Bethel Church for up to a decade. Dacquisto was recently quoted in a newspaper story with words that may eventually come back to haunt him: If people dont think I participate enough and want someone to do more, then they should vote for that candidate., Bingo! She lives in Redding, California. Cancelled . Theres plenty of hate to go around. Some of the replies are incorrect, such as the widely-reported assumption that candidate Johnson is a Bethel Church member. You then assert the same sort of hateful things are being posted, with Bethel taking the place of Blue People, in Bethel Affiliated Business, Investigating Bethel and numerous other Facebook groups you say are devoted to hating Bethel Church and its members., You write, Any of these posts would create a huge issue in the human resources department of your business and perhaps land the author in court for libel, defamation of character, or perhaps even a hate crime.. I dont understand Catholic incense, midnight mass, Mormon underwear or Jehovah Witnesses disdain for celebrating birthdays, Thanksgiving or other wonderful events. Ive never made such an inquiry, but it really is starting to look a lot like Clearwater around here. He said in his speech to delegates 'They are pressing and saying, 'no peace without the Jewish state . Recreation Area, Shasta County Supervisor Kevin Crye (252), Win-River Casino Expansion: One Step(4,632), Gateway School District Update: Clif(3,529), Comment on Against Ad Hoc Committee Advice, New State California Secessionist Chriss Street May Be Countys CEO by Jolly, Comment on Against Ad Hoc Committee Advice, New State California Secessionist Chriss Street May Be Countys CEO by George Winship. Brad Everett, Bethels Director of Communications, declined to answer any of Shasta Scouts questions for this story. In interviews with local candidates Shasta Scout avoided asking directly about Bethel Church involvement to avoid discriminating against individuals on the basis of their faith. But no. But forget election-deniers for a moment. Scripps. Hmm! To make a donation,click here. Although Im a Democrat, for me, a shared party is not reason enough to vote for someone as politically out of touch and woefully inexperienced as Hill. These groups arent devoted to hating Bethel Church and its members, theyre devoted to exposing the grip Bethel has on Redding and their lives, and theyve garnered national media attention with their efforts. Ten candidates are running for three seats on the Redding council this fall. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Others have been threatened by Bethel supporters. Put all three of those concerns together, Jake, and Redding starts looking a lot like Clearwater, Florida, global headquarters for Scientology. Some in the community worry about how the church's out-sized funding and theological beliefs, including the 7 Mountains Mandate, might impact local political candidates. The four have disagreed over everything from land issues and staff raises to homeless solutions and even holiday lights at Turtle Bay Museum. His answer matters, because if he lives in Mt. 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. In reply to Jeff Gorder. Prayer Meeting for Redding. Bethels theology and practices have long been controversial. During winter storms, Shasta Countys lack of low-barrier shelter leaves many struggling to stay warm in the cold and snow. The Redding City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved renewing Advance Reding's contract to run the Redding . I have received no funding from Bethel, Audette wrote, In fact I have one donor from the over 400 staff that work there. A non-Bethel incumbent up for reelection was the top vote getter. While two of Bethels candidates won their races, former Bethel celebrity Sean Feucht was less successful in his worship-music-meets-campaign efforts on behalf of two Trump-endorsed candidates. Bill and Beni Johnson, senior pastors Bethel Redding. 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. Bethels theology and practices have long been controversial. Scheide. But click on the link, and its soon apparent that theres no there, there, and that site has been non-functioning for some time. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. 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. 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. Audette said the way the church engaged that time was legal and appropriate because it would have affected their ability to exercise their 1st Amendment rights.. Bethel wields immense local influence: of Redding's 90,000 residents, 11,233 are Bethel members, according to a report from northern California magazine A News Cafe. Both candidates said despite that teaching they would not discriminate against the gay community in any way in their role on the council. In fact, Johnson agrees so much that he took to Facebook with an accounting of the some of the most damning charges against Dacquisto in a post that pretty much summarizes Johnsons stance, I voted for Michael Dacquisto 4 years ago. 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. Of those 10 candidates, three are current Bethel Church members, and three are members of The Stirring Church, including one whos a former Bethel Church member. Theyll show up and work hard. Yes, Audette and Shea are Bethel Church members. Contact him at RVScheide@anewscafe.com.. Yes, Johnson attends the Stirring Church. We are on the edge of the greatest revival of all time, says Bethels website. Redding is a city of 93,462 in Trump-red Shasta County, which has a population of 182,000. I recall my concerns/fears/disappointment when Julie Winter first won a seat on the Redding City Council. However, as much as some members of The Stirring church might like to distance themselves from Bethel Churchs dramatic spiritual feats, its indisputable that The Stirring and Bethel Church are Christian kissin cousins. Atlanta Megachurch Files Suit Charging Lenders with Predatory Behavior, Alleges Widespread Fraud Against African-American Churches, MinistryWatchs 2022 Shining Light Awards. Get involved and join us as we pursue the personal, regional, and global expansion of God's kingdom through His manifest presence. . Mayor Kristen Schreder declined to run for re-election. The theology is sometimes referred to as dominionism, and is widely believed to include the idea that believers should take dominion over society to bring more of heaven to earth. Once was the churchs vocal response to a 2018 California bill which would have made it illegal for Bethel to sell resources with the intent to reduce or eliminate same-sex attraction, according to a tweet from Vallotton. While two of Bethels candidates won their races, former Bethel celebrity Sean Feucht was less successful in his worship-music-meets-campaign efforts on behalf of two Trump-endorsed candidates. Theyre threatening to boycott not just Bethel businesses, but any business represented by the chamber. Christianity Today defines Christian Nationalism as the idea that America is defined by Christianity and should take active steps to keep it that way. Old City Hall Gallery Exhibion Proposal 2017 2018 Shasta County Arts Council accepts Exhibion Proposals for art . Christian nationalist Doug Mastriano of Pennsylvania lost his Senate race to his Jewish opponent, while Kari Lake lost Arizonas governors race to the incumbent. Article VI, Clause 3 works both ways. A City Council majority Monday night decided a lease with the large revival church would be the best option for keeping the building open to the public at least part of the time. . I've searched the names on the ballot and I found James Crockett and Erin Resner are both associated with Bethel. The Awakening Australia eventand its main speaker, Bill Johnsonare increasing the awareness of the controversial church throughout the continent. James Crockett, who says hes a former Bethel Church member, is now a member of The Stirring. Did you mean the Blue Man Group? Redding Municipal Library Board - Regular Meeting. This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. I just hope they dont stop there. 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. For some, its one more reason to appreciate the churchs outsized local impact, which they feel is mostly positive. And with that slippery slope, youve hit rock bottom. To donate, Invading Babylon: The 7 Mountain Mandate,, Jack W. Hayford, Charismatics Gold Standard, Has Died, Vandals Deface Church Hosting Sean Feucht New Years Eve Worship Event, Charismatic Revivalist Todd Bentley Widening Ministry Despite Scandals and Disqualification, Eden Village Ministry Aims to End Homelessness Through Tiny Home Communities, Gateway Seminary to Fund Short-Term Mission Trips for All Students, Vineyard Pastor Resigns, Wont Cooperate With Probe Into Sons Alleged Misconduct, Why Businessman Peter Chung Matters for the Future of The Kings College. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Old Lyme: 3 inches. Annelise Pierce is Shasta Scouts Editor and a Community Reporter covering government accountability, civic engagement, and local religious and political movements. As Trump ran for reelection, Vallotton used the Bethel pulpit to encourage attendees to vote for Trump or risk facing Gods displeasure. Steve Rabey is a veteran author and journalist who has published more than 50 books and 2,000 articles about religion, spirituality, and culture. 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. The city approved a 10-year lease extension in 2021. Have a question? He later explained his point, that homelessness is a community problem, not a government problem. Third, as a result of its newfound power and its dominionism, Bethel has become openly entangled in city of Redding finances as well as our politics on the local, state and federal level. Who are these new people and whered they get all the money to start these crazy businesses? Theres also concern that some church members are fanning secessionist movements and supporting militia groups in Shasta County. Do I know what Im writing about? Thats the lens through which the people in the groups youre maligning see the world unfolding in front of them, Jake. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Christian nationalist Doug Mastriano of Pennsylvania lost his Senate race to his Jewish opponent, while Kari Lake lost Arizonas governors race to the incumbent. The fact that members of the group routinely observe and discuss whats known as the Bethel look is not necessarily hateful. Whats Next For Shasta County Voting? It says so right in the Bible. He was an instructor at Fuller and Denver seminaries and the U.S. Air Force Academy. She left the church eight years ago. I know what he means, because Audette and Shea in particular do come across a bit on the Up-With-People uber-perky side. I can confidently say that (the issue of homosexuality will have) no influence on my role as a council member, Audette wrote by email. Connecting yet more Bethel/Stirring dots, Nathan Edwardson is The Stirring church pastor.