It is a measure of the American Churches blindness that it cannot discern what is going here with Paula White and Rick Hawkins. Having successfully dodged a storm over her “amicable” divorce from Randy White, with no loss of following from her “fans”. Still able to appear on TBN as if she has not done anything to violate minimal Biblical Standards for those who proclaim to be Christian Leaders.
It appears now that Paula White feels comfortable to move on to the next step in her fleshly desires and that is to “shack up” her “ministry” with another so called minister! It would seem the next big announcement will be that she and Rick Hawkins have “married”.
These two people are an absolute disgrace to Christianity! In fact I would be so bold to say that they are not followers of Christ at all as they reflect the works of their true father: Satan himself!
How many thousands if not millions will her behavior have an affect upon? How many millions will look to her behavior as justifiable and the “norm” for not only a supposed Christian Leader, but Christians in general!
The continuing damage this Jezebel does to Christianity is incalculable!
TV evangelist and motivational speaker Paula White, whose high-profile ministry is under review by a Senate committee, has forged stronger connections to a San Antonio church, having joined its board of directors and scheduled monthly visits throughout this year.
The nondenominational church, formerly called Family Praise Center, recently changed its name to San Antonio Epicenter, and founder Bishop Rick Hawkins remains its leader.
The Epicenter’s Web site reflects the church’s makeover and highlights White’s branding, including her monthly appearances and use of the church’s stage, remodeled to turn into a TV studio, for her recordings.
“From this stage, a potential 2.3 billion households will be touched throughout the world,” the narrator says in an online video.
The revamping of the church follows several controversies last year, including Hawkin’s divorce, the divorce of his son, Dustin, whom Rick had designated as pastor, and a WOAI investigation in which former church members questioned Hawkins’ integrity as a minister, including his spending of church money.
It alleged he paid former church members to keep quiet, which Hawkins has denied is improper or illegal, given church policy about severance packages for departing staff.
At the first service after the report aired, Hawkins praised the congregation for remaining loyal and reminded them that he already had apologized in church for past “sins and mistakes.”
White co-founded a megachurch in Tampa with her now-former husband, Randy White. The couple announced an amicable divorce last fall, saying no infidelity took place but sparking a debate among evangelicals about whether the breakup was appropriate.
Her expensive lifestyle, which includes a Trump Tower condo and a ministry jet, also has been fodder for public comment. She and her ex-husband are among six multimillion-dollar ministries that Sen. Chuck Grassley is individually reviewing in an inquiry about their compliance with non-profit tax policy.
White has defended her high-dollar ministry income as a blessing from God to accomplish his work, noting her donations to the disadvantaged worldwide.
White’s ministry spokeswoman Sheila Withum and her public relations agency WDC Media said White was not available for comment. Calls and e-mails to Will Norris, Epicenter’s spokesman and a staff pastor, were not returned.
All six TV ministers, including White, espouse some form of the so-called prosperity gospel, which emphasizes a message that God provides financial rewards for those committed to regular donations to their churches and ministries.
The Whites are among four of the ministries that the committee has reported as not cooperating with its requests for financial information, prompting the committee recently to prepare another round of requests and fueling speculation that subpoenas eventually could be sought.
The committee’s inquiries have intensified an already active debate about how open tax-exempt churches and ministries should be with their financial records.
One side is suspicious that the Senate committee could be interfering with religious freedom.
Others say the government is enforcing nonprofit tax laws that might be abused by church leaders in the name of charity.
“We’re just saying enough with the funny business,” said Lee Grady, editor of the popular Christian magazine, Charisma, based in Florida.
“We have now entered into a new season. It’s a season of accountability. It’s a season of disclosure, and I’ve been saying that God Almighty is auditing the church.”
White, who has lived in Tampa, bought a home near Boerne six months ago and has set up a “media headquarters” for Paula White Ministries at the San Antonio church, according to the Epicenter Web site.
Hawkins, who owns a ranch outside of Boerne, serves on the board of White’s PWM Life Center, a nonprofit organization created last year.
In keeping with White’s national profile, the Epicenter this year has scheduled notable Christian musicians and speakers for regular services and special events.
Among the changes is a new Saturday service led by a couple with ties to nationally known ministries, according to the church’s Web site. John and Jan Cruse are said to be leading “The Gathering” service.
John is described as the brother of Cindy Cruse, noted worship leader for Lakewood Church in Houston, the nation’s largest Protestant church pastored by best-selling author Joel Osteen. And Janice Cruse used to sing with the Archers, a longstanding contemporary Christian music group.
This week, the church will feature Bob and Audrey Meisner who will speak about marriage. The Meisners are known for giving a message about restoring marriages, including telling their own story of overcoming issues of infidelity.
Dear Friends,
Seems to me that a little scriptural discernment coupled with common horse sense would easily & quickly settle this issue.
To the Watchman out there,
Thanks for the alert!
Aaron
[…] by Job on March 21, 2008 “Embattled” Paula White and Rick Hawkins “strengthen ties” March 13, 2008 by […]
Well now,
Here is my concern, according to the Bible that I read, if there was no sign of infidelity in the marriage of Paula and Randy, how could there be a divorce? At what point did one of them stop believing Gods word? I hope that the two of them realize that God himself is watching them, even as he is watching the other so called Christian leaders who are divorcing their spouse for what seems no apparent reason. How can they be effective witnesses for God and their actions are nothing common than what the world is doing?” If I get tired of you in a relationship I’ll divorce you and say that we just were no longer compatible.” Could this be part of the great falling away that the Bible speaks of? Could this be the great deception spoken of in the Bible in the Church that would cause many to be decieved in the last day? The Bible does say that men would be lovers of themselves more than theyw ould God, “isn’t this a prime example? My final thoughts and they are many but I know that I have to be brief: BE NOT DECEIVED, GOD IS NOT MOCKED, WHATEVER A MAN SOWETH, THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP. GAL 6:7 My prayer is that we as the church don’t allow leaders like this to enfluence our walk with Christ, we are supposed to be a royal priest hood a holy nation yet we act like the world and the there is no seperation, is not this fleecing Gods people? whoever sent this article I must say thank you, it’s past time for exposure of this kind of conduct in God’s house.
My Brothers and Sisters, LET’S NOT WAIST ANY MORE TIME!
Jesus said, Luke 18:8 He will surely hurry and help them. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find on this earth anyone with faith?
Faith on God, not on this world.
These preachers depend on human hands, not on God’s Hands.
Any child of the LORD could easy discern these so call ministers, but many are focus on them serves, and not on the things of God.
My only explanation for these people who live in the spotlight and continue to receive financial support are these: 1). Jesus said many shall unto me Lord, Lord did we not do many miracles in thy name, prophesy in thy name, etc., then shall He say unto them, depart from me ye evildoers, I never approved of you. 2). the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. 3). The big named preachers support each other becuz they all say the same thing and they all get big financial support, and agree on the same things, this is how they walk together and the know that the people who support 1 of these ” ministries” will support others just like them. 4). No on really challenges them on what they preach and if someone did, they would regard them as ignorant of their “rights and privileges” in Christ! But I do remember Paul would not accept financial support even thought he felty he could, because he was so focused on the prize of the HIGH calling in Christ that he would not let it hinder what God wanted to do in reaching the lost!!!!! This really ought to be the aspiration of every born again beleiver, it appeared to be Jesus’ priority in coming!!
It is a sad day when there are so many American Mega-churches being robbed by their own men and women. God is in control and nothing goes by him. Let us pray for these “ministries” and all of the people that are devastated by the losses that God’s innocent people aquire on the road to salvation. Children become men and eat meat the Word says…..We are all but a vapour in this world.
It is sad for the so called servants of God to just walk away from their marriage. What happened to forgivenes 70 x 7? What happened tor the fruit of the spirit longsuffering and patience? Americans andchristians worldwide should be able to discern false and true teachers of the gospel. Some are in it for money the love of it the root of all evil.
Here’s a way to see if these prosperity preachers are really of God. Challenge them to sell all they have, give unto the poor (money, buy homes for the homeless, feed the hungry and I don’t mean to for a charity write-off,and not use their giving to get more back on their tax returns), and they shall have treasure in HEAVEN. If they’re REALLY OF GOD THEY’LL OBEY THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
in the days of old, children of God used to sell their possessions and share with one another. these days it takes people who really know their God to do that. we all want to be recognized but using God’s name to do it is a very dangerous thing.
let’s just stand together and pray that God exposes each and every person who is busy church as an excuse for an scam. God loves justice and it is a fact that He will reveal any injustice.
Didn’t Jesus tells us in the last days that there would be false prophets and even the elect would be deceived? Here she is!!! And deceiving millions, hook, line and sinker!!!
Didn’t Jesus tells us in the last days that there would be false prophets and even the elect would be deceived? Here she is!!! And deceiving millions, hook, line and sinker!!!
I was going to email Paul White was blocked on-line on all her web site God brought me to this site.
Last few weeks Holy Sprit spoke 2 kings holy sprit said double minded alot of this is going on in the market place everywhere. 2 peter 2:14, James 1:5, Ps 119, 113, unsettled in his opinions, obey only part, Pharises, pray dont think Gods will, divided interest, unstable, division, uncertain, and inconstant.
For two years on my job they call it harrasement some call it abuse its not obeying the lord. Trusting the Lord in all his ways. When God blesses you dont hold your hand tight release it to others as God leads you so he will continue to blessing you for his calling on your life he loves us wants the best for us. Peace that flows like a River the faith to walk in life with Jesus. What would Jesus do?
In Christ,
Shelia Rossell
I am a 79 year old African-American female who was raised in a Pentecostal Church. I came up under what is now considered “legalism” but believe me I got the message that we are to be different if we call ourselves Christians. Yes, there might have been a little over-board in the teaching that I received but the “anything is alright” now has to go. It is all a jump, a shout, a clap, a yell, a walking back and forth, like being on an emotional treadmill. However, we are to praise God but it it time now to settle down and “hear what the spirit is saying to the Churches. My consolation is that Paul said that there would be a “falling-away” and it is apparent every where. The message the angel gave Joseph was, “She shall call his mane Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Not come to me and you’ll be rich. IT is the closing days of this era; we had better wake up. If more people had discernment, many things going on in the Churches would not be happening. Thanks! The plan of God is redemption of mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ, for His glory.
I don’t understand how the word of God can be used at peoples convenience.
The only people being decieved are those who love living in decievement and I know that if people really truely give Jesus committment and obedience they can’t be so desperate to be shepard by these people like Paula White or Rick Hawkins. People need to think with a spirit of Wizdom to understand the Word of God and not be led to long suffering by these pastors that are not true to the Word of God.
Think people think!
I’m doing a follow up. I talked to Daystar VP about this situation. He said, it was her husband that wanted the divorce and that she did no wrong. My main issue was the other things being said I was told if she was a unchariteristic woman of God we would not air her program. I asked him to watch the video on www. gospel tube about RH & PW he refused to check up on people This is a New cast report not gossip. It is very bad. However, I just wanted DS to understand why I was upset. If it’s true why should I support them or her. He made my feel like I did something wrong because I wanted to know the truth.
Liars Cheats and Thieves, followers of false teachers and those claiming to be prophets.
The Federal, State, county and city Governments are so corrupt they are functioning as organized crime. So is big business seeking the way of satan rather than the commandments of God and Christ. The pulpits are full of abominations claiming to be right in the sight of God. Sun Myung Moon was crowned Messiah by 81 of our senators and congressmen and 219 other devils. We have the great whore standing in the bay of New Your City, her Towers have fallen because out leaders slept with her spirit for the root of evil, money. Sold our country to the highest bidder and let them bring their little gods with them. When a country lets all worship practices take place, the whole nation of deceived bows to their God. Throw God out of all things but leave Him on the dollar because that all they trust Him for. Even so, come Lord Jesus com, let your wrath and vengenance leave this heathen nation desolate and under full destruction.
All I can say is GOD have mercy
It is very sad news. God save the American Christians
Soloj
India
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
Scandals have fallen on so many “Christian singers/evangelists over the past 20 years. Jim & Tammy Baker, Jimmy Swaggert. the minister from Colorado (whose name escapes me), Oral Roberts & son and daughter in law,Amy Grant, Michael English, and one that really grieved me was Ray Boltz. These are but a few that Paula & Randy White have joined. Why can’t these people realize that they are worse than the sinner off the street. They have lied and deceived God’s most vulnerable. There will be souls lost because of their worldly desires and ambitions. The very things they condemn week after week are the very things they have embraced.
Do these people deserve to continue on with their fame and fortune, since they have repented? After all, God is a forgiving God…would he not wash their sins away? The answer is Yes….however…..there is a price to pay for redemption. If they are truly, repentent, they should prove it to God and the Christian community by stepping out of the lime light and into a quieter, more subservient ministry. for the Lord. By remaining in high positions, they are minimizing their sin and virtually showing us that for them , there are no consequences needed for their actions.
I am truly saddened by those who have failed to live Godly lives in very big ways. These are people who claimed to have known God intimately, yet let Satan destroy their integrity. Some will continue to follow them out of some need for a visible “hero”. We don’t need human heroes , Keep your eye off of men, for they will let you down. Look only to Christ for he alone will give you the strength to turn from evil.
I think that they need to get right with God what they did
is just plain wrong’ but I’m not going to judge there act’s
God is. When you get up in front of lost soul’s seeking peace from there problem’s. Your really setting up yourself
for so major problem’s. Paula from what I’ve heard and seen what she has said while preaching is dead wrong. But
God said that we as the leader’s will be held to a much higher stand than the rest. God said the sin is for a season it could be 2 or 3 or 4 yrs but in the end it will bring death. It could be very bad for them. But in the end they made there bed that they will have to sleep in . They really need
to stop leading the blind because they are blind themselve’s but they will never tell you that’ because they
use and twist the bible to defend themselve’s. They start speaking about forgiveness but do not see the sin in there own live’s. Right away they say we should not judge them. From what I have heard and read about what the bible say’s we should only divorce our huband or wife is they commited adultery.God doesn’t just let us walk away from our marriage because of our pride.
I think the whole world has gone mad………People just do not care about others anymore and even the family has fallen away. I believe it is because of deceiving people like these ministers that are not from God. If they were from God then they would surely repent. I would rather be a sinner than a man or woman who proclaims to be a christian and does not do what is proper and right in Gods eyes………These are like some of the seven churches in Revelations…………..God says he will spew them out…….. The money that these people get from innocent people cannot be taken with them when they die……..Wake up and listen to your heart………God will speak in a still small voice……………
Why do the people keep supporting these so called ministries? I’ll tell you why… these millions of followers have “itching ears” they follow and support these false prophets because it makes them feel at ease with their own sin. If these people were true people of God they would no longer support these fakes and then these so called ministries would fade away.
Stand up for what is right people!!!
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. 🙂 Cheers! Sandra. R.
Wow…refreshing to see that there are still true followers of Christ in the US of A. Just found your blog tonight and love it already. God bless u! Ron, Australia
All the ministers who are divorcing their spouses unbiblically need to step down from their ministries and get on their knees before God and repent and get right with God. Their repentance will cause them to make an about face, as the spirit of God who is a spirit of reconciliation will direct them back to their mates to make things right, anything less is a admission that thaey don’t even know God.
what if Christ comes now? we pray that we walk according to the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL col 1:8,9
These misguided evangelists just seem to be getting worse and more greedy as time goes on. They are allowed to keep on keeping on, without any remose or conscience. It’s mind-boggling, to say-the-least, to continue to see these people every single week continuing their TV Programs without anything being done to just simply stop their TV Ministries altogether. I beleive that in time, however, all of the scamming mega-TV Ministries will finally collapse. God knows who is genuine and who is not! I sense it pretty strongly lately, that these evangelistic organizations will one day be only and good-by fleeting memory.
you need to be on Facebook so millions of ‘Christians’ can read what you and others have to say.
I attended Rick Hawkins church….I left the church before this happened…I am disgusted with them. I can’t believe those who still attend his church. Rick Hawkins is all about money. He does not help people in need. They don’t even give food to the needy in the neighborhood. He’s a greedy man. He carries himself like a mobster instead of a man of God. Having body guards around him all the time. lol He’s a big joke. He reserves the first couple of rows to his pets. I don’t know any other church who does that.
Divorce was never authorized by God The Father. Moses allowed it due to the hardened hearts of that generation.History has proven time and again the disasterous results that come from divorce. This is why The Bible teaches we should not be unequally yoked. If people took the time to read The Word and ask The Lord for discernment then these issues would be resolved The Biblical way.The Bible also clearly states that tithings were for the poor, hungry and disadvantaged, widows, orphans, anyone in need. Somehow the pastors of this generation have twisted the true meaning of tithing to benefit themselves. I for one will not donate any money to these people. By doing so I truely believe I would be an enabler.This is what keeps them sinning . I am always ready to help someone in need. My motto is “If I can and have the means to assist someone in need I do”. if not then I refer them to someone who can.The Lord places people in the path of those that will assist just at the right time for Jesus knows who has a giving heart.