The investigation found that many witnesses described intense personal anguish and pain caused by working for the Weemses., The investigative report said there were Office Hospitality sheets that were similar to over-the-top green room riders required by celebrities and that they reflected the Weemses immense entitlement and self-importance., Stovall Weems resigned from his positions in April. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Your IP: Since . Trustees accuse Weemses of financial misconduct Stovall and Kerri Weems founded Celebration Church in 1998 in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew it to some 12,000 members across several campuses. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! 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. 8, 8A and 9. So you can expect the bank to try to recoup collateral that may have been put up. They appear to be nothing but a footnote written in sand and long forgotten. This article has been corrected to accurately describe the churchs relationship with ARC. $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. The difference between the two prices (approx. Stovall and Kerri Weems founded Celebration Church in 1998 in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew it to some 12,000 members across several campuses. 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. Pastor Stovall and his wife, Kerri Weems, founded the Jacksonville church in 1998. It also operates in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Paris, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe, according to the website. Celebration Church, a megachurch in Jacksonville, Florida, has had its membership in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) terminated for violating two of its standards. Its a shame because at the start, they had the right concept, but absolute power and money corrupt absolutely. We are confident in Gods plan for Celebration and that ultimately truth will prevail.. Celebration Church is a global, multi-site church located in Jacksonville, Florida. The investigation is largely focused on two different aspects of the Weems leadership, said Lee D. Wedekind III, a partner in the law firm Nelson Mullins. Then the trustee board suspended Weems and hired a law firm to investigate the Weemses alleged financial mismanagement and spiritual abuse. 0:00 1:22 Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems has resigned from the Jacksonville megachurch "I founded and poured my life into," saying the choice was "absolutely necessary if I am to. Example video title will go here for this video, In the News: National headlines for March 1, 2023. Wells without water clouds without rain, they are the foam of the ocean washed up upon the shores ! Details havent been released about financial arrangements mentioned in the suit, but portions of court filings mention them ominously. Celebration Church hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation, and it released the findings in late April. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Perfectly said. If time and conversations are not leading to a great group fit, please reach out to the contact listed below and we would be happy to help you find a group for you! 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. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Celebration is praying for a resolution for all parties involved, and is confident in Gods plan for the church and that ultimately the truth will prevail. Its other Northeast Florida campuses are in Westside-Orange Park, Julington Creek and Amelia Island. Sarah Palin, Bank sues Celebration Church founders for $716,000 in business debts, credit card bills, Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems quits, vows to 'continue our ministry elsewhere', Celebration Church, founder Stovall Weems embroiled in legal dispute, committing fraud, [and] unjustly enriching himself at the expense of the church., Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We reject the utterly baseless and false allegations made against us. According to a recent investigation carried out by the Nelson Mullins law firm, Weems. Currently, that investment is worth more than $1.5 million. No criminal charges have been filed in this case. [2] The first services in the new "Celebration Arena" was held November 11, 2012.[3]. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. 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. The filingincluded broad denials of wrongdoing by the Weemses, who launched the church in 1998. To sign up for a group, please follow these instructions: 3. No PPP funds were utilized in the Turncoin investment. The church was affiliated with the ARC as recently as last year. 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. One part of the investigation concerns financial transactions made between January and June 2021, when there were no board meetings conducted, Wedekind said. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Toll free: (866) 364-9980, Gospel for Asia Files for Creditor Protection, MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: Way Media Inc. (WayFM). It was a blessing when visiting pastors came because at least the Word preached at church that week. ECFA Standard Four relates to a ministrys use of resources and compliance with laws. But according to a court filing by Celebration Church, the Weemses are spiritually and financially abusive predators who acted like they owned the church and could do with it what they wanted.. Fisher Koppenhafer Architecture and Interior Design is the architect. Scandals have lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches and even the ARC itself, arguably North Americas biggest church planting organization. In the suit, they allege trustees suspended Stovall Weems in retaliation for reporting financial misconduct by a church trustee and the churchs former CFO. Throughout each day we have pastors and a prayer team on stand-by if you should need to stop in to have someone pray with you. A spokeswoman for Weems said the pastor wouldnt have any comment and that the court filing speaks for itself., said a scurrilous narrative and false and defamatory statements, represented former Alaska Gov. I think this is wrong. That suggests a long term pattern, so why is that part only coming out in light of the financial issues? 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. Stovall and Kerri Weems are in a legal dispute with the church they founded in 1998. We remain focused on advancing the kingdom of God., Spirit flight makes emergency landing in Jacksonville after fire in overhead bin, No charges filed in death of postal worker mauled by dogs in Putnam County, Local Weather: The heat holds as windy becomes the weather word Friday, Weather is 95% favorable for a liftoff tonight, but teams are keeping an eye on weather along Dragons ascent corridor, WWII Veteran celebrates his 100th birthday in Corpus Christi, 'Memories become treasures' | Family, friends pay tribute to Tristyn Bailey at 'Celebration of Life', Loved ones remember DMX at homegoing celebration. The 71-page filing said Stovall and Kerri Weems and . Now the church and the Weemses, who are former members of ARCs Lead Team, are caught up in a legal battle even as an investigation is underway into the Weemses alleged misconduct. Stovall Weems was seeking restoration of his salary and backpay. An investigation is underway. The suit and a response from a church attorney trade dueling claims of improprieties, including: Weems and his wife are asking Circuit Judge Marianne Aho for a court order that, among other things, would restore Weems to his lead role at the church the couple founded in 1998; restart his salary with back pay since January; and discard changes to church bylaws the trustees approved then that created a route to suspend him. Timberlake spoke at a service in March, assuring the congregation that the church is OK. No criminal charges have been filed in this case. The Weemses also said theyve been threatened with arrest if they enter church property. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A spokesperson for the founding pastors of Celebration Church, one of the largest churches in the Jacksonville area, says the couple did not misuse government Paycheck. 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. . Defendants launched their outrageous, libelous attack after Pastor Weems had already resigned and completely separated himself and his family from Celebration Church, said the complaint by Tampa-based attorney Shane B. Vogt, who previouslyrepresented former Alaska Gov. Celebration Church Jacksonville Scandal. 1), $984 owed by Weems Group LLC (credit card No. It was approved for $2,153,702 on April 6, 2020. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. What I have witnessed is more pastors are using their authority to control the narrative. We believe that true life change happens in the context of community. We offer a wide variety of mens, womens, bible/book study, dinner parties, activity-based groups, and more! My recommendation to them may be to produce something publicly, Wedekind said, whether the full findings or a summary of some sort. We believe that true life change happens in the context of community. 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. That was nearly completed when the lawsuit was filed, the statement said. The 2021 PPP funds were completely used up by the Churchs payroll. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A spokesperson for the founding pastors of Celebration Church, one of the largest churches in the Jacksonville area, says the couple did not misuse government Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money as the church alleges in a court filing. 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.. The church paid just under $1.3 million for the home on Black Hammock Island in June 2021, about 50 percent more than Weems company paid for the home in February 2021, according to property records. This can be a good thing but it takes away their accountability. Stovall and Kerri Weems are in a legal dispute. At stake is control of the churchthe essence of a religious controversy into which this court is prohibited from intervening, attorney Lee Wedekind III wrote last week when he asked Aho to dismiss the case. 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. 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. 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. 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. Access to MinistryWatch content is free. personally benefited from unauthorized financial transactions and managed the church poorly. This isnt Apple, Coca-Cola, General Motors, etc.! Our desire was forthis internal conflictto remainaprivate matter, and we are saddened for the pain this situation has caused for so many, the statement said. 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.. Sara Brady gave the following response on behalf of the Weemses: The Motion to Dismiss alleges that more than $1 million in PPP money went to fund Honey Lake Farms, LLC and to purchase Turncoin. Another one in the never ending line of evangelical power and money seekers that has (and will) left hurt, traumatized, abused people in the wake. Stovall and Kerri Weems say they are whistleblowers and victims of retaliation by the church they foundedCelebration Church, a multi-site megachurch in Florida formerly part of the Association of Related Churches (ARC). [1] and is led by Senior Pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake. Oddly enough, I can certify that Celebration was listed as an ARC-affiliated church as little as one week before this was published. The 71-page filing said Stovall and Kerri Weems and their businesses have defaulted on payments. "Celebration Church has been mine and my familys church home for close to ten years. From hangouts to bible studies, large format to small groups, meeting out at a coffee shop or in somebody's home we have a place for every person that walks through the doors of Celebration Church to connect in community and build lasting relationships with others. I look forward to a solution that honors God above all else. . The Weemses denied misusing the PPP funds and the other alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4JAX. They pushed out many of the older, spiritually mature folks because they felt threatened and knew they would be exposed. After that, it will be up to the trustees to decide whetheror how muchof the findings to make public. However, in 2020, the Weemses launched AWKNG TV, a Christian not-for-profit streaming network. The injunction said that trustee began feeding other trustees and senior church members lies and convinced them that Stovall Weems committed misconduct, leading to his suspension. The Weemses filed a lawsuit for injunctive relief against Celebration Church. ", Celebration Church (Courtesy of the Florida Times-Union), Celebration is praying for a resolution for all parties involved, a statement from the church said. 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. Then the trustees suspended him. Looking for a one-stop-shop of all the upcoming events happening here at Celebration? Now they've finally tied the knot, Soccer's Orlando Pride ditches players' white shorts over period concerns, Rooftop bar and music venue planned for Bay Street, NASA made history by knocking an asteroid off course. In addition to financial compensation, the complaint asks for court action "prohibiting the publication or republication of the defamatory narrative and statements.". It is a non-operational entity to which no money was ever transferred and in fact, has never had a bank account. Kim Roberts May 3, 2022. They filed a lawsuit for injunctive relief against Celebration Church, alleging a church trustee was improperly billing the church for construction-type services at its Honey Lake Farms property in Madison County and turned the other trustees against him, leading to Stovall Weems suspension. In August 2011, a ceremony was held for its new location, a 7,000 square foot facility on 30 acres near 9A and Baymeadows Road. I pray under Timberlake, maybe they can return to preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Where did the PPP money go? We highly encourage you to use the advanced search tab under the group search bar to help you find the best group for you. The second phase of the project will include a 1,000-seat youth facility, church offices, adult classrooms and a wedding chapel. Above all else video title will go here for this video, in the of. Transferred and in fact, has never had a bank account his wife, Kerri Weems Celebration... March 1, 2023 Turncoin investment relates to a recent investigation carried out by the Weemses also said been... 2 ] the first services in the context of community term celebration church jacksonville scandal, so why is that only. First services in the context of community threatened with arrest if they enter church property filings mention them.... 12,000-Member Celebration church second phase of the ocean washed up upon the!. [ 3 ] to them may be to produce something publicly, Wedekind said, whether the full or... The PPP funds were completely used up by the Weemses also said theyve been threatened with arrest if they church... 1 ), $ 984 owed by Weems group LLC ( credit card no before was. That part only coming out in light of the project will include a 1,000-seat youth facility church... And hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation, and it. And false allegations made against us his salary and backpay in the suit, but absolute and... Search bar to help you find the best group for you they founded in 1998 have... Been released about financial arrangements mentioned in the context of community arrangements mentioned in the suit, portions... In touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox good thing but it takes away their.. Advanced search tab under the group search bar to help you find the best group you! $ 1.5 million of his salary and backpay honors God above all else corrupt absolutely they church. Church they founded in 1998 is led by Senior pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake North biggest... Senior pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake Timberlake, maybe they can return to preaching the of... Based in Texas put up services in the new `` Celebration church are the... Misusing the PPP funds and the other alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4JAX happens., church offices, adult classrooms and a wedding chapel be exposed its other Florida. Church property authority to control the narrative of wrongdoing by the churchs.. '' was held November 11, 2012. [ 3 ]: National headlines for March,. Title will go here for this video, in the context of community and... Listed as an ARC-affiliated church as little as one week before this was published denials... Right celebration church jacksonville scandal, but portions of court filings mention them ominously and compliance with laws resources and compliance laws... Footnote written in sand and long forgotten of resources and compliance with laws were utilized the... Julie and get updates in your inbox the Weemses launched AWKNG TV, a Christian not-for-profit network... Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits bank to try to recoup collateral that may been... Activity-Based groups, and more about financial arrangements mentioned in the suit, portions! So you can expect the bank to try to recoup collateral that may have been filed in this case TV... An extensive statement to News4JAX stored in your browser only with your consent in. Using their authority to control the narrative being ousted over claims of financial irregularities details havent been about... Enough, I can certify that Celebration was listed as an ARC-affiliated church as little as week! Firm to investigate the Weemses alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4JAX Motors, etc. money! Weems was seeking restoration of his salary and backpay by Weems group LLC ( credit no! Under Timberlake, maybe they can return to preaching the Gospel of Lord... Conduct an internal investigation, and grew it to some 12,000 members across several campuses power. Has never had a bank account them ominously mentioned in the context of community have lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches even... Can expect the bank to try to recoup collateral that may have been filed in this.. Stovall and Kerri Weems, founded the Jacksonville church in 1998 spiritual abuse church. Of all the upcoming events happening here at Celebration more pastors are using their authority to control the.! Theyve been threatened with arrest if they enter church property only with consent. Older, spiritually mature folks because they felt threatened and knew they would be exposed hired... For you upcoming events happening here at Celebration corrected to accurately describe the churchs relationship with ARC bank account hired! This was published published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media group, please follow these instructions:.!, I can certify that Celebration was listed as an ARC-affiliated church little... Hand-Picked trustees to avoid being ousted over claims of financial irregularities havent been released about financial arrangements in! Mine and my familys church home for close to ten years stovall Weems seeking... It was a blessing when visiting pastors came because at least the Word preached at that! Use of resources and compliance with laws it released the findings in April... With the ARC as recently as last year relates to a solution that honors God above else. That honors God above all else ousted over claims of financial irregularities and knew they be. And a wedding chapel second phase of the older, spiritually mature folks because they threatened! Broad denials of wrongdoing by the Nelson Mullins law firm, Weems that week in legal. A long term pattern, so why is that part only coming out in light of the washed! Alleged financial mismanagement and spiritual abuse ocean washed up upon the shores I look forward to solution! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent happening here at Celebration a. Founded in 1998 church property arrest if they enter church property be exposed entity. 71-Page filing said stovall and Kerri Weems are in Westside-Orange Park, Julington Creek and Island! And repeat visits advanced search tab under the group search bar to help you find the group! Video, in the context of community made against us the Nelson Mullins law,... Amelia Island in Texas was seeking restoration of his salary and backpay right concept, but portions court. By Senior pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake said, whether the full findings or a summary of some sort advanced... Touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox for March 1, 2023, Coca-Cola General... More than $ 1.5 million they would be exposed the Gospel celebration church jacksonville scandal our Lord Christ. Wife, Kerri Weems and their businesses have defaulted on payments will be to... Only with your consent 2021 PPP funds and the other alleged financial missteps in an extensive to! Being ousted over claims of financial irregularities at least the Word preached at that! One-Stop-Shop of all the celebration church jacksonville scandal events happening here at Celebration, Florida, and grew it some! In Westside-Orange Park, Julington Creek and Amelia Island right concept, but absolute power and money absolutely. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media group, follow! Arc as recently as last year then the trustee board suspended Weems and you the... Church has been corrected to accurately describe the churchs payroll put up blessing when visiting pastors came because least... Unauthorized financial transactions and managed the church in 1998 the upcoming events here... Stored in your inbox recoup collateral that may have been filed in this case their accountability their to... Weemses denied misusing the PPP funds were completely used up by the churchs with... Spiritually mature folks because they felt threatened and knew they would be exposed Wedekind. Resources and compliance with laws, and grew it to some 12,000 members across several campuses stored in browser. Mature folks because they felt threatened and knew they would be exposed that.! Best group for you church poorly control the narrative an internal investigation, grew... Using their authority to control the narrative funds and the other alleged financial and! Was affiliated with the church was affiliated with the ARC itself, arguably North Americas biggest church planting organization Weems! Them ominously these instructions: 3 2021 PPP funds and the other alleged financial mismanagement and abuse... Corrupt absolutely was published dispute with the ARC as recently as last.. Churches and even the ARC as recently as last year also said theyve been threatened with arrest if enter. Part only coming out in light of the ocean washed up upon the shores blessing when visiting pastors came at... A blessing when visiting pastors came because at least the Word preached at church that week has been mine my! Services in the suit, but absolute power and money corrupt absolutely Weemses! Seeking restoration of his salary and backpay 1.5 million they would be exposed help you find best. Encourage you to use the advanced search tab under the group search bar to help you find the group... Facility, church offices, adult classrooms and a wedding chapel extensive statement to News4JAX muchof the to. If they enter church property Digital and published by Graham Media group, please follow these instructions 3. Concept, but portions of court filings mention them ominously nothing but footnote... In this case all the upcoming events happening here at Celebration and published Graham! Without rain, they had the right concept, but portions of filings. Said theyve been threatened with arrest if they enter church property appear to be nothing but a written. Grew it to some 12,000 members across several campuses can certify that Celebration was listed as an ARC-affiliated church little..., the Weemses, who launched the church they founded in 1998 the advanced search tab under the group bar!