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== History == |
== History == |
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The movement has its root in the college department of Highland Baptist Church (Waco, Texas) in the later 80's. Jimmy Seibert was the college pastor. His "Master's commission" program and "World Mandate Conference" ministries were ongoing while still part of HBC for many years. As the college department grew very large, the movement 'multiply' by virtue of getting their own place and thus separating from HBC. Seibert also encourages missionaries to plant illegal churches in places hostile to Christianity. The movement has been establishing churches since 1993, is part of the realization of a vision to see the local church become a center for training and sending workers to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission.<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=16153 Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The movement began with a desire to see Christianity reproduced in a similar way as described in the [[Book of Acts]]. |
The movement has its root in the college department of Highland Baptist Church (Waco, Texas) in the later 80's. Jimmy Seibert was the college pastor. His "Master's commission" program and "World Mandate Conference" ministries were ongoing while still part of HBC for many years. As the college department grew very large, the movement 'multiply' by virtue of getting their own place and thus separating from HBC. Seibert also encourages missionaries to plant illegal churches in places hostile to Christianity. The movement has been establishing churches since 1993, is part of the realization of a vision to see the local church become a center for training and sending workers to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission.<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=16153 Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The movement began with a desire to see Christianity reproduced in a similar way as described in the [[Book of Acts]]. There are many rumors that Antioch Church is a cult.<ref>{{cite web |title=To a close. And an open letter to the cult I was a part of for 4+ years. |url=https://medium.com/@jessica.cobaugh9/to-a-close-9c8ff0671b62}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref> |
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== Missionaries imprisoned in Afghanistan == |
== Missionaries imprisoned in Afghanistan == |
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== Beliefs and practices == |
== Beliefs and practices == |
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Antioch has an official statement of faith available on their website.<ref>[http://www.antiochchurchplanting.com/?page_id=26 Beliefs | Antioch Church Planting<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801194911/http://www.antiochchurchplanting.com/?page_id=26 |date=August 1, 2012 }}</ref> The organization has its doctrinal roots in the Baptist Tradition and the Charismatic Renewal. Jimmy Seibert often makes references to Waco's world evangelist Robert Ewing as his mentor. Robert Ewing was an independent non-denominational evangelist not associated with the Baptist Church nor traditions. Robert Ewing used the term "New Testament Church" also heavily adopted by Siebert. The movement has a distinct focus on the development of small group communities, called Lifegroups. “Antioch engages members in daily Bible study and prayer, carried out individually and in the church's 100-plus small groups that meet during the week in homes and on Sunday mornings."<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/alumni/magazine/0104/news.php?action=story&story=7403 Baylor Magazine || Baylor University || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Lifegroups follow a cell ministry model.<ref>[http://www.joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/worldwide/NorthAmerica.htm Cell Church Solutions<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819014904/http://www.joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/worldwide/NorthAmerica.htm |date=August 19, 2011 }}</ref> In a 2013 Antioch Waco sermon, Seibert denounced LGBTQ+ rights, such as same-sex marriage's increasing approval, as a "world gone astray." Antioch firmly believes with "clarity and compassion" that homosexuality is a sin, describing this as "the truth." <ref>{{cite web |title=A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://antiochwaco.com/tag/homosexuality/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Clarity and Compassion |url=https://antiochwaco.com/sermons/clarity-and-compassion/}}</ref> |
Antioch has an official statement of faith available on their website.<ref>[http://www.antiochchurchplanting.com/?page_id=26 Beliefs | Antioch Church Planting<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801194911/http://www.antiochchurchplanting.com/?page_id=26 |date=August 1, 2012 }}</ref> The organization has its doctrinal roots in the Baptist Tradition and the Charismatic Renewal. Jimmy Seibert often makes references to Waco's world evangelist Robert Ewing as his mentor. Robert Ewing was an independent non-denominational evangelist not associated with the Baptist Church nor traditions. Robert Ewing used the term "New Testament Church" also heavily adopted by Siebert. The movement has a distinct focus on the development of small group communities, called Lifegroups. “Antioch engages members in daily Bible study and prayer, carried out individually and in the church's 100-plus small groups that meet during the week in homes and on Sunday mornings."<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/alumni/magazine/0104/news.php?action=story&story=7403 Baylor Magazine || Baylor University || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Lifegroups follow a cell ministry model.<ref>[http://www.joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/worldwide/NorthAmerica.htm Cell Church Solutions<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819014904/http://www.joelcomiskeygroup.com/articles/worldwide/NorthAmerica.htm |date=August 19, 2011 }}</ref> In a 2013 Antioch Waco sermon, Seibert denounced LGBTQ+ rights, such as same-sex marriage's increasing approval, as a "world gone astray." Antioch firmly believes with "clarity and compassion" that homosexuality is a sin, describing this as "the truth." <ref>{{cite web |title=A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://antiochwaco.com/tag/homosexuality/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Clarity and Compassion |url=https://antiochwaco.com/sermons/clarity-and-compassion/}}</ref> Seibert doesn’t use the term “exorcism” but they do recognize “demonic oppression.”<ref>{{cite web |title=‘Fixer Upper’ Stars Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines’ Church Facing Disturbing Claims (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/chip-gaines-joanna-gaines-fixer-upper-church-117192/}}</ref> |
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== Affiliated Churches == |
== Affiliated Churches == |
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* World Mandate, a conference “for anyone who wants to worship God and change the world<ref>http://worldmandate.com</ref>” World Mandate is a popular conference typically hosted at Baylor University's Ferrell Center (when available, which was not the case in 2016).The event is known for its live worship and popular conference speakers, which have included Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Christine Caine, Max Lucado, and Jackie Pullinger. The conference began in 1989 with 60 people and now draws thousands of attendees.<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=68082 Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> World Mandate focuses on encouraging young people to pray and engage with international missionary work.<ref>[https://archive.is/20120720143450/http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Protestant/2002/02/Where-It-All-Began-For-Heather-Mercer-And-Dayna-Curry.aspx. Where It All Began For Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry - Beliefnet.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
* World Mandate, a conference “for anyone who wants to worship God and change the world<ref>http://worldmandate.com</ref>” World Mandate is a popular conference typically hosted at Baylor University's Ferrell Center (when available, which was not the case in 2016).The event is known for its live worship and popular conference speakers, which have included Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Christine Caine, Max Lucado, and Jackie Pullinger. The conference began in 1989 with 60 people and now draws thousands of attendees.<ref>[http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=68082 Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> World Mandate focuses on encouraging young people to pray and engage with international missionary work.<ref>[https://archive.is/20120720143450/http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Protestant/2002/02/Where-It-All-Began-For-Heather-Mercer-And-Dayna-Curry.aspx. Where It All Began For Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry - Beliefnet.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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* UnBound is an anti-slavery and anti-trafficking ministry headquartered at Antioch Waco and has local chapters around the world. The organisation specializes in prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Who We Are {{!}} UnBound|url = https://unboundnow.org/about/|website = unboundnow.org|access-date = 2016-02-14}}</ref> |
* UnBound is an anti-slavery and anti-trafficking ministry headquartered at Antioch Waco and has local chapters around the world. The organisation specializes in prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Who We Are {{!}} UnBound|url = https://unboundnow.org/about/|website = unboundnow.org|access-date = 2016-02-14}}</ref> |
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== Endorsements == |
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The church's website indicates that their ministry has been endorsed and supported by Max Lucado, Judge Ken Starr (Baylor University), Floyd Mcclung, Jerry Rankin (President Emeritus of the International Mission Board), David Wills (President of the National Christian Foundation). <ref>https://antiochwaco.com/antioch-endorsements/</ref> |
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== Controversies == |
== Controversies == |
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===Deceptive and Illegal Missionary Work=== |
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===Missionary Work in Countries Hostile to Christianity=== |
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Antioch International actively sends independently covert missionaries in secret to countries and places that are dangerous and hostile to Christianity. A well known result of this is Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry's arrest in the middle east due to the illegality of evangelism in Afghanistan in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dana Curry, Heather Mercer: Relief Workers on Trial in Afghanistan |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0110/27/pitn.00.html}}</ref> Internationally, their public listing claims "more than 80 additional locations worldwide" despite listing only 7. The remaining international churches are unlisted.<ref>https://antioch.org/locations/</ref> |
Antioch International actively sends independently covert missionaries in secret to countries and places that are dangerous and hostile to Christianity. A well known result of this is Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry's arrest in the middle east due to the illegality of evangelism in Afghanistan in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dana Curry, Heather Mercer: Relief Workers on Trial in Afghanistan |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0110/27/pitn.00.html}}</ref> Internationally, their public listing claims "more than 80 additional locations worldwide" despite listing only 7. The remaining international churches are unlisted.<ref>https://antioch.org/locations/</ref> |
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===Unethical Proselytization=== |
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In 2005, after the tsunami in Sri Lanka, Antioch workers responding to the crisis shared their Christian beliefs and prayed for Sri Lankans while helping to rebuild homes|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/22/world/worldspecial4/mix-of-quake-aid-and-preaching-stirs-concern.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eastward, evangelical soldiers! |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30203601.ece}}</ref> |
In 2005, after the tsunami in Sri Lanka, workers from Antioch Community Church were sent under the guise of a purely humanitarian aid group. However once they arrived they were accused of heavy overt proselytization by some Indonesian and United States religious leaders, including Rev. Sarangika Fernando, a local Methodist minister in Indonesia, who witnessed one of the prayer sessions in Sri Lanka and accused Antioch Community Church of acting unethically with traumatized people. Specifically, Antioch workers responding to the crisis shared their Christian beliefs and prayed for Sri Lankans while helping to rebuild homes. Their actions prompted concern over potentially violent backlash from a religiously tense Buddhist population. Other humanitarian camps viewed their actions inappropriate and barred them for their actions. This mixing of gospel-sharing and giving aid was seen by as exploitative even by local Indonesian Christian leaders. Another article from India parallels Antioch's church planting efforts with western colonialism.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mix of Quake Aid and Preaching Stirs Concern |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/22/world/worldspecial4/mix-of-quake-aid-and-preaching-stirs-concern.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Eastward, evangelical soldiers! |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/article30203601.ece}}</ref> |
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===Beliefs on Homosexuality and Gay Marriage=== |
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Antioch recognizes marriage as only between "the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime."<ref>{{cite web |title=A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://antiochwaco.com/tag/homosexuality/}}</ref> Furthermore Seibert has emphasized "if someone were to say, 'Marriage is defined in a different way,' let me just say: They are wrong," Seibert follows up, "...Homosexuality is a sin" and that it is a lie that homosexuality is not a sin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clarity and Compassion |url=https://antiochwaco.com/sermons/clarity-and-compassion/}}</ref> He attributes most homosexuality a result of some type of physical, sexual, mental abuse. Jimmy Seibert's hardline stance had proven to be so controversial, HGTV celebrities Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper, who attend the church, released a statement on it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chip And Joanna Gaines' Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/kateaurthur/chip-and-joanna-gaines-church-same-sex-marriage?utm_term=.oeEGxaYv7#.uoYvgodWr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref> Jimmy Seibert stated in a telephone interview, "for over 30 years — I have seen hundreds of people personally change their direction of same-sex attraction from a homosexual lifestyle to a heterosexual lifestyle."<ref>{{cite web |title=Chip and Joanna Gaines and the anti-gay controversy over HGTV's Fixer Upper, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/6/13838268/chip-joanna-gaines-buzzfeed-gay-fixer-upper}}</ref> |
Antioch recognizes marriage as only between "the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime."<ref>{{cite web |title=A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://antiochwaco.com/tag/homosexuality/}}</ref> Furthermore Seibert has emphasized "if someone were to say, 'Marriage is defined in a different way,' let me just say: They are wrong," Seibert follows up, "...Homosexuality is a sin" and that it is a lie that homosexuality is not a sin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clarity and Compassion |url=https://antiochwaco.com/sermons/clarity-and-compassion/}}</ref> He attributes most homosexuality a result of some type of physical, sexual, mental abuse. Jimmy Seibert's hardline stance had proven to be so controversial, HGTV celebrities Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper, who attend the church, released a statement on it.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chip And Joanna Gaines' Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/kateaurthur/chip-and-joanna-gaines-church-same-sex-marriage?utm_term=.oeEGxaYv7#.uoYvgodWr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref> Jimmy Seibert stated in a telephone interview, "for over 30 years — I have seen hundreds of people personally change their direction of same-sex attraction from a homosexual lifestyle to a heterosexual lifestyle."<ref>{{cite web |title=Chip and Joanna Gaines and the anti-gay controversy over HGTV's Fixer Upper, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2016/12/6/13838268/chip-joanna-gaines-buzzfeed-gay-fixer-upper}}</ref> It has been reported a psychologist in Waco meets regularly with a group of self-described “Antioch survivors," noting former members' stories of crises of faith after being made to feel unwelcome by the church, either for life decisions (declining to go on a mission) or for their identity (coming out as gay).<ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref> |
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===Cult Allegations=== |
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There have been many reviews and personal testimonials on blogs, articles, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Antioch+Waco/@31.5473078,-97.1522727,17z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x864f83ba2eac83fd:0xf5c51e84e5744374!8m2!3d31.5473078!4d-97.150084!9m1!1b1 Google Maps] and [https://www.reddit.com/search/?q=antioch%20community%20church reddit] that accuse Antioch International Ministries and Antioch Waco of being a cult. One former member outlines brainwashing techniques, manipulation, strict rules, and people with their own "Antioch lingo" code speak. She describes being part of a certain target audience that Antioch will "prey" upon: young, seeking, vulnerable, on the "fringes."<ref>{{cite web |title=To a close. And an open letter to the cult I was a part of for 4+ years. |url=https://medium.com/@jessica.cobaugh9/to-a-close-9c8ff0671b62}}</ref> In her [https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/borderline/2014/02/abused-for-christ-part-two-healing-from-the-pain blog], another former member has described her experience as "toxic" and "abusive." One journalist even [https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/1/10/1910577/-Treason-for-Jesus-career-suicide-and-the-Taliban-s-role-in-my-downfall staked her career] on the dangers of Antioch. One buzzfeed article quotes a wife of a former Antioch member to say that "[t]here’s some abuse of the culture of authority." It also reports a psychologist in town meets regularly with a group of self-described “Antioch survivors," noting former members' stories of crises of faith after being made to feel unwelcome by the church, either for life decisions (declining to go on a mission) or for their identity (coming out as gay).<ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In 2018 Pastor Edward Ignacio Espinosa was arrested on a Class B misdemeanor prostitution charge after he paid for sexual acts at a local massage parlor. He had been a pastor at Antioch Waco for eight years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pastor from Pray-Away-The-Gay Church in Waco Caught in Prostitution Sting |url=https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2018/03/pastor-from-pray-away-the-gay-church-in-waco-caught-in-prostitution-sting/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former Antioch pastor arrested on prostitution charge |url=https://wacotrib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-antioch-pastor-arrested-on-prostitution-charge/article_5fb6ee3d-609e-5b5e-a796-a2a6d963b7ba.html}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In 2018 Pastor Edward Ignacio Espinosa was arrested on a Class B misdemeanor prostitution charge after he paid for sexual acts at a local massage parlor in a human trafficking sting operation. He had been a pastor at Antioch Waco for eight years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pastor from Pray-Away-The-Gay Church in Waco Caught in Prostitution Sting |url=https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2018/03/pastor-from-pray-away-the-gay-church-in-waco-caught-in-prostitution-sting/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former Antioch pastor arrested on prostitution charge |url=https://wacotrib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-antioch-pastor-arrested-on-prostitution-charge/article_5fb6ee3d-609e-5b5e-a796-a2a6d963b7ba.html}}</ref> After confessing his crime, Pastor Espinosa was placed and administrative leave pending an internal investigation. He was later allowed to resign. |
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===Children and Spanking=== |
===Children and Spanking=== |
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In their book, ''Parenting without Regrets'', Jimmy Seibert and Laura Seibert support spanking as a means for child discipline.<ref>{{cite web |title=More Than Parenting, Loving |url=https://drewdowns.net/2016/07/21/parenting-loving/}}</ref> |
In their book, ''Parenting without Regrets'', Jimmy Seibert and Laura Seibert support spanking as a means for child discipline.<ref>{{cite web |title=More Than Parenting, Loving |url=https://drewdowns.net/2016/07/21/parenting-loving/}}</ref> |
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===Pro-Life Stance in Opposition to Planned Parenthood=== |
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Jimmy Seibert has been listed endorsing a pro-life movement against the Texas Department of State Health Services, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. These full page ads are paid for by Carenet Pregnancy Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=NEVER Again in Waco! |url=https://www.prolifewaco.com/uploads/5/5/3/1/55313755/trib_ad_final_letter_size.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=40 Days for Life in Waco |url=https://www.prolifewaco.com/uploads/5/5/3/1/55313755/trib_ad_40d_full_2020.pdf}}</ref> |
Jimmy Seibert has been listed endorsing a pro-life movement against the Texas Department of State Health Services, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. These full page ads are paid for by Carenet Pregnancy Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=NEVER Again in Waco! |url=https://www.prolifewaco.com/uploads/5/5/3/1/55313755/trib_ad_final_letter_size.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=40 Days for Life in Waco |url=https://www.prolifewaco.com/uploads/5/5/3/1/55313755/trib_ad_40d_full_2020.pdf}}</ref> |
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===Forced Exorcism Allegation=== |
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Former member Becky Oberg claims she was kicked out of the Antioch Community church in the late ’90s after she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “They thought I was possessed by a demon,” says Becky, adding that church leaders told her it was her fault and tried to treat her with an exorcism. “They pinned me to my floor and yelled for Satan to leave. They want you to confess your sin and be healed or cast out the demons.” However in an interview, Seibert denied this and goes on to say they don’t use the term “exorcism” but they do recognize “demonic oppression.”<ref>{{cite web |title=‘Fixer Upper’ Stars Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines’ Church Facing Disturbing Claims (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/chip-gaines-joanna-gaines-fixer-upper-church-117192/}}</ref> |
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===Gentrification Criticism=== |
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With church planting and expansionism as part of the core values of Antioch Waco, along with their close association with celebrity home renovation and redecoration entrepreneurs Chip and Joanna Gains, Antioch has been accused and criticized for heavily gentrifying their surrounding neighborhoods. Capitalizing on church networking as a means for creating internal upward mobility. On one expansionist project, Antioch intends to spend $11 million dollars on infrastructure alone.<ref>{{cite web |title=$11 million Antioch church expansion halfway done, and debt-free |url=https://wacotrib.com/news/local/11-million-antioch-church-expansion-halfway-done-and-debt-free/article_8f62d765-012b-5053-86ab-1af20d7030ca.html}}</ref> The Waco neighborhood in particular has been in focus, where journalist Anne Helen Petersen argues that Waco's diversity is not reflected in Antioch Community Church's White majority makeup.<ref>{{cite web |title=“Fixer Upper” Is Over, But Waco’s Transformation Is Just Beginning |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annehelenpetersen/waco-texas-magnolia-fixer-upper-antioch-chip-joanna-gaines}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Buzzfeed Waco article garners mixed reviews |url=https://baylorlariat.com/2019/05/02/buzzfeed-article-gains-backlash/}}</ref> |
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===Mosaic-Neumos Dispute=== |
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In 2008, a church plant of Antioch Community Church called Mosaic Community Church was accused of "forcefully" inserting itself into the Capital Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Initially, the nightclub Neumos had agreed to rent out their space to the church. However, after local nightclub owners and residents had discovered Mosaic's vague, misleading, and ultimately "homophobic" beliefs, the nightclub has since denied the church plant's lease and have severed all ties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rock God The Holy Spirit Comes to Neumos |url=https://www.thestranger.com/seattle/rock-god/Content?oid=770463}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Neumos Gives Mosaic Church the Boot |url=https://www.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2008/11/20/neumos_gives_mosaic_church_the}}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
Revision as of 02:04, 8 December 2020
The Antioch International Movement of Churches is a relational network of evangelical churches[1] founded with a "passion for Jesus and His purposes in the earth.[2]" The Antioch Movement, based in Waco, TX, began in the 1980s. The movement primarily focused on church planting and is non-denominational.[3] The movement became well-known after two of its overseas missionaries, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, were imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan during the same time period as the 9/11 Attack on the United States of America after conducting illegal missionary work.[1]
History
The movement has its root in the college department of Highland Baptist Church (Waco, Texas) in the later 80's. Jimmy Seibert was the college pastor. His "Master's commission" program and "World Mandate Conference" ministries were ongoing while still part of HBC for many years. As the college department grew very large, the movement 'multiply' by virtue of getting their own place and thus separating from HBC. Seibert also encourages missionaries to plant illegal churches in places hostile to Christianity. The movement has been establishing churches since 1993, is part of the realization of a vision to see the local church become a center for training and sending workers to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission.[4] The movement began with a desire to see Christianity reproduced in a similar way as described in the Book of Acts. There are many rumors that Antioch Church is a cult.[5][6]
Missionaries imprisoned in Afghanistan
Notable in the movement's history is the imprisonment of Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry by the Taliban on August 3, 2001 due to conducting missionary work which was illegal in Afghanistan. Antioch Community Church responded to the crisis by creating a rotation of 24-hour prayer for Mercer and Curry's release.[7][8] The crisis attracted the attention of international secular and religious media.[9][10][11][12][13][14] The prayer vigil for Mercer and Curry lasted 104 days. At the news of the missionaries' release, Antioch responded with what was described by the LA Times as a "joyous fest" of prayer and worship.[15] Mercer and Curry co-authored a book about their experience in Afghanistan, titled "Prisoners of Hope."[16]
Jimmy Seibert
Jimmy Seibert is the founder and senior pastor of Antioch Community Church in Waco, TX, and the president of Antioch Ministries International. He is a graduate of Baylor University and a former member of the fraternity ATΩ. He did not attended any seminary nor any formal religious training and is a self-proclaimed pastor. He started as an assistant to the college pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Waco Texas. His story of founding the movement is found in his first book, "The Church Can Change the World," which has been revamped in the book "Passion and Purpose."[17] Jimmy also co-authored "The Three Loves" with Larry Kreider. Jimmy Seibert is against abortion clinics such as Planned Parenthood.[18][19] Jimmy Seibert believes homosexuality is a sin, and is a result of abuse.[20] He only supports traditional marriage and refuses to accept gay marriages.[21] Jimmy currently lives in Waco, Texas, with his wife Laura. The couple are parents to four children. In their book, Parenting without Regrets, Jimmy Seibert and Laura Seibert endorse spanking as a means for child discipline.[22] Jimmy Seibert has been listed endorsing a pro-life movement against the Texas Department of State Health Services, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. These full page ads are paid for by Carenet Pregnancy Center.[23][24]
Beliefs and practices
Antioch has an official statement of faith available on their website.[25] The organization has its doctrinal roots in the Baptist Tradition and the Charismatic Renewal. Jimmy Seibert often makes references to Waco's world evangelist Robert Ewing as his mentor. Robert Ewing was an independent non-denominational evangelist not associated with the Baptist Church nor traditions. Robert Ewing used the term "New Testament Church" also heavily adopted by Siebert. The movement has a distinct focus on the development of small group communities, called Lifegroups. “Antioch engages members in daily Bible study and prayer, carried out individually and in the church's 100-plus small groups that meet during the week in homes and on Sunday mornings."[26] Lifegroups follow a cell ministry model.[27] In a 2013 Antioch Waco sermon, Seibert denounced LGBTQ+ rights, such as same-sex marriage's increasing approval, as a "world gone astray." Antioch firmly believes with "clarity and compassion" that homosexuality is a sin, describing this as "the truth." [28][29] Seibert doesn’t use the term “exorcism” but they do recognize “demonic oppression.”[30]
Affiliated Churches
In 1998, Antioch sent out its first U.S. church planting team to Boston, Massachusetts. The next church was planted in 2001 in Dallas, TX. Since then, churches have been planted across the United States with a vision to see more reproducing churches established internationally. Many of these churches are now planting churches of their own, both in the United States and in other nations. As of 2020, the church's public network list claims "over 40 churches in the United States" despite listing only 39 churches. Internationally, their public listing claims "more than 80 additional locations worldwide" despite listing only 7. The remaining international churches are unlisted non-transparent black sites. Their public list is as follows: Antioch Phoenix, Antioch Little Rock, Antioch Northwest Arkansas, All Peoples Church (San Diego), Antioch Fullerton, Epicentre Church (Pasadena), Epicentre West LA, Hope Community Church (Los Angeles), Antioch Ft. Collins, Antioch Washington D.C., Antioch Orlando, Antioch Indianapolis, Antioch Wichita, Antioch Baton Rouge, Antioch New Orleans, Antioch Beverly, Antioch Brighton, Antioch Waltham, All Peoples Tijuana, Antioch Ann Arbor, Antioch Detroit, Paradox Church (Warren), Waypoint Church (Omaha), Antioch Boone, Antioch Raleigh, Antioch Norman, Antioch Oklahoma City, Antioch College Station, Antioch Dallas, Antioch Ft. Worth, Antioch Galveston, Antioch Houston, Antioch North Austin, Antioch South Austin, Antioch Waco, CrossBridge Community Church (San Antonio), Antioch Salt Lake City, Mosaic Community Church North Seattle, Mosaic Community Church South Seattle, Antioch Sheffield, Aberdeen, Banff, Elgin, Antioch Cape Town, Antioch Stellenbosch, Antioch Mongolia.[31][32]
Antioch Community Church Waco, TX
Antioch church in Waco, TX is known for it's partnership in local community service[33][34] and fiscal simplicity. The Church is also known as a "Best Christian workplace." [35]
Related ministries
The Antioch International Movement of Churches has several related ministries that perform international aid and crisis response:
- Antioch Ministries International, a “non-profit church-planting organization affiliated with Antioch Community Church”[36][37]
- Acts of Mercy International, "Acts of Mercy is the relief and development arm of the Antioch International Movement of Churches."[38]
- STARS Mentoring Project
- Restoration Gateway, a church planting and orphanage project located in Uganda[39][40]
- Haiti Transformed, a ministry committed to partner with the Haitian people to see their region transformed and redeveloped located in Laforeny, Haiti.[41] In 2011, Haiti Transformed constructed over 100 homes in Laferony, over 30 of which were completed through a partnership with the Passion Movement.[42]
- World Mandate, a conference “for anyone who wants to worship God and change the world[43]” World Mandate is a popular conference typically hosted at Baylor University's Ferrell Center (when available, which was not the case in 2016).The event is known for its live worship and popular conference speakers, which have included Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, Christine Caine, Max Lucado, and Jackie Pullinger. The conference began in 1989 with 60 people and now draws thousands of attendees.[44] World Mandate focuses on encouraging young people to pray and engage with international missionary work.[45]
- UnBound is an anti-slavery and anti-trafficking ministry headquartered at Antioch Waco and has local chapters around the world. The organisation specializes in prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy.[46]
Controversies
Deceptive and Illegal Missionary Work
Antioch International actively sends independently covert missionaries in secret to countries and places that are dangerous and hostile to Christianity. A well known result of this is Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry's arrest in the middle east due to the illegality of evangelism in Afghanistan in 2001.[47] Internationally, their public listing claims "more than 80 additional locations worldwide" despite listing only 7. The remaining international churches are unlisted.[48]
Unethical Proselytization
In 2005, after the tsunami in Sri Lanka, workers from Antioch Community Church were sent under the guise of a purely humanitarian aid group. However once they arrived they were accused of heavy overt proselytization by some Indonesian and United States religious leaders, including Rev. Sarangika Fernando, a local Methodist minister in Indonesia, who witnessed one of the prayer sessions in Sri Lanka and accused Antioch Community Church of acting unethically with traumatized people. Specifically, Antioch workers responding to the crisis shared their Christian beliefs and prayed for Sri Lankans while helping to rebuild homes. Their actions prompted concern over potentially violent backlash from a religiously tense Buddhist population. Other humanitarian camps viewed their actions inappropriate and barred them for their actions. This mixing of gospel-sharing and giving aid was seen by as exploitative even by local Indonesian Christian leaders. Another article from India parallels Antioch's church planting efforts with western colonialism.[49][50]
Beliefs on Homosexuality and Gay Marriage
Antioch recognizes marriage as only between "the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime."[51] Furthermore Seibert has emphasized "if someone were to say, 'Marriage is defined in a different way,' let me just say: They are wrong," Seibert follows up, "...Homosexuality is a sin" and that it is a lie that homosexuality is not a sin.[52] He attributes most homosexuality a result of some type of physical, sexual, mental abuse. Jimmy Seibert's hardline stance had proven to be so controversial, HGTV celebrities Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper, who attend the church, released a statement on it.[53][54] Jimmy Seibert stated in a telephone interview, "for over 30 years — I have seen hundreds of people personally change their direction of same-sex attraction from a homosexual lifestyle to a heterosexual lifestyle."[55] It has been reported a psychologist in Waco meets regularly with a group of self-described “Antioch survivors," noting former members' stories of crises of faith after being made to feel unwelcome by the church, either for life decisions (declining to go on a mission) or for their identity (coming out as gay).[56]
Cult Allegations
There have been many reviews and personal testimonials on blogs, articles, Google Maps and reddit that accuse Antioch International Ministries and Antioch Waco of being a cult. One former member outlines brainwashing techniques, manipulation, strict rules, and people with their own "Antioch lingo" code speak. She describes being part of a certain target audience that Antioch will "prey" upon: young, seeking, vulnerable, on the "fringes."[57] In her blog, another former member has described her experience as "toxic" and "abusive." One journalist even staked her career on the dangers of Antioch. One buzzfeed article quotes a wife of a former Antioch member to say that "[t]here’s some abuse of the culture of authority." It also reports a psychologist in town meets regularly with a group of self-described “Antioch survivors," noting former members' stories of crises of faith after being made to feel unwelcome by the church, either for life decisions (declining to go on a mission) or for their identity (coming out as gay).[58]
Pastor charged with Prostitution
In 2018 Pastor Edward Ignacio Espinosa was arrested on a Class B misdemeanor prostitution charge after he paid for sexual acts at a local massage parlor in a human trafficking sting operation. He had been a pastor at Antioch Waco for eight years.[59][60] After confessing his crime, Pastor Espinosa was placed and administrative leave pending an internal investigation. He was later allowed to resign.
Children and Spanking
In their book, Parenting without Regrets, Jimmy Seibert and Laura Seibert support spanking as a means for child discipline.[61]
Pro-Life Stance in Opposition to Planned Parenthood
Jimmy Seibert has been listed endorsing a pro-life movement against the Texas Department of State Health Services, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. These full page ads are paid for by Carenet Pregnancy Center.[62][63]
Forced Exorcism Allegation
Former member Becky Oberg claims she was kicked out of the Antioch Community church in the late ’90s after she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “They thought I was possessed by a demon,” says Becky, adding that church leaders told her it was her fault and tried to treat her with an exorcism. “They pinned me to my floor and yelled for Satan to leave. They want you to confess your sin and be healed or cast out the demons.” However in an interview, Seibert denied this and goes on to say they don’t use the term “exorcism” but they do recognize “demonic oppression.”[64]
Gentrification Criticism
With church planting and expansionism as part of the core values of Antioch Waco, along with their close association with celebrity home renovation and redecoration entrepreneurs Chip and Joanna Gains, Antioch has been accused and criticized for heavily gentrifying their surrounding neighborhoods. Capitalizing on church networking as a means for creating internal upward mobility. On one expansionist project, Antioch intends to spend $11 million dollars on infrastructure alone.[65] The Waco neighborhood in particular has been in focus, where journalist Anne Helen Petersen argues that Waco's diversity is not reflected in Antioch Community Church's White majority makeup.[66][67]
Mosaic-Neumos Dispute
In 2008, a church plant of Antioch Community Church called Mosaic Community Church was accused of "forcefully" inserting itself into the Capital Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Initially, the nightclub Neumos had agreed to rent out their space to the church. However, after local nightclub owners and residents had discovered Mosaic's vague, misleading, and ultimately "homophobic" beliefs, the nightclub has since denied the church plant's lease and have severed all ties.[68][69]
References
- ^ a b CNN Programs - People in the News
- ^ Antioch Community Church | Welcome
- ^ http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=39045
- ^ Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News
- ^ "To a close. And an open letter to the cult I was a part of for 4+ years".
- ^ ""Fixer Upper" Is Over, But Waco's Transformation Is Just Beginning".
- ^ http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=17011
- ^ Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly . NEWS . Prayer Service for Aid Workers in Afghanistan . October 5, 2001 | PBS
- ^ CNN.com - Transcripts
- ^ Afghanistan: Caught in the Crossfire | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction
- ^ Aid Workers Free From Taliban's Hold - ABC News
- ^ Waco church celebrates `miracle' rescue - Baltimore Sun
- ^ Homecoming Celebration - Photo - LIFE
- ^ FOXNews.com - Eight Foreign Aid Workers Freed, Officials Say - U.S. & World
- ^ Texans' 104-Day Vigil for 2 Held by Taliban Ends in Joyous Fest - Los Angeles Times
- ^ Amazon.com: Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom in Afghanistan (9780385507837): Dayna Curry, Heather Mercer, Stacy Mattingly: Books
- ^ Seibert, Jimmy (2014). Passion & Purpose: Believing the Church Can Still Change the World. Brentwood, TN: Clear Day Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9897277-0-9.
- ^ "NEVER Again in Waco!" (PDF).
- ^ "40 Days for Life in Waco" (PDF).
- ^ "Chip And Joanna Gaines' Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage".
- ^ "A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage".
- ^ "More Than Parenting, Loving".
- ^ "NEVER Again in Waco!" (PDF).
- ^ "40 Days for Life in Waco" (PDF).
- ^ Beliefs | Antioch Church Planting Archived August 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Baylor Magazine || Baylor University || News
- ^ Cell Church Solutions Archived August 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage".
- ^ "Clarity and Compassion".
- ^ "'Fixer Upper' Stars Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines' Church Facing Disturbing Claims (EXCLUSIVE)".
- ^ https://antioch.org/locations/
- ^ "US Church Plants".
- ^ https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Central-Texas-churches-working-together-to-feed-those-in-need--569366821.html
- ^ https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/community/not-in-my-city-campaign/500-7394d099-c30d-459f-ae55-50858c5f9075
- ^ https://news.google.com/articles/CBMiZGh0dHBzOi8vcmVsaWdpb25uZXdzLmNvbS8yMDIwLzA3LzI4Lzc2LW9yZ2FuaXphdGlvbnMtaG9ub3JlZC1hcy1jZXJ0aWZpZWQtYmVzdC1jaHJpc3RpYW4td29ya3BsYWNlcy_SAQA?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen
- ^ Antioch Community Church | Antioch Ministries International (AMI) Archived August 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Smith, Diane. "Haiti Doctors Fly to Haiti to Help Injured", The Fort Worth Star Telegram, January 21, 2010.
- ^ "Acts of Mercy - Antioch Community Church". Antioch Community Church. Retrieved 2016-02-14.
- ^ Selvey inspired by Uganda mission work : Naples Photo Galleries : Naples Daily News: Local Naples, Florida News Delivered Throughout the Day
- ^ Waco missionaries restoring life in Uganda one brick at a time | Wacotrib.com
- ^ Haiti Transformed
- ^ One Year Later: Homes for Some Haiti Quake Victims, Christian News
- ^ http://worldmandate.com
- ^ Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News
- ^ Where It All Began For Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry - Beliefnet.com
- ^ "Who We Are | UnBound". unboundnow.org. Retrieved 2016-02-14.
- ^ "Dana Curry, Heather Mercer: Relief Workers on Trial in Afghanistan".
- ^ https://antioch.org/locations/
- ^ "Mix of Quake Aid and Preaching Stirs Concern".
- ^ "Eastward, evangelical soldiers!".
- ^ "A Biblical Response to the Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage".
- ^ "Clarity and Compassion".
- ^ "Chip And Joanna Gaines' Church Is Firmly Against Same-Sex Marriage".
- ^ ""Fixer Upper" Is Over, But Waco's Transformation Is Just Beginning".
- ^ "Chip and Joanna Gaines and the anti-gay controversy over HGTV's Fixer Upper, explained".
- ^ ""Fixer Upper" Is Over, But Waco's Transformation Is Just Beginning".
- ^ "To a close. And an open letter to the cult I was a part of for 4+ years".
- ^ ""Fixer Upper" Is Over, But Waco's Transformation Is Just Beginning".
- ^ "Pastor from Pray-Away-The-Gay Church in Waco Caught in Prostitution Sting".
- ^ "Former Antioch pastor arrested on prostitution charge".
- ^ "More Than Parenting, Loving".
- ^ "NEVER Again in Waco!" (PDF).
- ^ "40 Days for Life in Waco" (PDF).
- ^ "'Fixer Upper' Stars Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines' Church Facing Disturbing Claims (EXCLUSIVE)".
- ^ "$11 million Antioch church expansion halfway done, and debt-free".
- ^ ""Fixer Upper" Is Over, But Waco's Transformation Is Just Beginning".
- ^ "Buzzfeed Waco article garners mixed reviews".
- ^ "Rock God The Holy Spirit Comes to Neumos".
- ^ "Neumos Gives Mosaic Church the Boot".