

Gibson, Jr., currently serves as pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Lansing, Mich. But if you don’t take the time to stop doing long enough to be able to hear from God, to be in silence, to clear your mind, then you will not be able to engage in ministry in a fruitful kind of way.” “Now hear me well: ministry is about doing. He thoughtfully demonstrated that lack of time spent in silence can lure us away from recognizing the need for and the practice of lament.

Walter Gibson closed our prayers and explored the need for silence, using Jesus’ example in Mark 6:7-32. Instead, Pastor Brown read Psalm 130 and invited us to sit with it in prayer and silence.Īfter that time, Dr. As Pastor Sharon Brown shared, while worship is always right, sometimes songs of praise grate against what our souls feel. Sources say he is expected to turn himself in early this week.As the first of two services to practice lament, this week’s chapel began without music from our worship team. While a warrant has been issued, police have not arrested Pearson. "But when you win the vote 279 to 133, the children aren't making a difference." "There were children in the vote," Ashford said. Supporters cited a recent vote the church held in which they decided to keep the pastor on board.īut some members questioned the validity of the vote, citing the fact that young children were allowed to participate in the voting process. Some of Pearson's supporters say they're frustrated that church leaders sought out a criminal investigation into the matter against what they said was the will of the majority of the church members. She said she prays for God's will to be done "whatever the outcome may be." It's building the kingdom of God," she said without saying whether or not she supported Pearson. "I would like to see us unified and being about our Father's business which is evangelism and discipleship. Many of the church's leaders declined to comment on the investigation but Veruynca Williams, who directs the church's children's ministries, said she's looking forward to the situation's resolution. Pearson's mother Zelda Ford made a statement outside of the church Sunday. While it appeared that people were inside of Pearson's Kentwood home, no one answered the door when 24 Hour News 8 stopped by to seek comment. "I believe that he has a contract that allows him housing expenses, business expenses, and a salary and a bonus."Īshford says he also intends to file a motion against an order barring Pearson from church property. He is also a member of Pilgrim Rest who believes the case should not be charged criminally. Pearson's brother-in-law, Jerry Ashford, said he is an attorney and intends to defend Pearson should a civil lawsuit emerge. "He's been misusing funds ever since he's been here." "He has destroyed our church in 3 and a half years," said Donna Martin, 58, who said she has been a member since she was 10 years old. On Sunday, Grand Rapids police officers were called to the church at 510 Franklin Street SE after the morning worship service because some members refused to leave the church and wanted to meet to discuss the situation involving the pastor, police said. Prosecutors and Grand Rapids police have been monitoring the probe of the missing funds for weeks and a warrant was authorized late last week. I don't uphold his wrong, but I am a person to forgive." He made a mistake," said longtime member Connie McGee. The issue has divided church members, with many of them standing behind the pastor - even some of whom believe he embezzled the money. 30 in the 17th Circuit Court, records show. The church filed a civil lawsuit against Pearson on Dec. They say they're also investigating whether or not others were involved.

Arthur Pearson, Sr., 38, may be upgraded as they believe there may be upwards of $200,000 missing in church funds. Grand Rapids, Michigan - Kent County Prosecutors authorized a warrant for the pastor of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, accusing him of embezzling between $50,000 and $100,000 from the church.
