Sounds Like Physical Indiscretion To Me
Ongoing indiscretion, actually.
Rick Ousley, founding pastor of The Church at Brook Hills and chaplain for the Samford University football team, has been suspended from his evangelistic ministry after he admitted to “moral and spiritual indiscretion.”
Yeah, an affair that has been going on since 1981? Pastor Rick only admits to one ”indiscretion”, and he subtly blames his girlfriend for going public.
“In the fall of 2005, I committed a moral and spiritual indiscretion with a woman not my wife. That woman has decided to make this public. I have acknowledged my sin to God, my wife, my family and to my ministry team. We are all now attempting to deal with this as God leads. I ask for your prayers during this difficult time.”
His girlfriend gives a different account:
Donna Jones of Katy, Texas, said that the reference to an indiscretion in fall 2005 refers to a weeklong trip she and Ousley took together to a cabin at Lake Fork near Dallas.
Wes Hendrix, who rented them the cabin, said Ousley and Jones spent the week together and he assumed they were old friends. “They were so upfront about it, they showed up together,” Hendrix said. “I thought it was risky for him in the position he was in.”
Jones, 43, said that she began a sexual relationship with Ousley in 1981 and met him twice in recent years for trysts on his trips with Samford’s football team, to Waco, Texas, and Martin, Tenn. Ousley has been team chaplain for 15 years at Samford, where he graduated in 1975.
…Jones said her last trysts with Ousley were Dec. 10-17, 2006, when he preached two consecutive Sundays at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston.
Jones said she began baby-sitting Ousley’s children when she was 15, and began a sexual relationship with Ousley in Houston when she was 18 and he was 29, after he and his first wife divorced. Jones said Ousley continued the relationship with her after he married his current wife, Joyce.
Nice. Sleeping with the babysitter. At least he waited till she was eighteen.
[Ousley spokesman and attorney Gordon] Pate said this has been a difficult month for Ousley.
“He’s devastated, emotionally and spiritually devastated,” Pate said. “God has used Rick in a great way. I don’t think he’s through with him.”
Yeah, it’s always tough when you get caught. Does anyone want to place bets on how soon he’ll go into rehab?
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 am
I’ll take $20 bucks on next Wednesday.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 am
I’ll put your name in the pool.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Saw the article in the B-ham News this morning. It also mentioned anonymous e-mails he was supposedly getting from another woman. Put my $20 on rehab by next Friday and more “liaisons” coming to light before then. Surely the woman mentioned here wasn’t his only “indiscretion” and it had to have been more than once. C’mon Rick, who ya foolin’?
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Okay, I might have to get serious about this betting pool. Then I’ll get even more casino spam.
Sam, it would be nice if you were wrong about more to come, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re right.
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:00 pm
My Daughter who is now happily married and has two of my Grandchildren is also a victim of Ousley’s ”indiscretion”. It took her month’s to break if off with him because he would not take NO for an answer.
Once she found out he was married she told him she no longer wanted to continue the relationship.
I’m sorry for the pain this young lady in Texas is going through. Often we don’t realize just like my daughter and Ms. Jones they are the one’s that are clearly the VICTIMS to these men who are suppose to be or pose as men of the church.
I will pray for this young lady that she seeks counseling as my daughter did for years and after this reading the story was upset and felt the pain of this Texas woman
Sincerely,
Nancy Long
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Ms. Long,
I would give anything to see your daughter muster the courage to make her story known publicly. Exposing a hypocrite who preys on women in a forum like this is helpful, but shining the brightest lights on him in public is what it will take to stop not only Rick Ousley but other predators like him.
What concerns me is the article says his speaking engagements are cancelled for the next several months. If the “rumors” are true, which they certainly appear to be — and then some, then he should NOT be allowed to return to the pulpit again. AT ALL.
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:13 pm
I have known Rick Ousley for years. He has always had a very flirtatious nature that many confused with his over friendly personality. I was not shocked by this story one bit.
I agree with other’s that I’m sure he has had more than one in appropriate affair and who’s to say they have all been with woman if he was the Chaplain of Samford University football team for the last 15 years and was around young men.
My husband and I went to the church of Brook Hills but moved our membership after first finding out he had been married before and it was a huge cover up within the church and something you dared to talk about. Secondly we observed Rick around the youth and he was just to touchy feely for us to feel comfortable to even allow our twin daughters to per take in events that were headed up with the youth group. I agree with Sam he should NEVER PREACH again. Lastly reading the newspaper this morning says nothing but the fact he still is getting paid and truly made me think he got his hand slapped and is waiting for all this to blow over so he can start up again. I encourage anyone male or female that Rick has been in appropriate with to PLEASE come forward. We plainly read about two woman who’s lives have been forever changed.
To Donna Jones in Texas my family will pray for you and I commend you for the courage it took for you to finally expose Rick Ousley for what he really is. Ms Long your daughter is also in our prayers as I’m sure she is reliving all her pain as you spoke of as she read about this Texas Victim. Kathy I love your site and this has to be the best. Men like this need to be stopped. Oh and one last thing I agree Kathy on you saying he waited until she was eighteen (shows he thought it out and was smart to wait until then) makes you wonder though what happened through the years before that Ms. Jones may have tried to block out. Enough said as I sit here and type I think of my own two daughters and I’m getting sicker by the minute. Any Church that EVER let Rick Ousley walk in and Preach is NOT a church my family would ever be a part of. Gosh just was reminded by my husband the website for his ministries is not completely shut down his online store is still OPEN so therefore he is still getting an income from his sales of ministry items this is very wrong.
God Bless
Beverly
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Both Rick and his wife have been living in there big white house with a lake driving new cars, all due to members within our church at Brook Hills. These woman mentioned are clearly victims but so are Rick’s two daughters and those more grandchildren.
Pervert for a Preacher, Father, & Grandfather. As for my family we will never walk in Brook Hills again last Sunday was the last.
Tina
March 23rd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Nancy, I’m so sorry about your daughter. What a terrible situation!
Tina, I’m sorry for you and your family as well. It’s easy for me to be snarky about this; it wasn’t my church that made the headlines. I know it’s causing a lot of pain for Rick Ousley’s family and those who respected him as a pastor.
Thanks, Beverly. It’s disturbing to hear these additional stories, and it sounds like it’s past time they came out.
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:50 pm
“I thought it was risky for him in the position he was in.”
Anyone want to take that one, or would you rather I did? Anyone?
In all seriousness, I’ve been to Brook Hills. It’s a good church. My own church is modeled after it. They’re very laid back and casual, and it’s a very accepting atmophere. You don’t get the usual “hellfire and damnation” preaching that comes in many Southern Baptist churches. It’s sad that the guy who founded it has turned out to be such a creep. I hope he gets help. Really, I do. Right now, I’m really hurting for his wife and kids. They’re the ones who are going to be hurt the most by all this. But I don’t believe that Ousley has been associated with Brook Hills for some time. From what I remember, there was an upheaval of some sort over there, but I wasn’t around when it happened, so I don’t know the specifics.
What’s really wierd, considering the connection between this church and my own, is that our pastor recently announced some marital problems of his own. He and his wife have decided to legally separate. Granted, I guess that’s not as huge, since he hasn’t had an affair or anything, and people get divorced and separated all the time, but at least he’s keeping his job. Bishop Willimon (we’re a UMC, not SBC) even gave him his blessing. Just goes to show that preachers have problems and make mistakes, too. The difference is whether or not they remain open and honest about it and whether or not they expect everyone else to be as “perfect” as they pretend to be. In our pastor’s case, he’s always been the kind of guy to not throw stones, and he’s always been very upfront and honest about his humanity, so I’m not holding it against him.
As for Ousley, I really don’t know the guy nor am I familiar with his reputation. I do think it was lousy of him to keep something like this hidden for so long. It’s quite obvious that he wasn’t going to own up to it.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Wait a minute! I posted before I read all the comments and most of the article… That’s what I get, I suppose… I just thought he was having an affair with a woman who was obviously a lot younger than he was! I honestly thought, too, that he was no longer involved at Brook Hills, but apparently (according to some of the comments here) he was still there as pastor. Wow! Just, wow! This seems to be a very sick and dangerous pattern, if he has been doing this with several young women! I definitely agree that he should NOT be in a church leadership position! That just opens up WAY too many doors.
The confusion that I have, though, is why would they hide that he was previously married? That has never been an issue in our own church, and our associate pastor has always been very open about the fact that she was married before and was quite open about problems that she had recently in her current marriage. It seems like if you are having marital problems, you’d WANT to be able to turn to your church family.
Maybe Brook Hills isn’t as accepting as I thought it was.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:25 pm
ALMod, as I understand it, he’s retired from Brook Hills but very involved in another ministry. I guess he could be a pastor emeritus at the church.
I don’t know what the story is about his first marriage being a secret. Curiouser and curiouser.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Oh, and being a UM myself, I can vouch for the much more accepting attitude toward divorced clergy.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Just to clarify, Rick Ousley is not on staff at Brook Hills. He has not been on staff since 2005 and has had no leadership responsibilites there since. He moved his membership to another church several months ago.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:36 pm
I am confused as to the comments of poor Donna. She was just as guilty as she kept it going even to 2006. And as for Nancys daughter why say no for months. All she had to do was report his calls to the Sheriff and get a restraing order if if was that devastating. NO victims here. The only reason she exposed it was his accusations of her sending anonymous emails. She is JUST as guilty …. seems true Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Thank God for His grace and mercy without which we would all be lost.
March 24th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Sounds like the “quixotic” Mr. O was “dreaming the impossible dream” to think that his “Dulcinea” could be kept quiet forever. Did any loyal “Sancho Panzas” assist this man in that “quest” ?
March 24th, 2007 at 7:39 am
I have been reading the postings left by everyone on this website. I will have to say that what Rick Ousley did was wrong and I am not saying anything different. However, if you are a Christian, then you know that we are all sinners, and so is Rick Ousley. His sin is adultrey. Just like everyone else who sins, they want to be forgiven and move on. God forgives, and I know that if Rick asks for God’s forgiveness, he will have it. Yes, he will need to reconcile his actions. As to how he does that, that is between him, God, his wife and Ms. Jones.
But think about it - how many other people are having affairs and committing the same sin as Rick did? But is their name plastered all over the TV for everyone to know and judge? No.
I just saying don’t cast the first stone. My prayers are with the Ousley family and everyone involved and affected by this sin.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I live in Birmingham and have all my life. My profession is a stewardess. I met Rick Ousley at the Birmingham airport as I was on stand by for my next fly out and was eating in one of the small eating locations.
Rick came over and ask if he could join me at my table as I was sitting alone “And was to beautiful for that.” He was pleasant enough. so I agreed. He sat down and we had a nice talk before it was time for me to get ready to board the plane and get ready for take off. Just so happens Rick was flying on my flight. We had already exchanged mobile numbers and agreed to meet up with each other later. During our discussion I told him I was divorced and he smiled saying “it happens to the best of us.” He was not wearing a wedding ring or a ring of any sort on his left hand. I had ask him what his profession was and he laughed saying it would scare me off.
The flight was good with us talking and making dinner plans for later that evening. As the plane landed and we prepared to depart he kissed me on the cheek and said he would call me within an hour to make arrangements for later.
As I gathered my bag and existed the plane I saw Rick standing within a group of people. As I headed towards him he came towards me and thanked me for a smooth flight and said see you later with a wink. He begin to act different so I walked away slowly. The next words I heard were “Brother Rick how many services will you be preaching”? Preaching I thought. He is a Pastor? I stayed around long enough to hear also someone ask how his lovely wife Joyce was (remember her name now that I saw the B-News) and his kids and grandchildren.
After getting to a location where I could use my laptop I did a search with his name and found out who the real Rick Ousley was. A very well known married Pastor who lived 20 miles from where I live. Disgusted with his previous behavior I closed my laptop and went to meet some other coworkers. At dinner with them I told them what had happened and who I found out he was. At the time we laughed it off until my mobile phone rang several times and they encouraged me to answer it and listen to him and then let him have it. He ask how I was doing? Where I was staying? What time could I meet him for dinner.
I then said to him “I have never dated a married men much less a preacher, father, grandfather as your Bio plainly reads. It is against my morals and you can find another dinner date and I hung up on him.
He continued to call for weeks after leaving messages because I would not take his calls.
I disagree whole heartily that these woman aren’t victims. This man I met was smooth with his words and body language and I read people and deal with people of all ages and races daily as that is my job. He had me fooled in less than an hour. One posting here said something about the courage is took for this Texas Woman to speak out. Had I known he was this much of a predator I would have exposed him when I met him. He was a pro with his words telling me I was pretty and had the prettiest lips and mouth, Now reading all the articles I find out he started this when this victim was 15 but did not have sex with her until she was 18. Is that his story or hers? I can’t imagine the pain she is feeling. I agree this is no church’s fault this is Rick Ousley’s fault that he hid this huge secret part of his life I’m divorced and I don’t hide it but then again I don’t walk into church’s preaching against divorce and immoral acts while I’m committing them often. Should he preach again? NO! Why would you want to sit and listen to anything that came out of his mouth anyway.
Amanda
March 24th, 2007 at 8:47 am
God can certainly forgive the quixotic Mr. O. I hope and pray He does. But forgiveness will not erase the harm done to others. Some of the folks who trusted the quixotic Mr. O will be moved to stronger faith in God by realizing more acutely that faith in a man can never substitute for faith in God. BUT, how many sad folks will simply turn away from God because they feel betrayed by Mr. O and religious leaders of his ilk ?
May we raise up our plea to God, so eloquently expressed in the words of this hymn based on Psalm 12:
“Help Lord, for the Godly man now ceaseth. For the faithful fail among the men. When the wickedness of life increaseth, help Lord ! Help Lord ! Send us good men !”
March 24th, 2007 at 9:01 am
I don’t think it’s a forgiveness issue, here. I can definitely forgive. We all make mistakes. The real question is whether or not he should preach again. The answer is no. He’s in a leadership position within the church, and that puts him in a very good position to continue doing exactly what he’s been doing. If some of these commenters are correct, and he’s been preying on young women, it’s a very serious situation, indeed.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Amanda, I’m sorry to hear your story as well. What you say about his persistence appears to confirm Nancy’s daughter’s experience. It’s bad enough to use those tactics on an adult woman, but it’s reprehensible to use them on teenagers, particularly those who viewed him as an authority figure.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:02 am
We have known Rick and Joyce for years and years or so we thought. What a shock to our family and friends that supported and loved him for the person he pretend to be. God does say forgive but he does not say keep doing it over and over and I will forgive. We are a broken family hurt beyond words. We had faith in this man and the words that came so easily out of his mouth. We gave our hard earned money to his ministry for what? So he could have and pay for affairs with scores of other woman. Should he preach again? Absolutely not ever again. Should he still receive an income from the board of the Q-team no because that money was given in good faith and good faith is not what he portrayed. Should he still profit from his online store no it should be taken down also. Him hiding this for so long only proves how guilty he is. Only admitting to one act and dismissing all the others only shows he is still guilty by bold face lying to the family and friends who still support him. It does not matter if he did it one or hundred he did it and still continued until he got caught. What makes him different from Sawggart, Baker and the rest. They got caught and paid for it. Rick is not going to preach for three months or so as the statement from his Lawyer reads. Money collected from the fund raiser in escrow. That’s wrong people it should be given back. people gave there hard earned money to support someone they believed in who is now plainly a fraud. Don’t preach the talk if you cant walk the walk.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:06 am
I find it interesting that he as an affair with a woman(or women?) and the reaction seems to be very “ehh is happens” slap-on-the-wrist type stuff. If he had an affair with a man (Ted Haggard anyone?) we would all need umbrellas for the sh*t hitting the fan.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:39 am
What a mess this is! I can only imagine how disappointed his “followers” might be right now. That is an awful situation. I do, however, believe that it is unfair to portray all of these women as victims. That is ridiculous. As a woman, you must stand up for yourself. You must have the strength and the courage to live by you own set of beliefs and morals. Each one of them made their own choices. And if that choice was to carry on a relationship with a married man (and a pastor at that), that was THEIR own choice. We have all been lied to or deceived by someone in our lives. So why is this any different. Yes, it makes him a JERK for cheating on his wife and preaching the opposite to his congregation. But again, these women made a choice to carry on a relationship with him…no one was forcing them to make that decision. We must ALL be accountable for our own choices and blaming the rest of the world for our mistakes is not going to get us anywhere.
Also, I agree that this man is a jerk. There is no getting around that. But as Christians, it is not right to place judgement on this man. The best you can do for him is pray that he will see the error of his ways and seek forgiveness by all those he has hurt in the process as well as from God.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I find it interesting that this is the only website I can find on which people are discussing this matter. All very “hush, hush” you know. How many people turned a blind eye to what appears to have been (from the above accounts) a pattern of predatory behavior by a religious leader ? We need to be people who will stand up and scream (nicely mind you) “The Emperor has no clothes!” It’s not “casting stones” or picking out “motes” to do that. The truth really will set you free.
March 24th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Zach, you have a good point. The problem with Haggard is that he was a HUGE anti-gay ANYTHING type of person, and he taught his church to look at that sort of thing with zero tollerance. THAT’S why the stuff is hitting the fan in a kind of poetic justice sort of way.
In Ousley’s case, it seems to be hitting the fan, but only because he was apparently preying on young women. But from what I had come to understand, his was not one of those churches that was preachig zero tollerance so much as it was trying to reach out to all kinds of people and accept that everyone has faults. I don’t know of anyone who has felt shunned from Brook Hills because of an indescretion in their life, but I do know that many churches (including Haggard’s) will just as soon run you out of town if they find out you’ve so much as had premarital sex. As I’ve said, my own church was modeled after Brook Hills, and the defining moment for me was when our pastor and his wife started talking to the congregation about how they had once aborted their child, and folks started coming out of the woodwork who wanted to talk about their own experiences with abortion. He wasn’t run out of town. People actually supported him, and he’s always been the kind of guy to support others going through rough patches. That would be a major difference as well. Then again, after hearing some of this, I’m wondering if my initial perception of this church was correct.
March 24th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
So many people are posting on this website that they have had other encounters with Rick Ousley. If you are willing to post it, why not go public about it? Because I agree with what Alison says regarding that it is the choice of TWO people, not ONE person. In other words, the women that he might have approached had the choice to say something then. Therefore, I urge you that if you were one of these women to come forward now. How do we know that you are just not trying to bad-mouthing him or if it is really true? One way is by going public and giving him the chance to respond to your claim.
March 24th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
As I have tried to put this tragic event behind me for the sake of my family but most of all my daughter. Here reading this and seeing this was like reliving it. To those who say my daughter and these other woman were not victims have never been in the situation my daughter was in. She said no which added fuel to an already bad situation. It only made Mr. Ousley come on stronger. She did report this and she did block him from her phone. And after her seeing this she and her husband came forward to discuss what happened to her. She was told the story is out there and enough has been said.
She was angered, hurt and felt betrayed. My son-in law encouraged her to make contact with Ms. Jones in Texas which she did. Ms Jones was very hesitate to even talk with my daughter but after a few minutes of listening to my daughter the tears begin to flow as they both exchanged mirror stories of events and facts that Ousley portrayed on both of them. Ms Jones has had threating phone calls, prank phone calls. Her family and her have all been effected by the lies Mr. Ousley lived. Now can you ask why these woman have not come forward before now? Ousley told both my daughter and Ms. Jones he was in love with them. If you give your heart and trust to someone then you believe what they say. Ms Jones does not deserve one ill word said against her. Please remember she was 15 when she met this man whom she looked up top and trusted. We now find out they knew each other for 29 years. She loved him because of what he drilled in her head and my daughter can relate to the same thing.
I’m asking anyone that reads this site not to point fingers at Ms. Jones or any of the woman this man is a Preacher this man is married and continued to do this with his lying and smooth words. Ms. Jones spoke with my daughter in length of the times she told Mr. Ousley this has to end I cannot keep doing this and just as he did with my daughter he poured on tears and words that always reeled her back in. Now Ms. Jones is being blasted for standing up to this man and speaking the truth. How dare any one of any region or faith to judge this woman. The hurt and pain my daughter said Ms. Jones is going through is un-describle and will forever change her life. Will she trust again? I beg of you to pray for this woman and for those who are calling her and trying to make her look like the bad one may God open your eyes. We all should have the courage Ms. Jones has and had as my daughter said if she would have spoken up then this might not have happened to so many others. I know it was a pleasure to take tapes, dvd’s and CD’s of Ousleys to the curb for trash pick up
God Bless you Ms, Jones and may you find the peace and comfort within your heart you so richly deserve.
Love the Long Family (Victims of Ousley)
March 24th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
For those of you who are questioning whether or not the women involved with Rick Ousley were victims and asking why they didn’t come forward at the time, I’d ask you to consider how old they were when he approached them. I don’t know the answer to that question in every case mentioned, but Ms. Jones was 15 when she started babysitting for Mr. Ousley’s children, and eighteen when they first had sex. This was a relationship between an adult man (and authority figure) and a teenage girl. Yes, it would have been good if she had ended it when he remarried, but why didn’t he?
Also, as to why they didn’t come forward, I doubt that each of them knew there were others. Ms. Jones lives in Texas. It’s not likely she would have run across one of his other girlfriends at the grocery store. Affairs are by their very nature secret, and given his stature I can imagine a woman assuming that she wouldn’t be believed if she did come forward, particularly if she thinks she’s the only one.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
PLEASE Ms. Long the woman had an affair with him that continued to 2006 and by your own words your daughter was married. Your daughter sinned and Rick sinned and Donna sinned and we all sin. Ms. Jones did not have the courage to come forward ….. she was angry and being scorned. If your daughter was so traumatized why did you and she wait until this event to come forward and jump on the band wagon. Sounds like you enjoy the drama and attention to me.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Excuse me, Cecie, but Ms. Long did not say her daughter was married when she was having a relationship with Mr. Ousley. You are confusing her with Ms. Jones. Please read more carefully.
By trying to shift the blame onto Ms. Jones, you are buying into Mr. Ousley’s excuses. He doesn’t appear to be at all sorry that he screwed around; he’s sorry he got caught.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Full Court Press Against Modernism and Apostasy
Religion in the news
3/24/2007
Southern Baptist Church at Brookhills: How long did they know and cover up for Rick Ousley affairs?
According to sources, many people on staff at The Church at Brook Hills KNEW about Rick Ousley’s 23 year sexual affair with his kids teen aged babysitter and worked to cover up this and other situations with Rick Ousley.
Keep this in mind: The Bible clearly states that a bishop (pastor) should be the husband of one wife. Not multiple wives like Ousley had. If the congregation would have followed the BIBLE instead of Rick Ousley, they would not be faced with the problems they are now faced with.
The Birmingham News states that Ousley will take 3 months off to deal with this ‘problem.’
Folks, the man was a sexual predator during his whole ministry at the church, it was known by certain staff members at the church and more than a few women are now coming forward.
This isn’t going to be fixed in three months.
Brook Hills folks, you have only yourselves to blame for taking part in Rick Ousley’s sins.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife … One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:2, 4, 5).
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly” (Titus 1:6).
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3).
You enabled him to continue in his wickedness by supporting him with your tithe and church attendance.
What’s Wrong With the Divorced Pastor?
Plenty.
March 24th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I don’t know anything about Rick Ousley’s cheating ways with women, because I’m a man. However, I experienced my own feelings that something wasn’t quite right with him years ago. I was a member of the Church at Brook Hills back in the early days (when the services still took place in the WMU building and the church office was in an apartment). Within a few years, I started getting uncomfortable with some of what I saw going on. I felt that the church was slowly starting to slip into being more like the kinds of churches I had wanted to get away from. I felt that the focus slowly started to be more about money and less about people. In a vague way, I felt that it was indicative of something shallow about Ousley, and I came to see him as a man with great natural sales ability, but very little actual depth.
I ended up drifting away from the church for a long, long time. I didn’t set foot into the church for many years. In the meantime, I heard about a member of the ministry staff (the worship leader) having to leave the church to go into some sort of rehab, although I never knew the details. I just thought it was sad that a church with such a promising start could head down a path where it wasn’t becoming what it had been intended (by its founding members) to be.
After David Platt became the pastor, I decided to give the church another try. I have found it to be a completely different church and completely different experience. I don’t mean this to sound as though I’m saying that Platt is perfect or worthy of hero worship (because I don’t agree with him on everything), but I’m seeing a church that is getting completely focused on God and other people — instead of the easy shallowness that was so attactive to many during the Ousley years. Platt is challenging the congregation and telling truths that are a turn-off to the believers in “easy believism.” He has a true passion for God and for reaching the rest of the world with the Gospel. You can argue some points of theology or methodology with him, but he’s “real” in a way that Ousley was not.
The only reason I’m botherig to relate this is to say that this church doesn’t deserve what Ousley is doing to it by association, at this point. I was appalled by the person in this thread who said she would never again attend the church after the news of Ousley’s sin. That is an absolutely insane attitude. This church is poised to do things which would have never been possible with Ousley at the helm. Ousley should justly be condemned, but the church itself should be looking to the future instead of to the past.
With that said, I will say that of the most troubling things to me in the news story in the Birmingham News Friday is the implication that Ousley might be back to his ministry in the future. God might truly forgive him and we should, too. (I say God “might” forgive him because I don’t know the condition of the guy’s heart or whether he’s repented.) But he has forfeited the privilege of ever again working in ministry. He didn’t make one mistake. He has a track record that goes back at least 26 years. He’s not someone who should be trusted. If he truly repents and can change, he should show it by being humble enough to serve God as a layman with no leadership position of any kind, ever. He should have the wisdom to see that that is the only path for him at this point.
One other thing. This is a more common problem than people realize. The problem is that most pastors who are caught cheating are quietly dismissed in order not to hurt the church’s reputation — and then they go on to do the same things again. I know of one former pastor (who now works for a local Baptist agency) who is currently a member of Brook Hills. Anyone who investigated his background would find a man who cheated on his (now former) wife multiple times and was dismissed quietly from multiple churches. Unfortunately, because of the “cone of silence” that seems to surround such things, he is once again in a position of responsibility. It’s no wonder that our churches and church agencies end up fill with scandal when men such as this one (and Ousley) are allowed to continue to get away with their deeds without being held accountable.
March 24th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Cecie first you need to read all the articles that have been printed and read these that every one has left on this site and there’s pleanty others. Ms Jones tried to break it off. Mrs Long’s daughter was not married. You sound as if you might be a little jealous are you one of his many girlfriends that just found this out and is jealous after finding out about these two woman? Ms. Jones has admitted she is not proud of what she did but how dare you say she or Mrs. Long is liking the drama. Get off your soap box and admit the fact that you must be an Ousley follower.
I hope and Pray he never preaches again. The first to cancel his speaking was a MARRIAGE CONFERENCE! Who would want his advice on marriage? Not me or any one at my church. Cecie read and pray before you make comments you don’t know what you are talking about . Kathy I love what your doing keep up the good work and thanks for all the hard work. This is not a happy subject but it’s something that needs to be told. I’m sorry I feel in my gut there are so any other woman out there that were effected by Ousley and his rein. He got caught and now blames Ms. Jones. He was the one making a living taking people’s money by preaching. I believe in one God and one heaven and my bible does not say you can sin over and over and get dismissed for three month’s his fate should not be worthy to ever preach again. Most important NEVER be around young adult’s since he seems to like younger woman. I had the thought about how he had maybe been a negative influence on our Samford football team. Scared to know the advice he gave those group of young men.
March 24th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Kathy I am not confused, or blaming, or buying into. Donna is not a victim she is a grown woman who just spent a week with a married man last Christmas. Nor is Ms. Longs daughter the first time he called after they served him a restraining order Ms. Long or her daughter could have had him arrested. End of story.
March 24th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Southern Baptist Church at Brookhills: How long did they know and cover up for Rick Ousley affairs?
According to sources, many people on staff at The Church at Brook Hills KNEW about Rick Ousley’s 23 year sexual affair with his kids teen aged babysitter and worked to cover up this and other situations with Rick Ousley.
Keep this in mind: The Bible clearly states that a bishop (pastor) should be the husband of one wife. Not multiple wives like Ousley had. If the congregation would have followed the BIBLE instead of Rick Ousley, they would not be faced with the problems they are now faced with.
The Birmingham News states that Ousley will take 3 months off to deal with this ‘problem.’
Folks, the man was a sexual predator during his whole ministry at the church, it was known by certain staff members at the church and more than a few women are now coming forward.
This isn’t going to be fixed in three months.
Brook Hills folks, you have only yourselves to blame for taking part in Rick Ousley’s sins.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife … One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:2, 4, 5).
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly” (Titus 1:6).
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3).
You enabled him to continue in his wickedness by supporting him with your tithe and church attendance.
What’s Wrong With the Divorced Pastor?
Plenty.
March 24th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
I hesitated to respond to this post, largely for the sentiment expressed in Brook Hills Member’s response. While I am not a member of Brook Hills, I have a number of wonderful Christian friends there. Based on what I know of its members, something is very right in that congregation. BHM, thank you for your thoughtful response and I pray that the new direction you describe takes your church closer to God’s will.
Having said that, I simply cannot fathom someone suggesting that these women are not victims. Kathy is right, taking advantage of a teenager is particularly galling. However, I submit that this is a major abuse of position regardless of the age of the other party. I know that I put an extraordinary amount of trust in my clergy. As such I and many other congregants are in positions of vulnerability to abuse. In fact, many of us readily submit to the clergy’s Biblical authority over much of our lives. How outrageous it is to suggest taking advantage of that kind of position is not abuse, and that those subjected to that kind of abuse are not victims.
I suggest that those who are suggesting otherwise search their hearts for something other than Christ-like thoughts. And we should all be praying for the victims (Ms. Jones, Nancy’s daughter, Amanda and any others there may be), for Reverend Ousley and his family and for the Church at Brook Hills.
March 24th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Faithful to One
I’m getting up on my soapbox for a moment. So skip this if you’re so inclined.
The front page story in The Birmingham News this morning detailed how a very well-known and well-liked pastor in the area admitted to having an extramarital affair and thus, has suspended his ministry.
Rick Ousley is the founder of The Church at Brook Hills - one of THE megachurches in the Birmingham area. I think it would be safe to say that Brook Hills was the first non-traditional Baptist church in the whole state of Alabama. They utilize contemporary worship and began Friday and Saturday night services that seemed to reach more unchurched than any of their other services combined.
Ousley stepped down from the pulpit of Brook Hills two years ago after a health scare. He began an evangelical ministry and from what I understand, he was very popular - especially in youth rallies and college ministries. And yes, even marriage seminars.
The news of his affair hit like shockwaves throughout the state this morning. Many people I work with attend his church and were completely blown away. Some had tears; some said they felt as if their hearts were breaking; some were “devastated” and many were just struck dumb.
It’s always disappointing when a renowned leader and teacher is found unfaithful. But devastating? I don’t think so. I’m more saddened by the fact that this affair lasted over 20 years and YET, he still begged his lover not to come forward out of fear that it would hurt his ministry.
And he’s just figuring that out now?
That’s right, he’s still just a man. A man who sinned. But who reading this hasn’t sinned? I’ve never really understood why we hold church leaders up to such a standard that we ourselves aren’t willing to live with ourselves. We’re disappointed because if he can fall, how easy would it be for us to fall?
The simple answer: it’s as easy as it’s always been. Because we’re all still human - no matter if we’re church leadership or the Sunday pew warmer.
Churches of the 21st century have created something that I really don’t like: Christian celebrities. If the church is big enough and renowned enough, anyone that does anything in front of the church becomes a local celebrity. Setting them up on this pedastal and in some cases, worshipping the idea of what we think they should be.
In my opinion, the problem is that in the era of megachurches - we’ve forgotten the reason why we’re at church in the first place.
We don’t go because the pastor is our best friend; we don’t go because the music is so good; we don’t go because we need to be seen at church; we don’t go because we want to hear what funny story the preacher will tell this week; we don’t go because our favorite soloist is doing our favorite piece; we don’t go just because it’s Sunday morning and that’s what we do.
We go because we want to learn and we want to grow in knowledge and in strength. We go because being surrounded by other believers gives us strength to get through the week. We go to be held accountable for our actions (whether we like it or not). We go not to find celebrity but to be insignificant.
When I go to church, I want to be small. I want to be human. I want to be changed. Because I am human and I’m not perfect. But I have the best guideline imaginable and it’s not my preacher, it’s not my administrative pastor, it’s not my minister of music and it’s not the guy sitting next to me in the pew.
There’s only One I ever want to be measured by and I pray that I remember that every day.
March 24th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
churchwatcher, neither your spirit nor your theology is correct. Rick Ousley is completely to blame for what’s happened to him, but your irrational judgmentalism about a church (and divorce) isn’t biblical. Some people have interpreted scripture as you have, but that doesn’t make you right. As for the rest of what you said, you clearly haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. Now go adjust your halo so we can continue admiring your own perfection.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Here are some facts…
Rick Ousley Resigned from the Church at Brook Hills…His last Sunday was September 18, 2005. He joined another church a few weeks later and has not been involved at Brook Hills in any capacity, much less leadership.
Donna has evidence. Donna printed Rick’s speaking schedule off of his web site and made calls to the places he was about to speak. She collected proof of her time with Rick and offered it to the people she was calling.
The people who lead Brook Hills are not wimps and pushovers who would cover for Rick. At any point over the last 15 years that Donna or anyone else would have offered evidence, those leaders would NOT Have covered for Rick…They would have confronted him.
The decision about when Rick might be speaking again is not up to Rick, or his board. When you travel and speak/preach for a living, someone has to invite you to speak and pay you to do so.
Hundreds of people are hurting…Pray for healing…there are many victims in this.
Let’s not lose hope. There are thousands of ministers who humbly serve others in the name of Christ. Thousands who love their wives and are faithful to their families. Thanks to those who are faithful in setting the standards high.
Amazing things are happenining at Brook Hills…over 1100 church members have committed to go on international mission trips to share Christ around the globe. Almost one third of the congregation.
The Bible is the main focus at Brook Hills…God’s Word is being read, studied and shared. God’s Word!
Failure and Sin are not new concepts….Adam, David, Peter and Paul…
Redemption is not new either….David….Paul…
those of us who know we are sinful, need to believe there is redemption and forgiveness for all of us.
and that begins with taking responsibility for one’s actions and failures…hope that happens in this situation..
March 24th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Rick,
i am sorry to here what has happened to your family and the family in texas; however God can and will forgive you if you ask, i hope and pray that god will be able to use this to help other peolpe draw closer to him instead of alowing the devil to use it to tear people down.
Prov 15:33 (New American Standard)
The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
Relax—–the hard part is over. It is now in God’s hands. And His ability to take care of you is far greater than yours. Your now experiencing the humility that precedes the HONOR. You’ll be fine
May God Bles you and your family along with Donna Jines and her family.
Mike Thomas
March 24th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I hope that most of you people posting on this “article” are not christians. I am almost literaly sick to my stomach. The things that you have said about this brother in Christ are incredibly hyppocritical. I have seen God use Rick in many ways that most of you could never even dream about. You must serve an unforgiving god, and do not need forgivness yourselves. You are so excited to bash someone so you can stop thinking about your own short commings. I have read some of you who are seem to be under the grace and mercy of Christ; thank you very much for taking a stand. But most of you are disgusting. I don’t pretend to be perfect, and I wish most of you wouldn’t either.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Ben, you seem to confuse the ideas of forgiveness and responsibility. I suspect that most people can eventually forgive Rick Ousley for the pain he has caused to a LOT of people, but at the same time, we know that churches have the responsibility to use wisdom in which people are picked as our leaders. When our leaders fail us as miserably as Ousley has, he loses the capability of being trusted. This man has lied to all of us for years about what he is, he has betrayed the trust of various women (it appears), and he is currently bringing shame and pain for the members of the church he led for years. He has done a tremendous amount of damage to a large number of people. He deserves condemnation as a leader, even if he should be forgiven as an individual. It’s true that Ousley has an inborn talent for selling people with his words. There’s no question that he “sold” a lot of people on the idea of turning their lives over to God. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming clear that he also used that talent to sell a number of women on the idea of getting into bed with him. There MUST be accountability for how this man has misused the talent that he was born with. If you don’t understand that, then you deserve whatever kind of shoddy and immoral leadership that your way of thinking leads to.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Ben: As someone who attended Brookhills from the time it met in the small building until approximately 3 years ago, I am somewhat surprised by your response. It is not hypocritical for individuals to express their disappointment and disgust at what Rick has done. I can recall occasions when individuals were asked to step down from their positions (Kelly for one) for various things and, through it all, Rick stood in front of the congregation and spoke about how necessary it was, how it was better for the church. All the while, carrying on a dual life and not having the courage to stop what he was doing or step down himself. How much more hypocritical can you get than that? It is not as if he made a mistake, an indiscretion. He carried on the relationship with this woman for years (and she was a teenager when it started - 19) That is far beyond an indiscretion. It was a decision, made apparently, many times. People have the right to exprss their views on this. It is sad that it “makes you sick to your stomach.” It sounds as if you have Rick on the pedestal that many did and are not able to look at this objectively and accept that he will receive criticism for it. Do you expect everyone to ignore the situation and not comment simply because you think Rick is a “broher in Christ.” My family loved Rick. Rick called himself our brother - while deceiving us, not just once. Again, this was not an “indiscretion” as Rick called it. It is all very sad. I don’t feel that I really knew Rick. He represented himself as something he was not. He is now open to the criticism he is getting because he put himself in a position of leadership. Calm down Ben. Be there for Rick if you choose to do so, react as you see fit, but allow others to express their views. They are entitled.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:10 am
It is real easy to verify either of the two stories on this post about Ousley being involved with these women. To the two ladies, go back and look at your phone records and put that telephone number on this blog. His cell numbers have been changed as of this week but I know both of his old numbers. If posted, I can come back this afternoon and validate what these two women have said. The truth will come out. Phone records can substantiate times and dates.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:36 am
That’s great. Want the Truth will covertly verify with Anonymous, who then will confirm by e-mail with Just Some Facts. Then the REAL truth will come out. We all know that we can trust you folks who we don’t know and who won’t sign your names.
Who are you people?
Pray for Rick.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Please DO NOT post cell phone numbers here or anywhere else that is a public forum. It’s dangerous, and I’ll delete them immediately if they do show up.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:19 am
John, what is the factual basis for your statement that “certain staff members” at TCABH knew the quixotic Mr. O was a “sexual predator during his whole ministry at the church” ? Them’s strong words.
OTOH: just some facts, you posted “The people who lead Brook Hills are not wimps and pushovers who would cover for Rick. At any point over the last 15 years that Donna or anyone else would have offered evidence, those leaders would NOT Have covered for Rick. They would have confronted him.” Do you know whether or not he was ever “confronted”? What type and sufficiency of “evidence” would it have taken to prompt those who surrounded him to “confront” him ? He’s glib and people are far too ready to live in a state of denial about people they want to trust. (Especially when he’s the front man bringing in the do-re-mi).
I am not at all surprised that the quixotic Mr. O had an affair (he’s admitted that much), nor will I be surprised if the other posted allegations are proven true. The quixotic Mr. O said years ago in a sermon I heard him preach that he knew he was a gifted persuasive speaker. He was aware of a personal power to persuade. Such power is easily abused.
God can use anyone. He obviously used Rick Ousley’s mouth to send out His message. He can use Rick Ousley’s disgrace to discipline those of us who sat under Ousley’s preaching without questioning his lifestyle to make us realize you simply cannot put your faith in any human being.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:31 am
churchwatcher and john (same person?), the Bible clearly states that divorce and remarriage for ANYONE is considered adultry (Jesus’s words, not a prophet’s), as is merely the thought or desire to commit any kind of sin. Yes, we should hold clergy to higher standards, but nobody’s perfect. I’m not defending Ousley in this case. Rather, I’m coming to the defense of many wonderful church leaders who may have been divorced. I’ve often see that very argument used to justify stripping them of their position. Paul was not suggesting in 1 Timothy that a pastor be perfect nor that he have a perfect family. If you held someone to that standard, you’d never have a church leader. Rather, he meant that a leader must be held to a higher standard, which is objective, really. “Blameless” is a really band word to have used in the translation, since it implies that the person must be without sin.
People also forget that these words don’t necessarily apply to ALL churches. (You’ll also find that in 1 Corinthians 11, Paul instructs one church that women should always wear head coverings and should not have short hair. I’m willing to bet that you do not apply these rules to the women in your congregation.) If they are used as such, then the person using that verse is taking them out of context. These are letters written by Paul to specific churches and their leaders, and if you read them all, you will notice that he gives different instructions to different churches based on the situation they were facing, so if you believe that all of his instructions apply to all churches, then you will end up having to explain to someone as to why the Bible contradicts itself in various places. It doesn’t mean that these instructions are useless, but rather, they might be useful to some churches facing similar situations. What’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander. One church may not be experiencing the same problems that another church is facing.
To be honest, I don’t think the congregation of Brook Hills knew what was going on. The church leaders may have, but I wouldn’t necessarily bet on it for all of them. If any did, then they are responsible for this happening just as much as Ousley himself. I would say that they’d need to step down as leaders. I’m not saying that they can’t be forgiven, mind you. I’m saying that they should not be in a leadership position. A leader watches out for these sort of things and does what is needed to protect the “flock.”
David, LOL! I needed that.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I think this is called a “BLOG” but I think some reading and posting are in a “FOG.” I happen to be the brother of one of the woman mentioned here. Since we have lived in Phoenix, AZ all our lives that should be a real clue. Ousley was Associate Pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church when he began his relationship with my Sister. (FYI to want the truth says his mobile # would not be the same as it was before.)
I agree with Kathy in saying from the beginning that there were most likely more than one woman and this week has proven her predictions were correct. Woman in different states (How convenient for Ousley). I also agree with other’s that say the Church at Brook Hills is not to blame. When I go to church I’m not going to worship my pastor I’m going to worship the one and only God I know and Believe in. Now in saying that does the Pastor play a part in that? Yes, because he preaches out of the same bible I read and believe in.
When you start first grade until you finish High School and then move onto College you put your trust in the teachers to teach you what you need to learn in order to graduate and start your life as an adult.
When you join a church you put your trust in the Pastor and the leaders of the church to teach you the truth of the bible and the ways of the bible so you can strive to live a pure life daily.
This does not make me doubt my bible nor the Lord Jesus Christ this makes me doubt the leadership we have in our church’s. Sadly enough too many people put there trust in Rick Ousley and not the Lord. Only the lord will get you to heaven not Rick Ousley.
Men and Woman have affairs all the time and get divorces all the time, more than marriage these days. My Parent’s have been married for 55 years and myself for 20. The point I’m trying to make is here is a very well known traveling preacher that through the years has spoke to thousands and thousands people. They believed in him, they gave there church money for Ousley to come preach, They gave Ousley money through his ministries for support or through in online store which is still open for business.
My Mother spoke of throwing his items out to the trash. How could you not when they are still on the site and say this?
DVD TITLES SOLD & Preached BY Ousley:
Overcoming Shame
Dealing with Difficult People
Failing forward
Everybody’s Got One
How to Avoid Dangerous Mistakes
Overcoming Shame
True Love…Straight Talk
What’s Love got to do with it
His new book is “True Colors” HMMMMM????
Great Comebacks - 4 Disc set
Price: $28.00
How to Avoid Dangerous Mistakes - 4 disc set
Price: $28.00
How to do a 180 in a 280 World - 8 disc set
Price: $50.00
Mission Possible: The Pure Joy of Phillipians - 4
Price: $28.00
Overcoming Shame
Price: $8.00
Great Comebacks - 4 Disc set
Price: $28.00
How to Avoid Dangerous Mistakes - 4 disc set
Price: $28.00
The point of my blog is in my prayers I have prayed for Ousley, his family and friends.
I stand firm with others that he should have chose a different profession
If he were to live the life he has lead.
Divorced preacher that remarried and continuos from day one cheated on his wife
For over 20 years. Why did he get remarried in the first place? Because it was the
proper thing for a pastor to be married. In being involved with this through my Sister
I have found out that Ousley’s current wife was married before and has a daughter
from her first marriage.
Ousley should never preach again nor should he profit from money collected from his Media site.
If this was any Pastor in AZ he would never have authority of any ministry again.
For those that live in Alabama maybe you might want to write your Governor Bob Riley.
Ousley spoke frequent at the Governors monthly bible study. Ousley needs to be stopped.
Not preaching for three month’s is a slap in the face to all those he hurt. Misleading from his board and Lawyer that his site is shut down when I just got the information of the media site.
Money collected at a benefit will go into escrow. Refund the money to the people who gave it in good faith to a man they never knew had such a secret life style. God bless all involved and I ask for all of us to pray and pray this is not something you forget about in 3 months.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Just for all you who might be interested, I do attend BH and have since its beginning. We just got home from church this morning and knew that Dr. Platt ( the current pastor) would address the current situation. His message is entitled ” How do you respond to moral failure in the church?”… they made it upfront that if you have children you may not want to have them be in the service. We made a decision to not let our children hear.. but you can go to the website and hear it this afternoon. http://www.brookhills.org.
Brook Hills is a different place than when Rick was there. God is moving in such a poweful way today in this fellowship. I do believe that God is and was not surprised by all of this coming out, I do believe that bad things can be made to use for His Glory. I do believe that God never wastes a single hurt. I am evidence of that. Check out Dr. PLatt’s Message
March 25th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Thanks, BH Member. It’s good to know the church is addressing this issue head on. That can only help — short and long run.
March 25th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Curious?
I know that when Rick & Joyce left Brook Hills he went to The Church of Shelby Crossings (which was a spin off of Brook Hills). He and Joyce officially walked down the aisle and joined Shelby Crossings On January 22, 2007. The Pastor of that church is Brother Mike Satterfield.
I respect Dr. Platt’s choice of Brook Hills to address this issue and I look forward to hearing his message when it’s posted on the web this afternoon. My concern is we have one church with hundreds if not thousands of hurts souls caused by the misleading of the Ousley family.
Have they hurt more at Shelby Crossings? I have read new and old articles on Rick and there are so many that he ends his writings with “Staying fearlessly devoted to the truth.” what is the truth? Why are people pointing fingers at these woman? Do you think for one minute the B-New would have published a story with out facts? Do you think the Board of Directors of Quixotic would have shut down if there wern’t facts and proof. I pray for this Texas woman and salute her courage for coming forward. At this point I made an appointment to speak with my Pastor before this evenings service because I’m confused as to what the truth is. I have known Rick and Joyce for a very long time and now I feel betrayed with there friendship. I feel I never knew these people. Things like this happens all the time but you never think it will happen to you or someone you once looked up to and respected. All has been focussed on Rick but Joyce had to know. You don’t stay married and live with someone for 20 years and not see signs. Did she know and turn her head as not to break the glass bubble they we living in? I feel so lied to and hurt that I looked up to this man and thought he was a brother of his word. I don’t think God would say I’m judging if I say I was bold face lied to as so many others.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
There is a lot of pain evident on these comments, and I personally take no pleasure at all in pointing this out, but it must be said. Brook Hills members are accountable in this matter of Ousley’s adultery. They disobeyed Scripture by supporting a divorced man in the pastorate.
They enabled him to continue in his chosen lifestyle.
Folks, we all sin and are all just as capable of committing the same sin as Rick Ousley. However, he willingly placed himself in a position of authority over people, a position of trust and he proceeded to violate that trust from a very young age.
IF the church members would of followed the clear teachings of Scripture instead of Ousley, they wouldn’t have all of this falling down on them now.
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife … One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:2, 4, 5).
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly” (Titus 1:6).
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:3).
March 25th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Although this morning’s message from Dr. Platt hasn’t been posted online yet, here is the direct link to download either audio (MP3) or video (MPEG-4) of the message when it’s posted later today. Any MP3 player will handle the audio. Quicktime is the best player for the video.
http://www.brookhills.org/media/page_videocast.htm
March 25th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Full Court, you seem to be the same person who posted as “churchwater” on Saturday. At least you included a link back to your own blog this time so that everyone can see exactly what your agenda is. It’s very clear from the ignorance you display both here and on your blog that your grasp of biblical exegesis is horrendously bad. By your logic (if you can call it that), this wouldn’t even apply to Ousley since there aren’t “bishops” in a Baptist church. In THAT case, you’d be happy to go back to the original Greek, but you’re not willing to go back to the Greek for what the rest of the passage actually means. People like you are terribly selective in how you interpret scripture. You quote the King James Version when it supports your own views (as though God wrote that translation Himself), and you’re completely uninterested in the original intent. I don’t intend to get into a point by point debate about Greek words and original intent, so I’m just going to point out (for anyone who’s interested) that Full Court’s interpretation is not necessarily accurate. If you have questionis about that matter, I would encourage you to research it yourself instead of listening to Full Court’s rant OR taking my word for it.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
With all the emotions surrounding this particular issue, scripture is the only source we can turn to. All of our opinions are bias one way or the other, so I encourage everyone to not let satan get a foothold in your life with unforgiveness. God knows what has happened and what has been happening and it will be used to glorify Him and that is all we should care about.
When a part of your physical body is ill, the rest of your body works very hard to heal the sick area. I hope that we can take this physical example and apply it to our church body as well. The rest of your physical body does not scorn the part that is diseased, it scorns the disease, not the organ. Your physical body recognizes the importance of that organ and that the body is not truly complete without it. Rick is one pastor of many who have been tempted and fell into the trap. As much hurt as we have suffered, our strength is in the joy of the Lord and that means right now our job is to love our brother. However this is handled, the kindergarten truth remains that we cannot say “Why should I do that for him when he didn’t for me.”, whatever you may think about Rick, it doesn’t matter.
Matthew 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council and whoever says “You fool!” wil be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 7:1&2 Judge not lest you be judged, for with the judgment you pronounced and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
John 8:7b Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Romans 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
2 Corinthians 2 5-9 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to m, but in some measure-not to put it too severely- to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough , so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know that you are obedient in everything.
ENITRE BOOK OF PHILLIPIANS
Some of you may feel as though you are not judging him or being unforgiving, I hope that is true. That is between you and the Lord. I encourage you to be honest with yourself and God about that. But please make sure that stays true despite any new “information” that may be released.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I would agree with the previous posting… also I would like to point out I don’t agree with Full Court at all about holding the “members” accountable for Rick’s actions. If you attended the church at anytime, you would know that at the time of his leadership, there was set a team of Lay Pastors, called out from the body to serve the membership of BH and also to hold Rick accountable. When the church first started there were four men and then it grew to 20 men. There are also vocational pastors (paid staff) that served at BH who are no longer there and some that are…. so you have a group of men, vocational and Lay that were accountable to the membership for Rick and his actions. These are the men I would hold accountable now…not the entire membership. So many people that have come in the past to BH and now are trusting their leadership to watch over and make decisions both Scriptural and spiritual.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
To Brook Hills member:
First of all, someone else copied my blog and posted it here. I can find out the isp # if you like, but I have never posted here under any screen name other than the one I always use. Please do not make any more false accusations.
Secondly, the Bible says what it says, whether you like it or not. God clearly commands that pastors of churches are not to be divorced. You don’t have to like it, but God is not concerned with what YOU approve it. He is a holy God and is concerned with what HE approves of.
Thirdly, I always use and refer to the KJV. It is the only uncorrupted Bible.
If some of you would of judge the sitaution according to righteous as the Bible commands, maybe Rick Ousley would not have had the ability to do what he has done.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
It is a very easy thing to do, follow Scripture and not men.
1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Kristen Says: “Rick is one pastor of many who have been tempted and fell into the trap.”
Kristen, the point is that Rick was not qualified to pastor a church. He was divorced and had an affair with an 18 year old girl who babysat his children. He’d been in her life since she was 15 years old. He was the asst. pastor of a church at that time.
If any one of you want to act like none of that matters, go ahead. And people like Rick Ousley will continue to victimize the flock because the flock will not protest.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
How devastating. How very sad for so many people.
So, what can I learn from this horrible situation?
We, culturally, don’t like to get in each other’s business…..but isn’t it a good practice to make ourselves accountable to others? Isn’t it a good idea to get close enough, albeit to just a few people, so that someone can know us well enough to hold our feet to the fire? It appears that this is what Rick was missing…..people who had close access to his soul. I’m sure that is probably not something that he allowed people to do. (Often people who are very warm/charismatic can make you feel like you are their best buddy, when, in reality, you don’t KNOW them at all. It is a part of that persuasive personality.)
But, this reminds me of how important it is…..that I feel accountable to someone. I am CERTAINLY accountable to God for everything; but it really helps in this journey of life to have people who love me enough to be truthful with me. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”
When I find out/know something about a “brother’s” sin, do I not need to follow the scriptural model of confronting that brother (like Nathan did with David)….if I’m not heard, then taking someone with me as a witness the second time…..then, if we’re still not heard, taking it before the church???? It’s entirely possible that some of Rick’s brothers/sisters in Christ knew of his lifestyle and decided to turn their heads instead of doing the more difficult thing. Who knows???? God knows and He sorts that out.
Sin and God’s grace-filled forgiveness make up the natural rhythms of our lives…..we fall down, and by His grace and mercy, we get up….. When we choose to HIDE our sin, then it has the opportunity to CONSUME us, because we buy into the lies the enemy offers up.
Lies from the enemy…..
It is so easy to buy into the first lie that my “secret sin” is OK, because everything looks peachy on the outside…..then we become white-washed-sepulchers…. “No one knows. Everything is OK.” The moment we begin to HIDE, is the moment we begin the downward spiral. The second lie of the enemy is “because my sin is secret, it is not harming anyone.” In fact, it is harmful to soooo many…….many more than Rick Ousley could’ve imagined.
Galatians 6
1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
It seems that ANYONE of us could be tempted in this same way…..the thought of that makes me sick, but according to this scripture, it is true. So, I should pray for Rick and the women with whom he has sinned with and against. I should pray for the families/churches that are affected by this sin.
We should bear one another’s burdens, right???
March 25th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Full Court, it’s not an “accusation” to say that you “seem to be” the same person who posted under another name. When something from your own blog is posted (which isn’t acknowledged as having been copied) and then you post in the same thread without saying that someone is using your work in the thread without permission, my conclusion is quite reasonable.
We really know all we need to know about your education and theology when you claim that a translation from the 1600s (which is riddled with translation errors) is the translation to be trusted instead of more scholarly works which have gone back to the texts that were originally written (as much as can EVER be determined about which are the correct manuscripts). Your position doesn’t hold up to the most cursory logical examination. You’re just plain ignorant on this point. Besides, by your logic, it would only apply to bishops, making your point here moot.
People like you are typically only interested in things that confirm their own existing biases. I’m interested in the truth — wherever it’s found — because where there truth is, that’s where God is, too.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Right, Donna.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Past member, I’m sure God does not need any of our help judging. Nor does he care about our disgust or any other of our personal feelings about this matter, including my own. How dare some of you (not aimed at you, past member) say that the preaching of Rick is invalid! News Flash: It wasn’t Rick! Most everything that was said by him was GOD! He never claimed that his words where “Rick” inspired. It wasn’t his “ideas” of what’s right, but things that came from the Bible. He never claimed to be perfect, or not struggle, or that anything that he has done or accomplished was him and not God. Maybe he was tied up in all this junk while ministering, it doesn’t make everything invalid. Yeah, it’s disappointing and hurts some people…God still used him. He doesn’t only used perfect people. If he did….obviously no one would be used. I know that there are many instances where i have seen God work and i was blessed enough to be used in the situation, and I am DEFINATELY NOT perfect. I sin every day, most of the time, the same over and over. Sin is sin, no matter what the sin is, or who did it. We are just as guilty as he is, in our own ways, yet God still uses us…right?
March 25th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Ben…..
Yes, God chooses to work through us, jars of clay; but he does tell us to be holy as He is holy. This only happens as we walk in deepening, REAL, relationship with Him…..while we hide/hold nothing in our fists behind our backs. My humanity is not an excuse for my sin. When I sin, it is because I choose to. It is because I choose my way over The Way.
Maybe……just maybe…..Rick thought that it was OK to continue living a double life, because he thought, “It is OK, God is still using me. See how people are still inviting me to speak? It is OK…..” That is a lie from the enemy too, isn’t it???? See how easily the deception could creep in???
So, here is “the rub”……I have to ask the Holy Spirit to help me discern through this and teach me what He would have me learn from this situation. Only He can lead us to walk in true holiness. Only He can sort this out.
March 25th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Wow…I love a good scandal!! The problem as I see it is a lot of these fundamentalist, evangelical preacher types set themselves so high above the rest of us that when they fall, it’s with a resounding thud!! And somehow, they manage to convince themselves along the way that they are not held to the same standards as the rest of the world. Not a good thing when you start believing your own press!
March 25th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
A statement from the church and audio and video of Brook Hills’ current Senior Pastor, Dr. David Platt, teaching this Sunday morning on “How Do You Respond to Moral Failure in the Church?” is now online at:
http://www.brookhills.org/news/events_onetime/page_ousleystatement.htm
March 25th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Jennifer, if you’re trying to lump Rick Ousley in with fundamentalists, you’re heading in the wrong direction. There is a HUGE difference between fundamentalists and evangelicals. While I feel very strongly about what Ousley has done related to this, you’re making assumptions and playing “guilt by association” to think that Ousley set himself above the rest of us or has some similarity (theologically or otherwise) to one of the fallen fundamentalist TV preachers. He is guilty of quite a bit, apparently, but not what you seem to assume. This is already a terrible situation, but I hope you won’t make it worse by massaging the facts to fit the narrative you’d like to believe.
March 25th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Full Court, I highly suspect that if someone were to look at your IP address, it would be the same as a couple of commenters above. If there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s sock puppets. In fact, I’m going to ask that Kathy clear that one up for us, if she can and doesn’t mind too much.
I’m assuming then, from your devotion to scripture, that the women in your church wear head coverings? If not, then you need to go back and read 1 Corinthians 11. The should also keep their hair long and men should keep theirs short. If you’re going to grossly misinterpret and take scripture out of context, you might as well not pick and choose which ones you do it with. Good luck finding a “blameless” pastor. I’m assuming you don’t have a pastor, since there’s no such thing as a blameless human being.
And the fact that you’ve referred to the KJV as “uncorrupted” pretty much says it all. The Bible was not written in the King’s English. Jesus, Paul, and others did not speak English. They spoke Aramaic and Greek and other such languages. When it was translated over, it was VERY MUCH corrupted. Matter of fact, there were entire BOOKS that were taken out. Please don’t tell me that you are one of those people who think that Jesus was white and European-looking.
To the members of Brook Hills, I thank you for the information about today’s message. I’ll try to listen as soon as I get the opportunity.
Also, addressing another recent commenter, I’d like to say this. There actually is a big difference between Ousley and people like Ted Haggard, and that’s why you’re seeing such a different response to his actions. While Ousley wasn’t acting as the most moral leader, he did actually preach a good message. Haggard had a LOT of hate speech in his sermons, and he wasn’t very good about preaching forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Ousley was very good about preaching about sins and what was wrong, but he would also prech A LOT about forgiveness and grace and mercy and how important it was to love. It is to be said that when you show mercy, you are given it. Really, if he got what he deserves (and may NONE of us ever get what we deserve), he’d be completely abandoned and outcast, among other things. But since he has preached (and often shown) mercy, he’s actually being shown A LOT of mercy right now.
March 25th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I’m not good at writing letters but I had to express my feelings on this matter. After writing my letter I ask my son David to put it on the computer because I don’t own one and at my age I don’t want one.
Now moving to what I want to tell. My niece Donna Jones has spoke of this Rick Ousley for years and years. She truly loved this man and denied and protested what we her extended family and her immediate family told of about Rick. She compared his preaching and miracles that she witnessed like being at a Billy Graham Crusade.
We told her often he was a fraud and she would go month’s without speaking to us. One call or visit with Rick and we would loose our Donna for month’s. The more she saw him and spoke with him the further she went into her own little world. My Sister and Donna’s Mother tried to stop this years ago after Rick paid and flew Donna for a week long trip to Los Angeles. My Sister called and told Rick to stay away from her daughter or she would go to the church’s. Donna had us fooled it was over. The whole time now finding out Rick called and told her of the phone call and that they would have to be more careful. Brainwashed is what he did to her at 15 and then took her innocence and virginity at 18.
Donna has a terminal disease and has spoken with Rick and all of us of her intentions to live life to the fullest. During her last operation I know for a fact Rick and her spoke and she reconfirmed to him and the whole family that Rick was on her emergency pastor emergency call at the hospital, that he would speak at her funeral and most important to her was that we would treat him with respect.
This has hit her worse than deaths she has been though. She is so confused as why people are hating her and calling her for speaking up. She has been called everything, threatened. I and she never thought by telling the truth you would feel hate and suffer the hurt she has. She is an adult and knew what she was doing but not when you meet a man that you got saved (gave your life to Christ) at 15 during his revival at your church. He totally brain washed her though his words and actions.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Wow, I’m glad I’m just Catholic. Our priests are perverts, by golly, but we always pay in the end!!
March 25th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
And geez, how is my little comment on a blog gonna make it worse?? And I wasn’t massaging anything; that’s very vulgar and I am a lady!!
March 25th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Aunt Marie, I am so sorry for everything your family is enduring.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Christians should follow God, not man. Brook Hills is a church with a firm foundation, solid in Christ. It is growing both in spirit and in number. Gods plans will previal, regardless of our immoral behavor.
If people are leaving brook hills because of Rick Ousley, they weren’t going for the right reasons. This is what happens when a church follows a man and depends on him for his spiritual growth. A pastor is not responsible for the growth of a church.
Rick is no more of a sinner than you or me.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I am a current member of Brook Hills and became a member many years ago under Rick Ousley’s leadership. I hope that the families of these women can somehow find peace. If there is anything that I hope they realize is that they were not alone in being duped. There are literally THOUSANDS of us whom he betrayed and defrauded on a weekly basis. His divorce was not a secret as many people have stated before, but I do remember that the story kind of made his ex-wife out to be the villain in the relationship. Now I am not so sure. My heart aches for those faithful people who worked beside him. I call it a blessing now that my family really did not know him on a personal level. I can’t imagine why anyone would be harrassing Ms. Jones unless they are still being manipulated with twisted explanations and misplaced loyalty. What Rick needs now is to look squarely in the face of truth and not more people making excuses for him.
Our faith family is strong and was built on the foundation of the Word of God and planted by faithful people even before Rick Ousley came along. We are praying for healing for all of the families involved.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Author: ALmod
Comment:
Full Court, I highly suspect that if someone were to look at your IP address, it
would be the same as a couple of commenters above. If there’s one thing I don’t
like, it’s sock puppets. In fact, I’m going to ask that Kathy clear that one up
for us, if she can and doesn’t mind too much.
FC reply: Kathy or whoever runs this blog has my permission to compare my isp number with who ever you think I am posting as. I personally have no reason to lie about it and I am not ashamed of what I write and state. So please stop making false accusations.
Author: ALmod:I’m assuming then, from your devotion to scripture, that the women in your
church wear head coverings? If not, then you need to go back and read 1
Corinthians 11. The should also keep their hair long and men should keep theirs
short.
Full Court reply: The Bible states that a woman’s covering is her hair. And yes, mine is long because I believe that the Bible is true. My sons and husband have short hair.
Author: ALmod: If you’re going to grossly misinterpret and take scripture out of
context, you might as well not pick and choose which ones you do it with. Good
luck finding a “blameless” pastor. I’m assuming you don’t have a pastor, since
there’s no such thing as a blameless human being.
Full Court reply: NOTHING that I posted FROM the BIBLE was “misinterpreted.” I simply stated what Scripture says. DIVORCED MEN ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO PASTOR OR OVERSEE A CHURCH.
I have a pastor. He was a missionary for many years along with his wife. Neither of them were ever married before they married each other. HE IS QUALIFIED. And if he wasn’t, I wouldn’t partake of his sins by supporting him.
ALMOND SAYS:And the fact that you’ve referred to the KJV as “uncorrupted” pretty much says
it all. The Bible was not written in the King’s English. Jesus, Paul, and
others did not speak English. They spoke Aramaic and Greek and other such
languages. When it was translated over, it was VERY MUCH corrupted. Matter of
fact, there were entire BOOKS that were taken out. Please don’t tell me that
you are one of those people who think that Jesus was white and European-looking.
Full Court reply: It is amazing that you want to claim to be an expert on a book that you obviously do not believe or follow.
Don’t fault me because I do.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Dear Aunt Marie, please know that not everyone hates or rejects your niece. I feel for her and you will not find me defending what Rick Ousley or making excuses for him like some of these people here.
I will be glad to make Donna’s comments public and defend her. You can reach me through my blog. http://thefullcourt.blogspot.com/