Former HBC Elder’s Resignation Letter Explains James MacDonald’s Character Problems
by jamesmacdonaldmustresign
I received this email from a friend of Dan Marquardt who recently resigned from the Harvest Bible Chapel Elder Board. He explains to his friends in the email why he left his position as elder. Several of his friends have begun to forward this email to others.
June 21, 2013
Brothers,
After many months of prayer and after reflecting on our last meeting together it is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation as an Elder of Harvest Bible Chapel. This decision is not an impulse nor an emotional reaction but where I feel the LORD has led me to act. In good conscience and out of love for the church and our pastors I could not sit back and quietly rotate off in ninety days. That route would’ve been disingenuous and dishonest to the congregation and the LORD. My family and I just surpassed the sixteen year mark at Harvest and considering that I’ve known James since before he was a pastor that clarifies the magnitude of my decision.
I’m thankful for the privilege it has been to serve with each of you and I leave the Elder Board and Harvest Bible Chapel without anger or bitterness but admittedly with sadness. Harvest, James, and all of you that compose the leadership will be in my prayers. This decision is a compilation of matters that are intertwined together but the ultimate affirmation came the other night. From my first phone calls and emails to Robert sharing minor concerns to major concerns I have always endeavored to show respect and be patient. Personally I strive for continual improvement in everything I do. My disposition is not one of a critical spirit and I am often an optimist, but there are many things that we do not see eye-to-eye on. It is not my desire, nor has it ever been, to cause anyone strife, but rather to address things in Christ’s church that I don’t believe are healthy or in the best interest of the church.
James has asserted multiple times that my concerns have consumed fifty percent of the XLT’s time for the last six months and that confuses me. Not because I brought matters to their attention, but that I haven’t seen any changes. Additionally, the assertion was clear that I was attempting to monopolize time and be a critical spirit when neither could be further from the truth. James thought it absurd that I could come up with twenty concerns in “one of the fastest growing churches in America”. Yes, Harvest is growing and giving is up, praise God for that! While growth and giving are important, don’t use those two metrics to assess that all is healthy.
James has repeatedly stated that he is not in a good place and I affirm that. In our recent meeting of seven elders (Scott, Barry, James, Rick, Robert, Bill, and myself) when we requested James disclose his income to the elders he replied, “I would lose 1,000 people before I would disclose that.” This is not unique as James rebuked Greg Bradshaw in our December Elder meeting in a similar light when Greg told James, “I’m concerned about the sheep.” James rebuked him, “Who cares about twelve or fourteen families whose faces or names I don’t even know leave!… What about the shepherd?!” When Christ, the Good Shepherd, stated that He would leave the other ninety nine to save the one, that is where a Pastor’s shepherding heart should remain. It concerns me deeply and I warn that James is heading down a very dangerous path if his heart on this matter isn’t made right.
During that meeting of seven, Rick stated clearly that they did not trust us. Apparently, grounds of questioning our pastor’s behavior are perceived as an attack on him and the church, rather than a loving concern for protecting him and the church. It is important to note that Scott, Barry, and I were appointed to the Pastoral Care Team and it was our obligation to care for our pastors with special emphasis on our Senior Pastor.
In our full Elder meeting I was shocked that James mocked Scott by referencing their phone conversation earlier that day. During that call Scott stated that he only had one person he wasn’t reconciled with (under the subject of James’ lengthy trail of broken relationships) and during our meeting James deflected those concerns by mocking, “In your stream of influence and the volume of people that you interact with compared to me, I would say that I am doing exponentially better than you Scott!” By that statement alone James doesn’t take responsibility or blame for his trail of broken relationships. Later in the meeting he also stated that he does not accept any blame regarding his decision to purchase his house in Inverness. He blamed the Elder Board at the time since they gave him permission. All of these matters concern me deeply but apparently Scott, Barry, and I are on the fringe of having concerns over James behavior past and present.
The tone at the meeting was unfortunate and it was clear to me that Scott, Barry, and I were painted to be the villains. When James framed questions to the full Elder Board to see if they supported our actions his questions were completely distorted. When it was our turn to answer whether we approved of the behavior/actions that he alleged were taken, even we were in opposition to the extreme and exaggerated questions! It felt disingenuous to me that Tom Barber’s resignation from the Elder Board and departure from Harvest the prior week wasn’t even brought up. As a result, none of his concerns that led to his decision were addressed at an Elder Board level, regardless of his decision to rescind his resignation and remain. Yet our concerns seemed to be on an island and Tom didn’t affirm any of our concerns in the meeting.
In a court of law the oath stated is, “I swear to tell the truth, the WHOLE truth, and NOTHING but the truth.” The truth can be manipulated while still walking a “legal line” of truth but everything done in Christ’s church should be above accusation and not manipulated to conform to one’s own agenda.
After four years of observation and participation, the assertion that Harvest is an Elder-led church is not reality. The XLT makes most decisions and is compiled of James and four subordinates. Often at our monthly meetings their decisions are reported to the Elder board as having been made and they are simply informing the Elders. We approved a $30,000,000 annual budget with a pie chart in thirty seconds. As Elders we requested a line-item budget and that request was denied. So much of the lack of trust is admittedly attributed to the fear of an Elder going “sideways” as James often references. If an Elder isn’t trustworthy and above reproach/accusation he shouldn’t be an Elder! A good friend of mine in ministry told me, “The enemy has no power in the light, he only has power in the shadows.” With reference to the church, I fear information that is hidden and not disclosed, especially to the leaders who are accountable for those decisions, only gives the enemy opportunity to do damage.
All of us, including our pastors should meet the minimum standards our LORD requires in Titus 1:7-8, “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “but test everything; hold fast what is good”. We are instructed to test (examine, investigate, probe) everything to ensure that it is good and right in the eyes of the LORD. We have been told in the past that we can ask anything as Elders but when that happened we were met with resistance.
After James departed the room Randy looked me in the eyes, with clear anger, and said, “We have a lot of work to do and better men to do it.” So I am encouraging you to find better men to lead as I will no longer be serving alongside you.
In closing, the Elder Board collectively, apart from Scott, Barry, and me, made it clear that you do not share our concerns with: 1) James’ behavior and irritable disposition 2) His refusal to disclose or allow review of his compensation by fellow Elders 3) The numerous faults of HBC’s existing authority structure in contrast to the perception of the congregation. Therefore due to my conflicted conscience on these matters as well as those stated above, I can no longer serve as an Elder at Harvest Bible Chapel. My prayers will be with all of you and you have my assurance that I love the church and mean it no harm. Although I am leaving you have my word that I will not tell anyone they should leave Harvest, not even my brother/business partner. I’m hopeful that God will only strengthen Harvest after my departure and give all of you courage to ensure that God is truly glorified in ALL that you do individually and collectively. Please do not barrage me with phone calls or in-person meetings attempting to persuade me otherwise as my decision is made. You are all loved.
You brother in Christ,
Dan Marquardt
james macdonald must resign 
Having been an Elder who was falsely forced out of a Church for resisting change to Church-Growth Strategies, I appreciate the tone and concern of this resignation. Celebrity Pastors are not found in the Scripture.
” And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”
Mark 10:42-44 ESV
Sadly, celebrity pastors ARE found in scripture. Paul calls them “super apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11) and they ridiculed Paul, a true apostle, and his ministry which was characterized by selflessness, suffering and humility. As with the wheat and the tares, only time will be the judge of ones faithfulness…
We left because of James’ behavior regarding the Elephant Room.
Anyone who usurps the authority of the Athenasian Creed has a BIG PROBLEM. Clearly, James regards himself as being above the Church Fathers too. Sad.
Also, his affiliation with people like Warren, Driscoll , and Furtick ( who he even had speak in his church) troubled us greatly. While he still was teaching ok….his above named affiliate’s teachings are not biblical….to say the least…..
Out of curiousity, what gives the Athanasian Creed any authority? Why that one over any other? Other than you happen to agree with it, or you happen to interpret the Scriptures match this creed more than others.
Not challenging the creed, mind you. Only your epistemology and ecclesiology.
I am concerned as well regarding your use of a creed as so authoritative. There’s but one inspired, infallible authority, and that is Scripture alone. All creeds are merely man’s commentary or view on Scripture.Using a document created by a few men to find fault in other men is too low of a standard, and is a very faulty one at best. But only Scripture is the sole source of divine Truth and thus the sole standard by which to test all people, doctrines, and practices.
Ps. 138:2… You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.
Act 17:11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Well, I wouldn’t go that far. Your belief in Scripture Alone sounds pretty credal to me. I don’t think you can get away with creeds. Those that suggest so instead prefer to make up their own creeds rather than submit to the creeds of the Pillar and Foundation of Truth. My surprise was more that a baptist (presumably), admits to the credibility of any historic creed.
Are you aware that the Athenasian Creed is purely Catholic? “Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith…” is the first sentence. How could you expect a Protestant minister to adhere to a Catholic creed?
Apparently Dan doesn’t understand that in Seeker Driven churches, the lead pastor is the one with the divinely given vision and everyone is supposed to be in lockstep with him! Sort of along the lines of “don’t touch the Lord’s anointed!” Ha ha. The elders are yes men, more there for “looks” to appear Biblical than truly Biblical elders. We used to attend a seeker driven church in Carrollton, TX with a pastor whose last name is well recognized. He drove off any elders who dared to come up against him. The seeker model is not Biblical in so many ways and Dan points out well that one of the problems starts with the pastor (so called). This situation with James is not unique but sadly common. If I was Dan, I wouldn’t go out of my way to let people within that church know about James but I wouldn’t protect him or fail to talk to people who want to know the truth. It doesn’t help anyone to stay under that kind of pastor.
Having been visit my ill parents in CA for most of the summer, I have sure missed being at Harvest.
A close friend texted me a link to this site this morning. In many ways, I simply could not believe what I was reading.
First – the name of the blog! Why is it that someone wants to discredit and or destroy the ministry of Pastor James? My family has been going to Harvest almost 5 years and have been faithfully taught the Word of God.
Second – it just seems like something that should be more private. If this is an actual letter from Mr. Marquardt to the elders, why is this any of anyone’s business? Does anyone know how this may have been resolved? If it is from Mr. Marquardt I’m certainly done buying cars from the man.
I’m really not normally one to post on blogs, but this got me pretty upset.
Since you have raised more questions than you are able to answer, perhaps it would be better to find the answers to your questions before you determine your response to Dan Marquardt’s letter rather than respond emotionally. His letter is so full of truth. Dan is a man who was not willing to compromise his integrity. He joins a growing number of men who believe the same.
ONE MORE THING: ANY WISE PERSON WILL CONTINUE TO BUY FROM A DEALERSHIP WHOSE LEADERSHIP IS BASED ON A LIFESTYLE OF INTEGRITY.
This is happening in many many churches…The church as a whole is in dangerous territory..with the seeker movement, dominionism, and the rest of the apostasy out there. Coming from within the church, it looks to me like the falling away spoken about in the bible.
Dr. Allchin, I have not followed much of this James McDonald, Harvest controversy. When I became aware that you commented on it here, I wanted to respond.
Your family through the BCC has had a tremendous impact on my family. Your response to this reply is the kind of reasoned, compassionate, level headed replies, that I would expect from a man of your character.
May God bless you and your family.
LisaM,
First – This is one of a few other websites that have already recorded very similar relationship and leadership abuses by James MacDonald upon many long time (former) Harvest elders, leaders, pastors, and members. You are probably in shock as many of us were as we discovered the hypocrisy and arrogance of the Harvest Pastor and leadership.
Second – (A) Many of us (leaders/members) have tried to “resolve” these issues along withe issues of bad debt and bad doctrine with elders and pastors, but have been answered with similar dismissal that Mr. Marquardt describes.
(B) Would you regard your declaration to be “done buying a car” or shop from Mr. Marquardt as an example of bullying? This is a similar threatening pressure that James MacDonald uses on exiting staff and pastors. Personally, the few interactions I’ve had with Dan have been compassionate. He deserves to be an elder. I’m sorry that that he and his family had to endure the accusations and blame that are not his to bear. I’m glad that he took his biblical calling as an elder/leader seriously and tried and resigned when there was no other alternative.
Sorry to hear about your parents health and I hope you all find a peace from the Lord. (Phil. 4)
Lisa, you should also probably read the website theelephantsdebt.wordpress.com as it gives full documentation around what has been going on. As far as keeping things private as you suggest, I simply offer 1 Tim 5:19-20 that gives us the biblical admonition in cases like what is happening at Harvest. These verses state that we are not to keep these matters private if there is a lack of repentance–which there is not.
If you look at “The Void” on The Elephant’s Debt website, you will see a long list of former Harvest pastors and elders who stand as witnesses as 1 Tim 5:19-20 requires. I’ve spoken to several of them and they confirm that the situation in the inner chamber is actually far worse than what has been reported on these websites. As such, we are to make it public.
Heart wrenching. Sad. Necessary.
I believe Dr. Allchin gets it wrong here. This gal is asking questions. The questions she’s asking just don’t seem to be ones he likes. So, anyone that Dr. Ronald Allchin says has integrity is above reproach?
Dr. Allchin appears to be defending Dan Marquardt, not James MacDonald.
You don’t mention whether this letter was used with Dan Marquardt’s permission. Can you confirm that for those who read this in the future? If it is legit, it’s a sad statement and strong confirmation of what the T.E.D. site has been saying all along as well as the many comments by those who have 1st hand experience with the situation.
If Dan did authorize the use of his letter, I give him credit for allowing his thoughts to be published. I’m sure it was very difficult for him. If he did not, it should not be published here. Could Scott and Barry weigh in as well? How about others from the Void? So much mystery and confusion surrounds HBC, this is not healthy or God honoring. Keeping silent when something is biblically wrong is detrimental to the church as well. I came across this quote from John MacArthur which I think is from one of his commentaries. It seems appropriate:
“In many circles, those who hold to strong convictions and who speak up and confront society and the church are branded as violators of this command not to judge, and are seen as troublemakers or, at best, controversial. Yet at no time in the history of the church, or of ancient Israel, was spiritual and moral reformation achieved apart from confrontation and conflict.” ~ John MacArthur
I totally agree. The problem is the cancer of greed, pride, foolishness and hypocrisy at the top of the organization. We have a responsibility to see it reformed. The risen Christ ordered the seven churches of Revelation to cleanse themselves. Harvest needs to be cleansed.
Dr. Alchin,
The irony of your response is too rich. You are critiquing a woman for responding emotionally without all the facts … on a website obviously doing the same. You would be wise to heed your own advice. If Dan did in fact give permission for this letter to be used on this website it does speak to his character. If what he wrote is all true obviously MacDonald’s actions also sinful – I just don’t see the point of fighting one sinful act with another.
Secondly, could you give a good biblical response to her question and concern regarding sharing this email publicly? Should I share everything about those around me openly on the internet? Is taking this to a public forum (both believers and unbelievers, both those in MacDonald’s church and outside of his church) the best approach? When providing counselling to people who have been offended do you suggest they start blogs about their offense?
I do not follow nor condone MacDonald but this website comes across as a tacky gossip site.
I think that many who remain within the Harvest system understand that James MacDonald needs to resign. It is sad to watch someone you love head down the wrong road. The pastoral pressures that he has been under are not helping him to get healthier. He really does need to step away.
When all reproaches have been tried and rejected, then it is time to take it to the Church. In this case, since JM’s “church” is world- wide, it is quite suitable that the matter be taken to the www. I believe that the owners of The Elephant’s Debt have bent over backward in authenticating what they have published. They even suspended comments for a while because they felt that it was serving no good purpose that just anyone could comment and say anything. For the most part though, I think the people who wrote were just honestly heartsick that JM appeared to be turning deaf ears to what many were trying to tell him.
I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior at Harvest many years ago. I am a first generation Christian and am thankful for what God is doing at and through Harvest. My wife and children are now followers of Christ as well. We have shared our faith with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, business associates, etc and trust that God has been glorified by the change only He can bring about
I still attend Harvest and am growing in my faith
Just because there are many good things going on at Harvest (and there are) doesn’t mean that there are not some very important issues that need to be addressed. Rat poison is 90% cornmeal–it is the other 10% that is deadly.
My friend, I believe that you can judge the religious racketeer by his standard of living. A friend of mine heard me make the statement that people should check up on radio broadcasters and see what kind of homes they live in and what cars they drive. He thought I was wrong to have made a statement like that, but he decided to check up on one man. He found that man living in a very costly home with two Cadillacs parked in front and an expensive swimming pool behind it. My friend had also heard about certain other excesses in that man’s life, and so he decided that he was supporting the wrong broadcaster. “The way of Balaam”—covetousness. This is one of the ways a false religious teacher can be identified, and God will judge him for it.
— J. Vernon McGee, commentary on II Peter 2 (McGee went home to the Lord in 1988 yet 25 years later his “Through The Bible” radio program continues to air on hundreds of radio stations in North America and is heard in more than 100 languages. His life stands in stark contrast to MacDonald’s)
Yes, this is my letter of resignation. It was never intended for this forum and was written to the men in leadership at Harvest Bible Chapel. As the blogger’s intro states, I did share this letter with some close friends that call Harvest their church home. Every day I pray for James and the leaders at Harvest and only desire to see the LORD glorified by all that is done there. It is my encouragement for everyone who reads this to do the same.
Dan,
It almost seems that you are OK with the discussion here. Do you approve of a site like this that makes it’s sole goal the resignation of James MacDonald?
This seems inconsistent with your daily prayers for James and your “desire to see the LORD glorified by all that is done there.” – along with your encouragement for everyone reading your comment to do the same.
If the letter was never intended for this forum, why don’t you simply request that it be removed. If that occured, there wouldn’t be much to speak of here.
Brother Woods, … (if indeed you are a “brother in Christ Jesus” ?)…
In your “biblical christian view” … Do you see only as “evil” a call (any call?) .. for a church leader to resign ? Just because it is a “church leader” ? Or is it perhaps ONLY the problem that THIS site happens to be calling for the leader whom you seem to be quite “fond” of to resign at this time?
What if his resignation at this time (followed by some serious “rest”, “reflection”, focus on “restoring of broken relationships” AND .. “healing” …. on his part? … were to actually save his ministry (for future days), the faith of many.. and perhaps? even… his own life ( physical … possibly even spiritually ? ) ?
Perhaps (to you) these are pure “foolish and hypothetical” questions ? Void of any substance.
Are we not called by our God to be “quick to listen” .. “slow to speak” and “slow to anger” (and “emotion” :o)
There is alot of “data”, “history” and “pain” to be considered here. It has been “years in the making” at Harvest.
If James M. is “suffering” .. may Dan Marquardt’s prayers for James and for God’s Church … ( NOT “James’ church” ) be heard by our LORD and may He lead James to a place of “refuge”, “rest” and “restoration”.
If I may ask you GWoods … (brother in Christ) … what about the “pain” of others who have gone through the Harvest “system” in days gone by (and been “victimized”, “vilified” and (in some cases) “demonized”) for their concern and courage to come forward (WITHIN Harvest) and express those concerns ?
What do you think ?
Am I (again) speaking only “hypothetically”? …. brother Woods?
Bringing to light this situation is not sinful. Jesus told his followers to live in the light. There is a lesson here and not a sensationalistic story. A church I once attended, Harvest Bible Chapel, New Lenox, left this organization due to James’ public commendation of heretic TD Jakes. Maybe God is using these actions of James to expose something He wants to expose.
It is so depressing when so called “leaders” are nothing but wolves in sheep skin taking advantage of the followers.
Pilgrim,
In a message covering James 2, J. Vernon McGee talks about both riches and poverty being the curse of the wicked.
There is no doubt that James makes more money than many. There is also no doubt that many people make plenty more than he does. I’m not sure that your argument holds much weight.
It’s no secret that much of the money James makes comes from the tithes and offerings of the people of God. I don’t think the issue is about James being rich or poor as you suggest. I think the issue is about him increasing his private wealth through those tithes and offerings especially during a time when the church is in a serious debt crisis.
The fact is that James MacDonald is hurting the churches in Harvest Fellowship by staying on. As word increasingly gets around the churches in the Fellowship, more and more people are questioning his qualification to head the Fellowship (or indeed, any church). This is a serious issue and many a church is being hurt by a lack of action on this.
It seems to me that a Pastor who loves his Church and loves his people would not even consider taking a raise when the Church is in financial crisis. I know many Pastor’s who like myself at times has attempted to subsidize the Church by taking a pay cut. It models trust and sacrifice for the congregation
What a commendable decision. I think it’s sad to see a public figure representing Jesus take an attitude so contrary to our humble Lord. Philippians 2:5-8 states, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
I’ve been listening to James for years until a couple or so, years ago because I just couldn’t stand his pulpit bullying and control of the congregation any longer. He seems to use force of personality to control people rather than trust the Holy Spirit to do His ministerial work of progressive sanctification. He has preached in a way that makes you feel guilty if you have any criticism of him or any preacher. I’ve noticed certain preachers doing this when there is indeed valid criticism.
It’s these last few years that my eyes are being opened to the fact that many preachers and teachers don’t seem to really care about the people. It is becoming increasingly important to me that Christ be represented accurately in the pulpit (in all of us of course but many pulpits are being widely broadcast thus, their influence is great) in terms of Christ’ great love, compassion, patience, gentleness, lowliness and humility of spirit.
Less jokes, sarcasm, yelling, anger, and less of making light of people’s problems; that’s what we need. Genuineness, sincerity, and authenticity; that’s what we need in the pulpits.
We need gentle healers; that is my fervent prayer! And Lord, make ME a gentle healer.
Great post. Yes, I have been contemplating a lot lately on pastors in general. Where does the bible say to call a pastor Pastor so-and-so? Jesus said call no man Rabbi for you have only one Master and the rest of you are brethren. Pastor means “shepherd,” so why dont we just call our pastors “Shepherd so-and-so.” I’ve also noticed, in trying to find a church that simply sticks to the Word of God, that every ‘church” follows some man’s doctrine. I truly believe we are witnessing the great falling away in these last days………..
Not saying that we dont have pastors, bishops, etc. They are very much needed according to the teachings of the apostles, specifically Paul; but a pastor is a responsibility, not a title of nobility. I believe calling someone “Pastor” opens the door to lording it over the flock………
[…] to the core and must be dealt with very directly,” Huston said last year. (Marquardt had already resigned from the elder board.) “We warn the people of Harvest Bible Chapel to separate themselves from […]
[…] to the core and must be dealt with very directly,” Huston said last year. (Marquardt had already resigned from the elder board.) “We warn the people of Harvest Bible Chapel to separate themselves from […]
I’ve read in business publications that for-profit hospitals forgive as much debt as non-profit hospitals. How many non-profit hospitals have Christ, Saint, Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc, in their names?
Where in the Bible will I find that churches take in so much and give out so little? The church decided a long time ago that they will let the government take care of it. They need most of the money taken in for salaries and buildings.
Rick Donald stayed. I always thought they made a good cop, bad cop team. I suspect that if MacDonald makes half a mill from what the congregation gives, his buddy from three decades back must make a lot, too.
Fellow Christians, I urge you to read the Bible and see what it really says about you and your money. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, and meditate on it as if Jesus was sitting beside you. Again, what does the Bible really say? Throw spin-doctored rubbish where it belongs.