Blanchard then offered a gospel presentation, inviting those who wanted to place their faith in Jesus to raise their hand and leading them in a prayer of salvation.
Rock Church International Responds
It is unclear whether anyone within the leadership of the church knew about Blanchard’s arrest and charges at the time of Sunday’s service. A statement posted to Rock Church’s website reads, “Under the guidance of our legal counsel, We (sic) can not make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. John Blanchard at this time.”
“We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved,” the statement continues. “As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God.”
With Blanchard stepping back from his role as lead pastor, Blanchard’s wife, Robin, will be sharing the pulpit with an interim lead pastor.
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The statement concludes by asking that “the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together.”
Rock Church’s Statement
Read Rock Church International’s full statement below.
Under the guidance of our legal counsel, We can not make a statement or comment concerning the accusations against Rev. John Blanchard at this time. We are all committed to walking in integrity and truth at Rock Church International and will continue to take steps to do so. Pastor Blanchard has voluntarily stepped back as lead pastor and from all his ministerial duties until this present situation is totally resolved. During this season, Bishop Anne Gimenez will be stepping in as Lead Pastor and sharing the pulpit with Pastor Robin Blanchard.
As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God. Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn, but to be agents of God’s love, healing, justice, and reconciliation. (Romans 3:23-“for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”) If we are to walk in eternity with Christ, our position must be one of truth, love, faith, mercy, justice, and forgiveness.
Thank you for your prayers and support. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and we appreciate all of those who have reached out to be an encouragement to us! We would ask that the privacy of the Blanchard family be respected as they walk through this difficult journey together.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” – Ephesians 2:4-5
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
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