Luke MacDonald, former executive pastor of Harvest Bible Church (and son of former lead pastor, James MacDonald) held the first service in his new church plant at the Chez Hotel in Arlington, Illinois on Sunday.
The new church called “Good News in the Neighborhood” is about five miles away from the main campus of Harvest Baptist Church in Rolling Meadows.
James MacDonald, fired from HBC in 2019 for “engaging in conduct that the elders believe is contrary and harmful to the best interests of the church”, posted on Instagram last week announcing the first service, “My son Luke MacDonald, his wife and four children are starting a new church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago – Good News in the Neighborhood. They are working hard to do what good ministry is in every generation: Holding fast to the Word of God and pioneering fresh ways of reaching people. If you have been out of church or are looking for a new church, Kathy and I highly recommend you to check it out in-person or online THIS SUNDAY, March 7, 2021 – info at goodnewsintheneighborbood.org #thisisgoodnews.”
Last December, Luke MacDonald shared on social media that he and his family were leaving the pastoral team at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, California, where they had served for the past two years, to start a new church in his hometown community.
“I grew up in the NW suburbs of Chicago, it’s our home and we love it. We want to reach our community in new and fresh ways. To bring our timeless faith to Generation Z and beyond.” Luke said.
Kristen, his wife, shared in a video, “I don’t know about you but during this COVID season, I have realized how necessary my weekly attendance at church is….and so if you are needing something fresh, if you need to join some community…come join us. We would be so, so happy to welcome you.”
All who registered online for the Good News in the Neighborhood service were sent an email requesting they “prayerfully bring an offering” with them and that “giving is part of our worship and we want to bring all of ourselves to this new venture.”
According to ChurchLeaders, the Roy’s Report, run by independent investigative journalist Julie Roys, found that Luke MacDonald previously left HBC on poor terms. Reportedly, some recalled seeing Luke tossing chairs in anger during meetings, verbally bullying worship team members, and “even has been said to have urinated in a cup while conducting a job interview”.
Luke MacDonald has not commented on any of these allegations.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Ehrlif
Crystal A Dixon is contributing writer at ChristianHeadlines.com, Devotableapp.com. Visit her blog at crystaladixon.com
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