So these don't go down a rabbit hole and to make it easier to follow.
I'll post additional statements when they are forthcoming, it will help all of us understand better what transpired.
The following Statement is by West Coast Baptist College, Paul Chappell President.
http://wcbc.edu/articles/statement-regarding-dr-mike-zachary
Statement Regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 12, 2014
On April 21, 2014, we received a phone call from the administration at North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, indicating that their ministry had, for some time, been investigating an incident involving Mike Zachary. The incident, which we specifically were told was not “immoral or illegal,” allegedly took place during his employment there several years ago. While we were given no details of the incident, we were assured that there was no cause for dismissal of Dr. Zachary from our employment.
Our administration immediately began a series of meetings with Dr. Zachary to attempt to ascertain the nature of this past situation at the North Valley Baptist Church. It saddens us to share today that in these meetings, while Dr. Zachary admitted to no physical acts of immorality, he did acknowledge temptations and sinful behavior that was inconsistent with what he had disclosed in his interview process a few years ago. At that moment, for the integrity of the ministry, it was determined to dismiss Dr. Zachary.
During our employment interview with Dr. Zachary a few years ago, neither he nor his former employer disclosed any issue of concern regarding impropriety to us when they were asked. We have no reason to believe his former employer had any information about the matters to be disclosed about Dr. Zachary.
Dr. Zachary has expressed repentance for his untruthfulness and behavior. However, because he was not forthright in his interview and because of the behavior and personal struggle he has shared, Dr. Zachary was dismissed.
There have been no allegations or admissions of impropriety or sin during his time here at West Coast Baptist College. We know of no victims of any actions of Dr. Zachary.
While in a meeting with Dr. Zachary, it came to our attention that an employee of North Valley Baptist Church and Golden State Baptist College had been aware of Dr. Zachary’s struggles. In the spirit of full disclosure, we contacted their ministry with specific information regarding their employee.
Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College abide by scriptural principles and written policies when handling such matters. We have not, and will not recommend biblically disqualified persons to another ministry.
We are unaware of the status of the investigation with the North Valley Baptist Church, or any other entities, but pledge to pray for them at this difficult time.
Due to the fact that we are told there is an investigation, it is important that if anyone knows of any impropriety at any ministry where Dr. Zachary has served, we encourage them to report it to the authorities immediately.
Our board of deacons and West Coast Baptist College advisory members have been made aware of this situation.
Due to the need for personal family counsel, we have provided counsel for the Zacharys through a certified Christian counselor. The counseling is underway, and we ask you to pray for the entire Zachary family at this time. We also request prayer for Mrs. Zachary’s mother who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease a few days ago. The Zacharys are praying about their future plans, and we are asking God to guide them in the process and help them to be restored through the grace of God and with help from the people of God (Galatians 6:1). They are aware of the publishing of this statement.
Anyone with questions regarding this matter from a West Coast Baptist College perspective may contact Dr. John Goetsch. Anyone with concerns of impropriety or illegal actions should contact the authorities.
The following Statement is by West Coast Baptist College, Paul Chappell President.
http://wcbc.edu/articles/follow-up-statement-regarding-dr-mike-zachary
Follow Up Statement regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 12, 2014
We received word late Monday afternoon from the North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, that there is no longer an investigation of Dr. Mike Zachary. We, therefore, request your prayers for the Zacharys as they confront the spiritual battles of the past through Biblical counseling, application and obedience.
The Zacharys will be moving to Florida to minister to Angie's mother as she battles Lou Gehrig’s disease. Thank you again for your prayers at this time.
The following Statement is by Golden State Baptist College, Jack Trieber President.
http://gsbc.edu/recent_news/responsive-statement-to-west-coast-baptist-colleges-statement-regarding-dr-zacharys-termination/
Response Statement to West Coast Baptist College’s Statement Regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 13, 2014
On April 21, 2014, Dr. Jack Trieber telephoned Dr. Paul Chappell to cancel a breakfast appointment that Dr. Chappell had requested with him. Dr. Trieber explained that he did not think that it would be an appropriate time for them to meet because there was an on-going criminal investigation in Santa Clara regarding Dr. Mike Zachary, the Chairman of West Coast Baptist College’s music department.
Dr. Chappell was told that the investigation was on-going and that it was criminal. Dr. Trieber suggested that Dr. Chappell not interfere with the police investigation, and Dr. Trieber always viewed the allegations as both immoral and potentially criminal. That is why Dr. Trieber immediately and personally reported within the hour the allegations to the authorities upon the advice of his legal counsel at the NCLL. Dr. Trieber never recommended that Dr. Chappell keep Dr. Zachary, or any of his staff, as that was Dr. Chappell’s decision to make.
Irrespective of potentially interfering with the police investigation, Dr. Chappell proceeded to interview Dr. Zachary. During the course of these interviews, Dr. Chappell discovered a number of highly troubling facts and serious admissions from Dr. Zachary—Dr. Chappell’s staff member—that led to Dr. Zachary’s termination. It was later disclosed to Dr. Trieber, on May 1, 2014, that one of his staff members may have known about some of these sinful actions of Dr. Zachary. Once confirmed, this staff member was relieved of his responsibilities on May 2, 2014.
The actions to which Dr. Chappell stated Dr. Zachary confessed were clearly acts of gross immorality and potential criminality. Dr. Zachary’s dismissal—from a high position of leadership within a Bible college—was completely appropriate. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Chappell’s decision to dismiss Dr. Zachary immediately.
To be perfectly clear, when West Coast Baptist College hired Dr. and Mrs. Zachary, it was done without Dr. Trieber’s direction. Dr. Zachary had resigned from Golden State Baptist College and lined up his interviews at West Coast Baptist College before Dr. Trieber was even aware of Dr. Zachary’s future life plans.
As a matter of policy, North Valley Baptist Church and Golden State Baptist College report all matters of potential child abuse to the authorities. We do not cover child abuse and we do not hire child abusers. We also do not tolerate immorality among our staff.
Please pray for the victims in this sad situation. They are the ones that are truly injured.
We took this opportunity with our staff and deacons to make sure that they understood that failure to immediately report allegations of child abuse is a crime in the State of California and it is grounds for immediate dismissal from our ministry. Transparency, child safety, and accountability are essential for successful ministry leadership.
Here is a new statement from both schools. This coordinates the stories.
Joint Statement of Dr. Paul Chappell and Dr. Jack Trieber Regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 14, 2014
Joint Statement of
Dr. Paul Chappell, West Coast Baptist College and
Dr. Jack Trieber, Golden State Baptist College
http://wcbc.edu/articles/joint-statement-of-dr-paul-chappell-and-dr-jack-trieber-regarding-dr-mike-zachary
For the cause of Christ and for the advancement of the gospel, we mutually state our respect for one another and our appreciation for the ministries God has called us to serve in this needy hour.
It is with great appreciation and deep respect that we minister with one another here in California. It is our desire to model Christlikeness to this and future generations. We are truly thankful for what God is using the other ministry to accomplish for His glory.
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." ( 1 Peter 3:8–11)
Jesus also instructed in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
It is the desire and practice of our ministries to encourage scriptural and legal handling of all matters brought to us by the sovereign hand of God. In our recent dealings with a very difficult matter, including public statements released by both ministries, it has not been the intent of either ministry to attack or impugn the character of another. We are fully persuaded that each ministry operates with the highest respect for Biblical principles and the legal guidelines of our state.
For the purpose of unity and clarification, adjustments have been graciously made in the previously issued statements (gsbc.edu, wcbc.edu) of each ministry which better reflect the spirit and content of our dealings.
We rejoice for every laborer trained for the harvest and every soul brought to Christ in our respective ministries. We wish to model Christian kindness and respect to each other in a way that encourages servants of God across the nation to keep standing for what is right.
We covet your prayers as we labor for Christ in this needy hour. Our nation needs strong local churches and Christlike men of God like never before.
Well they changed it again. Wow.
http://gsbc.edu/recent_news/responsive-statement-to-west-coast-baptist-colleges-statement-regarding-dr-zacharys-termination/
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Response Statement to West Coast Baptist College’s Statement Regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 13, 2014
On May 14, several revisions were made to our original statement. There were concerns that our statement implied that Dr. Chappell willfully interfered with a police investigation. It was not our intention to personally attack Dr. Chappell or further escalate an already difficult situation for both ministries. With that in mind, we are withdrawing the statements which are lined through below.
On April 21, 2014, Dr. Jack Trieber telephoned Dr. Paul Chappell to cancel a breakfast appointment that Dr. Chappell had requested with him. Dr. Trieber explained that he did not think that it would be an appropriate time for them to meet because there was an on-going criminal investigation in Santa Clara regarding Dr. Mike Zachary, the Chairman of West Coast Baptist College’s music department.
Dr. Chappell was told that the investigation was on-going and that it was criminal. Dr. Trieber suggested that Dr. Chappell not interfere with the police investigation, and Dr. Trieber always viewed the allegations as both immoral and potentially criminal. That is why Dr. Trieber immediately and personally reported within the hour the allegations to the authorities upon the advice of his legal counsel at the NCLL. Dr. Trieber never recommended that Dr. Chappell keep Dr. Zachary, or any of his staff, as that was Dr. Chappell’s decision to make.
Irrespective of potentially interfering with the police investigation, Dr. Chappell proceeded to interview Dr. Zachary. During the course of these interviews, Dr. Chappell discovered a number of highly troubling facts and serious admissions from Dr. Zachary—Dr. Chappell’s staff member—that led to Dr. Zachary’s termination. It was later disclosed to Dr. Trieber, on May 1, 2014, that one of his staff members may have known about some of these sinful actions of Dr. Zachary. Once confirmed, this staff member was relieved of his responsibilities on May 2, 2014.
The actions to which Dr. Chappell stated Dr. Zachary confessed were clearly acts of damaging sinful behavior. Dr. Zachary’s dismissal—from a high position of leadership within a Bible college—was completely appropriate. We wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Chappell’s decision to dismiss Dr. Zachary immediately.
To be perfectly clear, when West Coast Baptist College hired Dr. and Mrs. Zachary, it was done without Dr. Trieber’s direction. Dr. Zachary had resigned from Golden State Baptist College and lined up his interviews at West Coast Baptist College before Dr. Trieber was even aware of Dr. Zachary’s future life plans.
As a matter of policy, North Valley Baptist Church and Golden State Baptist College report all matters of potential child abuse to the authorities. We do not cover child abuse and we do not hire child abusers. We also do not tolerate immorality among our staff.
Please pray for those who have been deeply hurt and affected by the actions of others through this sad situation. They are the ones that are truly injured.
We took this opportunity with our staff and deacons to make sure that they understood that failure to immediately report allegations of child abuse is a crime in the State of California and it is grounds for immediate dismissal from our ministry. Transparency, child safety, and accountability are essential for successful ministry leadership.
And this one.
http://wcbc.edu/articles/statement-regarding-dr-mike-zachary
Statement Regarding Dr. Mike Zachary
May 12, 2014
We are adding the following words to our statement effective 5/13/2014:
On April 21, 2014, we received a phone call from the administration at North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, indicating that there had been an ongoing investigation involving an incident with Dr. Mike Zachary. The incident, which we specifically were told had not been proven at that time to be “immoral or illegal,” allegedly took place during his employment there several years ago. While we were given no details of the incident, it was our understanding that there was no cause at that time for dismissal of Dr. Zachary from our employment.
Our administration immediately began a series of meetings with Dr. Zachary to attempt to ascertain the nature of this past situation at the North Valley Baptist Church. It saddens us to share today that in these meetings, while Dr. Zachary admitted to no physical acts of immorality, he did acknowledge temptations and sinful behavior that was inconsistent with what he had disclosed in his interview process a few years ago. At that moment, for the integrity of the ministry, it was determined to dismiss Dr. Zachary.
During our employment interview with Dr. Zachary a few years ago, neither he nor his former employer disclosed any issue of concern regarding impropriety to us when they were asked. We have no reason to believe his former employer had any information about the matters to be disclosed about Dr. Zachary.
Dr. Zachary has expressed repentance for his untruthfulness and behavior. However, because he was not forthright in his interview and because of the behavior and personal struggle he has shared, Dr. Zachary was dismissed.
There have been no allegations or admissions of impropriety or sin during his time here at West Coast Baptist College. We know of no victims of any actions of Dr. Zachary.
While in a meeting with Dr. Zachary, it came to our attention that an employee of North Valley Baptist Church and Golden State Baptist College had been aware of Dr. Zachary’s struggles. In the spirit of full disclosure, we contacted their ministry with specific information regarding their employee.
Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College abide by scriptural principles and written policies when handling such matters. We have not, and will not recommend biblically disqualified persons to another ministry.
We are unaware of the status of the investigation with the North Valley Baptist Church, or any other entities, but pledge to pray for them at this difficult time.
Due to the fact that we are told there is an investigation, it is important that if anyone knows of any impropriety at any ministry where Dr. Zachary has served, we encourage them to report it to the authorities immediately.
Our board of deacons and West Coast Baptist College advisory members have been made aware of this situation.
Due to the need for personal family counsel, we have provided counsel for the Zacharys through a certified Christian counselor. The counseling is underway, and we ask you to pray for the entire Zachary family at this time. We also request prayer for Mrs. Zachary’s mother who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease a few days ago. The Zacharys are praying about their future plans, and we are asking God to guide them in the process and help them to be restored through the grace of God and with help from the people of God (Galatians 6:1). They are aware of the publishing of this statement.
Anyone with questions regarding this matter from a West Coast Baptist College perspective may contact Dr. John Goetsch. Anyone with concerns of impropriety or illegal actions should contact the authorities.
Read a follow up statement:
http://wcbc.edu/articles/follow-up-statement-regarding-dr-mike-zachary
