Friday, January 4, 2008

sins of a pastor

This blog is about the sexual improprieties involving Pastor Darrell Gilyard of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist church in Jacksonville, Florida and his long history of the same problems in other churches since atleast 1991.

What I am about to write about is not vengeance, it is not from a spirit of hatred or judgement. I truly wish this person had gotten help and would stop his behaviors. But the truth is, he has not. He is a predator and he misuses his standing as a pastor. I have hoped for the last 17 years that he had changed and repented. But, sadly, he has not. Because of this there are more victims, and probably more to come.

We can only stop him if we all stand up together and say, "It is enough."

Most of the time when these things come to light, people sit at home thinking, why hasn't someone done something? Well, I am. It is past time.

I have a personal testimony of this man preying on me as an 18 year old. I left the matter in the churches hands as did all of the other girls and women who came forward at that time. We truly thought he would never preach again based on all of the sexual improrieties against him. He targets and preys on women and young girls - especially those who may be slightly vulnerable and seeking counsel from him. He uses this time to find there weaknesses and to make them feel as if they can trust him (as their Pastor) then he begins to come on to them and has been repeatedly accused of rape. Some women and girls have "consented" to a physical relationship. But, in his position this is in no way alright! No matter what he convinced them, they are still VICTIMS! He had asked me to come to Texas to be on staff at his church, he used this to get closer to me. I trusted and looked up to him as a Spiritual Leader. I was blessed to get away from him the night he tried to get me to go to his hotel room. I literally ran away from him. He ran after me and was not apologetic or remorseful when confronted later.

I know there are more women and girls (other than the two girls who have bravely recently come forward) who have been victimized by him. Even if you feel it was only innappropriate conversation, messages, letters, e mails, text messages, he has done all of these things. Some of these things happened with me in 1991.

IT IS WRONG NO MATTER WHAT! HE IS IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION AND IT IS TIME SOMEONE SPEAK OUT AND STOP HIM.

Church leaders: Isn't it time to say you no longer qualify for a ministry position?

Step up to the plate. You as Pastors will have to answer to the Lord for not protecting the innocent. He will face enough judgement from the Lord when his time comes, but what about the girls and women he damages in the process.

One brave soul, Pastor George Harvey Jr. stepped up to the plate to try to warn the church - they overlooked his information. They should be held accountable. But one voice is not enough, we need more Godly men to step up and say, you have had your chance to repent and change - no more.
Will you join us in standing up for ourselves and making him stop? Please do not be intimidated. We will all stand together and support each other and in numbers, he cannot make this go away again. In 1991 there were not enough willing to stand up and testify, although there were many with stories, it never left the Pastors Committee investigating and some went to the media.

This time they need BRAVE women to step up. All we need is your testimony. You may even be able to remain anonymous. We just need to know how many more are afraid to tell.
17 years have gone by, for me, in which I knew he was still victimizing and there was nothing I could do. Please don't find yourself sitting back and watching it happen to someone else and live with the guilt of not stepping up with us.

He has been forced to leave 4 different churches due to sexual improprities, several of which he admitted to, and he is now Pastoring a mega church. There are two minor aged girls who have just come forward. I decided it was time to rise up with them. Will you answer the call?

I have prayed for guidance and wisdom. I truly pray he will get real help and repent. If he had already done that, I would not be doing this. But, I can not sit back and let it happen again and again. He has taken a PAID leave of absence from the church while it is being investigated. If this was the first allegation against him, that would be one thing. But it is at every church he pastors dating all the way back to 1987 and even many churches he has just been a guest speaker in the past. That is some coincidence. He is a phenominal Preacher, many souls have been saved due to his messages, but the sins going on behind that facade are the issue.

I feel for his family, his current wife, his two children. But, they have been through this with him many times before. He has victimized his family also by putting them through this. But, I believe he is ill. I believe that God can help him, but he has to be repentant first.

WILL YOU STEP UP TO THE PLATE?????

Please Pray about it!

Tiffany

72 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've heard that his former wife Jana is still in texas and I wonder if she could offer insight?? I also read somewhere that a woman within one of his churches birthed his child and was paid to keep quiet, what gives??

I truley hope that some of these women will come forward and unite to bring this to and end! It will be the only way to secure a conviction. A convicted sexual predator wouldn't be allowed anywhere near a church!!!!!

Ever thought of organizing a database to track these people?

Prayers are all around you,

Onward!

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

To anonymous:
Yes, she is still in Texas, along with their two teen children. She was a victim in this as well. I would love to talk to her now as well. She had first hand knowledge during the 1991 situations, and she left him then. (Smart woman)
I to have heard the story by numerous people about a woman being paid $300,000 to keep quiet and leave Shiloh over a pregnancy. I have heard that most of the church knew about this.
I hope their eyes are opened now. they are victims to and have been led astray.
Thank you anonymous for your prayers.
Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,
Thanks for doing this....stay with it...it will take people time to get the courage to come forward.
My blog friends and I will do all we can to get the link around.

We posted it tonight ...

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Anonymous:
Thank you for spreading the word. Thank you for your kind words and please pray.
Tiffany

Christa Brown said...

It certainly wouldn't surprise me if a Gilyard victim was paid hush money in exchange for an agreement to keep quiet. The long-time attorney for the Baptist General Convention of Texas tried to get me to sign a secrecy agreement, and he has been part of other cases in which a secrecy agreement was attempted or obtained. Several months back, he publicly described such agreements as "standard." Catholics adopted an express published policy against such agreements in cases of clergy sex abuse. Baptists still use them. This is the pattern: Often with the help of state convention lawyers, and with do-nothing silence from the national organization, clergy perpetrators are simply allowed to move on. Clergy-perpetrators will persist as long as other clergy and religious leaders turn a blind eye. It should never be forgotten that TWO former Southern Baptist presidents had information about Gilyard...and they didn't take action to protect others. www.StopBaptistPredators.org

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

I received this email tonight on my personal email. And I just wanted to show you all what kind of hatred this all stirs up and how quickly people are to attack the victim and support the perpetrator. Thankfully it did not happen to this person or they would have more compassion.But this is the price for speaking out against sin.

From:
Watching You grlia@hotmail.com
You need to get a life. Gilyard was and is clearly is a troubled man, and it is clear that the law and the Lord will deal with him. You have gotten your 15 minutes of fame. Give the man's wife some consideration if nothing else! Don't you have enough to do with a baby on the way, because his fate is not in your hands and newsflash - YOU ARE OLD NEWS!!!!!!!!! After all, the cops and perhaps your parents were around when he supposedly harrassed you so why didn't you deal with it then if you were so traumatized.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

My response:
Again, I am not looking for fame or glory (this certainly would not be the way to do it) I just want to live my life knowing some good came from my experience and that maybe, I, with the Lord as my rear guard (Isaiah 56:8) can protect someone else from this predator posing as a Shepherd.

After all, people (even myself) not standing up 17 years ago allowed him to victimize again. I was afraid of people just like my "watching you" messenger above, afraid of being labeled a trouble maker, questioning whether I was working out of vengeance then when maybe it wasn't God's timing, but most of all trusting the other Pastors involved to put an end to it. I had just turned 18, I had not been victimized before, I didn't know what to do. My parents trusted it was being taken care of by the Pastors also. And to be honest, I believe the Pastors did all that they knew to do at that time as well. I am sure they have some regrets. We are human. Times are different now. We have news archives and broadcast television and the computer with endless sources of getting out information. I believe this will follow him in ways that it did not before. Most of all, I believe that God is still in control and He will ultimately deal with Him.

However, once again I need to say, that does not mean I should stand by and say nothing, while someone else gets sexually harrassed, raped, or even seduced by a man posing as a Pastor! Does anyone else agree?

Please know, I prayed diligently about coming forward. I prayed about searching my heart for the correct motives. Even though I felt peace, I still went further and prayed the night before the interview that the Lord would make me physically ill the next day if I was acting without his blessing. I woke up peaceful, and I felt the Lord whisper to me "it is time". So that is something I will have to answer for if I am out of line in any way. I know I searched diligently for His blessing.

1st Timothy 5 speaks of elders and leaders within the church. You can reference vs. 17-25. Verse 18 says, "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning."
I think we can all agree by reading the news files, he has had many accusations and I know of more then three witnesses.

II Timothy 3:1-9 In the last days vs 3b "...without self control,conceited,rash, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - 5having a form of Godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. vs.6 They are the kind that worm their way into homes and gain control over weak willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 9 But they will not get very far because as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone."
I believe this describes Pastor Gilyard pretty accurately.

I sent letters to Pastor Gilyard letting him know that I was coming out and opposing his sin. I also challenged him to confess and get right with God. I questioned whether ot not he feared the Lord. I told him I hoped he would seek help. I did this FIRST. Of course, no response.

I know this has been a lot of information, I felt led to share it. Thank you to those who are praying for all involved. The victims, his family, the detectives and State Attorney as they investigate...and for justice. I believe God wants His people protected.

Christa Brown said...

Tiffany,
I am sorry you received such a hateful email. Clearly, "watching you" doesn't have a clue, but I remember how those sorts of emails used to hurt when I first started speaking out publicly.

I disagree with you in one respect that I think is important. I believe that, if religious leaders like Jerry Vines and Paige Patterson had "regrets" about not having done enough in the past to try to protect people, then they would do a great deal more in the present. There are ministers like Darrell Gilyard all over the country, who are preying on people, and who have been allowed to move from church to church. It has gone on for way too long. Yet, leaders like Jerry Vines and Paige Patterson - leaders with voices that people would listen to - STILL do not step up to the plate and take needed action to protect people.

Anonymous said...

Wonder if the families with sue Vines and Patterson?

Not sure how that would work if he is convicted.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,

How did you get from Texas to Jacksonville,the same town as Darrell Gilyard? Is that just coincidence or did you follow him there? Do you expect people to believe that the one incident mentioned caused all of the anger you are STILL feeling after 16 years????

Who are you to determine when and how a person should be punished for their sins? That is for the Lord to decicde. One would think that you would be devoting your time and attention to your own husband as you await the arrival of your unborn child. That should be your focus not making sure the Darrell Gilyard gets what you feel should be coming to him.

Maybe you should show him the same mercy that God has shown you and keeps showing you each time YOU sin.

God is not the author of confusion and this my friend is confusion.

Anonymous said...

You're right. God is not the Author of confusion. Any confusion here is the result of the actions of Darrell Gilyard. No one can be blamed for his actions but him! We are to forgive, but there are ALWAYS consequences for our actions. If he had TRULY repented(turn away from that sin), he would not be in the trouble he is in today. Or, have we forgotten that Jesus calls for repentance, an end to the actions? He should never again serve in a leadership role in the church, and if he is too sick to stop himself, then others need to intervene to stop him. Had I known what he did in the last 4 Texas churches, I would have NEVER joined Shiloh. It's a question of morality, and Jesus call all of us, especially those guiding his sheep to live sexually pure lives.

Anonymous said...

If there are any Shiloh members out there that have not read the articles from the Dallas newspapers, and are in the dark about what went on there, please go to www.stopbaptistpredators.org to read the articles. Otherwise, if you go directly to the newspaper site, you may have to go to the archives and pay a fee. You can get it free at this site.

Anonymous said...

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IS DARRELL GILYARD STILL ROAMING THE EARTH AT THIS TIME? WHY HASN'T HE BEEN ARRESTED? HAS JSO BEEN DUPED?
WHEN YOU CONTRAST THE CASE OF GRAY FROM TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH WITH THAT OF DARRELL GILYARD'S, SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE. THE VICTIMS ARE CHILDREN! AND ON THEIR WORD ALONE PLUS THE TEXT MESSAGES, DIARIES ETC., THIS GILYARD SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS.WHAT IS WRONG? WHAT DOES THIS SAY TO OTHERS IN THE SAME POSITION AS HE. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH HE HAS BEEN GIVEN A LICENSE TO BREAK THE LAW. HE IS A SEXUAL PREDATOR! THIS IS NOT A MAN OF GOD. GOD'S MAN REPENTS (AS DAVID DID) NEVER DOING THAT SICK SIN ANYMORE AND THEN GOD FORGIVES HIM AND HE MOVES ON. GILYARD COVERS UP HIS SIN. FOOLS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MAKE FOOLS OF EVERYONE WHO HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIM. THEN HE THINKS HE'S ABOVE THE LAW. MAYBE IT WAS HE WHO STARRED IN ABOVE THE LAW RATHER THAN STEVEN SEGAL. GOD HAS JUDGED HIM BY ALLOWING HIM TO BE EXPOSED BEFORE THE WORLD. NOW THE LAW WILL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THE POOR LITTLE CHILDREN THAT HE HAS DAMAGED, WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES. REMEMBER THIS: JESUS CHRIST WILL JUDGE ALL INVOLVED IF ANYONE HIDES THIS MANS SIN AND VIOLATION OF THE LAW OF THE LAND. THE PROOF IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES. IF YOU DON'T UPHOLD THE LAW REGARDLESS AS TO WHO BREAKS IT, YOU TOO SHALL ANSWER TO GOD ALMIGHTY.

Anonymous said...

He's still around because he has never been turned in to law enforcement, only to church officials in his past. Let the law do their due process. It only goes fast on TV. David was a man after God's heart but after the issue with Bathsheba, God still took David's son. So we can forgive but we still have consequences and to my knowledge Gilyard has never apologized to any of the victims.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,

I support your campaign and hope that others who were not “willing” victims will come forward to help bring Darrell to repentance. I know you will receive many negative comments because of the power he displays behind the pulpit, but be encouraged. The word clearly tells us " Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Darrell is smart, dominating and manipulative and these characteristics are tough to deal with when you’re a strong smart confident woman so my heart is sadden at the thought of how powerful he would be with the mind of a child.

As I read articles and blogs I see so many that say why did you wait so long to come forward or are willing to blame the alleged victims, this is exactly why so many have been afraid to share their story. Darrell is (was) a powerful man and those who love him are faithful to the bitter end. I understand the power he holds and I feel sorry for his wife. Many things have been written concerning the luxury her marriage to Darrell affords, but I know her pain. I know that behind her smile were tears, stress and secret prayers to God. I’m sure she learned early in her marriage about the real Darrell; but unfortunately she made a commitment so she lived with the infidelity and fear of STD’s. However, I’m sure in her wildest dreams she never imagined that children could possibly be involved.

Tiffany, he loves to study the word and loves the church, but he’s sick with power, sexual issues and the need to push danger to the edge. If he’s sickness also involves being a pedophile, I pray the parents of the children and any of his past “unwilling victims” come forward…”Be not deceived; God is not mocked”.

Anonymous said...

Touch Not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.’” (Ps 105:15)

'You cannot win attacking the servants of the Lord, no matter who they are or what they've done ...if the anointing ever comes upon a man, don't touch that man, even if he turns away from God, and serves the devil, Don't touch him. You are in deep, serious danger.”

From the pulpit of a local church I once attended.

"So you want to say that what I am preaching is not from God? You need to remember, "Touch Not God's Annointed". Since I have been given responsibility for this congregation and I am the shepherd, You do not have the right to question me. I am a child of God and I pray, talk to, and hear from God everyday. When you question me, you are actually questioning God. Therefore, to question me is to place your self in rebellion and in opposition to God himself. You, the congregation, know what happens when you are in rebellion. Remember 1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as of the sin of witchcraft...". Therefore, If you dare to question me, you are in witchcraft, and you are to be treated and punished the same as witches, mediums, and sorcerers, in the eyes of God..."

God is in Control not Man

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Thank you to those of you supporting and understanding my need to speak out. To the anonymous blogger who accuses me of being full of anger due to one incident. You are obviously not paying attention. 1. I never moved from TX to Jax. I was in Jax at my own church when Darrell came as an evangelist. He later asked me to come to TX to be on staff at his church (I never went because of what he tried to do and because all the other allegations came out and he lost that church). Also, I have ststed over and over that I am not angry. I am only speaking out to not allow him to continue to victimize. I have been quiet for the last 14 years while he preached at Shiloh. If this was anger, I would have been all over your church and in his business all of these years. I guess you have never had a situation that you were passionate about speaking out against-bethankful this did not happen to you and you've been able to keep those blinders on. I TRULY HOPE nothing like this ever touches you or your family. Should these young victims have kept quiet to? Should they have "shown him mercy" and said hey, it's o.k. Where does it end?
My husband supports me, he believes I am doing the right thing. Thank you for sharing your feelings.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany most people will not want him punished because it did not happen to their child. If a teach had said one inappropriate thing to a teen, they would have been fired and never to teach in this city again. Why do we want to know if sexual predators live in our neighborhood but when a pastor is accused of sexual misconduct, we try to protect time? The school teacher is saved and annointed by God but he will be fired and prayerfully repent of his sins. 1Cor 5 says how we are to deal with immorality in church.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

To Mom: I fully agree. If a man made indecent moves toward a child, he would be swarmed by police and arrested immediately - no 2nd chance, based on only one testimony. Here we have not just a man, but a prominent man in our community, who has a long standing history of this same situation-and we have to watch as he takes a paid leave and then resigns, goes out of town on a job hunt, while we wait, weeks later, to see if charges will be filed. It makes no sense. Where is the balanced justice in our system? Well, we all know the answer to that question - it is all about who you are and who you know.
It is also a great point about registered sex offenders and our neighborhoods, schools etc., but hey, a Pastors o.k. Has anyone wondered why he even feels he can go looking for another church in the midst of all of this? The answer, he has successfully done this so many times before.
Keep praying people! God's word promises He will deal with this sin.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

To Char: You made so many great points, I don't know where to begin! Thank you for your post.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Croft,

Will you ask the skeptical detectives how does sexually explicit text messages come from behind 24-hour secured Queens Harbour Gates and sent out to minors? The cell tower triangulation method by the cell provider and smart police work can determine the exact GPS site (aka gilyard gated home) and time the messages were sent! Florida Law protects kids from sexually explicit emails! Isnt a State of Florida Politician named Mark, being charged with the same thing? Who else besides Gilyard sent those messages behind the Queens Harbours gates? I hope THE BIG BOYZ nickname him PRETTY MOUTH DARRYL when he gets to Lake Butler Prison!

Anonymous said...

I heard a 15 year old gave birth to a child in the early 90's in Jacksonville Florida. The family was paid to be quite. This was just before he was supported to get married to the Sunday School teacher at Shiloh (Ann). On the day of marriage, I was told he went off and married the wife he has now.
I would feel sorry for the wife, but I have always felt she knew about his awesome attraction and taste for young girls and other ladies.

I heard First Bapist Church help him with his mess.

I have always felt he was arrogant and condescended to members. I always felt that he and his present wife felt they were better and above its members.
I feel this sexual predator will continue and the church covering it up. What amazes me is that he is now looking for another job. Fired 4 times for the same thing and is continuously doing the same without consequences (like Jail and properly labeled a Sexual Predator). I hope the Lord corrects him before he hurts anyone else.
I heard there is more to this story on Gilyard than what is out in the news right now. Hopefully he is stop soon and quickly.

Anonymous said...

anonymous - in what way did FBC Jax help Darrell Gilyard in his mess?

Anonymous said...

I heard Jerry Vines got him out of trouble in Texas. Set him up at First Baptist and then got him moved to Shiloh. Between his moving around in church and his current marriage. I heard a 15 year old gave birth to a child in the early 90's in Jacksonville Florida. The family was paid to be quiet. I heard Gilyard was directed to get married. This was just before he was supposed to get married to the Sunday School teacher at Shiloh (Ann), which he stole away from one of his members. On the day of marriage, I was told he went off and married the wife he has now.
I would feel sorry for the wife, but I have always felt she knew about his awful attraction and taste for young girls and other ladies. I have always wondered was his wife appointed by Jerry Vines for Gilyard. Since Vines got him out of the mess in Texas dealing sexual situations with a minor. I heard that Jerry Vines brought him here to Jacksonville shortly afterward backed him and moved him to Shiloh. I as told by C, that they paid the family off and then directed to marry. Who is they (I always thought FBC, Shiloh and Gilyard)? I do not feel C is still living (he would probably be more than happy to tell his story). I saw him later after being married on Atlantic Blvd. In the car was a light skinned, young, long haired, mini skirt woman waiting for him. I felt that was strange she was not his wife and her attire was unbecoming of a Mega Preacher to be along with that has women problems.
I know he hurt my male friend when he got his girl and had his goons (that‘s how my friend felt, since they was aiding him in doing wrong. The Deacons) keep him away. Which one of the goons, Gilyard set him up in a church (which his father held some kind of official office in Jax Fl).
I have always felt he was arrogant and condescended to members. I always felt that he and his present wife felt they were better and above its members. I must say Gilyard has a gift. He is an organizer and knows how to preach. I just feel he need to get rid of his awful sin.
I feel this sexual predator will continue and the church covering it up. What amazes me is that he is now looking for another job. Fired 4 times for the same thing and is continuously doing the same without consequences (like Jail and properly labeled a Sexual Predator). I hope the Lord corrects him before he hurts anyone else.
I heard there is more to this story on Gilyard than what is out in the news right now. Hopefully he is stop soon and quickly.

Anonymous said...

Do not let the sins of one or even a few hurt the church. At Shiloh, there is ugly but there is good. There are some deacon and members there that takes your heart away. They are so caring and into their work for the LORD. They just make you smile inside and out. When Ministry Letson preaches, I love his style of preaching and music choice. I just hate his clothing jokes. That is the only time you know people are alive in the church. They begin to praises the LORD like a holiness church sometimes when Min Letson preaches.

I really dislike what is happening with Gilyard. Though what I have heard makes him a predator of the worst kind. Having FBC supporting him continuously and not getting the proper help and/or stand down time is just as bad. I really did not wanted my male friend comments to be correct, Gilyard has deeply scared people and many believers when or if it would come out. I think of the hurt my male friend C had to feel and I am thinking of the hurt Mrs Croft to tell their story. Please do not get swallow up in the pain. I am glad you have a great husband who standing by you. Remember God can correct him better than us. Though he uses people, too. Make sure you are grounded so that you are not overtaken in your heart and spirit.

I am glad this blog is here, I needed somewhere to vent. Good Job Mrs C. People like to know the truth.

Deeply sadden with Mixed feelings.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Thank you for sharing with us and I stand in full agreement with you. I hurt for you and all members that have loved and supported this man. Please read my post to Shiloh on the home page of this blog.
Bless you>

Anonymous said...

Tiffany you and your husband are godly examples to many. I'm grateful for this blog site and I pray that Jerry Vines will use the spirit of discernment when or if Darrell approaches him in the future. Going to some kind of center to receive help for the psyche is not the answer. Only the creator of the human being can fix a problem such as Darrell's. Make no mistake about it; the problem is plane and simple, it's called sin. It is not a sickness of some sort or due to some childhood problem. All he has to do is simply repent and be saved! But because of the wrong he has done, he has to also answer to man's law which is God ordained Rom. 13:1,2. I will continue to pray that this will come to an end soon so that there will be no more damage done to the little sheep of Jesus Christ Acts 20:28

Anonymous said...

Darrell Gilyard's wife has done nothing to warrant some of the comments made on this blog. All she has done is supported her husband, which is what the Word of God intsructs her to do. I'm sure she doesn't need or want your pity. Leave her out of this!!

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,

You are a brave warrior and I commend you. Only if more would be willing to stand up and stop the predator.

I have be pondering over this situation since I heard about it. I am trying not to believe that Pastor Jerry was aware of Darrell mess and covered up for him. However, I heard today that Darrell is trying to leave and go to Atlanta to Dave Hunts for help. If this is the case, then I am convinced that Jerry Vines and Paige Patterson are still working from behind the scene to assist Darrell again.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,

I think that the deacons at Shiloh that the parents went to about the text messages should also be dealt with because they did nothing to assist the parents. This is another cover up for "DG". It is amazing how he had the members, deacons, security and staff at his church,under his demonic spell.

Anonymous said...

Mrs Croft,
I do not love Gilyard or even like him. He has talent that cannot be denied. I think he could have love the people who belongs to Shiloh and people period. I feel he has hurt more people because of his continue sin. I am not supporting a predator, that is not God's will. I just hope people can heal and new believer's realizes you can not build your faith on man. Man will fail you everytime. Ask for guidance and pray that GOD's will be done. He can not put God to shame. God is going to get glory. What's goes on in darkness must come to light. I heard people said today, that they wish he was still here. I was disgusted, because if he was right and he would have not run. It seems to be a practice for the church to get these kind of people because they bring in money. How in your right heart can listen to someone preach and you know they are bad, when you are trying to live right. No one perfect and even I have things in my past life, I ask God for forgiveness and regret my sin whole hearted. I run from that past mess. I do not beat up another person and I hate for someone to beat me up about something happen years ago and there no repeating of that stuff.
I am a victim but not by him and I understand the hurt. I know what I would do and have done. It's been over 48 years and I still remember. I have a husband that is so wonderfully made. He supports me, he helps me to fight but mostly it's me. Then it will always remind me he loves me. I have noticed the predator hate to be anywhere around you, they just don't know if you are going to bring it up again. It would be easier for them to make a mends, so they can heal people. But they are selfish and coward. They will hide behind something, someone, partial scripture or their own blindness.
My predator is a now a preacher too, but I am the only one. I make sure in my early days. Though I have forgiving him, I did this not for him but for me. But I know too, he was relieved too, you see it. I had to look at his past to understand. He still like younger women but they all has around my age or just a little younger. He is entitle to that. I had to give it to him, he actually wanted this mending.
Things happen for a reason, Shiloh was kind of divided anyway. I liked Min Letson anyway. I told my husband, many of the members have just gotten what they wanted. Hopefully more changes is coming. Healing can not start until correcting and truth is brought forward. In the meanwhile, stay grounded in the Lord, tie a rope around you and hang in there!

Sadden and feeling the pain

Anonymous said...

ps, my predator stays within his marriage and his members know about me. I did not tell them, but anger from someone he loved keep it over him. hough she moved on years ago, she keeps up with him.

Again, please do not group the whole church with him. Believe me, I heard disgust and regrets. A few rotten apples do not make up the whole.

Anonymous said...

Tiffany,

Thank you for your Home Page message to the hurting at Shiloh. It helped.....

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Hurt: I meant every word. You are strong people grounded in the Lord. Darrell Gilyard does not define you as a church!!! Now you all can proudly stand with God and rebuild!!! To God be the glory!

Anonymous said...

It is better to let the police do the investigation. And stop bringing God or Jesus into this. By judging Gilyard does not make all the judges more righteous and holy. Your mental attitude of hatred, maligning, etc is also sinful. Soo much hatred between the lines in this blog

Anonymous said...

I am really hurt by all this. I am in shock. Pastor Gilyard is the reason I started going back to church. I started going in Feb o7. I loved how he got the message across without all the hooping and hollering that most Pastors do and mostly how you're not sitting in church all day. That was one of the reasons I stopped going to church. I liked(and still do) like the atmostphere so much that I finally joined on September 9th. I looked forward to going to church every Sunday. I know that Im going to church to serve GOD and not him but it is still disappointing to know that he has done these things. I pray for his wife rather she knew or not I sure this is very hard and embarassing for her. I PRAY that the church will make a wise and careful choice in replacing him. It would be nice to know that the assistant Pastor will take over. I will continute to go SHILO unless they put a Hooping and Hollering Pastor in the pit who wants to keep us in allll! day or they make major changes that will discourage me.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Anonymous: Proud of you for your willingness to still go. You are right that it is not about the man but God. There are many good people at Shiloh, you will all be overcomers!
Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Anonymous said...

tow

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:00 am

What's this do for ya:

Gilyard is a sick predator of women and girls who uses his power to seduce them for his own sexual perversions, and he should never be allowed in a pulpit or in any position of leadership ever in any church. He is a sorry excuse for a Christian, even if he is one which I doubt because a man who has Christ in his life couldn't harm women like he has.

Enough "hatred" for you? And not between the lines either.

Anonymous said...

"Hang Em"

You might as well gather a posse, round up DG and swing him from an Oak tee. Essentially that's what going on here. Kinda reminds me of the good ole days when a guy didn't really have to be found guilty of anything...just accused. The "witch hunt" days were great too! Just make a story up about someone and light a nice bon-fire. Made for great entertainment. Speaking of which, don't you people have better things to do than to try to create a monster.

DG took a broken church with 200 members and turned it in to one of the most dynamic congregations in the country. A lot of good has been done by this man. Most of you folks on this blog just want to see his demise. Ofcourse never mind the fact that the State Attorneys office has pretty much determined that no crime has been commited here. I mean really, after all we're talking about a text message that no one on this blog knows the content of or context of. Context is pretty important here.

I don't see how one person..TTC can accuse a man of something that supposedly happened two decades ago and then all of the sudden is the virtuous voice of all the victims who want DGs head on a platter. You guys are like blind sheep that follow the leader right over the edge of a cliff.

Has anyone here heard of due process? Let the SAs office do their thing and then you can pass judgement based on the facts. Otherwise, go back to your boring little lives and try to think of something constructive to do.

There's not a person on this blog site that is "holier than thou". Maybe we should see what kind of dirt we can dig up on ole Tiffany. Maybe one of you could take on that project.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tiffany,

First, thank you for what you are doing. I don't detect any hate from you, you just want justice for all of those that have been hurt by him and you don't want him harming anyone else. That is the fair and right thing to do. Continue to be steadfast! I have a question - What is taking the investigation so long? Is there anything we can do to help the investigation along? Do you know a reporter or someone who can investigate the investiagion? Thnks!

Anonymous said...

Re: Hang em

Usually I sit back and watch from the distance but I think it's time to speak up and help guide you a bit.

First of all NO ONE here is on a witch hunt or acting out of vengence. You see here you're dealing with a very intelligent, selfless and smart woman who is being used to encourage others in coming forward to unite in helping stop someone from continuing to cause great harm to those around him.

Evidently you seem to have over looked the fact that this blog was started to encourage ALL victims to come forward. This is just one of the many cases that are going on all over the world with one exception, my wife was involved personally. Now knowing her and her heart I'd say that she is doing EVERYTHING that she feels led to do and/or say, but only after much careful thought and prayer.

Granted DG is a great speaker and motivator and no one here on this blog has disputed that. One thing though, he is a pedator and should answer for those mistakes.As far as the authorties go, well you can look at it several differnt ways but I feel that looking back over recent times you can see that sometimes it may take a bit to gather up all of the testimonies, witnesses (here you have multiple states), records and proof before someone is charged. Harry Shoretein will not "Bring It" until he has a rock solid case! You can choose to believe it or not but don't be so sure of yourself when you state that "after all we're talking about a text message that no one on this blog knows the content of or context of." You'd be quite suprised as to what some people may have knowledge of.

It often takes someone to step out and represent those who don't yet have the strength to do so on their own. I'm just thankful that she has done so without regrets and during such a busy time in her life. She has asked for nothing in return except for others to stand with her. Will you?

One last tid bit. Due process is taking it's course so stay tuned. No one has claimed to be "holier than thou", as far as Tiffany's closet goes, the door is open so look away.... and tread lightly.

Hope this gives you some direction,

B. Croft

PS. Re: Hurt
Please read above.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Wow anonymous, you are really angry about this. Where are you getting your information because you seem to know a lot, seeing that you are stating "Of course never mind the fact that the State Attorneys office has pretty much determined that no crime has been commited here. I mean really, after all we're talking about a text message that no one on this blog knows the content of or context of. Context is pretty important here."
Anonymous, do you know the context of the emails? Do you really believe that all of these years, all of these women and girls (who most have never met or spoken to each other) have all somehow come in contact with DG and dreamed up all of these allegations about the same man? That's a little far fetched, and please don't forget he has admitted to the ones that weren't criminal (the affairs of the past).
I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I am not on a witchunt, although I do feel he is pretty evil. The Bible talks about "having a form of godliness, but denying the truth" and "while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving..." it also says "men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith are concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, their folly will be clear to everyone." (II Tim. 3:5,8,9,13)
That is what you are witnessing here.
Also the SA's office can't form a case without testimony which is what I have been encouraging here -more to come forward. Not that they don't have enough already, but because our legal system is a little flawed and people can get away on little technicalities. The case needs to be rock solid. Without leads and testimony, there is no case. That is the purpose of hotlines for tips. And an investigation.
Seeing that the majority of us on this blog are actually praying for the victims, each other and believe it or not even for DG (because he is ill) we are doing something constructive. I will pray for you as well, your anger will eat you alive.
As far as my past, thank the Lord I am saved by grace, just like you and while I am not perfect, you can dig away at my past. While you you will not see blemish free, you will see a person who has always loved the Lord and tried to serve Him. I have been gracefully and mercifully picked up by Him many times because I am flawed to. When DG victimized me, I had a choice to make, to turn away from God and be angry, or ask Him to someday show me the reason why he allowed this in my life, and to trust that He still had a plan for me. Well, if the reason was this, to have a voice for those unable to speak. And to stand up for righteousness and extend His love and healing to the hurting, then I am thankful I was a victim. I have more compassion now than I would have had otherwise. And I have seen the power of His healing and His love. It is well worth it. I will continue helping as long as I have a peace about it, there are people and ugly things I have not responded to because I did not feel it was necessary and it is not my role here. In this case however, you also attacked the ones standing with me and that is not fair - attack me all you want, but you never know if the present victims are hidden among us here and I cannot allow you to hurt them.
Please do not comment again if it is not constructive. Especially belittling the evidence they have come forward with - it is painful for them and takes a great deal of strength!
I do not mean to be harsh with you and I hope you will forgive me if I have been. But comments like yours scare people right back into their shell of protection.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
"Hang Em"

I am deeply hurt by your comments. God is good, He is just. I know there are many wild imaginations, speculations and conclusions that have been drawn based on what people think they know. I have read all comments and some of them just makes me pray more. In the end God will get the glory. Those of you who do pray, pray for all involved, including the law.

Anonymous said...

gilyard arrested

beverly

Anonymous said...

I don't know where to start here. I want to choose my words in a manner that they are pleasing to God but convicting to the hearers. I myself had to confront pastor Gilyard in regards to things he has done to my wife. He is wrong. I forgave him and dealt with that then. My wife was a grown women and he is a grown man.
Now, let me turn some. This current case involve miners and if anyone in there right mind think that a person does not have a right to stand against this mess towards minors, they need the convicting power of the HOly Spirit to deal with them.

We can not base our opionons and judgement on our beliefs or feelings but they must come directly from the word of God. The scripture is clear, there is a time to judge. Come on wake up!
We have more aligence to our favorite preacher than to our God. Friends what is the problem with that that picture!
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature (the man) more than the Creator(God)..." Romans 1:25

Darell can be forgiven. Lets make it clear, he don't need to be forgiven by but God. But he must repent! It means to turn away with a sorrowful repentance. NOt sorry because you were caught! Question. If he was not caught in this a few weeks ago do you think he would have steeped down from pastoring Shiloh Church? No! He stepped down because he was caught. God is a God of mercy and judgement. He is patient and he is kind. This stuff has been going on for years. Obviously God could have kept this covered longer but the man would not repent.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness..." Romans 1:18

Darrell surely was preaching the truth (the word of God) but he was doing it in an unrighteousss lifestyle. The scripture is clear in Timothy. Those that desire the ofice of a Bishop (Pastor,etc) must be blameless. Darrell knows greek well, so he would understand that blameless here speaks of living a lifestyle in which it is diffuclt for someone to bring an accusation against your name.

Darell case, it is very easy. NOt one time but coutless. Including people like my case who never talked about it. I will never testifiy against him in court and I wouldnt her, but this is for the people who think that MRs. Craft is wrong. I pray that God have mercy on our foolish thinking. "Rightesouness still exalts a nation." "Unrighteousness stills destroys a nation."

In closing, if this man was talking to grown women, then his wife and the church could choose the outcome. But minors were involved. If he touched one of my daughters I would go straight to the police. So for those person who think the mothers should have be silence, God have mercy on you.
I went to shiloh for years. I know about the cover up and it is true and if this go to the courts, surely the deacons will have to bring it up. We paid $300,000 for that case.

For those that say we are judging, I have two comments. That is like saying," a known sex offender is staying next door to you, and you have 3 kids. YOu dont like. What are you doing? Judging.

Secondly read 1 Corinthians 5 & 6. Paul explains to the church how a fathers son was sleeping with his wife and the church would not deal with it. Paul commanded them to deal with it. Matter fact Paul was angry. I am angry with righteous ignination that the lay members of our church are so niave to think that because we are pastors (yes by the way I am)that we get some kind of eximption pass.
When you speak the word of God on a matter be it good or bad, God is doing the Judging you is just preaching the truth. And for those who have been beguiled to believe that God winks and sin. YOu better wake up because the great judgement is coming and it will begin first at the house of God.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Thank you for your courage in speaking out. I am sorry this touched your family. You are not, by far, the only ones. I am thankful you and your wife found healing and forgiveness - what a testimony.You made many great points and backed it with scriptures. You are right on target. Bless you and your family. I applaud your courage.

Anonymous said...

Nothing of this nature should surprise believers, for the Word declares..."Not to put your trust in man, for man will deceive you."

I have been a long follower of Pastor Gilyard, and watched his messages almost every Sunday morning while my husband and I dressed for church. As believers it is our job to pray for our leaders, and it's our leaders' job to be the first partaker of word. It seems that he has been struggling with this particular issue for sometime now, and just like everyday people we all have issues that we just don't want folk to know about, especially our church family (smoking, use of profanity, pornography, lying, stealing etc). We have to remember that sin cannot be measured and it's all equal in the eyes of God. So we should pray that Pastor Gilyard received deliverance from God, and recieve professional help.

I too have almost fallen victim to pastors preying on the weak and vulnerable. It was horrible, because as a child I experienced sexual abuse and to experience anything close to that as an adult sent me into a spiritual tail-spin. Ultimately, I only received from them when it was safe (not in a closed-door meeting), only from behind the pulpit! I thought to myself on several occasions that if I can't receive Godly council from the one I have allowed to encourage and empower me then, I must dig and research the word for myself, which is what I did for a very long time. God became first priority in my life...and not the pastor!

Now that this incident has come to light (once again), I strongly believe "that if we're not a part of the solution, then we must be a part of the problem." the only suggestion that I have is for ladies to receive support from other women that they entrust. I also recommend not entering into meetings with pastors unless the the First Lady is present.

That's the protocol at my church and I'm very comfortable with the approach. Everyone is there to get to the heart of the matter without ulterior motives. Let keep praying for the world and our leaders on every level!

-Kan

Anonymous said...

I forgot to mention in my previous comment that if Oprah can rally and get support of an entire nation to "do" or "not do" something then so sould the church. Believers should take a stand and become transparent and declare that we will not tolerate perverts in our pulpits. Women and single mothers should stand for something and not fall for everything! Take back our homes, and schools then our communities. We will be our children's rolemodels and begin to instill in them good moral values in our. We must not forget that charity begins at home (not the church) and spreads abroad! We should agree that it is, INDEED, OK for the chruch to conduct background screenings/google searches on those we place over us and our families. We should ask questions and have annual reports documenting spending, new disciples, community projects etc.

We are the church ...not Mr. Gilyard!

We expect this from our jobs and the world's system we should also demand integrity and accountablity from faith-based organizations and leaders.

I'm all done now!

Kan

Anonymous said...

I went to his church when I was in Junior High School, I was in the Children's choir. Slowly but surely my aunts started joining. Well, one day my aunt Brenda got a phone call and it was him on the other line. I was never told what he said to her, but by the look on her face it was innappropriate. She told my other aunt who had been a member for a while. And a faithful follower of Gilyard, She didn't really believe her. Until one day she was there and she picked up the phone. And he seemed shocked to hear her on the other line. Immediately hanging up the phone. My aunts and I immediately left the church. This man is a predator, and one of the worst kind. He uses this word of God, to weaken his victims. He's no worst than the rapist that's on the street praying on innocence women or the pedophile that prays on innocent children. I have no pity for grown men, who will do something like this to women and children. Because, I was a victim myself. My hatered for anything dealing with sexual misconduct of an adult with an innocent child. Shameful. He needs to be punished to the fulliest extent of the law.

Anonymous said...

I think you need help, you have been at this to long. Isnt it time you get a life. 18 is an adult old enough to make your own decisions. It is sad you use your devil grounded hate to bash this poor man and use scripture to justify this web page you need to be ashamed of yourself. How do we know you didnt hit on him and he turned you down. Spare us, we are only interested in evidence and your name is NOT in it. the end. Prayers go out to YOU.

Anonymous said...

Anonymus are yu serious. Poor man! Poor man! Are you serious. The case speaks of a minor. Even if the minor started the whole thing. He is a grown man now. A married grown man. You say poor! Poor because he repented long time ago, or poor because he got caught! Its comments like yours that make real victims stay silent, causing men and women such as Gilyard, to use their poor and influence to continue a cycle of sin. Then we here you say, poor man.

How do you know if he repented! Dont be quick to assume he did. This is not the first. Do we really know what repent means.

This girl parent turn him in. She had a right. If poor anything, poor mother. HOw you like to find information about your daughter is sleeping with or having sexual conversation with the man they call Pastor. You will flip! By some of the comments, you may just wink at it, just like the person quoted above on January 15th, as it related to I Corinthians 5, we are winking our eyes at these things that are killing the church. The place where I am to go for healing and delivarnce, now has people in position where they must protect there chldren and spouses from so called leaders. Everyone who is preaching is not called. But oh I forgot this is the itchy ear generation, and men are going to seminary school (I have to problem with training)to learn how to preach. And we call it the anointing.

If my people who are called by my name will just turn.

I pray healing to every victim.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry but I want to make sure that my above comments were clear when I said I have no problem with seminary school or training. It was errors in my typing. Real men and women of GOd should have training to sharpen what God has in them. IF it is not in you then there is a problem, and this is where money hungry preachers come in.

Question do you all know how many reports have been made in 2007 alone on clergy who have either, had affairs on their spouses (which led to divorce. Or Clergy (pastors) who have been imprissoned last year for touching minors?

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

To anonymous at 8:29 pm. I am glad you and your Aunts were wise enough to leave the church after this. The stories of him approaching a daughter,mother and then aunt - it should astound me. But I have heard similar stories over and over again. He has no limits, and clearly no conscience. This is the crime, you were a minor. Once again, a crime!
To anonymous at 11:59, you are right on! Great points made.

Curious former member said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Curious former member said...

Am I the only on who thinks this man needs to be put on the sexual predators list and not be allowed to be within 50 feet of children? I have heard several sources that report that he has done this 4 other times in 4 other churches in Texas with grown women ( what about the children in those churches that we did not hear about that were told to keep it hush hush now that he is gone). Obviously the comments were so lude that there are none that can even be released on the news channels and you have other victims anonymously coming forward. This man does not need to get counseling until after he is in PRISON. He is a PREDATOR!

Tiffany
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper", please keep doing what you are doing. If more people would take the initiative to fight the injustices that are targeted at our children, there would be less suicides, abuse, murders, and drug use among young children and teenagers today.

Anonymous haters,
How can you defend him. Have you thought about the fact that he has a wife and kids. How do you know he has not done something to his own children? How would you feel if your daughter came to you and told you that he had been making sexual advances at her? This man DOES need to repent, this man does need to seek counseling, but what is going to happen if he walks free again ( feeling that he is untouchable) and takes is pedophilia to another level? Are you still going to defend him then?
Don't get me wrong, only God can judge him and he will stand before God on judgement day, but if Tiffany and others who have been directly affected by this pedophiles actions do not speak out for the victims and help to get this pedophile off the streets who will? He will move to another city and effect someone elses child. Think about that before you post another negative and hateful comment "in the name of the Lord". It is fine to quote scripture, the Devil quoted it, but:
"WHAT WOULD JESUS DO"

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

I am late checking the blog, I went out of town.
The above comment, well said. I wish everyone could see the difference between slander or vengeance and simply standing for what is right. I do not know how anyone thinks this problem will get better if everyone remains silent. That is why he is feeling so bold and invincible all these years later, look how many times he has been caught, exposed and then walks away to do it again, with more power and authority.
I hope this will be the last time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tiffany:

Thank you for doing this blog. Many people don't believe that Darrell would take advantage of women and girls because they see him as a dynamic speaker which knows the word of God so well. I wrote you and told you that I met Darrell when he was at Shilo, he was single at the time and he asked me to come to his house and he tried to get me to have sex with him when he lived on the Northside of Jacksonville. I did not do it, but I was so surprised that as a dynamic speaker and preacher, he was not living the life that he preached about.

I am so proud of you for standing up to him. When I stopped visiting the church, my friend started telling me of other women that he victimized at Shilo, so there are other people from that church who have been hurt by him.

I do believe that some of the ministers there were covering his tracks. I just don't believe that no one in that ministry knew about his problem. I believe his administrative assistant, some pf the ministers, and other people that were close to had to know something. Even if some did not know all the details, I believe they had to know something.

I know that other women are hesitant to come forward, because I am still hesitant to come forward because I don't want to get involved with a big scandalous trial of a pimping preacher. One of my friends that is still a member of Shilo told me that people are saying that he was set up and that the text messages may not have come from Darrell.

for all of you who are skeptical and don't think your smart and intelligent minister would do such a thing, I am an actual person that was invited to his home for something other than friendship or just to get to know me as I thought.

Anonymous said...

DARRELL GILYARD:

THIS IS A NOTE FROM ME TO YOU.

I HOPE YOU ARE READING THESE COMMENTS.

I AM THE WOMAN THAT YOU INVITED TO YOUR HOUSE ON THE NORTHSIDE AND YOU TRIED TO GET ME IN BED WITH YOU. YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER WHICH ONE I AM IF THIS IS WHAT YOU USUALLY DID TO YOUR VICTIMS. I HAD HEARD OF YOU HAVING RELATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN IN SHILO. AS ADULTS WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TELL YOU YES OR NO AND I TOLD YOU "NO" THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE ANY RELATIONS WITH YOU IN YOUR BED, BUT THESE ARE CHILDREN THAT YOU ARE ACCUSED OF SENDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT TEXT MESSAGES TO. YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR. HOW COULD YOU HURT AN INNOCENT CHILD. YOU KNOW THE WORD OF GOD SO WELL. I AM SURPRISED THAT A PERSON THAT KNOWS GOD'S WORD AS YOU DO WOULD NOT BE CHANGED BY HIS WORD DURING YOUR STUDY TIME. MANY PEOPLE IN JACKSONVILLE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR PAST PROBLEMS WITH WOMEN IN TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA. I SURELY DID NOT KNOW UNTIL RECENTLY. DIDN'T YOU SEE THAT YOU WERE GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE. YOU COULD HAVE HAD A NEW START, A LIFE FREE FROM SCANDAL IN JACKSONVILLE. YOU LIVED IN A CONSERVATIVE HOUSE IN NORTH JACKSONVILLE WHEN YOU HAD INVITED ME TO YOUR HOUSE AND YOU NOW LIVE IN QUEENS HARBOR, ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOODS IN JACKSONVILLE. YOU HAVE A WIFE. DIDN'T YOU SEE THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN YOUR SECOND CHANCE FOR A NEW START AND A CLEAN GODLY LIFE. IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR GIFTS AND TALENT HAS ALLOWED YOU TO GET TO A PLACE IN LIFE WHERE YOUR CHARACTER COULD NOT KEEP YOU.

YOU NEED TO BE HONEST FIRST WITH GOD AND WITH THE PEOPLE THAT YOU HURT. EVEN NOW, YOU CAN GET IT RIGHT WITH GOD. IF THESE ACCUSATIONS ARE TRUE, JUST TELL YOUR ATTORNEY AND THE JUDGE THE TRUTH. JUST KNOW THAT YOU MAY LIE TO MAN, BUT GOD KNOWS THE WHOLE TRUTH. YES, THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES, BUT A REAL MAN OF GOD WOULD STAND UP, REPENT TO GOD, REPENT TO THE PEOPLE HE HURT, AND TRY TO GET SOME HELP. YES YOU ARE A GIFTED SPEAKER AND YOU KNOW THE WORD OF GOD, BUT YOUR CHARACTER IS FLAWED. YOU REALLY NEEDS GOD'S HELP AND YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING FOR YOUR DESIRE FOR UNGODLY SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS. YOU HAVE HELPED TO GROW SHILO FROM A FEW HUNDRED TO THOUSANDS, BUT YOU HAVE LEFT A TRAIL OF VICTIMS. SO MANY WOUNDED AND BROKEN PEOPLE INCLUDING YOURSELF. YOU WERE ONCE KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST GIFTED YOUNG PREACHERS IN THE COUNTRY, NOW YOU ARE KNOWN AS A SEXUAL PREDATOR. YOU HAVE TO REALIZE THAT AS THE DEVIL IS USING YOU TO ROB WOMEN OF THEIR SELF ESTEEM AND CHILDREN OF THEIR INNOCENCE, HE IS ALSO ROBBING YOU OF A PROMISING CAREER AS ONE OF THE NATION'S BEST MINISTERS IN THE COUNTRY AND IF THE AUTHORITIES FIND THAT THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE TRUE, THE DEVIL MAY HAVE ROBBED YOU OF YOUR DAILY FREEDOM. YOU MAY GO FROM A HUGE HOME IN QUEENS HARBOR TO A VERY SMALL JAIL CELL. BUT WHATEVER THE CASE YOU MUST TELL THE TRUTH TO YOUR LAWYER, THE JUDGE AND THE PEOPLE YOU HURT AND LET GOD SALVAGE WHAT HE CAN OUT OF THE MESS YOU HAVE MADE OF YOUR LIFE.

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

Anonymous posting the letter to Darrell:
Thank you for your bravery! It takes a lot of courage to tell your story. And to publicly address him as you did, great job!
What courage!
Maybe others will follow in your footsteps, you paved the way well!

Tiffany Thigpen Croft said...

To all of you:
Please do not be afraid to tell your stories to the authorities! You will not become part of a "big scandalous trial". Your name will not be submitted to any media outlets, it will be only for the case. The two young victims names have not been released and will not be.
It may very well not even go to trial, they possibly will make a deal to admit to some things especially if there are many stories that he will not want told.
The more the State Attorney has against him, the more likely he will want to plea out. He does not want all of his dirty laundry aired.
If all of us stand together, we build a fortress, consider it the walls of Jericho. The Lord said to Joshua, "See I have delivered Jericho into your hands along with its king and its fighting men..." then he instructed them to systematically march around the city walls...(way more detail to the story,read Joshua 6) but the walls FELL down - with no efforts of battle. All they had to do was obey His directions. The Lord handed over the enemy!
We don't need to be afraid of Darrell or what people may say, we have to be afraid of not obeying God and following His directions - He will do the rest.
He doesn't need us, He could do it all on His own, but He will use us to carry out His plans. When He calls, we must answer. If you do not feel led, I would not want you to act, but if you are only holding back because of fear, the Lord is your strength!

Anonymous said...

To Darrell Gilyard and all others:

I am the person who wrote you and said that Darrell Gilyard invited me to his house when he lived in North Jacksonville. I said that he tried to get me to have sex with him. I want to clarify that when I went to his home, he made inappropriate physical advances toward me that made me feel that it would have lead to a sexual relationship if I would not have put an end to it.

I wanted to make this clarification because I don't want to misrepresent what happened between us.

Anonymous said...

It amazes me that none of these adult women are willing to take any responsibility for their own actions.....like going to meet a man at a HOTEL or going to a man's home expecting him to make you his wife....

I'm sure there are women who said "No I will not come to your hotel." or "No I will not come to your house."

We all make choices and the adult women who chose to entertain his advances have no one to blame but themselves.

In no way do I condone his acitons. However, your actions were questionable as well.

Anonymous said...

To ANON.FEB 5,2008 4:44PM; Two words come to mind after reading your comments: TOTALLY INSANE!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

That's right Rod....I forgot...Darrell Gilyard is the only one who should be held accountable for his actions...crazy me...

Anonymous said...

To Anon: 4:44pm

You're right. We women have a responsibility also, and we do make choices. After all, God gave everyone a free will. I don't get from your post that you are defending Gilyard, I get that you are just pointing out that responsibility is a two way street. However, as a so called man of God, he TOTALLY abused his position, especially when he was suppose to be "counseling" some of these women, who may have been very vulnerable in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I believe there were some women who had affairs with him that knew exactly what they were doing! Let me just make one thing clear. I am NOT referring to children or teens in this case.

Anonymous said...

I am the mom of one of the teens victimized by Gilyard. Please share your expereinces with the State Attorney's office. You will not be scandalized as you may think. We must stop him from doing anything else to an adult or under age girl in the future. If everyone turn their back on what he has done, he will keep doing what he has always done. He's very controlling and manipulative. Please for the sake of God, Tell and stop thinking of yourselves and think of others to come if he isn't stopped.

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:44 I apologize for the "Totally Insane" comment and you are right some women did go to Darrell with ulterior motives.But there were way to many women and girls who went to this pervert honestly seeking help and he prayed on their vunerablities.Then when they complained to anyone it was their word against his,and guess who won. I was a member of Shiloh from 1993 until 1999 and I personally saw and heard much of the devastation perpetrated by this deviant.And when you personally experience or see the hurt caused by a wolf-in-sheep clothing it enrages one.My wife has remarked to me many times that I get really passionate over the issue of so-called men of God bring disrepute on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again to stunned Mom you and your daughter keep your heads up and trust the Lord and remember there are many,many of us who are with you and praying for you.Again anon 4:44(Feb.6 11:54pm) forgive me for my remark.

Anonymous said...

Personally I think you ( the person who started this blog) should be ashamed of yourself. Who are you to cast judgement on any man. I am a member of Shiloh and I can tell you first hand that Pastor Gilyard is blessed by the hands of God. I do believe the BIBLE,which you all have seem to forgoten, says we all for short of the glory of God. It also says: " Ye without sin cast the first stone." You have no idea and no way to prove that these little girls are even telling the truth. Do not condemn him. The Lord is the only one who decides what our judgements are. Honestly, your blog and the others who responded shoud be flagged and closed. I dare you think that a man should not be allowed near the church because of his past. When their are predators living next door to you and picking up their kids from the same school your kids go too. Sickening, all of you. Pray for him to get better and that God continues to use him. Have you ever listended to his sermons? We all do wrong. believe me you are NO BETTER THAN QNYONE ELSE. Again, I ask, Who do you think you are?

Anonymous said...

Also he has the custody of their two children. See you all know nothing. They have lived here with him and his wife for some years.

By the way Tiffany Croft, you are by far the worst there is. You sit at your computer and write all these things about a man you don't know. Everything on here is hear-sey. When was the last time you, Tiffany picked up your bible and prayed for forgiveness. You are the one that needs help. You too Christa Brown.

GET A LIFE. YOU ARE A SINNER AS WELL. JUST HOPE YOU ARE ONLY A SAVED SINNER JUST LIKE DARRELL GILYARD. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALL. YOU DEFINATELY NEED IT.

Jim Martin said...

I'm not familiar with your website, and only came across it while trying to look up a former classmate. I know God had a reason for me to, and pray you will do what the mainstream press has refused to, regarding not just violations of what the Bible teaches, but also violations of criminal law, by those who ply their trade at Dallas Seminary. I personally witnessed this very type of rebellion against God, only in reverse order, as David Cotton, Bill Bryan, John Martin and Donald Campbell all decided to have some extremely wretched fun at mine and my family's expense. It started out as a single allega- tion concerning inappropriate comments I was supposed to have made to one girl. When I requested this situation to be handled in a scriptural manner alla Matt. 18:15-17, they conveniently manufactured more, in direct proportion to the degree of effort my mother and I put forth to get to the bottom of what we knew they were doing. In an obvious effort to cover their tracks, they had me physically assalted and taken hostage, all under the guise of justifiable arrest and incarceration. what followed was a 1 1/2 year legal ordeal, which ended with an out-of-court arrangement. It's been exac-tly 20 years since this occured, and even though I thank our Lord for choosing to bless us with 1st hand knowledge of what this particular religious institution is really all about, I'm trusting you to understand me when I say that only those who have walked in these particular shoes can relate personally to the extreme frustra- tion we have when we see indivi- duals such as these enjoying the ultimate free pass for their off- enses simply because of the posi- tion they hold in religious Amer- ica, and in Jesus' name to boot. Would you please do some factual research into the nearly 40 year-long legacy of antinomian license which accurately defines Dallas Seminary, from R.B. Theeme Jr. on? It will absolutely floor you what you find out.