FOX 9 Investigators

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[Rebel in a Good Way]

My concern is that, if the news story shows compelling evidence against Mark, he might resign/retire now, claiming the allegations have become a "distraction" for ministry and because he loves Jesus and his church so much, he'll make that sacrifice for their best interest.  But he will not resign because he acted inappropriately or is disqualified from ministry.  Then the BOT will be able to say "well, we don't need to discuss the investigation because Mark has already resigned."  Since ECC has chosen not to be transparent, this news story might be the only means that offers transparency.

[Greentruth]

I had never been to this form until after I saw Suzanne accusations on FB through a mutual friend. I observed what was being said on FB and this form for three months before even registering here. I don’t know about others, but I know some of you have said it was pretty slow here, a few posts or visitors a day, and that the ECC supporters showed up after also. So no, don’t blame ECC supporters for Suzanne taking action. And the ONLY reason I’m here, is because there where way to many falsifications of many of the stories told. Not to mention the many falsifications of the Church. I still believe ECC has held a very ethical and reasonable course of action. To me this news report just stacks another stumbling block to believe Suzanne, especially with the new knowledge that three victims spoke to Joan Harris. In just a few days the results will come out.
So very sad.  

And Linda, not that it matters at this point, but if you follow Suzanne FB comments and posts it looks to me, her accusations where brought to Lyden through a few of her friends. Social media holds no secrets I’m afraid. But thank you for the explanation. I hope and pray Suzanne is doing ok, just as I hope and pray others are doing ok.

[Greentruth]

My concern is that, if the news story shows compelling evidence against Mark, he might resign/retire now, claiming the allegations have become a "distraction" for ministry and because he loves Jesus and his church so much, he'll make that sacrifice for their best interest.  But he will not resign because he acted inappropriately or is disqualified from ministry.  Then the BOT will be able to say "well, we don't need to discuss the investigation because Mark has already resigned."  Since ECC has chosen not to be transparent, this news story might be the only means that offers transparency.

Wow, that’s all I dare say of this presumptuous junk. This breaks my heart to see this kind of hate.

[Rebel in a Good Way]

Greentruth, it is always an option to say nothing.   

Wow, that’s all I dare say of this presumptuous junk. This breaks my heart to see this kind of hate.

[GodisFaithful]

GT:

Hate, wanting a pastor to be held accountable for his behavior, if the allegations are true? You think it is better for EC if all this is able to be swept under the rug, if the allegations of multiple women are true? If the accounts are true, it does not trouble you that the BOT at EC is in complete control of their lawyer's investigation? Also, what makes you think that you are able to know that someone's motive is hate? You often sound like you think you are the judge over anyone and everyone who participates on this forum.  

[Greentruth]

GT:

Hate, wanting a pastor to be held accountable for his behavior, if the allegations are true? You think it is better for EC if all this is able to be swept under the rug, if the allegations of multiple women are true? If the accounts are true, it does not trouble you that the BOT at EC is in complete control of their lawyer's investigation? Also, what makes you think that you are able to know that someone's motive is hate? You often sound like you think you are the judge over anyone and everyone who participates on this forum.  

Key word here you used: IF.                  And no, I’m not the judge, not to the extreme many here are.

[Rebel in a Good Way]

I also used IF.  Just to clarify.  I've been wondering what each party might do after the news story IF it shows compelling evidence against Mark.  The whole prediction is based on an IF.   My wondering is based on recent events involving Andy Savage, Larry Cotton, and Bill Hybels.  It's a way to appease people without admitting wrong-doing.  So, IF the allegations are backed up after the news story, there will be some tough choices for ECC to make.  Of course they might just wait for their own investigation to conclude, which will hopefully reveal the truth now that 3 victims have participated.  Although even if the investigation reveals the truth, the BOT won't have to. 

I hope I am wrong about institutional protection and pleasantly surprised.

My concern is that, if the news story shows compelling evidence against Mark, he might resign/retire now, claiming the allegations have become a "distraction" for ministry and because he loves Jesus and his church so much, he'll make that sacrifice for their best interest.  But he will not resign because he acted inappropriately or is disqualified from ministry.  Then the BOT will be able to say "well, we don't need to discuss the investigation because Mark has already resigned."  Since ECC has chosen not to be transparent, this news story might be the only means that offers transparency.

[Greentruth]

I try hard not to speculate when other people’s lives are being effected.  The damage is already done, and IF your wrong, it’s to late.

[araignee19]

Just to clarify, how do we know that 3 women participated in the investigation? Who provided this information, and has it been confirmed by ECC? Just seems a strange thing to know at this point when all the rest is secret.

[Greentruth]

Suzanne shared it on a FB post, and no, ECC to my knowledge has not said as much. They may not even know, because guess what, it’s independent.

[Greentruth]

Just to clarify, how do we know that 3 women participated in the investigation? Who provided this information, and has it been confirmed by ECC? Just seems a strange thing to know at this point when all the rest is secret.

And exactly why I questioned the confusing timing. Looks that the ECC investigation could have avoided the Fox news

[GodisFaithful]

I thought it was really good at the end when the lawyer they interviewed said that Evergreen has another chance now to get this right. 

I have a lot of respect for Natalie, who also was interviewed. I remember her being one of Mark Darling's "special" girls. It is sickening what he would do with these young women, as their pastor.

I hope MD will confess what he has done wrong, and also get things right.

[Greentruth]

I thought it was really good at the end when the lawyer they interviewed said that Evergreen has another chance now to get this right. 

I have a lot of respect for Natalie, who also was interviewed. I remember her being one of Mark Darling's "special" girls. It is sickening what he would do with these young women, as their pastor.

I hope MD will confess what he has done wrong, and also get things right.

Explain special girl for the record, and what did you see him do?

[GodisFaithful]

Given extra special attention, often a babysitter, often on the music team, and it was not even hidden that he would spend time confiding in them. I was told that he did this, as if it was innocent. But I remember thinking, "Not my husband, thank you very much."

[Greentruth]

Given extra special attention, often a babysitter, often on the music team, and it was not even hidden that he would spend time confiding in them. I was told that he did this, as if it was innocent. But I remember thinking, "Not my husband, thank you very much."

I was involved in the singles for over ten years, and never heard any such talk. Was good friends with several of the music ministry people, and never heard any such talk. So you actually saw nothing but where told of your accusations you made? I could speculate but that sounds like sixth grade jealousy to me.

[Janet Easson Martin]

To Those Coming to This Thread,

My husband and I both thought the Fox 9 News Report tonight on the appalling behavior by the pastor in question at GCC Evergreen church was WELL DONE.  It certainly didn't sensationalize the disturbing issue at hand.  The behavior of this pastor voiced by at least three victims was alarming enough.  

I hope any others hurt by him are comforted by the confidence that this is NOT their fault.  They were groomed and manipulated.  There is only ONE place to settle the blame.  It would probably help any others who were abused in this way by this pastor to share with trusted others outside the church, like Scout and her lawyer.  You can private message Scout here at this site.  Now you know, you are not alone.

Prayfully,

Janet

[GodisFaithful]

GT:

Is it all about you and what you saw or did not see? Wow, you are really self absorbed.

I saw plenty, and I don't even know what on earth you mean  about jealousy. How ridiculous.

[Heidi]

Greentruth, God trumps all, and other's who are doubters-
 Even if you did not see it and do not want to believe it- I lived it. 

A lot of this stuff happened between 1988- 1995.  Mark Darling spent alone time with me when I babysat.  It was in their "L shaped Basement" that was really two areas. ( not one big room) It had a working fireplace, and everyone in the house was asleep. I babysat a lot in 1988-1989.  The Darling kids were all very young.  They went to bed early.  I doubt they would have memories of those years.  I have journal notes from those years. 

 Mark did not cross any boundaries with me that were sexual.  He spend a lot of time- charming me, building me up, and building emotional bonds with me that WERE NOT APPROPRIATE for a married man to do.  I liked it at the time, because it made me feel special.
  It made me like the praises of Mark, and it made me want to please him.  That is spiritual abuse, and an abuse of his authority as a pastor.  it was not healthy at all. 
Evergreen did not have the " do not spend time alone with the opposite sex rule for pastors, at the time when the sexual abuse happened.  The first I remember that being talked about with the Pastors was around 1995-1996.
Something happened that resulted in that rule.
Mark spent a lot of time with single woman.  Why did he spend so much time with single women?
 I can rattle off numerous single women, not very many men. 
He did not spend a lot of time with two single men- John van Dyck and Doug Patterson. Those two were his " yes " men.
There are many other men Mark could have spent time with and build into.  He choose to spend his time with single women.
 Believe it or not.  It is true, Sadly,  I lived it and witnessed it. 

[Roger Dodger]

Heidi- why would you go ahead and remain at EC for the next 25+ years knowing what you did about MD. Going ahead and attending Urban Refuge knowing that Mark helped plant that church in the early 2000's.  You are the sister of John Van Dyck and was on the inside of all the information. You knew everything that was playing out in 2001 and demonstated that by having a letter addressed to you and Byron.  Your credibility is questionable in all of this sister.

[Mary7]

Heidi- why would you go ahead and remain at EC for the next 25+ years knowing what you did about MD. Going ahead and attending Urban Refuge knowing that Mark helped plant that church in the early 2000's.  You are the sister of John Van Dyck and was on the inside of all the information. You knew everything that was playing out in 2001 and demonstated that by having a letter addressed to you and Byron.  Your credibility is questionable in all of this sister.

Roger Dodger, I would kindly ask you to spend a day reading about a victim’s response to abuse. Choose abuse of any kind. You may never believe these women here but it will really benefit you to know why your “why would you behave like this if the abuse really happened?”  is not even remotely equivalent to evidence.