The statement was read to a packed congregation at the pentacostal church his father, Danny Guglielmucci founded, Edge Church International at Reynella.
Mr Gugliemucci’s says the reason behind his fictitious cancer story was to hide his 16 year obsession with pornography.
“It is with much pain and sadness that I make this statement today,” he said in the statement.
“For over 16 years I have struggled with an addition to adult pornography as a result of this secret life of sin my body would often breakdown.
“I’d report the cause of my symptoms simply as illnesses and I’ve thrown my life into a ministry for many years trying to compensate for my sin.
“I believe that I do love Jesus and I know that he loves me and it is this love along with the prayers of people around the world that bring me to this place of confession.
“Two years ago, I reported that I was suffering from cancer, the truth is that although I was ill I did not have cancer but was again using the misdiagnosis to hid the lie that I was living.
“I know in my heart that it is the truth alone that will set me free and this is the reason for my confession.
“I’ve dishonoured God, my wife, my family and the church and I take full responsibility for my actions and would like to make it very clear that no-one else was in any way aware of my double life.
“I’m fully committed to a process of discipline, recovery and restitution and will see this process through to what ever extent is necessary.
“I am deeply sorry and pray that you will find it in your hearts to forgive me.
“Currently I am undergoing professional medical assessment and evaluation to help identify and begin to treat the real and much deeper issues.
“Please continue to pray for my wife and I and my family as we have a long, hard road ahead of us but a road that I’m thankful to God that I’m finally walking.”
Mike Guglielmucci's statement really shows that no one is perfect on this earth. Working hard in the ministry trying to work off your sin, as we feel unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord. Guilty feelings, conscience pricking, always going to services and conferences having a heavy heart of "I have failed You once again, I do not feel worthy to be in the presence of You".
The problem is that we are never worthy for God, the only one that is worthy is Him alone. God will never fail to accept our shortcomings.
The courage of admitting it is so unbelievable. Imagine someone that looks so perfect on the outside yet willing to lose all dignity all position and all power, just all for the sake of getting right with Jesus. It sure took him 16 years before having the right mentality, but im sure that after this he will stand up even taller and stronger than ever before knowing that Jesus is all he needs.
When the news started breaking last week, my reaction was total disbelief at first. How could such a situation have slipped under the radar? How could so many of the “best and brightest” lights of the ACC movement have gotten caught up in something so awful and so outrageous?
Is Church Culture To Blame? … and the answer to that, after much reflection, is a YES. But its much bigger than being a Planetshakers issue. The ACC itself exhibits some characteristics which are unhealthy, some of which you have already documented, such as:
– a “cult of personality” revolving around leaders of big churches
– a “don’t question the leadership or our direction” attitude
– treating all criticism as negativity, and thereby dismissing it
– focus gradually moving from content to presentation style
– a complete obsession with numbers (i.e. how many people, how many churches)The “don’t talk” rule which is in operation, which prevents healthy questioning and criticism from coming to the fore, would have prevented anyone with a question or critcism of the Mike G scenario from coming forward. Nobody would have listened, and would have dismissed the questioner as being negative, pulling down God’s annointed leadership, etc etc.
Healthy critical analysis is essential to preventing us from slipping into error, or falling into a trap. Without it, we are accountable to nobody and are therefore prone to error
WHAT TO DO?
Our National Executive need to take a step back from the particulars of this situation and have a look at our culture. In particular, they need to consider whether the pendulum of “leadership” has swung too far and needs some correction. Such change can only come from the top. So I pray that they will have both wisdom and courage enough to confront ACC culture and take corrective action where it is needed.
If we think the problem (Mike G) is the problem, we’re wrong … its a symptom and a warning shot across our bows.
There is one answer, and one answer only: Jesus!
Any time our focus is drawn away from him and on to “the church” or “numbers” or “leadership” or “worship” or “building the kingdom” or whatever, then we’re missing the point. Our focus is Jesus, and everything else stems from that personal relationship we have with him.
This was taken from an email addressing the needs of the churches today. Isn't it amazing that a lot of things have changed and its happening to many churches not only in Australia but in almost every part of the world. Everything will be fine as long as we have got as our personal Lord and Saviour. Worship may be bad, sound and video may always screw up, but the one thing that will never change is that God will definitely be there when we cry out to Him or invite his presence into us.
There is no wrong of being perfect in anyway but making it like some kinda show results in the feeling that hey I can get the same thing in a club where everyone is having fun. What differs us from the outside world is that having someone to care for outside services, during the weekdays where by a msg or a call asking hows your day and building a real relationship which will bond for life.
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worhip
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
More than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
You're looking into my heart
Looking into my heart
You're looking into my heart
Into my heart
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
I'll bring You more than a song
The amazing onion rings that tasted really good.
Beautifully baked lasagna
Desmond slacking on the job while the rest was working hard.
And Desmond finished all up before we could get to it =D
